Sushizen — Restaurant in Sapporo

One of the most Disappointed Sushi experiences I have ever had

I had a memorable experience at Sushi Zen 10 years ago. My wife and I decided to visit the restaurant again for an unforgettable experience as it was her birthday and requested to serve by the Head Chef with the expectation that is not guarantee. All booking requires 10 thousand yen per person deposit which is reasonable for a high standard Sushi Restaurant. I chose “Mai” Set which is $24K Yen and my wife ordered Ala-carte menu as she is allergic to fish. Upon arrival, the server brought us to the second floor which there are only another couple and us in the room served by a Sushi Chef. I checked the menu and noticed there are only 7 pieces of Sushi both on the (Mai & Nagomi) menu which the website does not specify the quantity at all. Most sushi restaurant serves 10 pieces sushi minimum at least for their highest set but I guess I cannot back out as I have already paid my deposit. My initial thought was thinking regardless of the quantity of the sushi, I should be able to have an enjoyable and full meal tonight so I upgraded to the Nagomi set at $33k Yen. The difference between “Mai” and “Nagomi” is one appetizer less with an additional abalone steak. My honest review as follow:

Food: All the pictures I showed are what I had during the night. First, the upgrade to the “Nagomi” set for the abalone dish is that slice of abalone I circled in the picture which is an additional $9K Yen. Second, I never thought I would be serving Salmon on the most expansive set in the menu. Third, the scallop sushi tasted slightly fishy in the level that I was still able to eat it but would not expect that quality of raw fish served at the restaurant. Fourth, for the Maki, I was not sure why but the Chef decided to give me half a maki (3 pieces) instead of a normal size 6 pieces. Service: The Chef is polite overall but there are two things that I was not satisfied. First, there are some in season Kohada (Gizzard Shad – Best season from late July to Winter), the chef decided to chef to another couple which I believe we both ordered the same set but not to me and gave me a Salmon instead, Second, after all the sushi were finished, I was still hungry and the chef told me if I had enough but he had already packed all the fishes in the counter. Honestly, why were you even bother asking me if you were rushing to finish your work.

I am extremely disappointed at the whole dinning experience. For customers, who refers to the website for the menu, do not trust it, best to call the restaurant ahead to know what you are getting before paying your deposit.

For the restaurant, please do not think foreigners are not able to tell what is good, bad, high, low-quality sashimi. We are honestly not a fool if you are just serving subpar level sashimi or sushi to us....

Been to many good sushi bars, came to sushi zen to worship this legendary sushi restaurant, it didn't disappoint me. Reservation: you will not want bad surprise by walk in. Reservation is recommended and it can be done online. Advance deposit required to secure your place. Environment: classic sushi bar in an elegant Japanese building. A premium sushi bar in a lively ambiance. Food: the way the master handle the raw meat; the skills in slicing it, what flavor to add, the pressure to put together the sushi rice, the pressure to put on the meat, etc. All bring its' sashimi and sushi to a new level of texture and flavor in your mouth. Service : Japanese services, needless to say. The Mickey mouse pattern (actually shall be put upside down ) napkin is a souvenir for you to take the good memories of this great meal home. Price: omakase from 30k Japanese Yen up. My final bill for myself cost 40k+ Though it is a high cost place but for food lover, it definitely worth a...

So disappointed and frustrated. What a waste of time and money. Just finished dinner there with my family. No one else was there. Not one. I found out why after the meal. The sushi was worse than any walk in sushi place on the street and the sushi rice was hard and not moist. The price per person was ¥31800 inclusive of tax and services for Omakase and the meal was worth not even half of that price. I can get much better definitely in Hk or anywhere else in Japan. They served us dessert when all our plates and left over sushi was on the table. And then the waitress walked in to tell us our taxis were at the door and did not even bring the bill. So I was suppose to leave without paying? Seems like they were in a hurry to close the shop and it was only 10pm. I guess they could when we leave because no one was there. We are definitely...