Roppongi Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in Southampton

Disappointing Service Despite Delicious Food

Sadly, I have to give this place 2 stars. While the food is absolutely delicious, the customer service leaves a lot to be desired — apart from one young lady who was friendly and understanding.

On my first visit, it took about 30 minutes just to have our order taken (for a group of four). One dish arrived unusually fast, but the rest took over 40 minutes, which really hurt the overall experience as a group.

Despite this, I decided to give the place another try last Friday because I genuinely liked the vibe. Unfortunately, the service was once again frustrating. We had a reservation, were seated, and given menus. However, despite arriving before two other tables, we ended up waiting almost 40 minutes without anyone taking our order — only getting attention after I flagged down a waitress.

I ordered sushi as my main dish, my partner ordered ramen, and we also requested three starters to share. I was very clear that my sushi was a main and the starters were to be shared. Yet, my sushi arrived first, and when I politely asked about the missing starters, the waitress started arguing with me, insisting sushi is typically a starter. This was uncomfortable and honestly quite rude.

If you’re going here for the food, it’s great — but if you’re hoping for attentive service or a smooth dining experience, I wouldn’t recommend it. Definitely avoid if you’re hungry or value good...

To begin with- food is OK but not as good as some other reviews claimed - in my subjective opinion. They say they are a Japanese restaurant but as so often is the case in UK they can’t help themselves from going Asia instead of specialising. Menu options are indeed Asian and not Japanese. Soy sauce served with my Sashimi and Nigiri was Chinese- when I asked for Japanese Soy sauce I was first questioned but then they caved and admitted and gave me Japanese Soy sauce. Don’t get me wrong - I like Chinese soy, but not with Sushi! I had to ask for napkins when previous were cleaned away.

The young man that served me later was friendly though and tried his best to help - that saved them from me giving them a 2.

Rolls were to big (typical UK sushi though) and didn’t keep together at all (yes, I am pretty good with my sticks so it wasn’t me 😁).

Tuna belly for 20 GBP + FOR 4 small pieces was 1 dish / something I was looking forward to but severely disappointed - bad cuts, chevy and one piece had a bone piece in it.

Soy ball to small.

Sashimi was ok but to big pieces in my mind.

Anyway - might come back to see if it improved, but don’t...

This is the best Japanese restaurant I have been to for years. Perfect food served timely and hot. Everything tasted very fresh. Exquisite decor in Japanese simple style at front but atmospheric traditional Japanese in rear. Table settings picture perfect. We had tempura which was lightly battered and delicate exactly as it should be with generous portion. Also crab, mango and flying fish roe with tangy yuzu dressing. It was huge and so so fresh. Then we each had a different Ramen which was very fresh and tasty. We didnt try the sushi but judging by the dishes of other guests (mostly Japanese / Asian - always a good sign) that looked great too. And such a wide selection. With a small jug of sake and service we were amazed at how reasonable the bill was. Service was so helpful too - they couldnt do more - even bringing me a fork without asking as I struggled with the final noodles in my scrummy Ramen. This must sound like a paid advert but I assure you it is not - I just want this wonderful restaurant to get the recognition it deserves so that it thrives. Oh and it is right opposite the Mayflower theatre too and...