Mizuki A.Y.C.E. Sushi & Hibachi — Restaurant in Little Rock

We finally have an order style AYCE sushi place here in LR, and it impressed on the first visit!

We went in, got a table for 2, and immediately we were presented with the menu and the stipulations of the AYCE, and three rules stood out: -You cannot mix and match the AYCE and a la carte options within the table. Everyone gets one or the other. -You might be charged for uneaten pieces/portions. -There is a 2-hour time limit for the meal.

Now these are common rules for this style of restaurant, but not ones that local residents may be used to. We were planning on the AYCE anyways, so this was no problem with us.

Next, the food and the service: the food was great, decent non-sushi selection of appetizers and sides. I tried the Rangoon, Calamri, Takoyaki, and Edamame, and all came out hot and delicious. They also have a good selection of soups, fried rice/udon, and hibachi, all of which were pretty standard fare but prepared freshly when we ordered. The sushi and the rolls, however, were a bit more impressive, all made when we put the order in. The selection was pretty large, lots of common rolls and special/house/fried style rolls that are common around here. You can order quite a few at once and come out as full rolls, surprising as the non-sushi appetizers/entrees came out in smaller portions as expected. And keep in mind, you can order as much as you want so you’ll have no problem filling up.

Service was fantastic, our waiter was very attentive, and even though it was his second day working there he was able to answer all questions we had. For those worried about the time limit, the food was delivered very quickly. We hardly had to wait more than a few minutes between orders and our waiter was there every so often for refills and to see if we wanted to get something else.

On the property of the old Applebee’s out in West Little Rock, this is an easy to get to place with plenty of parking. All in all, this was a great first experience. It wasn’t super busy when we came in (perhaps because it’s a new place on a weekday), but there is plenty of seating for the weekend and when this place picks up wind. Adult AYCE was $29 each for dinner, and you have an option to +$5 if you want to have sashimi (fish only) as an option, which puts it slightly higher than its main competitor Tokyo up the street, but the style and presentation may be worth the extra to some. I for one will...

We accidentally came across this sushi place and decided to give it a try. To our delight, it didn’t disappoint us. It’s is a gem that promises an authentic sushi experience. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted by a warm ambiance, characterized by minimalist decor, soft lighting, and the gentle decor of traditional modern Japanese style. The atmosphere is both inviting and calming, making it the perfect spot for a casual dinner or a special occasion. The service at Sakura is impeccable. Our server was attentive without being intrusive, offering recommendations and ensuring our drinks were always topped off. The staff's knowledge of the menu was impressive, and they were eager to share insights about the different types of fish and preparations. It’s clear that customer satisfaction is a top priority here. Now, onto the star of the show: the sushi. The menu features a wide variety of options, from classic nigiri and sashimi to creative rolls that showcase seasonal ingredients. They have both “all you can eat” and Al a carte menus. We started with the sashimi platter, which was beautifully presented and included a selection of fresh tuna, salmon, and yellowtail. Each piece was melt-in-your-mouth tender, with a freshness that spoke to the quality of the ingredients.

For our main course, we ordered the Rainbow Roll and the Spicy Tuna Roll. The Rainbow Roll was a colorful masterpiece, topped with an assortment of fish that added both flavor and visual appeal. The Spicy Tuna Roll had just the right amount of kick, balanced perfectly with creamy avocado. The rice was perfectly seasoned and had the ideal texture—sticky enough to hold together but not overly dense. Outside of raw sushi, sashimi and rolls, they have a great selection of cooked and tempura rolls as well as other variations of cooked food.

This is a must-visit for sushi lovers and anyone looking to explore authentic Japanese cuisine. With its exceptional service, fresh ingredients, and inviting atmosphere, it’s a dining experience that leaves you eager to return. Whether you’re a sushi aficionado or a newcomer to the cuisine, this place offers something for everyone. I highly recommend making a reservation, as this place was getting pretty busy on...

Update 12/12/2024

Today I decided to treat my oldest to lunch out and the dine-in experience was much better. The server was very pleasant and patient.

AR Roll: perfection. Dumplings: Delicious House Soup: good but could use more onions Miso Soup: good Tempura Shrimp: still not my thing Shrimp Fried Rice: just not my thing. Still a little bland

The service was really good. I was pleasantly surprised by their attentiveness. The food comes out fast, but in no particular order. This did not bother us as we are snackers anyway. That leads me to my last statement -- I am not a big eater so the all you can eat didn't really appeal to me. However, I am glad we tried it because it gives you the chance to try new things. She tried several sushi variations listed above that were all to her liking.

I recently ordered a to-go meal that included Hibachi Shrimp, Tempura Vegetables, and Kids Fried Rice, and unfortunately, the experience was disappointing overall.

Hibachi Shrimp: The shrimp tasted like they were overcooked, with a strong charred flavor that overpowered any seasoning. It lacked the balance and tenderness you'd expect from hibachi shrimp.

Salad: The salad was drenched in a dressing that was more mayo than ginger. If you're a fan of light, refreshing ginger dressings, this one is a huge letdown.

Fried Rice: For something labeled as "fried rice," it was extremely bland. There was hardly any seasoning or flavor, making it feel more like plain rice than a true fried rice dish.

Soup: Sadly, the soup was the worst part of the meal. It was unappetizing enough that I tossed it after one taste.

The total cost for lunch came out to just over $28, which isn't terrible in today’s market. However, given that most of the meal was either underwhelming or downright unpleasant, it felt like a waste of money. While the price might seem reasonable, the lack of quality and flavor definitely doesn’t justify it. I wouldn't recommend this place for takeout based on...