Aburi House — Restaurant in Southern River

A year ago I gave this place a 5 star rating but now its most certainly a 1. And that's because of the service. TERRIBLE I booked a table for 7:15pm, for 4 people on a Saturday night. All of us were having a well deserved "parents night out" and were paying for babysitters. Unfortunately, we had 2 Ubers cancel on us so were 15 minutes late to the restaurant. I had called ahead rom the 3rd Uber to advise them and I was promptly told "we close at 8pm"???? I had not been told this when booking so I questioned this on the phone and confirmed that we were travelling as fast as legally possible. I was advised it would be ok. We got to the restaurant at 7:32. When we walked in we told the waiter we had a booking. The waiter fumbled with the booking register... told us we were sharing a table with other patrons (squished in the corner with COVID-19???) And then said "it's OK...you can sit here" and pointed at a recently emptied table. The waiter then advised that "we close at 8pm". Looking around the restaurant I could see the place was full of patrons. Were they really kicking everyone out in 25 minutes??? I asked him to confirm what that meant I.e. kitchen closing or restaurant closing? The waiter said he would ask. Then, a waitress came over with menus and repeated to us they were closing at 8pm. I asked her what this meant as their website clearly says they are open till 9:30pm. The waitress told me that the website needed updating but would ask the chef. She returned a couple of minutes later giving us the news that we could stay for an extra 15 mins. That's right!!!!! We had 30minutes in total to order... eat... drink and get out! Ridiculous! We travelled from 4 suburbs away, paid Uber fees and babysitters to be told this! Why couldn't they advise us of their new, hard closing time when we booked? Why would you kick a full restaurant of people out on a Saturday night at 8pm. In a world where hospitality is struggling, who turns away patrons? We ended up across the road at a brilliant Indian Restaurant with amazing authentic food and VERY friendly managers who were so hospitable. My last review read "Exceptional food and service. Simply delicious! Will definitely be back!" NOPE...never again! But will definitely go back to Curry Kreations...

We were so excited to try the only local Japanese restaurant in the area, however we were quickly disappointed and will not be returning. The food is nowhere near to authentic Japanese food. Nothing tasted fresh and was very below average in quality/taste. Everything was extremely overpriced for what you receive, in terms of quantity and quality (I have no issue spending extra money if it’s good quality food but this definitely was not worth it).

Service was initially unprofessional due to lack of care and communication. We were seated and given menu’s and after quite a while of waiting for the waitress to come back to take the order or at least bring water we tried getting her attention (we were the only customers in the restaurant and she was consistently in the kitchen area) we finally were able to ask to order only to be told that we’re supposed to order online and pointed to the QR code (which is odd seeing as we were handed menu’s and didn’t mention anything about ordering online). We tried a few plates from the train despite the ridiculous pricing (thinking the taste will wake up for the lack of portion) but quickly regretted it as they did not seem fresh at all, so didn't bother trying anything else from the train. I should mention that the condiments on the tables were empty or near to being empty)

Food came out quite fast which may be the only positive point, however could also mean the food was already made and just reheated.

I had to return one meal as it was quite awful, the raw fish smelled like it was not fresh and tasted a tiny peace to confirm. The smell was enough to make everyone at the table feel put off from their food. When I told the waitress she was argumentative and basically told me that’s just too bad because that is how it is. After a long back and forth she did go to the manager who agreed I will return it and not pay for that dish. She apologised afterwards that I didn’t like the dish.

I have read the other 1 star reviews and all seem to have had the same or similar opinions over the past few years, so doesn’t...

This small restaurant has pleasing aesthetic design. It features two partitioned rooms reminiscent of traditional Japanese style (elevated rooms, take off your shoes please), as well as tables and booths both adjacent and non-adjacent to the sushi train. The staff who served us was friendly, and even showed us to a nicer table next to the sushi train when it became available. I don't think I've been to a sushi train before that deviated this much from the classics. It is quite appealing. As I sit here, I'm watching a custard tart, a plate of edamame, raw salmon sashimi, macarons, a young drinking coconut with a straw stuck in it, a caramel slice, honey cake(?) and a plate of sliced seaweed shuffle by. Japanese wines and cocktails are available as well a kid's menu.

Onto the specifics:

I had a taste of my companion's garlic fried rice. Nice and aromatic, without bring overpowering. Good firmness.

Salmon ala Salsa Ponzu: slices of raw salmon marinating in ponzu dressing. Not bad, though perhaps could do with a little extra seasoning.

Salmon Oyakodon: slices of raw salmon, smoked salmon, crispy roasted fish skin and roe on rice. Interesting, to say the least.

All in all, there wasn't anything I disliked. I was kind of hoping to see some classic types of sushi, but a restaurant can't be faulted for going off the beaten path, like EVERY other Japanese restaurant that has teriyaki chicken, teriyaki beef, teriyaki everything. Very nice place. I'd love to come again. Could be a good place if you want a hybrid of Japanese and Western food.

I do have to say though, it is extremely awkward meeting some random guy's gaze, making eye contact, when looking for something good on the sushi train.

Now I have a cup of rainbow jelly to dig into. It was the first thing I noticed when I walked in, and I knew I...