Maizakura — Restaurant in Lisbon

The enchanting allure of the sushi restaurant I recently had the pleasure of visiting left an indelible mark on my culinary journey. Nestled within the heart of town, this hidden gem combines the art of authentic cuisine with a commitment to organic ingredients, all while maintaining an astonishingly affordable price point.

From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was greeted by an atmosphere that seamlessly blended the traditions of Japanese cuisine with a modern touch. The scent of freshly prepared ingredients wafted through the air, promising a culinary adventure unlike any other. What truly set this establishment apart, however, was its unwavering dedication to offering organic food options. With each bite, I felt a sense of satisfaction, knowing that not only was the food exquisitely prepared, but it was also a healthier choice for both my body and the environment.

The authenticity of the cuisine was further elevated by the hardworking and endearing staff. Their commitment to ensuring a seamless dining experience was evident in every interaction. They exuded a genuine warmth and charm that made me feel like a welcomed guest, adding a personal touch that is often hard to come by. Their knowledge of the menu and willingness to offer recommendations showcased a level of professionalism that is deserving of praise.

The true heartbeat of this establishment, however, resides in the honest and passionate owner. It is clear that their mission extends beyond mere profit, as they pour their heart and soul into crafting dishes that tantalize the taste buds and awaken the senses. Their dedication to serving delectable and honest food to the community is a testament to their values, setting a precedent for excellence that permeates every aspect of the restaurant.

In a world where dining experiences can sometimes feel impersonal and detached, this sushi haven stands as a beacon of authenticity and genuine care. As I reflect on my visit, I am already planning my return. It is rare to find a place that seamlessly combines affordability, authentic cuisine, and a staff that feels like family. This sushi restaurant has not only won my palate but also my heart, and I eagerly anticipate the countless visits...

Came here to have a dinner not expecting much from yet another 'Japanese' all-you-can-eat. I'll start off with bad sides:

1. The soy sauce was too obviously mixed with water, atleast 1:1. You could not only see by its transperancy and consistency without even trying it, but by the scratched and battered bottle that was reused for atleast a year. Besides that the ginger was not of good quality or freshness.
2. The food and sushi were in smaller than usual portions. Yes you can order them technically as many times as you want, but when you ask for a bowl of soup, you expect a bowl of soup, not s coffee cup of soup.
3. Speaking of food - miso soup was prepared with pickled mushrooms. Frankly, I did like it, and it had more miso in it than in some other places, but still... it looked barbaric. Some other 'honorable' mentions - tuna sushi with canned tuna in oil and cheapest, tasteless mayo on top that equaled the amount of the roll itself; grilled salmon sushi had just grilled salmon skin that tasted like liquor, for reasons beyond my compression; most of the rolls were small and falling appart. How ever, some other food was very good, as such - the pumpkin cakes were the best I had; cooked duck and salmon were delicious. Dishes were hit and miss.

In overal - the place is trying to save on everything it can, mixing sauces with water and bringing child sized portions where a normal roll is as thick as two fingers, not to mention plastic plates (tho I found those to be quite beautiful) and miniature tea pots. I would have given it a better judgement, due to (most) food actually being enjoyable, but not for 12 euros for a person, especially over 2 euros for a tea pot that fills a coffee cup only twice. Can't say it was bad, but it will not...

Doesn't allow service dogs, as if that's legal 🫠 Portuguese lei n° 74/2007 violation. Please stop asking me to sit with the smokers, I have asthma and a legit need for my service dog. We are better behaved than most humans 😇😉 Offered to show paperwork proving he's NOT a pet, and that he is a service dog, they continued to call him a pet, as evidenced by their ignorant reply below. Would not have bought food here if I was going to experience the common discrimination 🫡 Anywho, vote with your dollar, Portugal! Things will become worse if you don't ⚘️🐕‍🦺⚘️ (look at US if you don't believe me 😅🥲)

Update: cig smoker super friendly, so bring your inhaler if you use one! 🫁⚕️🩺😷 Sidebar: once the dragons lit up, I calmly explained I was going to have an asthma attack if I was forced to wait outside near it. So the guy let Tucker and I stand by the restrooms in the corner inside, but not sit at a table and eat like regular folks. Okuuuuuur 👻 Update: the food was decent, but bland. The service dog...