Sushi House — Restaurant in North Cowichan

So disappointed in the staff that I can’t tell if I enjoyed the food.

I ordered take out around 5:30 - 6:00 this today. I was told it would be 15 min, then she said they were really busy and it would be longer. OK and understanding that they were busy, I repeated my order asking for confrimation. She just went “umm”. When I arrived I watched a trio of young servers having a great time being really busy, but providing unremarkable service. When approached after 5 minutes I confirmed a take out. The girl just turned to the couple behind me and offered them choice of seating by pointing at differing tables. They did get a reply when they spoke to her. I stood there, watched my order being bagged, and then left on the counter behind the cash. As I waited I saw one of the staff answer the phone, and then, with a finger in her other ear, walk into the washroom in order to hear over the noise (did she wash her hands? I don’t know, and neither do you). After five more minutes of watching the young lady enjoying being busy, delivering a single pair of chopsticks rather than collecting her other table”s order and making a single trip out, I approached the cash and rudely was asked “your order?’ At this point I became cranky, this was the second time she’d spoken to me and both times lacked either good manners or good service. I had to get her to add my pop to the order as I wasn't on the screen. I paid, and left without tipping due to the rudeness. I had to call when I returned to my hotel. I had been charged for but did not get my appetizer. I think it was the same girl, and was offered “something” next time I came in. In fairness she could not know that I was not a local, that I had walked over from my hotel, that I was without my car due to a recent car accident and in considerable back pain (which I now told her). She offered to put me on hold to get the manager, but it would be a long time because they were so busy. I asked that the manager call me back as soon as it slowed. And I told her I was angry and wanted a resolution that would not end up with my posting reviews of my experience. They close at 10:00 pm, it’s now 11:45 pm. I never...

I should note I have previously rated this place 5 stars. The food is very good.

Over the last 10 or so visits food has maintained its high quality tho the service staff seemed young and inexperienced. This is not necessarily a bad thing tho it might be something they need to look at in the future.

Today we tried something different. We had Ramen. They cooked shrimp with the peel on (terrible idea, it forces ppl to use their hands to rip apart boiling hot shrimp) they were more black then they were pink/orange (really bad shell rot). On our quality check I pointed it out to the server and she brought it to the attention of the kitchen... I didn't eat them so I hoped I'd get a replacement or something... but nothing came of it... it was shortly after that my girlfriend noticed there was rot on the broccoli. Very noticeable. I ate mine anyway noticing there were black spots on mine too. She wouldn't take another bite after that, leaving 75% uneaten. I dont know how they make their ramen but typically the noodles should be cooked in the broth, since the noodles were flavourless I assumed they omit this step for the sake of convenience. The broth itself was good. But later that day I had the runs. Related to the soup? Highly possible. All in all I was hoping for some compensation when we clearly had pushed aside 30% of what we were paying for. This server also seemed more capable then most I've been served by at this establishment. Manager...

We were beyond disappointed by what we witnesses tonight at Sushi House. As we sat eating our dinner we witnessed the woman boss verbally abuse the incredible waitress multiple times.

Threatening to send her home with no pay if she chats to the customers other than taking their order. She told the young waitress she no longer gets a break. Keep in mind she was shouting this to her in front of customers.

I did say something so the boss came over and asked if I had a problem. I expressed that I had an issue with her abusing the young woman. She tried to justify it by saying that she gave her notice and leaves in January and she has to train the new person.

Unacceptable!!!! You can not abuse people!

Interpersonal skills are a HUGE asset, instead of abusing your fantastic waitress you should have had your new staff member watch and see how it's done.

I will never eat here again. 1 satisfied customer tells 10 friends, 1 unsatisfied customer tell 1000!

My reply:

Although your response is very well worded, I know the abusive woman last night was NOT the head waitress but indeed an owner. I have heard from many in the community including ex-employees, that this is not the first time your establishment has mistreated their employees.

Abusing others is not ok. I seriously hope the female owner takes some communication classes going forward. As well, she needs to learn more about Canadian labor laws. I encourage those who still work for you to exercise...