Blue Samurai Sushi Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Kalispell

Last night I swung into this sushi place in Kalispell with a friend to eat a couple rolls of sushi (we’re from out of town but we come to Kalispell often)... we ended up sitting at the bar and talking to the chef... an hour passed and we had started talking about life, careers, family and goals with the same chef.... next thing you know, we glean that he’s the owner and begin talking about his other personal ventures around town... his kids... his life in Florida before Montana... his respect for the military because his family was military growing up.... then today, the same friend and I went to a new lunch place in town (again, new to us) and we walk in and there’s Tony (owner of Blue Samurai) with sandwich and coffee in hand... he goes on to tell us that it’s his wives cafe so we get to meet her and talk all about how business has been through Covid and she makes us this amazing Vietnamese/French baguette (banh mi) pork sandwich for lunch with Vietnamese coffee on the side.... then tonight we’re like “We have to go back!” because now we feel like it’s a sign from the universe... so we made dinner reservations for 5 PM at Blue Samurai for an Omakase (Chef’s Choice and completely worth every penny)... he fed us every amazing dish he could possibly make.... for two straight hours.... told us all about his sushi training under his master in Florida for 10 years and how good sushi is almost a religion... it’s about the experience. Tony taught us about his knives, his cuts, his rice and the textures... told us where each fish was from (flown in overnight) and where on a lot of the fish we were eating from... he had his chefs make salads, soups, fry us some of the dishes while he hand made most right in front of us... for two fantastic hours.... and we drank different Sakes along side our Sapporo... and we talked with him about traveling the world and eating at other restaurants and how he met his wife and how all his other ventures around town are about making a better world for his kids vs just making money.... and we left with such a glow... and his words resonate about how in most other places in the world you’d pay 4x as much for the same fish/experience, but he wants to bring people the joy because it’s not about the money... and we are so full, so happy.... and I’ll never forget Tony... there’s something so spiritual and simple about the experience. We connected in the fact that life is all about the good food. It’s the relationships you share and the people you hold dearest. I can’t wait to bring more people I hold dearest back to experience this same thing.... because I believe it’s what life...

I'm really bummed to write this review. This is the worst sushi we have ever had.

We came in, excited to try a new sushi restaurant, as we really missed sushi. We ordered the Calamari Appetizer and 3 rolls, Volcano, Salmon Lover and Crunch. Pretty standard rolls to find at any sushi restaurant. The calamari was okay at best and it only got that because the sauce covered up the weird taste. The rolls all showed up on one plate and were much smaller than what I anticipated, especially for the price. All of them had a gummy texture and tasted like stale, artificial cheese. There was a noticeable residue in your mouth long after eating it. YUCK!

Now, we are not the type to make a scene at a restaurant. We ate what we could, which was truly a struggle, but I just couldn't eat anymore without wanting to gag. We paid our bill and left. The second we got home, we both ran for the bathroom as we both had horrible GI upset.

I would never recommend this restaurant. I've had gas station sushi better than this.

We tried to call to speak with the manager, but they were closed and we left a message. Pending how they handle this situation, I may take back the one star rating, but for now, it perfectly expresses our experience.

UPDATE The manager called us back and after some discussion, agreed to refund our bill. He did his best to rectify the situation and I appreciated his efforts. We had also asked that he only refund our bill amount and not the tip we paid for the waitress since it wasn't her fault. He refunded the total amount and said he would cover the tip to ensure his employee was taken care of which I found quite respectable. Our opinion of the food still stands, but at least the place is managed by a decent human being that understood how we...

On my travels through the wilds of Montana—where the rivers roar, the mountains stand proud, and even a Samurai gets hungry—I stumbled upon Blue Samurai Sushi, tucked into downtown Kalispell.

Without a reservation (because, truly, who makes battle plans with sushi?), I stepped inside and declared my readiness to feast. The hostess paused, measured me with the seriousness of a duel, and said firmly: “You can sit at the sushi bar.” I glanced around—plenty of empty tables. But a Samurai does not argue over battlefield terrain. To the bar I went.

Once seated, the night unfolded like a well-paced kata. The menu offered a generous mix of cooked dishes and sushi creations. The sake list looked vast, though many leaned sweet and fruity. Fortunately, my server guided me toward drier options—an honorable assist.

Highlights of the meal? The Sumo Rolls (which stood tall and didn’t topple like clumsy giants) and the signature Blue Samurai Rolls—both decidedly umai (delicious).

A few observations from this wandering swordsman: A footrest at the sushi bar would save weary travelers from dangling their legs like apprentice ronin. A solid, medium-dry house sake by the glass would be a worthy addition—sometimes a Samurai seeks a sip, not a full 720ml campaign. And perhaps, when the restaurant has open tables, allow a lone diner to claim one. Even a Samurai enjoys space to spread out his chopsticks.

In the end, Blue Samurai Sushi delivered a satisfying slice of Japanese flavor in Big Sky country. If you find yourself in Kalispell and your warrior’s stomach growls, this is a worthy stop.

Arigatou,...