Samurai Teppanyaki House — Restaurant in Adelaide

This was one of the worst dining experiences I’ve ever had. For nearly a thousand dollars, I expected excellent service, attention, and consistency. Instead, I got attitude, frustration, and endless waiting.

We paid $915 for 5 people for the restaurant’s ‘Double Wagyu Delight Banquet’ menu. They claim to have been awarded 13 chef hats—to this day, I have no idea how they got those but based on our experience, it’s far from deserving.

The service was beyond atrocious. One of the servers, looked visibly unhappy with his job. His body language screamed annoyance the entire time. He poured water into our glasses so carelessly that it nearly spilled, and when he placed our napkins, he practically threw them onto our laps—as if we were inconveniencing him by being there.

When only three of us arrived on time, I politely asked if we could start the appetizers while waiting for our other two friends, who were 10 minutes late. The lady server said they preferred to serve the whole table at once. Fair enough—we agreed. But when our friends finally arrived, we waited another 15 minutes and still no appetizers were served. Not even a chef at the teppan grill preparing anything.

To make matters worse, there was a gentleman seated near us, waiting for his partner who apparently got lost and went to a different restaurant. We strongly suspect the staff were holding back service until that empty seat was filled. This was the final straw for me—I was already fuming and asked angrily when our food would actually be served. The lady server responded with the kind of fake smile that only makes you angrier, before “checking the kitchen.”

We overheard them speaking in foreign language, a little commotion stirred, and only then—after all that waiting—did we finally get something: a piece of bread with beef tallow in a candle form and balsamic vinegar. After such an absurd wait, I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or get even angrier… A small bread that took them ages to serve????

While we sat there miserable, hungry, and fuming, we watched two other groups nearby being served promptly, with chefs cooking and entertaining them at their teppan stations. Meanwhile, we looked like the forgotten table—angry customers waiting for scraps of attention.

When our next course finally came, it was a trio of thinly sliced beef, beef carpaccio, and a prawn tempura. Honestly, something a culinary student could whip up in less than10 minutes. But it took them more than 20 minutes to get it to us.

To be fair, once the actual teppanyaki chef began cooking, the food itself was quite good. But by then, our entire mood had been ruined. The joy of the experience was completely gone because of the abysmal service and the endless waiting.

I will never come back to this restaurant, nor will I recommend it to family and friends. Save your money—there are far better places that actually respect...

I had the immense pleasure of dining at Samaria teppanyaki tonight and I must say, it was an experience that exceeded all expectations. From the moment I stepped in, I was transported into a world of culinary artistry and entertainment that left an indelible mark on my palate and memories.

The ambiance was captivating, with an inviting blend of traditional and modern Japanese elements. As I took my seat at the teppanyaki grill table, I could feel the anticipation building for what was about to unfold.

The skilled teppanyaki chef named Riho was nothing short of a maestro, flawlessly choreographing a symphony of sizzling ingredients right before our eyes. The theatrical display of knife skills, precision cooking, and deft manipulation of utensils left everyone at the table in awe. It was not just a meal, but a captivating performance that engaged all the senses.

The menu offered an array of fresh ingredients, from succulent shrimp and tender steak to a colorful medley of vegetables. Each dish was a masterpiece, not only in taste but in presentation as well. The delicate balance of flavors showcased the chef's expertise, with every bite bursting with a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and umami goodness.

What truly set this experience apart was the personalized attention we received. The chef interacted with the guests, sharing insights into the dishes, answering questions, and even tailoring some preparations to individual preferences. It felt like a journey through Japanese cuisine guided by a passionate expert.

The highlight of the meal was witnessing the transformation of raw ingredients into culinary perfection right in front of us. The skillful flipping of utensils, the mesmerizing onion volcano, and the playful tossing of food items kept us engaged and entertained throughout the evening.

From start to finish, the service was impeccable. Attentive staff ensured our glasses were never empty and our needs were met promptly, all while maintaining a warm and friendly atmosphere.

As I reflect on my experience at Samurai Teppanyaki , I am reminded of the words "culinary artistry." This was not just a meal; it was a work of art that delighted the senses, engaged the mind, and left an unforgettable impression. I am grateful to have had the privilege of dining at this establishment and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a perfect blend of gastronomy and entertainment.

In a world where dining experiences often blend together, Samurai Teppanyaki stands out as a shining example of what exceptional culinary craftsmanship can achieve. It's a place where food becomes an expression of passion, skill, and creativity, resulting in an unforgettable journey of taste and...

Where energy, precision and emotion become a meal

From the moment we stepped into Samurai Teppanyaki House, it was clear this wasn’t just a place to eat. There was something sacred in the air, like we were stepping into a carefully held moment. The way the staff guided us to our seats was slow, considered, almost ceremonial. Not rushed, not routine. It felt like we were being led into an experience crafted with reverence.

Our chef, Kim, was the still centre of it all. There was no bravado, no theatrics. Just quiet mastery. He didn’t simply cook. He channeled. Every flick of the wrist, every turn of the blade felt like it carried something more than skill. It was energy in motion. You could feel it radiating off the teppan as ingredients met flame. The air itself felt charged. His focus was not passion in the casual sense. It was devotion. Pure, steady, unwavering devotion to his craft.

Watching Kim cook was hypnotic. It was art and precision and emotion folded into movement. You could see the respect he had for the ingredients and the tools. And that reverence translated to the plate. You didn’t just eat the food. You felt it.

The scallops were unforgettable. Soft, delicate, kissed with fire just long enough to release their soul. I watched them be prepared only moments before they reached my plate, and by the time they hit my tongue, they held a kind of memory. Not just of flavour, but of movement, sound, intention. It felt intimate, like the food had whispered its story through every sense.

For my main, I chose the Moreton bay bug. My husband had the lobster. Both were beyond beautiful. The bug was sweet and tender, melting into richness without ever overpowering. Every part of it was used with purpose. Even the shells and prawn heads became part of the meal. Kim walked me through how to make prawn chips, explaining it with kindness and clarity when I asked questions, offering a piece of his practice I’ll carry home with me.

There was something deeply grounding about it all. Kim knew when to speak and when to let the room breathe. When he joked, it lifted the energy. When he stepped back, it gave space to absorb what was unfolding. There was a shared sense of awe that hummed quietly through the whole room. It wasn’t just a dinner. It was connection. To the chef, to the food, to the moment.

Samurai Teppanyaki House is unlike any restaurant I’ve ever experienced. This is not just about the food, though the food is exceptional. It’s about the feeling. The energy. The way each bite carries with it the echo of fire, steel, and soul. The way you leave, not just full, but stilled. Moved.

My taste buds danced, but it was my heart...