Green Papaya Thai & Sushi (210 Location)

Food is decent…not great…sushi was coming apart in the plate and proteins were overcooked…. Biggest issue is….They don’t have a kid’s menu or menu options for kids that don’t eat spicy. The servers were making fun of us when we try to order something for our kids and wouldn’t be able to work with us trying to find a solution. We asked for the manager and apparently “he/she was too busy” in an empty restaurant 😂…. We spent around $200 today but this was the last time we came. We’re not coming back here.

There are certain restaurants that become part of your story over time, the kind of place you return to not just for the food, but for the feeling it gives you. For us, Green Papaya in St. Johns is exactly that kind of place. From the moment we first walked in more than two years ago, we knew this was something special. The ambiance strikes a rare balance between upscale and inviting. The main dining room feels polished, while the side room offers a softer, more intimate glow that makes it ideal for a romantic evening. It is the kind of setting where conversations linger and time slows down just enough to be noticed. On this visit, we came in hungry and ready to explore. We began with their sampler appetizer, which is a thoughtful way to experience several favorites in one sitting. The spring rolls were crisp and light, the coconut shrimp delivered just the right touch of sweetness, the chicken skewers were tender and flavorful, and the crab rangoon stood out with a perfect balance of creaminess and texture. Susan could not resist ordering her favorite, the Tom Kha soup. It carries a noticeable spice, warming and layered with depth, so we always recommend approaching the spice level with intention. For those who enjoy bold flavor, it is incredibly rewarding. As sushi lovers, we have worked our way through nearly every specialty roll on the menu over the years, and what continues to impress us is the consistency. On this visit, the Tiger Roll earned its place on our coveted “Best of the Best” list. This is not a title we give lightly. The roll was beautifully prepared, balanced in texture, and layered with flavor in a way that felt both precise and memorable. It is the kind of dish that stays with you long after the meal ends. We also explored the Tropical Roll, featuring spicy scallops, mango, and white tuna. This combination is both creative and refreshing. The mango adds a natural sweetness that softens the heat from the scallops, creating a harmony that feels intentional rather than experimental. Service at Green Papaya brings a touch of personality. It is attentive, friendly, and engaging. One unique element is the use of a robot to help deliver food. While it adds a playful dimension that children absolutely love, it can feel slightly disruptive during more intimate moments. Still, it is part of what makes this restaurant stand out in today’s dining landscape. In terms of value, Green Papaya positions itself as an upscale sushi destination. It is not the place to cut corners, and that is exactly the point. The quality of the ingredients and the consistency of execution justify the price, especially for those who understand that exceptional sushi should never be compromised. Green Papaya has become one of our Favorite Tables Around Town, not just because of one great meal, but because of years of consistently delivering memorable experiences. It is a place we trust, a place we enjoy, and a place we confidently recommend. Star Rating: ★★★★★ (5 Stars) Best of the Best Dish: Tiger Roll

Green Papaya Food Quality and Taste: 4/5 -Thai Egg Roll: 5/5 -Yummy Roll: 4/5 This was a great lunch. The egg rolls were super crunchy and the sushi roll was huge! I love anything with mango, so I had to get the yummy roll. This was a quick lunch for me, so I didn’t try much. But there’s a large menu with a variety of options. Service: 3/5 Service was fine. A little quick. Nothing particularly stands out, but it was completely fine. Atmosphere: 4/5 It’s a nice atmosphere. Decor is nice. Music was nice and relaxing. Not too noisy. There’s bar and restaurant seating to choose from. Value: 5/5 It was a nice value. Good serving sizes, nothing too expensive, and fast solid service. Opportunities for Learning: 3/5 This is a typical sushi restaurant. Many differ roles and combinations. So while not a whole lot to learn, you can learn something if you’re looking.

I’ve ordered salmon hand rolls from Green Papaya for years, and this experience was extremely disappointing. I specifically ordered spicy mayo salmon hand rolls, and what I received was a mushy salmon mixture instead of actual salmon chunks. The last two photos show what proper sashimi-style salmon hand rolls look like — real pieces of salmon with texture and freshness. That’s how I’ve always ordered them. This time, the filling looked processed and blended, and the texture was awful. Adding spicy mayo should not completely change the salmon into paste. If you want authentic salmon hand rolls with actual sashimi pieces, make sure you clearly order salmon hand rolls with salmon chunks/sashimi-style salmon. I spent about $45 including crab rangoons, and honestly this visit ruined it for me. After years of ordering here consistently, I’m very disappointed and will not be returning. The last two pictures are what I’m use too not the mush