Samurai Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in Vancouver

I have been going there for a few years now and the service has definitely gotten worse over time.

My last experience was the worst of all...

Last Friday (November 30th) we arrived there around 4pm, at that time, the restaurant was still completely void of any customer and all the staff (cooks included) were eating their meal at the sushi bar with their back facing us. One girl (shes been there for a while) came to us with no greeting and just wondering how many people we were. We were the first to engage...

I told her a we needed a table for are 3 but our friend was still on his way to the restaurant (so it was only 2 of us).

It was no problem and we sat down.

We were excited to look at the menu as my girlfriend is Japanese and I had told her about that place before, setting high expectations. The menu is quite comprehensive so it took us a while to order anything as we were still browsing but we ordered beer in the meanwhile. When we told our server that our friend might be 45 minutes (it ended up only being around 20 minutes but we hadn't made exact plans as we were taking it easy on a day off), she seemed perplexed and went straight to the till to talk with one who seemed to be the "manager". Little bit older and most certainly on the heavier side. She then proceeded to our table with a grim on her face.

The displeasure was palpable...

She went on to say that it was "kinda reservation" and I basically told her that the restaurant is empty right now (by that time, another couple had shown up), so I couldn't see what the problem was, anyway it was our intent to order food in the meanwhile, it was just taking us some time to decipher the whole of the menu.

But there was no time to talk and as fast as she came she went, once again with a grim on her face making us feel as uncomfortable as it could get. And here we go, this "authentic" Japanese restaurant that I had been talking highly of for all that time seemed to have nothing to do with Japan and the respect and customer service that one can expect in anything to do with this beautiful culture. My high expectations had just been flushed down the toilet.

Few minutes later my friend showed up and we still had a good time and racked up pretty big bills, the new hire, a very smiley and nice young Japanese girl that seemed to be in Canada on a working holiday visa, she took over as we ordered more and gave us a good service for the rest of the time while the others were mostly staying in the kitchen laughing and patting themselves on the back.

I couldn't help but think:

What has happened of what used to be an authentic Japanese restaurant:

When it was time to leave, the "manager" one gave us a very cold look and there was no thank you or nothing. This once again is very unlike anything one can appreciate coming from any legitimate Japanese institution. Especially after a meal of that magnitude.

All I can say is the Food is good but the owner should emphasis also on the service and those workers that have been there for too long and forget how to nicely treat...

Wow, this was one of the most confusing, yet ultimately positive experiences I have ever had in a restaurant. We came here because it was highly recommend by a friend. We sat down, and saw a huge variety of options on the menu. I noticed they had a great deal on fresh oysters, and I thought, why not give them a try?

The oysters arrived on ice quickly after ordering. My goodness. Believe me when I tell you, these were THE BEST oysters I have EVER tasted. Full of flavour, seasoned andbsauced just right, and freshly opened. I have had many oysters from many places across the country, and nothing has ever compared. Order them. You will thank me. That is, unless their quality is as variable as the rest of the food. Shall we continue?

After the amazing oysters, the staff brought us the rest of our food. A few pieces of nigiri, and several rolls. Now I hate doing this, I really hate doing this, but the tuna nigiri was one of the worst things that has ever been served to me in a restaurant. I should've known, it looked dried out, but I guess the oysters lured me into a false sense of security... It honestly tasted like it had been sitting out for a week, and has the texture of an old shoe. The veins had turned BLACK!!

So now, I've tasted the best and worst seafood of my life in the span of about five minutes.

Thankfully, the rolls were not as extreme. They were average quality (which I was actually thankful for at thus point) and they are GIANT! What can I say, you certainly get your money's worth.

The staff were fantastic, I especially appreciated the the enthusiastiam they had for the fresh oysters. What can we take away from this? I will definitely be returning. And you should give them a shot, too! Just stick to the cooked things, stuff yourself with delicious rolls, and maybe, just maybe, try...

SERIOUSLY FOLKS, Don't listen to any other review BUT MINE. I'm telling you, Samurai Sushi (1108 Davie Street) is one of THE BESSSSSSST sushi restaurants in Vancouver if you want both great service, great prices, great portions, and a great time with your friends. It's a small, quaint location, but it packs a PUNCH in the best way possible with the customer's best interest at heart. You will leave the restaurant very satisfied and delighted with your decision to dine here. The bonus is that it's not going to be a huge hit on your wallet as the prices in relation to the portion sizes will leave you smiling!!! I'm sitting at home in Winnipeg, and it's been 4 years since I've eaten at Samurai Sushi. I really miss this cute little restaurant on Davie Street, as it served huge portions of fatty tuna and other delectable sashimi. Upon my next visit to Vancouver City next year, I'm craving to return to this incredible restaurant. This die-hard loyal customer is willing to travel halfway across the country JUST TO EAT AT SAMURAI SUSHI!!!! I have so much love for this restaurant! I'm posting photo evidence of the great times I've had here with a few of my friends. I won't reveal who this actress is as she was stuffing her mouth with fatty tuna and laughing with embarrassment as I insisted that I capture her at her best moment!! :) LOL!! hahahahahaaaa!!!! :D She'd kill me if I disclosed her name, but these photos show how much we love eating here. I swear, this restaurant attracts and bathes in positive & fun vibes, and you'll feel it upon dining here! :) 5 out of 5...