My wife and I went here to eat with some friends of ours and we got the hibachi grill. The food was absolutely incredible. HOWEVER
My wife and I got some food to go and it was very disappointing. The sushi tasted very bland and to be honest with you didn't seemed to be very fresh The pad thai was ok but was lacking. But here is the real insult we also ordered some fried ice cream to go and all we got was something on the ice cream with corn flakes on top of it with hot fudge.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
A W
Good atmosphere, but that's about it. And even that couldn't be quite held up. I'm not one to be strict about attire, but the ambiance of the reasonably nice dining area is broken if your servers are wearing hoodies. Also, the place was mostly empty, so no excuses really.
in summary, the (usually) $20 grilled octopus was rubbery and charred, the salmon was dry and cold, and the pad Thai slightly warming but not quite middling, even. Beyond disappointing, honestly. Even for the $10 or so we paid since they have half of apps on Mondays.
I can only hope their sushi is better, because otherwise I have many, many questions. Don't go here for anything other than the sushi.
The only flavor left in our mouths after an $80 meal was the bitter taste of disappointment.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Hibachi Entrees
ORTIZ
Place is ridiculously over priced. Prices have gone up in the past year. A handful of great other places in the area with the same food. Don’t go here. They’re greedy.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Lennie Moore
(Take-out)Samba West used to be one of my go-to spots, but it’s really fallen off lately. The sushi is still decent, but honestly, there are too many great options nearby that make it feel pretty average now.
The real problem lies with the cooked dishes. They remind me of the stir fry college cafeterias would whip up in college—just tossed in the wok for a few seconds and nothing more. The rice, pad Thai, and chow mien barely had any cooking time, so the flavors just don’t come together. It’s frustrating because I wanted to enjoy my meal, but it felt rushed and underwhelming.
If they could fix these issues in the kitchen, it would make a huge difference. Right now, the quality just doesn’t match the prices, and it’s disappointing. I really hope they step it up, because I used to love this place.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Giane Ponce
I went a few times and each time was a different experience. This last time I had the opportunity to eat in the open part, for lunch. Super pleasant experience and excellent food, great and super fast service! At this time of year the grapes are bearing fruit, very beautiful!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
allurizm
stopped by for some lunch and we got sat right away, the host with the glasses was really nice and food was really good 10/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: House
John Harper
Passed this location may times and did not realize that it was a restaurant until a passenger pointed it out. Traffic is one way and I ended up missing the turn so I had to circle around which required more than a simple u-turn.
Parking lot is a decent size. It was not busy at the time I chose to dine so parking was easy to find. Not sure how busy they get and how much it affects parking.
Upon exiting my vehicle I saw fresh grapes that had fallen on the ground. Was looking around for wild grapes and noticed they grow grapes above the outdoor dining area. It was hot out, so I did not use the privilege of dining on the patio.
Upon entering, we had to wait a few minutes. It looked like there was only one other customer so the hostess was probably busy working in the back. A kind gentleman notified her that there were customers and we were asked if wanted to do hibachi or regular dining. Noticed the hibachi grills with numerous seats arranged around the grill and thought it would be neat to experience it some other night.
Had to use the restroom which appeared clean and also got to see how large the restaurant actually is. They apparently have a downstairs area.
Looked at the menu and the prices were high, but that seems to be the norm now for 2024. They have wine, beer, cocktails, and coke products to drink.
I ordered a seafood tower and the hot stone Bi Bim Bap. The tower comes in different sizes, but I just ordered the smallest one. It came with six little neck clams, six oysters, and five cocktail shrimp. The oysters were small, as small as the clams, but they were fresh and delicious. Its been awhile since I had them so it was refreshing. The shrimp were a nice size. The Bi Bim Bap came out shortly after. Everything including the tower had been prepared extremely fast. The Bi Bim Bap was piping hot and stayed hot the whole time I ate it thanks to the hot stone. It didn't quite hit the spot like an authentic Bi Bim Bap, but the flavors were good nonetheless.
Plan to try it again, next time might try some wine, an appetizer, a different entree, and even dessert.
The waitress seemed off, not sure if she was having a bad day, if she was new, or just not motivated. The service was not bad, but it was not excellent. Still left a decent tip that hopefully brightened her day and maybe it will encourage her to be more enthusiastic in the future.
I'll have to try the restaurant a few more times, but at the moment I recommend it.
Shane
DRIVERS DO NOT PICK UP ORDERS. THEY WILL POCKET TIPS.
