Sushi 99 — Restaurant in Alafaya

I used to give Sushi 99 a solid 5 stars and have recommended it to others, but unfortunately, my recent visit left me disappointed enough to revise my rating.

I ordered the chicken pad Thai and, per the menu, asked to add shrimp—clearly listed as a $2 upcharge. The server checked with the kitchen and came back saying it would be $3 instead. I mentioned how misleading the menu was, since it plainly stated "$2 to add shrimp." The reasoning given was that because I was adding shrimp to a chicken dish, it somehow turned into a $3 charge—something that was “implied,” according to the kitchen. Ultimately, I was fine paying the extra dollar, but the back-and-forth and inconsistent messaging weren’t great. Especially since the final decision was announced only after the food was brought out, which felt oddly forceful.

Then the dish arrived—and it wasn’t pad Thai. The noodles were bland, the chicken was undercooked and unseasoned, and the shrimp were overcooked and flavorless. Sprinkling peanuts on top doesn’t make it pad Thai. It was genuinely disappointing, especially after I’d brought my partner for the first time. We tasted his hibachi chicken for comparison—night and day. It had far better flavor and presentation.

When the server checked in, I calmly let him know the pad Thai was flavorless and that I wouldn't be ordering anything else. I’d lost my appetite. To their credit, they comped the pad Thai and my green tea without me asking, and we still tipped our server 20%—because none of this was their fault.

I’ve had good meals here before, and my partner’s food this time was excellent. But the inconsistency, menu confusion, and poor quality of my dish made it clear this wasn’t just an off moment—it was a mismatch of expectations and execution. So I’m adjusting my...

Quiet little place at the end of the small strip; corner unit.

Upon arrival, waitress greeted me with a soup and then asked which drink I would like. This was a very lovely first for me.

Sitting down and being greeted with a gift was wonderful. Oh! They also offered me a very savory roll from the chef. So tasty. I believe it had chicken and crab with white sauce. Very good!

Soup was good, service was better. The food was all good. Nothing overly flavorful if I’m being transparent but that’s absolutely fine!

The tuna tataki was thickly sliced without much for seasoning like other sushi spots but the fish was good.

Tuna rolls were slightly undesirable, especially for $7.25 each. Still completely edible and fine! Just nothing that makes the pallet water.

Overall, service was the best part of the experience.

Three items ran me just under $30 before tip. I would absolutely come back to this location if I was local.

My biggest gripe would be the children in the back that are very clearly sick. Not sure how many kids but at least 2 and they even walk up to new customers and seat them. Which is wonderful if they weren’t sick; but the constant coughing only 2 booths away was cause for concern.

Obviously this will not be a factor everyday here. Just some sick kids the day I walked in. Nothing to worry about in the future.

5 stars- soup and tataki was great....

I usually don’t write reviews for Japanese or sushi spots because, honestly, most tend to blend together. But Sushi99 is a rare find — a true hidden gem that’s been part of my life for over 10 years. This place consistently serves up fresh, delicious sushi with a smile. You can really tell they prioritize quality; the fish is never fishy, always tender and sweet, which speaks volumes about their commitment to freshness.

Today, we decided to try something different, and once again, we were blown away. Despite the ups and downs that many small businesses face, I really hope Sushi99 makes it through — it’s so close to home, and I feel lucky to have such a reliable spot I can visit anytime.

A big shoutout to the owners for keeping their prices reasonable — unlike many others who hike prices because of rent and wages and supplies.

They offer a wide range of options for every budget, from affordable a la carte sushi (as low as $2 a piece) to more elaborate rolls. It’s a true local hole-in-the-wall with amazing food and prices that won’t break the bank.

If you’re looking for fresh, tasty sushi without the fancy fuss, give Sushi99 a try. It’s a hidden treasure right in your...