Sushi Ninja Brandon — Restaurant in Brandon

What have you guys DONE?! ┏༼ ◉ ╭╮ ◉༽┓

What used to be a very quiet, quaint, and private restaurant has now turned into what feels like a high school classroom. A very noisy atmosphere with very obnoxiously loud waitresses that don't seem to respect their customers when it comes to volume. We also felt rushed from the second we sat down. Very high wait time for simple tasks. It wasn't even the WEEKEND and I am saying this. I can't even imagine what it would be like on a Friday or Saturday.

Although the food was great! It really was. We waited what felt like FOREVER after eating for our check. It felt like a gossip center. Our waitress, who will not be named actually took my girlfriends food before she was even completely finished eating it, without even ASKING based on assumption. By the time we noticed she was long gone and we actually had a awkward laugh about the service, and didn't wish to stay any longer than we had to at that point. Therefore we did not make a fuss of it, but she already had google reviews open and I had to diffuse her from making the post while STILL in the restaurant.

Our waitress was very smug and short, with a quick response that felt automatic, She seemed to be trying way too hard to be "genuinely" nice. She had better things to do like socialize around the corner. We repeatedly heard conversations from the younger staff about things that shouldn't be spoken of at that volume, like interpersonal relationships or history of their lives and other miscellaneous nonsense. Save the chatter for when you're at home! We don't care to hear someone repeatedly babbling the name of another co worker to get their attention for things that aren't even work related halfway across the restaurant. At least turn your music volume down so these girls stop shouting! We could barely hear each other speak, whereas at the old restaurant, I actually felt the need to be quieter! I realize your establishment is far greater in size than the previous location, but that should be addressed ASAP. We really didn't care for it. Nobody wants to be exposed to a strangers personal life like that while they are trying to dine.

I used to be a huge fan of this restaurant. I repeatedly visited and spent my hard earned money countless times. I almost felt bad for the chef(s), because the newer staff has made me feel like this place has gone to hell. I tried to visit on my birthday last year and it was shut down for remodel so I waited for months (excited to check it out.) I noticed it was open and my girlfriend suggested we get sushi. Excitedly, I insisted it over all other restaurants because the food is that good and I was absolutely positively disappointed. I will say If you don't care for the change in atmosphere and/or loudness go for it! I would much rather take my business to Osaka or Yokohama, because at least I can hear myself think.

My suggestion to this establishment as a prior fan, ditch the modern vibe. This includes the electronic music (or at least the volume), the bright lighting, the waitresses with a maturity levels of high school teenagers, and make the atmosphere more authentic towards the food you are serving. (Unless that's what you're aiming for.) I don't even see the cool kabuki masks anymore. I used to love those and the atmosphere =(. I noticed of one waitress that worked before the remodel was on the floor and I was actually embarrassed to show my face. I'm glad she didn't serve me. Of all people, please don't blame her she's always been awesome. I didn't want her to recognize me to resist the temptation of mentioning just how disappointed I was. I will not be coming...

Sushi Ninja is one of my favorite sushi restaurants in the Brandon area. It's located in the Bloomingdale Square shopping center, and it's one of the few restaurants that has stayed in this plaza for many years. They moved to a larger space within the plaza and redesigned the interior a couple of years ago, which totally elevated the whole dining experience. It's so warm and inviting with lots of tropical décor. They have table, booth, and bar seating. They also have cocktails on the menu and not just your standard wine, beer, and saké.

I know, we have many great sushi restaurants in the Brandon/Riverview/Valrico area. They're all special in their own way. But this place is unique in that they also have boba milk teas and smoothies, as well as a build your own poke bowl menu. There's a huge variety of sushi rolls. Most of them are specialty rolls. There are a lot with cream cheese (if that's your thing). One of my favorite rolls is the Ninja Lobster Roll. It was pretty awesome! The baked cheesy lobster topping really takes it to the next level. The only negative to some people would be that the rolls are small, and maybe rolled more tightly than other sushi rolls I've had in the past. It's not a bad thing in my opinion. I hate when they roll them too big. I have many other favorite rolls. The New York Yankee, Rising Sun, and Dancing Eel rolls are some of my favorites. I've also had the eel, scallop special, and salmon nigiri which are always great. Oh, and I almost forgot about the appetizer. The TNT Mussels are so yummy. It has a nice mixture of Japanese mayo, wasabi, and masago. Very tasty! Everything tastes great.

I need to elaborate a little on the build your own poke and/or bibimbap bowl. The bowls are fresh and fantastic! I get the bowls with a salad base when I feel like eating healthy. They have so many great toppings. I never can pass up their house poke sauce. The bowl is perfect every time.

Service can be hit or miss sometimes. Mostly a hit. I continue to try different things. I still haven't tried their Korean dinner items yet, but I will in the near future. I'm sure they are just as great as...

The food was good, we ordered 6 rolls and the katsu fried chicken. My salad had 1/2 inch of water at the bottom of the bowl, it was iceberg lettuce and dressing, nothing to write home about. The chicken broth soup was as expected, and a perfect portion. The sushi was good 5 "specialty rolls, and 1 regular. What truly earned the 2 star rating, and 2 stars is Generous, was the overall state of the facility. We were sat down at a dirty, sticky table, I looked at the tables near me to move, but they were all dirty as well. I did not expect that at 4pm, well after lunch and before the dinner rush. I asked the server if it could be wiped down, and she rolled her eyes and used a wipe of some sort and did three swipes across the table, missing the worst area. She then disappeared for 10 or so minutes. Until I finally got up to go and get napkins to wipe the table. Another 5 minutes went by and she asked I'd we were ready to order, and we had yet to see a menu. She brought menus and didn't bring a pen. I went and found one. Then we selected our items and continued to wait. Until I went and found a staff member to turn in our menu. We normally get take out from another local sushi spot near Providence and Bloomingdale, and never spend half as much. The meal at Nija was close to $100, with no drinks, had the dinning experience been up to par, I'd say it was worth it, but due to the lack luster service and the unsanitary condition of the tables, I can not say it was worth it at all. It may have been a bad night, but in an industry as competitive as the Sushi business is, one would think they would be striving to provide service and an experience that would justify the cost of...