Machi Sushi — Restaurant in Austin

Update: After leaving my initial Google review, the management reached out to me directly to address the issue. It turns out that they mistakenly charged my son who didn’t eat. However, they were quick to return the difference, which I thought was a fair and honest resolution. I appreciate their responsiveness and willingness to make things right. ————- I really wanted to like this place based on all the hype, but unfortunately, my experience was far from great. We chose this spot because of the vibe and the cute robot, but things quickly went downhill.

First, we were seated on the porch at table 9, which was bright and uncomfortable facing the parking lot , totally lacking the cozy and fun atmosphere inside. Plus, the robot doesn’t even come out there, so what’s the point?- there was plenty of room inside by the way.

The food started off well – the first round was great, with super fresh fish. However, by the last round, the fish was dry and tough, and the scallops had a strong smell and tasted off. I had to spill it out. Not what I expected from a place with such a good reputation.

The real kicker, though, was when we got the bill. They have a policy of pre charging 18% service for groups of 6 or more, which is clearly stated on the menu, but they must have charged us anyway. The server didn’t mention anything about it when we paid, and unfortunately, my husband didn’t check the bill closely because he wasn’t wearing his glasses or requested the receipt. I only found out about the overcharge when I got a notification from my credit card company and saw that we had spent over $130!!! for 2 people with 2 sparkling waters!!! When I called to complain, they wouldn’t let me speak to a manager and claimed they don’t keep receipt records, which seems extremely convenient.

I live 40 minutes away, so going back in person to complain, it wasn’t an option, but after this experience, I won’t be returning. Too bad, because I was really excited about this place, but now I just feel like they’re more interested in taking your money than providing good service or standing behind their policies. Very disappointing. If you are planning on going there, 3 tips: seat inside! If you want the robot to come to your table, you need to sit in the front; ask your food all at once so you get the same quality and double check your bill carefully...

I do not understand how they have received this high of a rating. Absolutely NOT worth a visit. We paid $100 for 2 people to have all you can eat and one small bottle of sake (which was supposed to be happy hour price) with a terrible experience.

The ambiance is not “chill” or “cozy” like many of the reviews say. Not super sure what’s going on with the transformer and dinosaur statues outside. We were sat in the main area where the decorations were nice, however they played very loud techno music nonstop that cheapened the ambiance. The back area had zero music and was entirely lit in blue; making the food on the plate strange colors. The floors were extremely slippery and I almost fell just getting out of my seat.

The service was not rude but I would not call it “friendly.” Servers practically threw down our plates, wearing earbuds, to the table and no word to us about what was on the plate (thankfully we could look at pictures on the menu and distinguish our orders). Our waitress was fine and refilled our drinks when we asked, but we had to wave her to our table multiple times. The staff would sit in the main area on a bench, looking at their phones, drinking bubble teas, chatting; we waited nearly 10 minutes after finishing each plate before they would be cleared and we could order our next round of food. I have worked in the food industry and absolutely believe staff should have a chance to rest their feet and grab some water, but they need to pay attention to their customers or at least not sit in view of the dining area. When we were paying the check, a busser was reaching under my arm to try and clean the table…?

The food… was ok. Not what I expected for a restaurant with 4.7 stars. Food was served quickly which is appreciated. Sushi rolls were decent but the avocado slices all had brown spots and the rice was too warm so it all fell apart. Sashimi cuts were different shapes and sizes and laid on old, slimy lettuce garnish. The appetizers honestly were to best part; very freshly cooked.

The bathrooms were about 80 degrees warm, out of paper towels, and smelled like they hadn’t been cleaned in a while.

Overall not worth $100, very upset with our night, and will not be going back. When we called the next day to make a complaint the floor manager looked into refunding us 50%...

After watching many clips on IG we were so psyched . Seeing bumble bee confirmed we arrived .

Seeing few groups waiting outside and knew there will be a long wait . Got inside and found out would be 1.5hr wait . We decided to stay and luckily didn't wait all that long . I believe quite a few groups left before us so we waited only 30mins.

Being seated in the extended well LITTED area .. seem like a different vibe than the main part of the restaurant.

Before coming here I made a game plan on what I'm going to order to get my money's worth . My first order I max out my 20pc order for myself. Whenever receiving order found few things on the plate that I didn't order.. I didn't think it was a big deal . What was a big deal was I wanted sashimi and not nigiri. This for sure ruined my game plan since I didn't want to waste food . Definitely was full a lot faster than expected. Ordered round 2 and also received sushi that I never ordered . Table next to us had the same issue . Seems like waitress doesn't care about her job at all. She really ruined our experience. From the demeanor to inaccurate orders .

Here is big reason why 1 star for the food. Finding a big bone right before biting into the piece. Luckily caught it in time before chewing on it . This is a HUGE safety hazard! Many kids are dining in and what if they ingest it. I have had sushi all my life and never had this .

Temperature of the food also make things not as appetizing. Soups were lukewarm sashimi were warm .

Fried ice cream tempura - needs a name change to fried vanilla cream tempura. When cutting into it there was no "ice" cream inside . Just warm vanilla soup

Service - like I said above .. waitress looked emotionless and just not wanting to be there . Hate to really call someone out like this . At the end we ordered desserts and we repeated twice what we wanted . Still only half the ordered came. When asked she said it's on the way while pushing buttons on her machine like she forgot. At least a apology that it didn't get enter in correctly would be nice .

Atmosphere- lights on the pillars are so bright started to have a headache . Table next to us felt the same way . It is way too bright and also so different than the main part of the restaurant. Main part is more...