Had an order with a $12.96 tip on it and got paid $9. Called multiple times to speak to a manager and they are supposedly never in. Whatever worker is ringing in the order inputs a lower tip and pockets the difference.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Thomas Cinelli
What’s the point of having a fusion Chinese food menu but only let you order from it for take out ? Would rather drive 40 minutes to
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Staxofjoy
We had a party of 8. Hibachi cooking and presentation was good, entertaining. Food quality was fine but overall lacked seasoning. There was virtually no seasoning on of the food. The vegetables were literally just cooked - overall very bland food. Because we had a party of 8 the gratuity was automatically added at 20%. Our server took our order and never came back. We asked the cook to send our waitress over and she never came. No drink refills or water refills for anyone. Very disappointed with the service especially since the 20% gratuity was added.
Samba has special promotions going on almost every day. We went on Thurs when they have half off sushi (sashimi not included). Food was great as usual.
There are other days of the week for discounts on oysters and appetizers. Check their Facebook page for details.
Kid-friendliness: Samba has kids eat free hibachi on Sundays.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Sushi Deluxe
Alicia Litchfield
Delicious Food & service
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hibachi Entrees
Rarphantom
We eat here a lot and this time of year we like to eat outside. Nice patio but it started raining and the outside roof leaked so we went inside. Unfortunately it was so loud that dinner was ruined as we couldn't talk without yelling. This was all as a result of about six people at the bar drinking with the owner at the end of the bar. Obviously, it wouldn't have made any difference if we complained since the owner was part of the problem. Clearly he needs to be more concerned about everyone in his restaurant and not just the few he is trying to impress at the bar.
KristenL
This is a GREAT place to bring boys! I brought six boys for a 13 yo party for my son and I didn't have to worry about them being loud bc it already was! The chef was amazing . Super entertaining and the food was delicious. The waitress (Stephanie) was so very attentive and even brought fried ice cream for my son without me knowing beforehand.
Clark Williams
What flair! The hibachi servers are wonderfully talented. Great meal and a great show. I can't believe we have a restaurant like this in Framingham. You would struggle to find a restaurant this entertaining and nourishing in Boston. Thank you, Samba!
Kid-friendliness: They brought my son a giant plate of chicken fingers and fries. Everyone enjoyed the show and left full and happy
My wife and I went here to eat with some friends of ours and we got the hibachi grill. The food was absolutely incredible. HOWEVER
My wife and I got some food to go and it was very disappointing. The sushi tasted very bland and to be honest with you didn't seemed to be very fresh The pad thai was ok but was lacking. But here is the real insult we also ordered some fried ice cream to go and all we got was something on the ice cream with corn flakes on top of it with hot fudge.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Good atmosphere, but that's about it. And even that couldn't be quite held up. I'm not one to be strict about attire, but the ambiance of the reasonably nice dining area is broken if your servers are wearing hoodies. Also, the place was mostly empty, so no excuses really.
in summary, the (usually) $20 grilled octopus was rubbery and charred, the salmon was dry and cold, and the pad Thai slightly warming but not quite middling, even. Beyond disappointing, honestly. Even for the $10 or so we paid since they have half of apps on Mondays.
I can only hope their sushi is better, because otherwise I have many, many questions. Don't go here for anything other than the sushi.
The only flavor left in our mouths after an $80 meal was the bitter taste of disappointment.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Hibachi Entrees
Place is ridiculously over priced. Prices have gone up in the past year. A handful of great other places in the area with the same food. Don’t go here. They’re greedy.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
(Take-out)Samba West used to be one of my go-to spots, but it’s really fallen off lately. The sushi is still decent, but honestly, there are too many great options nearby that make it feel pretty average now.
The real problem lies with the cooked dishes. They remind me of the stir fry college cafeterias would whip up in college—just tossed in the wok for a few seconds and nothing more. The rice, pad Thai, and chow mien barely had any cooking time, so the flavors just don’t come together. It’s frustrating because I wanted to enjoy my meal, but it felt rushed and underwhelming.
If they could fix these issues in the kitchen, it would make a huge difference. Right now, the quality just doesn’t match the prices, and it’s disappointing. I really hope they step it up, because I used to love this place.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
I went a few times and each time was a different experience.
This last time I had the opportunity to eat in the open part, for lunch.
Super pleasant experience and excellent food, great and super fast service!
