Roku Sushi & Pho — Restaurant in Bargersville

Tried this place for the first time and it was good!

When we walked in, we were greeted by a friendly hostess who also happened to be our server. She allowed us to sit wherever we like. We chose a booth near the entrance. The first thing I noticed as I sat was that the seat had lost some of its cushion (I could feel the wood frame through it) - I am guessing the furniture is just old. I also noticed that the carpet all around the restaurant was very old and in bad shape, showing the traffic lanes between tables; it really needs to be replaced.

She promptly asked us for our drink orders. I got the Vietnamese iced coffee, and this was immediately a hit with me... perfectly sweet, perfectly strong, and served in a nice, big glass.

We both got sushi rolls and I also ordered some of the crab fried rice. The sushi was very good, and it came out super quickly. My roll was called the Rock & Roll, which was tempura battered and fried before being cut and served... it might be one of my favorite rolls ever, really impressive.

My fried rice came out before I was even finished with my sushi... the kitchen was on it! I consider myself a fried rice connoisseur, so I was prepared to really judge them on it (much like how fries can be a good barometer for an American restaurant, it is my opinion that fried rice can be that for east Asian restaurants). I finished my sushi before digging into the rice. From the first bite, I was really pleased with the flavor! The jasmine rice was still fragrant and very comforting. However, there were a couple things I did notice about it that could be better. This particular dish included pineapple, but I am fairly certain they used canned pineapples and didn't cook them at all; it would have been much better to grill fresh pineapple and toss that in. Also, the menu specified the dish was made with lump crab meat, but this was not the case... they used imitation crab (could tell by how it had the shredded texture). Now, to be fair, I did really enjoy the fried rice and I finished the whole thing - I even enjoy imitation crab; but if the menu specified lump crab meat, it should have been real crab.

So, we left full and happy. The sushi especially was really impressive and reasonably priced. There are some needed improvements as I suggested above... they really should update the furniture and flooring, and take to heart my feedback on the fried rice. But don't mistake my constructive criticism for bashing - it was an all-around good experience and we...

The atmosphere is relaxing and welcomes you in. The music is sweet and with a couple of people or even several groups would not overpower the conversation at a calm level. The sushimi is melt in your mouth perfect, tender and succulent. The rolls are amazing with crispy and decadent with sauces that compliment without over powering the delicate flavors of the fishes and other ingredients. You have a choice of jasmine as well as the general green tea proffered in most establishments. The seaweed salad is everything you want without any of the slime you find in most buffet bars. You MUST try a roku roll, but my favorite may just be the jalapeno roll. Bawi is a good hostess. Polite and professional making sure your needs are tended sufficiently. So with such an awesome review why the 4 stars? The 5th star is missing on the environment because this place is hot, wear light clothing or you will melt!. For the foods' lacking star i blame two things. Too much pepper and cilantro. The fact that eel is NOT available with the buffet is sad but can be purchased on the side. The ray of light is the size of the portions. They are totally worth it. I am excited to find Roku shuhi and pho and can't wait for the next food coma this place will put me in. Shushi showdown?? You bet!! And my bets are...

Lately, Roku has been hit or miss. Have been about 7-8 times, the start was really good, first couple of times the food was delicious and well prepared for the price. But over time has gotten very inconsistent. A few weeks ago, the order was lost for one in my party, and he had to sit there for 20-some minutes while everyone else had their food. I suppose it happens from time to time. Most recently, I took my family of 6 there and I ordered sashimi combo, and was served sushi. Since I had ordered a side of rice, I asked them to correct the order. They returned with a plate of hastily cut cubes of fish (and only 3 varieties) tossed on a plate of shredded lettuce. I was so disappointed, as part of the enjoyment of sashimi is the presentation. When I asked about it, the manager essentially shrugged, said she was sorry I didn’t like it, but basically too bad. I have never complained prior, and we always order appetizers, drinks and tip 20+%, so was surprised at her approach. So, we will be taking a break from...