Hokkaido Sushi restaurant BOWLS & ROLLS — Restaurant in Michigan City

While the service was great and the atmosphere was casual but well themed? (The operators of the establishment are not Japanese American - but certainly made great choices in wall art.)

I stopped in for lunch and ordered only for myself.

As an appetizer I had the Shrimp Tempura. Which while decently priced, definitely had some less than ideal characteristics. The vegetables seemed to be panko breaded, but the shrimp pieces were breaded with much finer almost US-style breading - almost like they were pre-made/manufactured shrimp tempura pieces. The tempura sauce itself was a bit saltier than I prefer, but definitely passable.

Now, the most important part of my review - for a Sushi and Sashimi restaurant - the fish? The fish presented on their Sashimi platter was lacking in proper serving size for the price charged.

$28.95 for the Sashimi platter is over priced for the really thinly sliced pieces of fish.

Many of the pieces were wedge shaped with the thickest part of the fish being 2/8" thick going down to 1/8" (some pieces were even thinner at their thinnest parts because they were wedge cuts not slabs).

Now in their defense, I'd rate the fish quality a solid 7/10 compared to other inland US Sushi restaurants and a 6/10 compared to Sushi in California (SF, LA, SD) or New York city. For longtime US sushi fans, the fish quality is certainly comparable to the Sushi and Sashimi that you would find (on a good day) at (the now defunct) Todai buffets like the ones in California, Las Vegas, and even in Chicago (Schaumburg).

The kicker was the automatic/mandatory 18% "gratuity" added onto the bill. This was not made known to me on the menu nor on any noticeable signage anywhere in the restaurant.

If they made their Sashimi cuts well just MORE in terms of volume/amount per slice? Then the price would be more fair.

But to have these really thin slices at that price, oddly breaded Tempura, and then make gratuity mandatory?

That garners a 2 star rating and makes you wonder what else are they are (literally) cutting corners on?

If you want a referenceable Sushi restaurant for comparison in NWI? I'd recommend Kitaro in Munster, IN - but expect to pay $15 more for a comparable Sashimi platter. They have excellent fish quality and make their slices of Sashimi more reasonably sized for...

At Michigan City's beloved Hokkaido Japanese Restaurant, a rare event unfolded—a limited-time All You Can Eat sushi special. This fleeting opportunity was a dream for those of us who revel in the art of sushi. It was a weekend of abundance, a special that might grace us once or may never again.

Hokkaido rose to the occasion, balancing the delicate equation of quantity with quality. The conditions for the All You Can Eat special were straightforward, avoiding any cumbersome restrictions while maintaining a price that felt more than fair. It's a delicate dance for a restaurant to perform, but Hokkaido did it with grace.

What stood out most was not just the chance to eat to our hearts’ content but the undiminished quality of what we were served. Each sushi roll and each appetizer arrived fresh and was presented with the care of a regular menu item. The rolls were crafted with expertise, and the ingredients shone fresh and vibrant on the plate.

The diversity of the menu was delightful. With an array of rolls and appetizers to choose from, each round brought a new taste adventure. We navigated through the offerings, exploring a culinary landscape that was as delicious as it was vast.

By the meal's end, the feeling of contentment was undeniable. My partner and I left Hokkaido not just full but fulfilled, having savored a wide spectrum of flavors that the special allowed us to explore. It's rare to encounter an All You Can Eat special that leaves you impressed by both the quantity and the high standard of each dish.

This All You Can Eat special was a moment in time, a weekend that those who experienced it will not soon forget. For those who missed out, one can only hope that Hokkaido might one day offer this extraordinary special again. But if not, it remains a testament to their commitment to quality and generosity—a memory to be cherished by the lucky ones who were there to enjoy it. If Hokkaido ever decides to revisit this special, make it a priority to attend—you'll want to immerse yourself in every flavor, every roll, every...

Food: 5/5 (Food is memorable!) Service: 5/5 (Love the hospitality) Atmosphere: 5/5 (Vibe surrounded by culture)

You don't know how much you miss something until you don't have it. Sushi is so close to my heart. Hokkaido Sushi Restaurant gave me a piece of home aftet trying their delicious food. Located in Michigan City, Indiana, Hokkaido Sushi Restaurant is off the chain! Grateful for the experience.

The food was magnificent, magical, and memorable. The smells, sounds, and taste stand out in this restaurant. Although I didn't care for the miso soup, as I would prefer more tufo and herbs, the broth wasn't bad. However, the sushi was extremely good! From the presentation to the sauces to the first bite to the last bite, I was absolutely impressed. I also got excited about Hokkaido Sushi Restaurant having a secret menu. I look forward to eating from that in the future.

The service was incredible. We were served by youth and were impressed by how well he spoke, served, and carried himself. Our water cups stayed full, and we were treated nicely!

The atmosphere was full of rich culture and love. I love how Hokkaido Sushi Restaurant embraced the Asian culture and how the food reflected that culture. The decor was awesome, the restaurant was clean, and the vibe was on point.

Everything was awesome! Hokkaido Sushi Restaurant had me at hello! I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and can't say enough how good the sushi is. With a full heart and belly, thanks, Hokkaido...