This is a place I frequent, I would argue it one of the better spots in Guelph. But sometimes, you’ll have absolutely deplorable experiences resulting from an incredible dip in quality service. Complete and utter respect for the staff, I know it’s not an easy job, but they continuously fail to provide you with the food that is requested. Whether that’s a fault of the system or cooks preparing the meals, the quality of service in this restaurant has unfortunately plummeted.

I’ve gone twice in the last month, both at different times, one empty with only two other tables filled, and the other this Father’s Day, with every table packed. In both instances we did not receive everything we asked for.

I can understand some things slipping through the cracks during a hectic rush, but there was a total of 7-8 items we requested that arrived unreasonably tardy. 40-90 minute wait times. When asking for ETAs on our food, we were dismissed outright, “very busy. It will be here,” he droned off repeatedly. By that point we had waited 60 minutes for some of our food, we couldn’t get our concerns across before he was moving on. We had to get help from another waiter, bless her. Even so, we waited 90 minutes in total for two deep fried Cali rolls, only one of which actually even arrived at all. We left not even receiving three of our items we ordered because it was unreasonable to wait any longer than we had. By that point the rush was over, it’s frankly inexcusable to not receive items in a timely manner.

Never in all my years have I left an AYCE sushi spot with food still on the way. I hate food going to waste, in this instance however, my family was safe to assume they’ve somehow lost our orders.

Now the food is quite delicious, and they have good variety and selection. Their karage is something I quite enjoyed greatly. Getting them to deliver on that promise as of recent feels like pulling teeth however, disillusioning me on the very thing that had garnered my high praise. During my first visit this last month, we had ordered for 12 pieces to arrive at our table, (they sell in 3s). Only 6 arrived. Given that the restaurant was empty, I’m genuinely curious how these errors even occur, there was barely anyone else to serve, is it unreasonable to expect to receive everything one asks for?

At Father’s Day we repeated the order. Although very delicious, shrinkflation was quite apparent, with these pieces being smaller than Timbits. You’re not likely to receive the 3 pieces as advertised either unfortunately, receiving anywhere from 1-3 per order. Of my 12 piece order, I counted only 10 pieces of karage. When I followed up with an additional 3 piece, I received 2.

It’s issues like these with the service that is starting to make me disappointed. I was excited to take my girlfriend here soon, but unfortunately I just can’t in good conscience take her or recommend anyone for that matter a location that frequently fails to provide you with what is asked.

I hear that Cherry Blossom is an exceptional location with great sushi selection. So although it lacks in the variety that made me love Hanami to begin with, I’ll have to give it a try!