At this time of year the grapes are bearing fruit, very beautiful!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
stopped by for some lunch and we got sat right away, the host with the glasses was really nice and food was really good 10/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: House
Passed this location may times and did not realize that it was a restaurant until a passenger pointed it out. Traffic is one way and I ended up missing the turn so I had to circle around which required more than a simple u-turn.
Parking lot is a decent size. It was not busy at the time I chose to dine so parking was easy to find. Not sure how busy they get and how much it affects parking.
Upon exiting my vehicle I saw fresh grapes that had fallen on the ground. Was looking around for wild grapes and noticed they grow grapes above the outdoor dining area. It was hot out, so I did not use the privilege of dining on the patio.
Upon entering, we had to wait a few minutes. It looked like there was only one other customer so the hostess was probably busy working in the back. A kind gentleman notified her that there were customers and we were asked if wanted to do hibachi or regular dining. Noticed the hibachi grills with numerous seats arranged around the grill and thought it would be neat to experience it some other night.
Had to use the restroom which appeared clean and also got to see how large the restaurant actually is. They apparently have a downstairs area.
Looked at the menu and the prices were high, but that seems to be the norm now for 2024. They have wine, beer, cocktails, and coke products to drink.
I ordered a seafood tower and the hot stone Bi Bim Bap. The tower comes in different sizes, but I just ordered the smallest one. It came with six little neck clams, six oysters, and five cocktail shrimp. The oysters were small, as small as the clams, but they were fresh and delicious. Its been awhile since I had them so it was refreshing. The shrimp were a nice size. The Bi Bim Bap came out shortly after. Everything including the tower had been prepared extremely fast. The Bi Bim Bap was piping hot and stayed hot the whole time I ate it thanks to the hot stone. It didn't quite hit the spot like an authentic Bi Bim Bap, but the flavors were good nonetheless.
Plan to try it again, next time might try some wine, an appetizer, a different entree, and even dessert.
The waitress seemed off, not sure if she was having a bad day, if she was new, or just not motivated. The service was not bad, but it was not excellent. Still left a decent tip that hopefully brightened her day and maybe it will encourage her to be more enthusiastic in the future.
I'll have to try the restaurant a few more times, but at the moment I recommend it.
DRIVERS DO NOT PICK UP ORDERS. THEY WILL POCKET TIPS.
Had an order with a $12.96 tip on it and got paid $9. Called multiple times to speak to a manager and they are supposedly never in. Whatever worker is ringing in the order inputs a lower tip and pockets the difference.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
What’s the point of having a fusion Chinese food menu but only let you order from it for take out ? Would rather drive 40 minutes to
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
We had a party of 8. Hibachi cooking and presentation was good, entertaining. Food quality was fine but overall lacked seasoning. There was virtually no seasoning on of the food. The vegetables were literally just cooked - overall very bland food. Because we had a party of 8 the gratuity was automatically added at 20%. Our server took our order and never came back. We asked the cook to send our waitress over and she never came. No drink refills or water refills for anyone. Very disappointed with the service especially since the 20% gratuity was added.
Restaurantji Recommends
Samba has special promotions going on almost every day. We went on Thurs when they have half off sushi (sashimi not included). Food was great as usual.
There are other days of the week for discounts on oysters and appetizers. Check their Facebook page for details.
Kid-friendliness: Samba has kids eat free hibachi on Sundays.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Sushi Deluxe
Delicious Food & service
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hibachi Entrees
We eat here a lot and this time of year we like to eat outside. Nice patio but it started raining and the outside roof leaked so we went inside. Unfortunately it was so loud that dinner was ruined as we couldn't talk without yelling. This was all as a result of about six people at the bar drinking with the owner at the end of the bar. Obviously, it wouldn't have made any difference if we complained since the owner was part of the problem. Clearly he needs to be more concerned about everyone in his restaurant and not just the few he is trying to impress at the bar.
This is a GREAT place to bring boys! I brought six boys for a 13 yo party for my son and I didn't have to worry about them being loud bc it already was! The chef was amazing . Super entertaining and the food was delicious. The waitress (Stephanie) was so very attentive and even brought fried ice cream for my son without me knowing beforehand.
What flair! The hibachi servers are wonderfully talented. Great meal and a great show. I can't believe we have a restaurant like this in Framingham. You would struggle to find a restaurant this entertaining and nourishing in Boston. Thank you, Samba!
Kid-friendliness: They brought my son a giant plate of chicken fingers and fries. Everyone enjoyed the show and left full and happy
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hibachi Entrees
Loading...