Sushi California — Restaurant in Surrey

Review: Sushi California, Guildford

Today was my birthday, and I invited my friends to celebrate at Sushi California in Guildford. Unfortunately, the experience was far worse than my first visit.

The server took over 40 minutes just to come to our table, despite the restaurant only having two other occupied tables and they had three servers working. The food took ages to arrive. By the time nearly everyone was finished eating, only one of the two dishes I ordered was brought to the table, and it was the wrong dish.

I told the server it wasn’t what I ordered. They checked the system and told me to keep the wrong dish “as a courtesy” while they sent my correct order to the kitchen. I didn’t eat the dish since it wasn’t what I wanted. While all of this was happening, my friends had already finished their meals.

After waiting more than 30 minutes, I went to ask about my order again. All 3 servers completely ignored my request, and the server seemed very mad, even though the mistake was theirs. I watched as they argued among themselves about whether to even prepare my order. Eventually, they said they’d send it to the kitchen again…

I returned to my table and waited another 40 minutes. My wife eventually went to speak with them. She reported that the server was still upset and said my order was “almost ready” and that they wouldn’t charge me for the inconvenience.

Finally, after more 20 minutes, the dish arrived. It was poorly made, tasteless, and didn’t even include the additional cream cheese I had requested. At that point, I didn’t bother asking for a replacement.

To make matters worse, throughout the entire meal, no one came to our table to offer water, check if we needed anything, or even update me on my order. The bare minimum I expected was an apology, but I didn’t even get that.

At the end of the meal, they tried to charge me for the wrong dish they had originally brought, which I hadn’t touched and which the server themself had taken back to the kitchen after telling me it was complimentary.

No apologies, no discounts, nothing. This was, without a doubt, the worst birthday celebration I’ve had in years. I felt disrespected and humiliated in front of my friends.

I do not recommend Sushi California in Guildford to anyone. The way they treated me on my birthday, in front of my friends, was absolutely ridiculous. I wouldn’t wish this...

The first takeout was excellent (mentioned below). So I was excited when we placed an order for the 2nd time. We ordered the exact same thing as the last time. And it turned out it was a big disappointment. I probably won't order from them again.

The sushi rice was too mushy, starchy, and lack of flavours. The nigiri fish pieces were way smaller than the last time, and there were less pieces of hokkigai. They used too much mayo and sauce on everything. The shrimp tempura in dynamite roll was too soggy. Tenkasu didn't have much flavours, either. Some pieces of rolls were fallen apart when I opened the boxes. And many fell apart as I lifted them up with chopsticks. The tuna smelled fishy.

I felt like $45 for this quality of sushi was a rip off.

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I didn't expect this. We did a take out. Being in such a off street behind McDonald's, I expected to see something more sketchy inside. It was nice and pretty. Definitely we will dine in once pandemic is over :)

Then, foodwise, I loved it!!!! I am Japanese and have worked for 8 sushi restaurants outside of Japan and did take out from over two dozens of sushi restaurants. I can count this one top 5 for sure. The sushi rice was nicely done and the temperature was perfect. For nigiri, definitely the rice was formed gentle and not firm. The pieces of fish were sliced widely and not too thick. I love the general amount of tobiko, hokkigai they used. Rolls are not Japanese thing. But I love rolls. The BC roll had good balance of salmon skin and other ingredients. the chopped scallop roll was scallopy and nice. Tuna was marinated in tempura crumbs and spicy sauce for the spicy tuna , I believe. My first piece didn't taste tuna, so I was going to dislike the roll. But, I was wrong. The rest of the roll had beautiful flavors all over :) the amount of wasabi and ginger were generous and I loved it!

The only downside if I have to mention is the packaging. Styrofoam is not my favorite as it is bad for the environment. Maybe they can keep them for the warm food and get paper kinds for sushi? Also, I like my wasabi hotter. But it is just my preference :)

We will definitely come back soon and often. Keep up...

I can count on one hand just how many times I've left my home over the past 2+ years; but a friend offered to treat us to dinner last night and gave us several options, one of which was Sushi California. There was no contest.

It's very rare that I give any place a 5-star rating — because there's always that one little "thing" that makes it less than perfect — but if I'm honest, my first time eating at their location instead of ordering takeout was a real delight. Which is saying a lot coming from a long-time sufferer of agoraphobia (look it up).

The place was jam-packed on a Thursday night at dinner-time, which although a good sign of a quality restaurant, is generally a problem for me (aforementioned social disorder); but I felt right at home due to the positive ambiance, including the upbeat music (that didn't drown out conversation), as well as the smiles and laughter coming from all over the restaurant. The excellent service and amazing food contributed to the positive experience as well.

The young lady who served us was a pure delight. She was rushed off her feet, but her attitude was one of someone who enjoyed what she did, giving us her full attention and a brilliant smile. The other lady who delivered one of our orders to the table was quick and unintrusive — the sign of a true pro.

I've always loved their food at home, but eating at the restaurant made it all that much better. I had one of their deep-fried roll specials (don't judge) and eating it just after preparation was absolutely heavenly. Among other things, we had their tuna and salmon sashimi and it was divine. For some reason, I also love their wasabi more than anywhere else. They also don't skimp on their ginger, which is nice.

I also appreciated the dividers they had in between the tables. At the best of times, I have trouble hearing in open spaces and the privacy it offers is a plus — but during a pandemic, it offers an extra precaution to our health and safety.

All in all, I'd highly recommend Sushi California to anyone who loves sushi and wants the best bang for their buck.

Keep up the great...