Japonais Windermere — Restaurant in Windermere

So went here for the first time tonight. The host was very polite and great at introducing the guests to what they served. We had a reservation and were in immediately in,no wait time despite how busy it was.

Our server Dana was a sweetie! She was very fun and personable and I would tell people to come to Windermere location JUST for her. When food was dropped off, she explained each piece and love what was what on the table.

The food, omg the food! Everything was so so smooth. The salmon sashimi was truely high quality. Cause you could taste the hint of sea. The pressed scallop was so buttery! Didn't even feel like I was eating a scallop! It had a light airy-Ness unmatched but any other place around Edmonton with a velvety smooth sauce.

The pressed beef sushi head an amazing aroma from the charred rice and the meat was a little more firm then beef tataki but lighter then grilled beef. It also had these little microgreens that added to the subtle nuttiness of the food.

The chefs choice of sashmi was beautifully presented and had an amazing light texture. The ika (squid) texture was a very noticeably different compared to other restaurants. The texture was ever so slighty chewy proving the quality of the ingredients and preparation. The tuna sashimi was also very pleasantly light.

The tempura was soft and crisp, great texture balance.

The truffle roll was amazinggg. Not to salty or fishy. The cream cheese really played with the flavors giving it a nice smooth finish.

The deserts were fantastic! The creme brulee had this amazingly crisp top of sugar. It was almost like a cracker. The matcha was light and palatable for anyone. The yuzu semifreddo had this unique texture where it's not quite cheesecake but also not quite ice cream cake. The hibiscus drizzle was quite the surprise! We had a special birthday freebie in the form of a sesame ice cream scoop(which Dana recommended). It was very solid. The texture was light and subtle while the sesame was just the right amount of strength. This one doesn't scream sesame which is great for people who think sesame taste is usually too strong.

FYI they have happy...

I was here with a bigger group for my mom’s birthday. I have been here a couple of time before and was excited since it was good. I’m not sure what has changed, or if it was just short staffed, but it was a totally different experience. We got there for opening, so it wasn’t busy at all. It was slow for anyone to come over. When someone did, it wasn’t pleasant. The last couple of time my wife and I were there, the server was very nice and greeted us and took time to explain the specials and was prompt to check on us to see if we were good. There was none of that this time. It was frustrating, especially since one of the orders was missed and it came late. What really bothered me, that there was no apology for the meal being delayed. Even if they were short staffed, there were things in their control they could have done to make it better. No one came to offer any explanation for the slow service or communicating when they expect the food to come out. We got there at 11:30 and were left 2 hours later. We even asked for the bill since we wanted to leave. My sister actually had to find someone since she had to go. It still took so long to get the bills. They then gave us the bill and pointed out that we had to choose the 18% tip option since we were a large group which I understood. But I didn’t realize it was already automatically added. So I ended up tipping on top of that! I was in a hurry to leave and didn’t realize until after. My sister and I also had a word with the manager and he didn’t seem to care at all. He just nodded his head and didn’t say anything. There were no apologies. I did feel bad for our server. She did mention she was new. I just feel management could have done things to make us feel better. I understand if a restaurant is short staffed and it’s out of their control. If they told me that and just asked us to be patient, and they’re doing their best to get it out, that would have been enough. Just leaving is there wondering what’s happening is not acceptable. I hope this review helps for those excited to go here. The food is good, but a place like this should have the...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Incredible Dining Experience at Japonais, Windermere

If you're searching for a sushi restaurant that redefines what it means to enjoy Japanese cuisine, look no further than Japonais in Windermere. Having dined here multiple times—both for romantic date nights and family gatherings—each visit has been nothing short of extraordinary.

From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere envelops you in a warm and inviting ambiance. The decor strikes a perfect balance between modern elegance and traditional Japanese elements, making it an ideal setting for any occasion. Whether you're celebrating a special moment or just enjoying a casual meal, Japonais creates the perfect backdrop.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show: the food. The sushi at Japonais is simply outstanding. Each dish is a masterpiece, showcasing an innovative approach that keeps your taste buds dancing with delight. The freshness of the fish is evident in every bite, and the unique flavor combinations are a testament to the chef's creativity. From classic rolls to inventive creations, the menu offers a delightful range that caters to both sushi aficionados and newcomers alike.

Equally impressive is the service. The staff at Japonais is attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about providing an exceptional dining experience. They are always ready to recommend dishes or pairings that elevate your meal, making you feel valued and cared for throughout your visit.

In summary, Japonais is more than just a restaurant; it's a culinary journey that you won't want to miss. With its fresh and innovative sushi, wonderful service, and amazing atmosphere, it has quickly become one of our favorite dining spots. Whether you're looking for a cozy date night or a fun family outing, Japonais delivers an unforgettable experience every time. Highly...