I don’t know what the hype is about Sam’s Sushi Restaurant. Firstly, as you drive up the atmosphere is uninviting it feels like a ghost town with barely any vehicles and you think “should I even go here?” I thought I would give it a try. Bad mistake…
Secondly, the menu is extremely limited; usually most ‘Japanese’ sushi restaurant menus are loaded with multiple pages of selection. The prices were horrendous! I get it, prices have gone up on everything! Trust me, I know, I’m a resident of Vancouver so I would know but $8 for a dynamite roll on the Island that’s highway robbery! Ok, I thought of seeing how it was, when the dish came to my table - my goodness the roll pieces were the size of a nickel in diameter, a miniature smear of avocado and not a fresh prawn with a thick low quality tempura batter and nothing else! ( where were all the other components of a dynamite roll?) Just google an image and see what should be in that roll, this restaurant does their own style to cut back on costs but still increased the price. So really I was paying for a tempura batter wrapped in rice. Utterly disappointing! How could you charge a customer for that quality of food served and not to mention the size of the portion. I left hungry needless to say. (I did not just order one roll fyi)
Thirdly, the soy sauce was low grade it was extremely dark and bitter which was an indication of not a true Japanese standard. Once again, having had sushi for 20+ years across Canada I would say this was the worse! Also, to add insult to the ludicrous prices when the rolls were dropped at my table table I looked at the amount of wasabi paste that was given and couldn’t believe it, it was a small swear for like 3 pieces of sushi; talk about being cheap.
I’m not here to hate, but providing honest truth about service and quality for what a customer is forced to pay to eat at Sam’s Restaurant. People leaving posts about this restaurant are commenting about the atmosphere and authentic Japanese ambience but remember people, just like marketing a sushi restaurant can buy props from Amazon for example and decorate a business and call it Japanese - don’t be fooled!
Thank you Sam’s Restaurant for your service but as you can tell I was disappointed. Sadly, I will not be returning, nor would I ever recommend your restaurant to family, friends, colleagues, or even strangers. I would be embarrassing myself.
I sure management will comment back trying to apologize for the experience but, I regret to inform you the damage is done!
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 2
Alan Yim
We were here 2 nights ago but have coming to this restaurant for about 5 or 6 years now every time we come to this area of Vancouver Island (we’re from Edmonton).
This appears to be a family run business and the establishment is relatively small in an odd location (no where near the tourist strips) but it’s quite easy to get in and out of with plenty of parking.
On our last visit we had 9 dishes that came to $113 (pretax). If you eat sushi regularly, you’ll realize this is very affordable but more importantly the food is very good. The sashimi is very fresh, the rolls had great flavour without being inundated with rice or gimmicky sauces). The chef recommended Amaebi (spotted shrimp) which we’ve never had before and it was very good (great recommendation - arigato).
The decor was simple but you’re not there for the decor. If you want great, affordable sushi, go to Sam’s Sushi and support a local business.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sheldon Lafrance
Visiting to the island, driving with my girls. I was wanting some great sushi. Check the reviews and decided to try Sam's. This place made my day. Absolutely the best. Ordered 3 fantastic rolls and an order of tempura shrimp. The tempura was just perfect. Wanted to turn around and go back for a second order of shrimp. Thank you.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
TK
it wasn't great, it wasn't terrible.. it was just.. meh
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Johannes D.
I visited from Germany and was looking for good sushi in the area. Sam’s Sushi was an excellent choice — super fresh fish, excellent salmon(!!!) generous portions, and friendly service. A great experience!! Hope to come back soon!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
곰발바닥
There was a bit of waiting, but I think the meal was well worth it. Personally, I really enjoyed the tempura and the beef teriyaki. I don’t know much about the owner, but when our family was leaving, they kindly gave our kids an ice bar each and their warm smile left us with such a heartfelt impression
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Ralph and Maggie Tietjen
Once again we had the best sushi last night from Sam’s in French Creek. It is always fresh and soooo good.
Food: 5
Service: 5
K Kerr
AMAZING sushi. Sam's is the best!! Excellent service, excellent atmosphere, outstanding sushi! Sashimi is so fresh. Have not eaten better anywhere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bill Westwell
Top notch Sushi here, every time I get take out from them it’s such a great experience. Excellent menu options. The specialty rolls are as good as they get and the Bento is a personal favourite. Well done Sam’s Sushi, you’re fantastic.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
M. Lynch
Our go to sushi restaurant at Parksville area. Love the food, and great service. Highly recommended!
