Hanami Izakaya — Restaurant in Guelph

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...

Hit it Miss 3.5 stars out of 5

Got here before the supper rush. It was our first time coming here and I disagree with the overall 4.5 rating.

1. Music was loud so it was difficult to talk.

2. The ordering screen is super dark. We asked the service person if she could brighten it up She said no and didn't offer another ipad that was brighter.

3. I ordered tea and was never given a refill and no refill options on the tablet. But yet I asked her for a pop and she said to order it on the tablet and I said after waiting 20++mins for my miso soup yet my husband got his wonton soup immediately. I at least know my pop order will be coming if I order it in person!

And as for the food. The results presented to us were inconsistent.

4. A plate full of warm calamari with 1 tsp of sauce to dip in then 6 mins later 4 pieces of chicken (the size of a twoonie) and we get 1.5 TBsp of sauce to dip in.

5. Then we get our 2 orders of sushi rolls yet we waited 20 mins for our avocado salad that was sitting on the shelf!

6. we order 2 servings of bacon crabmeat which is 2 per serving (total of 4) we get only get 1 serving (total of 2). So I figured we misread the dark screen so we ordered another 6 (so from our experience we should have received 6) but we receive 12. Not quite consistant but at least it was delicious and hot as the first orders was warm. Definately coming back for these babies!!!

7. My last point (Is one for those who have taken the food safety handling course you will understand!) ➡️Why do they have dishes that are cracked? During our meal 3 were found. See photo attached.

✅We do have few positive notes!✅ Please start with deep fried mars bars and Crème Brûlé first! Don't question me just trust me!

The calamari was well seasoned!

The sweat potato fries had a sweet coconut sauce served with and it was phenomenal.

The chicken wings needed to be served right out of the fryer but the sweet and spicy seasoning was a nice welcomed surprise!

We were adventurous with the italian gourmet roll and that a was a home run out of the park style. Will be back for these!

All in All we give it a 3.5 stars but are willing to try again to see if the can wow us to a 4 5 star rating as all of you have been rating them at!

Cheers to our next time! Until then make...

Maybe the 30th time eating this food... Obviously interesting time with covid 19 and limited to takeout only. This time though I have feedback and it's a negative one. Bothering to update this review because I want this restaurant to stay and improve as we love it so much. We ordered a bunch of rolls on Friday evening and ALL were smooshed and lost their shape. All rolls seemed to be made in such rush squeezed 3 rolls into a box touching and mixing ingredients with each other. Quality/taste was okay minus which may be acceptable in some AYCE sushi but not in Hanami if they want to survive this pandemic time. Charging $12 per signature roll and get a sloppy rainbow that mixed with my sons cucamber roll isn't a pleasant sight really. You need to decide what you guys are and adjust the price accordingly. If low quality then price should be lower, if you want to charge this much for a roll it should look like a $12 roll. Ordered for $70 and was REALLY disappointed.

Another piece of advice...the virus is still around and if you allow an uber eats driver to pick up food without a mask and gloves means you disrespect your customers.

I know it is hard times and am really happy you guys reopened but if it will continue the same way I'll take my money somewhere else where they respect it.

** 3rd time here today - improving every time we go there. Added iPads to better customer experience and a few menu items. Still a 5 star, great job. Great new addition to Guelph's food scene. Restaurant was full on Saturday night and that isn't obvious, so great job. Clean and fresh food, nice and efficient service. Nice feature is to get a free pop with your all you can eat meal, but mostly liked the bottles of fresh and cold water with lemon. Points for improvement: You may want to consider providing more solid chopsticks instead of the short wooden ones Please, please, stop calling what you have on the menu "carpaccio". This is in best case a tataki, which should by the way be served on ice, and has nothing to do...