We tried their sushi lunch special for the first time today. Our favorite sushi is Wasabi (in the Dash's plaza in Williamsville) so that is what I am comparing it to. Samurai in my opinion lacks the flavor and freshness that I have always valued at Wasabi. The Samurai crunchy spicy crab and salmon were not spicy at all and the crunchy prices were not crunchy. I would choose Wasabi over this sushi next time.
GZ40
Quiet relaxing atmosphere. Very good sushi rolls.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nathan
Excellent service, very kind and knowledgeable. When asked for suggestions they described texture and flavor extensively. It was easy to experiment with a new sushi. without straying from what I know I enjoy.Food was fresh and flavorful. Great presentation.Excited to come back next time I'm in town!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi Appetizer
Doug Clark
As you can see from my original posting, this used to be my favorite. Then it changed hands. I could tell the difference right away, the quality isn't what it used to be. The greens in the salad turned to iceberg lettuce overnight. It's still not bad, just not the same. "Great! Had many great meals here and the service is always top notch. This is currently our favorite Japanese restaurant."
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Christian G.
It is fantastic. Very good service and the food is delicious.Thank you for the ambience also, great decor
Mark Schmigel
I only really know WNY sushi and I consider this to be the best. Their rolls and sashimi are always fresh and tasty. Authentic Wasabi (not colored horseradish) and fresh ginger help to make the meal, also. A friend who spent years living in Japan will only eat here when he wants Japanese food.Update 5-2023: While the ownership had changed the atmosphere is similar and the food is just as good.
Vincent B.
Pricey with average quality sushi. Not inclined to return. Sushi chef seemed kind of checked out when I went in to pick up a take out order. I was the only customer in the restaurant yet he couldn't figure out that I had just paid for my order 5 minutes prior- the waitress had processed my payment right in front of him . top shelf prices - below average sushi , disappointing service.
Sean T.
The food here is not good. The ramen was overcooked and tasted like bad eggs. Sushi had a good flavor, but was just a mushy mass. Service was not great either. Server was impatient and didn't check on us after our food came. The place was not busy.
Errol D.
We were very worried when James and Laurie sold the restaurant, but the new owner maintained the excellent quality of the food. Whew!The new owner is not warm and welcoming as Laurie was, which takes one star from my rating.
Amanda Miskell
Bright spotlight above our table made it hard to enjoy the seating. Hibachi steak came out in a sauce we weren't expecting, but sushi was good.
Have eaten here several times. The food is always great. The service is fast. Their menu is also fantastic.
Jacob K.
I stopped in here to grab 3 roll combo and honestly kinda shocked me with the lack of taste this food had. It was pretty bad. If you don't have any other options it'll do but not good. They put lettuce in my roll for shrimp tempura...lettuce....like that's not in a roll. The spicy crab did not have ANY flavor. So the only reason it gets a two is it looked clean and they were friendly but I wouldn't recommend. Taisho bistro on Sheridan is the best!!!!
Lynn Swanson
Very good food. The bento box is a very awesome value. Someone had said it doesn’t come in an actual box which isn’t true. We received ours in an authentic Japanese style bento box. Tempura was delicious. Gyoza were delicious. Calamari was delicious. Was greeted by two employees. When leaving the owner made sure to thank us and say good bye as well as the guy making sushi. Server was efficient and friendly
Sparkle P.
I have driven past this place MANY times and decided to give it a try. I love Asian cuisine, but I am very critical and selective about where I go and what I try. Unfortunately, I have had my fair share of negative or disappointing experiences. This place is located at Transit and County or North French, which is the plaza strip where Top's Market is located. We decided to place an order online. We settled on a crispy chicken and a shrimp and Basil fried rice. The service was quick. They offered online ordering and were prompt with preparation. The food overall was decent. Forgetful and fresh. The portions were a decent size, and as with most things since covid, the prices were a bit higher than I would have liked. I am willing to.give it another try ...
Judson Q.
