Wasabe Sushi Restaurant - Malia — Restaurant in Municipality of Chersonissos

Right off the bat: This is a 3/5 rating based on atmosphere, menu selection, and comparison to other Wasabe locations. NOT a food rating. Good? Good. In addition, this review is an updated version of a previous one that was challenged by the Malia Wasabe team, who felt it didn’t reflect a genuine experience because I didn't eat there. That’s fair, so I’m here to give a more thorough, respectful, and fair explanation of why I felt disappointed, based on my actual visit.

So, yapping aside... is there anything wrong with this place? Let me explain.

I’ve had great experiences with Wasabe in both Rethymno and Heraklion. Easily 5/5 for both. Unfortunately, the Malia branch didn’t live up to the same standard.

Now, just to be clear: this isn’t a problem with the food, the service, or the atmosphere. In fact, the service was kindhearted and direct. I sincerely wish everyone working there the best and to stay safe.

When I arrived, I checked out the menu, hoping to find the dishes that made me fall in love with Wasabe in the first place.

To my disappointment, the variety was incredibly limited. I’d roughly estimate 50–70% of the dishes I’ve seen (and enjoyed) at the other locations were missing. I’m not just talking about sushi rolls, several noodle options were gone too. I actually found myself scratching my head wondering where my favorite items were, like the Beef Noodles.

What remained were mostly higher-priced items, which gave me the impression that this branch is geared more toward tourists than locals or repeat customers. I might be wrong, of course, but given the context (and given how tourist heavy Malia is during summer), I think it’s a fair thought to have, no?

As a result, I didn’t end up ordering anything. The menu just didn’t appeal to me the way the others did, so I left respectfully. No offense intended. One of the staff even remarked, "It’s not like Heraklion or Rethymno," which seemed to confirm that this location takes a different approach.

if that’s the goal, so be it. But I do wonder: what’s wrong with offering more variety? The other Wasabe branches manage it, why not this one? From a customer and financial standpoint, it seems like a win-win. Is it a staffing issue? A logistics thing? I genuinely don’t know, but I’d love an honest answer, if possible.

I'm surprised I even need to say this, but I encourage others to form their own opinion. Visit for yourself, that’s how it should be with everything in life.

Heck, the food looks good based on other reviews, and I believe it probably is, but I personally wouldn’t return to this Wasabe in particular.

Still, I truly hope to return someday and feel the same joy the other two Wasabes gave me.

Edit (replying to Wasabe Malia’s response): Thanks for taking the time to reply, but I have to be honest, your response feels dismissive. My review never claimed to be about the food and was as respectful as possible, it was only the menu variety. I was very clear about that. So pointing out that I "didn’t eat there" really misses the point and makes it sound like my feedback isn’t valid, when it very much is.

What I experienced was a smaller, more limited menu compared to your other branches. That’s not an insult because I absolutely love Wasabe, it’s just my genuine observation as a customer. If that’s intentional for Malia, like I said: fine. but let’s not pretend the menus are "essentially the same" with very few alterations. Trust me, they’re not, and I went to the other ones recently again.

At the end of the day, I’m just sharing what I actually saw, and my review literally matters nothing at all in the grand scheme of things, especially with all the other positive reviews. This isn't a personal attack on the business or the people. if that doesn’t count as valid feedback, then what’s the point of reviews in the...

I can see why they are called Sushi and Noodles because the crispy rolls and teriyaki noodles are delicious! We thanked the staff and complimented the chef and had a good rapport with the waiter.

We had space for more and wanted some duck. There were two ducks on the menu — Crispy Duck and Peking Duck. We quizzed the waiter on the difference, and he recommended the Crispy Duck.

We were expecting an aromatic style duck that was crispy. But, we were served fatty breast slices fried in batter. It wasn’t to our taste, and we explained that politely to the waiter. He asked us to check the menu but there was nothing in there about it being battered. The waiter spoke to the manager, and after that, the atmosphere noticeably changed, with staff speaking in raised voices. When he returned, he said bluntly "you have two options: choose something else or... choose something else." Which frankly, is a condescending and dismissive way to speak to customers.

My husband ordered the mochi dessert, which was mid. I didn’t order anything else as I don’t trust food when the vibe is off.

We then asked for the bill, and the tense interaction continued. They essentially rushed us out of the restaurant.

I wouldn’t expect such a hostile reaction to the duck not being our taste. It was unprofessional and uncalled for. I sincerely hope the team doesn’t think that’s an acceptable way to treat any customer. We had barely touched the duck, and they were even enjoying the duck in the back, so I don’t know why it became such an issue.

It’s a shame because I had just been telling my husband that we should come back again for our last meal out but will not be returning.

The response is a perfect example of the terrible customer service we received. Instead of apologising you are calling me a liar and said that we avoided paying the bill? We didn't like the duck and we quickly returned it. We paid for what we ate in full. Why do we have to pick something we dnt want? How did you find this fact that we "were full" and didn't "want to pay the bill"? There are better Asian restaurants like China Royale. Beachcomber and Anatolia are also excellent. We loved the food, paid in full and tipped. YOU are the problem and need training in customer service. I would avoid like...

Overpriced for its location, shocking service and poor quality food. Many better locations for food in malia.

Since your reply I will tell you how bad our experience was.

We turned up and sat down in your restaurant. I had to call your waiter over twice for us to order our food.

Then 3 lots of starters came out which was the chicken wings. In the menu there is a picture and they look nothing like the photo and not even close. Out of a group of 6, we all ordered starters then two sets of noodles came out before our starters arrived. Then your waiters proceeded to pile all our food onto the table. Your food is shocking, none of us enjoyed it. Looking round other tables so many people were leaving full plates of food.

I then complained to one of your waiters and called over the manager. We were then told we could have a round of drinks which we appreciated but was by far not enough. Every plate of food we had had food left on it.

Then we proceeded to pay for the meal which we shouldn’t of. It then took 15 minutes for us to get the card machine to pay which is disgraceful. I also had to ask one of your waiters 3 times for the card machine. 3 TIMES!!!

For you to say my friends shouldn’t of left reviews on your new restaurant is unfair. We have all commented about how poor your restaurant is and we urge others not to eat at your restaurant.

Your restaurant is horrendous. By far the worst food we had in Malia.

Yours...