Niko Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in Ellicott City

Update #2- Owner edited their original response to make it look like I’m out of pocket instead of actually reaching out. That is insane and clearly show where priorities lie.

Update- Owner can’t take criticism. I think if my review was fake, I wouldn’t be so specific. I was there with my whole family. My terrible experience at your establishment prompted me to leave a positive review for a much better restaurant that is leagues above you in food quality and service. A conscientious owner would have taken the time to reach out to see what went wrong as opposed to using that time to publicly dismiss a negative customer experience.

Original review-

Mid sushi at best. Some things are awful/not fresh. Teriyaki is gross. Spicy tuna roll is horrific and tastes mostly of mayonnaise. Service could be better. I was charged for food that was wrong and then charged again for the corrected item. The only good thing was the tempura. Which if I’m being honest was actually really awesome. So go for the tempura and nothing else. The atmosphere gives dental office...

We just love Niko. Back when I was in college, one of my classmates was a waitress here when they first opened! That was about 18 years ago. Many year's later I introduced my grad school class to their phenomenal lunch buffet. Niko's "Japanese Lasagna" sushi rolls got me through two pregnancies and grad school. When they closed up shop in Normandy Center, I cried ... many times. Until I discovered, about 2 years later, that they have reopened at the current location on Frederick Road and St. Johns' Lane. Same owners who feel like family after all these years. Now both my kids love going as much as my husband and I do. The new location is too small for the lunch buffet - but they said they are working on expanding into the space nextdoor ... so lunch buffet will come back. And in the meantime, I will just keep devouring...

I came to Niko Restuarant with my family, and we were greeted and felt very welcomed by Howard, the sushi chef/owner. The atmosphere of the restaurant is very peaceful with some decorations, and there is music softly playing in the background.

We were seated promptly, and the menu is very straight forward with two sides. There is a separate a la carte menu that you need to ask for that lists all the various special rolls and nigiri pieces. The prices are very reasonable for the sushi, and they also serve hot food for those who don't eat sushi.

The sushi taste very fresh, and I would highly recommend the Chirashi Sushi because it contains a good amount of variety with enough fish to serve one person. I will definitely be returning to Niko Restaurant whether it's dining in...