RA Sushi - Mesa — Restaurant in Mesa

Came here for bday meal because the place we really wanted had over an hour wait. Arrived, asked about the wait, was told about 10 minutes by a disinterested hostess. Asked if we could sit outside in which she answered that it would still be the same amount of time for the wait. I was fine with the wait time, I just thought it would be better so my toddler wouldn’t interrupt anyone else’s dinner as there was only one other table outside.

Sadie was our server- I found her name only by the receipt. She was super nice, however nice only gets you so far and one can only be called “my dear” so many times before it sounds condescending…and that is coming from a Southerner. We were greeted within a timely manner, waters brought for two of three of us- the third on “fell”. We order and we get informed that substituting 1 piece of fish for the shrimp that my guy is highly allergic to might be a couple extra dollars. Fine whatever, he is worth paying a couple dollars extra so we don’t have to visit the ER. Another guys brings our toddler his water another little bit later-however, it was only a cup and a straw-nothing in it. Around 10 minutes or so later, we get informed that our entrees were ready and would be out and then Sadie got confused when I gave her a look. She tried to school me again letting me know that the sushi bar gets backed up sometimes and so stuff out of the kitchen comes out quicker…. I get that but we hadn’t even received our apps yet. Few minutes later we get our appetizers and get told that those weren’t ours, it was another table with the EXACT SAME ORDER. Spent the entire visit letting them know everything that we were needing instead of being able to enjoy anything when it arrived. Basic things like napkins and something to eat with, water refills (only got to happen once and it wasn’t until toward the end of the visit). The mochi desserts took a long while to come out but instead of asking someone to run it or saying she forgot to order it she once again blamed the kitchen. They were pretty soft and melty by the time they hit the table.

The GM Luis did make two appearances asking how things were but instead of owing their shortcomings he made excuses saying that he was there to help and the servers weren’t used to having people on the patio. Did absolutely NOTHING at all to make me feel like a valued guest or try to actually remedy anything that happened. He was pretty useless and nothing more than a backwaiter. They couldn’t even get my bill correct and Sadie put the blame on Luis even though she should’ve looked at it before handing it to me. I have been out of the industry for a couple years now, but do remember that as a server, my tables should never have to ask for the bare necessities. And as a manager, guests should not be made to feel like they are just another ticket and it doesn’t matter if they get repeat business because they must have so many people going there that they can afford to lose any number of customers.

I will say that even the credit machine knew that a tip wasn’t earned, but I still left something because typically bussers and sushi chefs get tipped out based on sales. I also know another one of the servers told her table that she didn’t want or need to get the dirty dishes off the table when her guests were done because they had a busser tonight.

So many restaurants in the valley- you could probably get treated better at any of them. RA used to have great service and food that didn’t taste like it had been sitting for a while, but it seems that...

Okay, I am updating this review. It has been 2 years since we came back, even when offered something free after the last review. The food was amazing but more importantly was the service!!! MacKensey was so great!! She was attentive, was able to answer my questions, and always kept our waters full, just great!!! The manager Walt was so helpful and invited us back, which we will come back for, for sure. Especially for the Ra Ra Shrimp, what a flavor plus they have Toro that I can't seem to find anywhere that melts in your mouth. I am so glad we finally decided to come back, and I can't wait till our next visit!!!! Thank you Walt and MacKensey 😍

I am so disappointed in the service that I received last night. I have not come here because of the not so great reviews I get from family & friends, but they sent a birthday coupon, so my hubby and I decided to try.

First, the service at the bar was just awful. I am a bartender, and this bartender made us feel like we were bothering her being there. It took forever to just get acknowledged, then to get drinks and over 20 mins before she asked us what we wanted to eat. We asked for a fork 3 times while our food was sitting in front of us, and we finally had to ask a girl with short hair in a pink t-shirt for one.

Second, it took forever to get our food. My husband got is roll and then it took almost another 20 mins for my handroll and nigari. I ordered on the of $15 rolls as a handroll, and I got one handroll that barely had anything in it. I asked for sauces, and there were none in it and barely any of the fish.

The white peach Sangria was flavorful, but I don't any alcohol was actually in it. The only bright spot was my husband saying, "Let's get one more roll to share cause we are still so hungry." We got the Scallop Dynamite Roll and OMG it was amazing!!! The only reason this is getting any stars is because of this roll.

After my $20 coupon, we still had a $73 bill and were still so hungry. Our normal place is Sushi Brokers, and we will continue going there in the future. My mistake was trying somewhere new. I go there, spend $70, and leave full, I get a roll made into a Handroll, which is two of them stuffed with everything and so flavorful.

I am more disappointed in the service than anything and couldn't believe how she made us feel.

I will go back and get that one roll to go on occasion, or maybe see if Sushi Brokers can make...

I've been going to RA at various locations for well over 15 years. Usually, never anything to complain about. But last night, I have a lot to.

We were seated quickly (had a reservation). Waiter brought water and took our order in a normal amount of time. Then we sat. For 50 minutes!!! We ordered some Lobster Spring Rolls, these came out in about 20 minutes. They were OK. They basically had no taste. There was a tasteless sauce with them too. It was supposed have mango or something.

Then we sat and sat and waited and waited. Waiter came by now and then brought us some more water. We sat and waited.

They were busy, not slammed, not out the door busy. There were empty tables. There was at least 4 or 5 people behind the sushi bar making stuff. We saw plenty of wait and bus staff. This wasn't a staffing issue. Maybe a prioritization issue?

They finally brought out our first of 3 rolls after being there 50 minutes. They plopped it down and walked away, I didn't even know what it was. They didn't say. But I do know they left off the ginger and wasabi. Waiter came by a few minutes later. I said "hey how about the condiments?" Oh sorry, I'll be right back. Didn't see him for a good 5-10 minutes and we were done with the rolls by then

They bring out the rest, I don't know what they were because they didn't say either. We ate them. Personally, I didn't like either, my family liked them, so its ok. Next time I'll stick to the basics, fancy rolls try too hard!

We're now over 90 minutes and have just finished 3 rolls and some spring rolls. "You want anything else?" Sure how about some California Rolls. 25 minutes later they bring them out, no ginger or wasabi either, so I guess you now have to ask for it?

We got the check and got out of there.

If I wanted a European, 2+ hour dining experience, I would go to Europe. It shouldn't take 2 hours to get and consume 4 sushi rolls and an appetizer.

To add insult to injury, we signed up for their birthday club (ad on the table). To my surprise I got an email with a $10 off coupon right away! Great! Click Redeem Now. Nope, please wait 5 hours for your coupon. So it's a NON-DISCOUNT. Still don't have it the next day!

Going somewhere else next time. Lots of other places to drop $80 for 3 people without...