Arigato Sushi — Restaurant in Summerside

4pm and we wanted to eat some dinner but had a difficult time deciding what we wanted. Would it be sea food or sushi, We chose sea food but the wait was going to be four hours, so we decided that rather than Timmies sandwich we would go to Arigato Sushi . The reviews were mostly good, but the images posted looked enticing. We walked in and had to wait maybe ten minutes for an opening while they opened up a spot for us. We followed the host to the top level, plenty of stairs. So they should ask if stairs are ok since you never know if people can walk up stairs. After all, most restaurants have ground level seating so stairs are never an issue. We were placed in a room, that had a table with a. Reserved sign on it, which as I found out would be for a larger group. Luckily they did end up cancelling or we would have been subject to noise bouncing off the confined room. But the room was basic.

We waited approx. five minutes, and the server, Carly (sic) came over, gave us the menus and left to get the water we requested.

When she returned with the water she proceeded to ask what we would like. But there was not enough time to go through the massive menu of items to properly decide.

I requested that she give us more time, she did.

She did appear to be in a hurry throughout the dinner, perhaps there was too much to do, but slow it down just a bit and allow customers time to decide. But over all she did a good job taking care of us.

We ordered the following

veggie combo x1 $13 Maki combo x1 $14 Udon seafood soup x2 $29.90 edamame x1 $5.95 Miso soup. 2x. Included with combo meal

Total $62.85 Taxes. $9.43

The miso soup was brought out and it was hot and pretty tasty. Went down real good on a rainy day. Small bowl just right to start.

The Combos were so fresh I think they they jumped on my chop sticks. The taste was real good. Just perfect balance of texture and flavour.

The edamame was perfectly salted. Not overpowering, like other places have where you would think they serve salt with some green stuff.

The seafood Udon soup was amazing. A huge serving of so much seafood in a medium spicy( not too spicy) broth, lots of exceptional udon noodles that were done right, it offers the best slurping of any noodle soup.

Added some edamame beans to the soup and wow, so good.

In conclusion

We did not know what to expect, but we were pleasantly surprised. We did have to ask her for her name at the end since she did not introduce herself by name. Not a big deal, but I like to mention the server in my reviews when I can.

So over all I would give the experience at Arigato Sushi a solid four star, but bordering close to five. The missing point has more to do with contrasting with sushi places we’ve been to who have introduced themselves, offered dessert, and were able to pace themselves enough to allow us to select what we wanted. In addition when a menu takes 15 minutes to decide, then it usually means there are way too many choices. And lastly they did post a notice throughout advising that due to the rising cost of ingredients they were forced to increase their prices. That’s understandable, but they should have already had new menus made up with correct pricing rather than put pieces of geeen tape over old pricing and just hand write the new pricing on the tape. That is not professional looking, hopefully the new menus are being printed.

Would I recommend Arigato Sushi? Yea absolutely. ...

First off this is a restaurant that was very busy. There appeared to be many tables reserved for the evening. That being said, me and my partner chose this restaurant over the other sushi place down the road because of the ratings here on Google. I cannot say if that restaurant is better. Yet, I am tempted to check for multiple reasons. Before I tell you the reasons why I wasn't impressed I'll let you know that me and my partner have a pattern of trying sushi spots when we travel. So, we do have alot of experience to base thus encounter. Ok, on with the reasons why I didn't give Arigato Sushi 5 stars.

The service, the waitresses seemed uncertain about specifics regarding the menu. Plus they have no liquor license.

We ordered a party tray but they wouldn't substitute the pilidelphia roles. I'm lactose intolerane and my partner doesn't like them. They said that we had to take it as is.

The bibmbap was loaded with sesame oil, that was the only flavor profile I could detect.

The party tray came and we were not impressed with the rolls. Half of the roles were VERY small... considering we paid 75 for the tray you would expect the content to be up to standard with other sushi spots.. it wasn't.

Besides that it was ok.. it just wasn't the best spot we...

I am thrilled beyond words to have found my way to this restaurant here in Summerside. As a thirty year resident of the Vancouver region in BC and now ten years on the island and a well known big time foodie. I can expertly tell you that that the quality of food, service, and atmosphere presented by chef “Sunny” ? (Will get his name proper next visit) would put them easily in the top Ten sushi establishments in Vancouver. For those who are complaining about price, I just chuckle, do any of you know this owner is importing the best of BC’s wild salmon for you to enjoy and as to portions...in Vancouver these plates would be considered excessive, at the same price. So as to bang for your buck , nowhere better. On another topic, without knowing any specifics, I am disappointed that the PEI government would not just (in light of trying to start up during COVID) issue a liquor license then solve the little details as they go along ....can only imagine the difficulty in paying your bills as a restaurant without liquor sales during these times. Keep up the great work you are at this moment my favourite restaurant...