Samurai — Restaurant in Mill Valley

I went on a first date at this establishment last week. I drove about an hour to get to the restaurant, and IT WAS TOTALLY WORTH the drive! Parking was ample, right outside the restaurant. We didn't realize they accepted reservations, so we were walk-ins. We waited about 30 minutes to be seated on what was obviously a very busy Friday, and we were pleased at the short wait time. Staff is super friendly and engaging. Very knowledgeable about the menu. We sat at the sushi bar and had a few enjoyable and informative conversations with one of the sushi masters who had been making sushi for over 20 years. Our food was simply divine! I had the salmon mustard salad.....which was TO DIE FOR! We also had the Lion King roll.....PHENOMENAL! We ordered more, and everything that we shoved into our hungry mugs was DELECTABLE! You will be truly thrilled after a visit to this restaurant. You will leave wanting to come...

My husband and I have been going to this place several times since our first date, (many years ago) and I always forget to write a review. The food here is always fresh and amazing. People are welcoming and kind from the moment we enter to the end. Service is great, servers are nice and discreet, polite and knowledgeable. They offer Great quality and selection of seafood, Delicious and clean flavors. Delicious appetizers, miso soup, mixed tempura, vegetable gyoza, seaweed salad, edamame, sushi, sashimi, rolls and even the warm dishes, like the baked eggplant are very good. We love to seat at the bar and have our small corner. We order everything on the menu. And we never get disappointed! A carafe of sake 🍶 a saporo beer and the tempura ice cream. It’s always a perfect balanced meal. We feel satisfied and happy even in the worst day. I can’t ever say good enough of this place....

Take out orders beware! We have been loyal customers of Samauri for 15 years, eating there once a week on a regular basis. Even through the pandemic, staffing challenges, long wait times, inflation price increases, we were there. On our visit this week, I noticed the bill was higher than normal (we order the same thing each week), so I asked for the itemized receipt. Lo and behold there was a $10.40 charge for takeout. We asked what the charge was for and they said… the paper containers. Wait, what? You mean the paper container that cost you maybe .30 cents? As a reasonable human being, and loyal patron, I’m willing to put up with a lot, but this was the straw that broke the camels back. I’m sorry Samurai, but you’ve grossly miscalculated this one. We will not be returning, nor will I be recommending you anymore. Price gouging...