Don't pass this Sushi place up. It's fresh and owner is very engaged in servicing. They have all kinds of options and tempura is excellent, lighter coating.
We tried their sushi lunch special for the first time today. Our favorite sushi is Wasabi (in the Dash's plaza in Williamsville) so that is what I am comparing it to. Samurai in my opinion lacks the flavor and freshness that I have always valued at Wasabi. The Samurai crunchy spicy crab and salmon were not spicy at all and the crunchy prices were not crunchy. I would choose Wasabi over this sushi next time.
Quiet relaxing atmosphere. Very good sushi rolls.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent service, very kind and knowledgeable. When asked for suggestions they described texture and flavor extensively. It was easy to experiment with a new sushi. without straying from what I know I enjoy.Food was fresh and flavorful. Great presentation.Excited to come back next time I'm in town!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi Appetizer
As you can see from my original posting, this used to be my favorite. Then it changed hands. I could tell the difference right away, the quality isn't what it used to be. The greens in the salad turned to iceberg lettuce overnight. It's still not bad, just not the same. "Great! Had many great meals here and the service is always top notch. This is currently our favorite Japanese restaurant."
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
It is fantastic. Very good service and the food is delicious.Thank you for the ambience also, great decor
I only really know WNY sushi and I consider this to be the best. Their rolls and sashimi are always fresh and tasty. Authentic Wasabi (not colored horseradish) and fresh ginger help to make the meal, also. A friend who spent years living in Japan will only eat here when he wants Japanese food.Update 5-2023: While the ownership had changed the atmosphere is similar and the food is just as good.
Pricey with average quality sushi. Not inclined to return. Sushi chef seemed kind of checked out when I went in to pick up a take out order. I was the only customer in the restaurant yet he couldn't figure out that I had just paid for my order 5 minutes prior- the waitress had processed my payment right in front of him . top shelf prices - below average sushi , disappointing service.
The food here is not good. The ramen was overcooked and tasted like bad eggs. Sushi had a good flavor, but was just a mushy mass. Service was not great either. Server was impatient and didn't check on us after our food came. The place was not busy.
We were very worried when James and Laurie sold the restaurant, but the new owner maintained the excellent quality of the food. Whew!The new owner is not warm and welcoming as Laurie was, which takes one star from my rating.
Bright spotlight above our table made it hard to enjoy the seating. Hibachi steak came out in a sauce we weren't expecting, but sushi was good.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Have eaten here several times. The food is always great. The service is fast. Their menu is also fantastic.
I stopped in here to grab 3 roll combo and honestly kinda shocked me with the lack of taste this food had. It was pretty bad. If you don't have any other options it'll do but not good. They put lettuce in my roll for shrimp tempura...lettuce....like that's not in a roll. The spicy crab did not have ANY flavor. So the only reason it gets a two is it looked clean and they were friendly but I wouldn't recommend. Taisho bistro on Sheridan is the best!!!!
Very good food. The bento box is a very awesome value. Someone had said it doesn’t come in an actual box which isn’t true. We received ours in an authentic Japanese style bento box. Tempura was delicious. Gyoza were delicious. Calamari was delicious. Was greeted by two employees. When leaving the owner made sure to thank us and say good bye as well as the guy making sushi. Server was efficient and friendly
I have driven past this place MANY times and decided to give it a try. I love Asian cuisine, but I am very critical and selective about where I go and what I try. Unfortunately, I have had my fair share of negative or disappointing experiences. This place is located at Transit and County or North French, which is the plaza strip where Top's Market is located. We decided to place an order online. We settled on a crispy chicken and a shrimp and Basil fried rice. The service was quick. They offered online ordering and were prompt with preparation. The food overall was decent. Forgetful and fresh. The portions were a decent size, and as with most things since covid, the prices were a bit higher than I would have liked. I am willing to.give it another try ...
Don't pass this Sushi place up. It's fresh and owner is very engaged in servicing. They have all kinds of options and tempura is excellent, lighter coating.