Hello,
I don’t know what the hype is about Sam’s Sushi Restaurant. Firstly, as you drive up the atmosphere is uninviting it feels like a ghost town with barely any vehicles and you think “should I even go here?” I thought I would give it a try. Bad mistake…
Secondly, the menu is extremely limited; usually most ‘Japanese’ sushi restaurant menus are loaded with multiple pages of selection. The prices were horrendous! I get it, prices have gone up on everything! Trust me, I know, I’m a resident of Vancouver so I would know but $8 for a dynamite roll on the Island that’s highway robbery! Ok, I thought of seeing how it was, when the dish came to my table - my goodness the roll pieces were the size of a nickel in diameter, a miniature smear of avocado and not a fresh prawn with a thick low quality tempura batter and nothing else! ( where were all the other components of a dynamite roll?) Just google an image and see what should be in that roll, this restaurant does their own style to cut back on costs but still increased the price. So really I was paying for a tempura batter wrapped in rice. Utterly disappointing! How could you charge a customer for that quality of food served and not to mention the size of the portion. I left hungry needless to say. (I did not just order one roll fyi)
Thirdly, the soy sauce was low grade it was extremely dark and bitter which was an indication of not a true Japanese standard. Once again, having had sushi for 20+ years across Canada I would say this was the worse! Also, to add insult to the ludicrous prices when the rolls were dropped at my table table I looked at the amount of wasabi paste that was given and couldn’t believe it, it was a small swear for like 3 pieces of sushi; talk about being cheap.
I’m not here to hate, but providing honest truth about service and quality for what a customer is forced to pay to eat at Sam’s Restaurant. People leaving posts about this restaurant are commenting about the atmosphere and authentic Japanese ambience but remember people, just like marketing a sushi restaurant can buy props from Amazon for example and decorate a business and call it Japanese - don’t be fooled!
Thank you Sam’s Restaurant for your service but as you can tell I was disappointed. Sadly, I will not be returning, nor would I ever recommend your restaurant to family, friends, colleagues, or even strangers. I would be embarrassing myself.
I sure management will comment back trying to apologize for the experience but, I regret to inform you the damage is done!
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 2
We were here 2 nights ago but have coming to this restaurant for about 5 or 6 years now every time we come to this area of Vancouver Island (we’re from Edmonton).
This appears to be a family run business and the establishment is relatively small in an odd location (no where near the tourist strips) but it’s quite easy to get in and out of with plenty of parking.
On our last visit we had 9 dishes that came to $113 (pretax). If you eat sushi regularly, you’ll realize this is very affordable but more importantly the food is very good. The sashimi is very fresh, the rolls had great flavour without being inundated with rice or gimmicky sauces). The chef recommended Amaebi (spotted shrimp) which we’ve never had before and it was very good (great recommendation - arigato).
The decor was simple but you’re not there for the decor. If you want great, affordable sushi, go to Sam’s Sushi and support a local business.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Visiting to the island, driving with my girls. I was wanting some great sushi. Check the reviews and decided to try Sam's. This place made my day. Absolutely the best. Ordered 3 fantastic rolls and an order of tempura shrimp. The tempura was just perfect. Wanted to turn around and go back for a second order of shrimp. Thank you.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
it wasn't great, it wasn't terrible.. it was just.. meh
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
I visited from Germany and was looking for good sushi in the area. Sam’s Sushi was an excellent choice — super fresh fish, excellent salmon(!!!) generous portions, and friendly service. A great experience!! Hope to come back soon!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
There was a bit of waiting, but I think the meal was well worth it. Personally, I really enjoyed the tempura and the beef teriyaki. I don’t know much about the owner, but when our family was leaving, they kindly gave our kids an ice bar each and their warm smile left us with such a heartfelt impression
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Once again we had the best sushi last night from Sam’s in French Creek. It is always fresh and soooo good.
Food: 5
Service: 5
AMAZING sushi. Sam's is the best!! Excellent service, excellent atmosphere, outstanding sushi! Sashimi is so fresh. Have not eaten better anywhere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Top notch Sushi here, every time I get take out from them it’s such a great experience. Excellent menu options. The specialty rolls are as good as they get and the Bento is a personal favourite. Well done Sam’s Sushi, you’re fantastic.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our go to sushi restaurant at Parksville area. Love the food, and great service. Highly recommended!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Nice presentation. Neat, small place with attentive service.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
This place is such a hidden gem. It doesn't look like much from the outside but it's the best sushi I've had on the island
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing sushi place.
Food: 5
Service: 5
The sushi was decent but a little dry.
Food: 3
Absolutely love Sam’s Sushi in Parksville! The authentic Japanese atmosphere makes the experience feel so special and welcoming.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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