Fuji Restaurant and Bar — Restaurant in Boulder

We recently visited Fuji Restaurant in Boulder, hoping to enjoy some of the familiar Japanese dishes we've loved in the past. Unfortunately, we were surprised to find that the restaurant is now under new ownership, and the menu has changed significantly.

While the new Nepalese-inspired offerings may appeal to some, they are quite different from the traditional Japanese fare we were expecting. The nostalgic flavors and familiar dishes that made Fuji a favorite for us are no longer part of the experience.

One notable change worth mentioning is the rice balls — the recipe has been altered, and they're not the same as they used to be. It would be helpful if customers were made more aware of the shift in cuisine and style, especially for those returning expecting the original Fuji menu.

Overall, while the new direction may attract a different crowd, it wasn't quite what we were looking for this time.

We ordered the onigiri set. The forbidden rice used for the onigiri is a change but it definitely needs to be seasoned as it is really thick and can be dry. As for the fillings, I was surprised that it was smoked salmon used. Fillings were ok but not packed like it used to be. Stick with the traditional: tuna Mayo, cod roe, and unagi were fine. Sets now come with miso...

Ordered a bunch of food with our Groupon. The onigiri I ordered were unagi and mentaiko. I received the mentaiko with umeboshi on top on the right here; the mentaiko was filled with umeboshi. I was hungry and it was busy in the restaurant so I just ate it as it was. The rice was a nice texture but could have used some salt. My friend got the momo soup and wasn’t aware that it would have a curry flavor. The momo were also a bit doughy and thick for my taste. I also ordered the chicken curry which I was surprised that it was served on a plate as opposed to a bowl since it was a bit loose of a sauce. I was expecting Japanese curry but this was more of a Nepalese curry I suppose? It also came with a couple of stalks of broccoli which weirdly were cold at the ends. We also ordered the chilled tofu. I have had this dish at many places and this was probably the weirdest version I’ve had. The sauce was served on the side which I can understand not wanting the bonito flakes to get all soggy but then there was two huge dollops of grated ginger on top as well. No scallions or anything included either, pretty underwhelming. Stopped in because of the groupon, wouldn’t come back if I were in...

We found our new favorite restaurant in Boulder! And considering there are so many wonderful places to eat here that's saying a lot! I love everything about this restaurant. It appears to be a family owned establishment and everyone who works there is so friendly! The unfussy decor invites lounging as there are books you are welcomed to read on a shelf plus they readily give you their wifi password. There's a variety of fresh healthy options as well as beverages offered from lemonade to matcha tea to alcoholic beverages. Everything I've ever ordered from there tastes amazing and the menu is shockingly affordable. I don't know what's in their homemade hot sauce but it's positively addicting. I daydream about it sometimes. Seriously! Update: I dropped a star because 1) they close at 7:30 pm. I’d eat there more but they’re closed whenever I think of going there! 2) it is crazy hot and stuffy in there. Today it looked like there was actually repairs being made to the thermostat. Also I’ve been there on other days in the late afternoon. The restaurant faces west and there’s no open windows or ventilation. It doesn’t encourage hanging out when...