Maji Sushi has taken over the former Yutaka space.
If you’ve been to Yutaka before, the vibe will feel familiar—very little has changed in terms of the interior, aside from a few new figurines placed in the framed wall nook.
Living up to Yutaka’s reputation in the food department is a tall order. While I didn’t try anything from the dinner menu, here are my honest impressions:
I ordered the scallop bento, and unfortunately, it was underwhelming both in flavor and presentation. The scallops reminded me of something you’d get at a mall food court—not what I was hoping for. My friend ordered the sushi/sashimi bento, which I dubbed the “anemic bento.” While the cut of fish was thick, generous, and fresh, the overall presentation still lacked something.
However, things turned around when the owner brought us a complimentary plate of seared salmon sushi. It was delicious—perfect texture and flavor.
What truly stood out at Maji, especially compared to Yutaka, was the service. I’ve been to Yutaka countless times, and even back when the owner worked at Citizen, not once did I receive a greeting or even a smile. The only time he acknowledged me was when I brought a white guest. It was disheartening, especially considering we're both Asian.
In contrast, at Maji, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. The same kind lady who used to work there is still around—I gave her a big hug, and she lit up. Both the owner and manager greeted me and my friend with genuine hospitality.
Also worth noting: the miso soup wasn’t salty!
I’d love to see Maji Sushi succeed. It’s worth giving them a try—especially for the service and that seared...
Read moreMy other half was at the Stars game so I wandered down McKinney Ave — and I’m so glad I did. Maji Sushi was awesome and I can’t wait to go back.
Maji is a great neighborhood, laid back spot. The restaurant is small and uncomplicated with a menu that feels fairly similar. Unlike some of the chains that feature a Bible-sized menu full of rolls, it’s a digestible selection with everything you need… from simple to even a handful of deep fried options.
Beer, wine, sodas and sake — no full bar, which doesn’t bother me. House Pinot Grigio was great.
Where I feel like Maji truly shines is the sashimi. I personally ordered the tuna, salmon and scallop. You’ll see from my photo how thick the cuts were and the chef, who I believe might also be the owner, ended up giving me the bigeye tuna because “the color was gorgeous.” Indeed it was!
Super affordable, super fresh, and I’m super glad we’ve got this great, locally-owned spot in uptown....
Read moreIf you're in uptown and craving sushi, look no further than this gem of a restaurant. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with a warm, inviting atmosphere that sets the tone for an exceptional dining experience. 🤤☺️🍣
The menu is diverse, catering to both traditional and adventurous palates. My personal favorites were the Rainbow Roll and the Uni Sake Shooter. The Rainbow Roll was a delightful mix of fresh fish, perfectly balanced with creamy avocado and crisp cucumber. Each bite was a symphony of flavors and textures.
The Uni Sake Shooter was an experience in itself. The briny, creamy sea urchin paired with smooth sake was an umami bomb that left a lasting impression.
Service was impeccable, with attentive staff who are knowledgeable about the menu and eager to make recommendations. The ambiance, coupled with top-notch sushi, makes this place a must-visit. Highly recommended for any...
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