Miyazaki — Restaurant in Murray

Like most fine dining establishments, Dining at Miyazaki Japanese Restaurant at Fashion Place Mall wasn’t just a meal, it was an experience. I read some reviews saying their staff needed better training and I’m happy to report that with our experience, I think the owners definitely took the constructive criticism to heart and remedied it. I came in with understanding that they’re a new establishement, and gave them room for improvement - however, they didn’t really need that room. I had to move my reservation twice due to errands running me behind, but the front desk staff did their very best to accommodate me on a Saturday evening. Once seated, our server was extremely attentive and helpful guiding us through the menu. I let her know that we’re celebrating a special occasion and the bar manager also met us and recommended a couple of things from the drink menu.

I love love love the fact that even their non-alcoholic menu was creative and delicious. We ordered the Hibiscus Pop & Shuriken. Both highly recommended. We were then educated about the true source and value of real wasabi. Real wasabi is a rare occurrence even if you’re in Japan. So this was something I knew I wouldn’t spare on. The owner knowing I am a fan of spicy 🌶 food, also gave me a sample of Indonesian chili. So good 👌🏼.

We ordered the Japanese A5 New York Strip, Domestic Wagyu Sirloin, Hayao Roll, Salmon Lemonade Roll, Miyazaki Roll, Golden State Roll & Chutoro Sashimi. Hayao & Miyazaki are my personal favorites, the sashimi was everything I expected it to be - thick, buttery, fatty, fresh. You can really tell what sets Miyazaki apart with the sashimi simply because you can’t hide behind anything that’s uncooked and unseasoned.

I didn’t get to sample the domestic Wagyu, but the Japanese A5 New York Strip is worth every penny. Perfectly crisp on the outside, very balanced and light with the seasoning, and a wonderful medium rare inside that wasn’t bleeding when cut through - we savored every bite and ate it slow.

My suggestion before dining at Miyazaki - look through the menu and pictures online from reviews, but be understanding that some of the ingredients might not be available because they import so many things from Japan, New Zealand etc. Make a reservation and talk to your server about preferences and have an opened mind with their recommendations. Last but not least - don’t ditch desserts. My favorite was the Black Sesame Crème. 🤤

This restaurant is definitely on the higher end of the price scale - but for many many many good reasons. You can tell there are intentions and integrity of serving highest standard seafood and food a landlocked state can ask for. Thanks for reading this post and Im looking forward to our next visit. If there’s a MUST TRY for you at Miyazaki that I didn’t list, I’d...

Miyazaki has me torn... I made reservations for 7:00PM on open table, arrived at 6:45, and we didn't get sat until 7:25, and we were held back because of bigger tables arriving for 7:15 reservations. Waiting area is fine, and a very cool vibe with a fire wall, couches, and a TV showing Japanese food being prepared.

We sat down, and we were immediately told that if we ordered fresh sushi, it would be at least 30 minutes, which would have been fine, but it felt like we were being encourage NOT to order sushi. We were rushed to order, which we ordered drinks, a "Pink and Tonic" off of their cocktail menu, and an Amoretto Sour. We also ordered Gyoza as an appetizer. I ordered the Kenkotdu ramen, and my date ordered the Katsu chicken Don bowl, as well as tako nigiri. (The online menu is not up to date, and doesn't show current offerings, or current higher prices. Weird for a restaurant open only 3 months)

Gyozo was fantastic, and arrived in about 8 minutes. Appetizer plate was removed quick, but we didn't see or here anything more than our water being filled for 25+ minutes after that. Our food arrived, still no drinks (possibly forgot by the look when I asked about them?). Food was fantastic, though the ramen was a smaller portion than even lower tier ramen places would have, at a lower price. Finally our drinks arrived. Presentation of drinks was great. Drinks were amazing and flavorful, though I am not sure the witchcraft and added ingredients that were in the Amoretto Sour. We didn't get asked how our meal was. I finished the ramen, and she needed a box for the Don bowl. Next we heard was our waitress dropping off the check, and as an afterthought offering dessert, which again the online menu shows 5-6 options, but when asked, she mentioned 2 strange sounding cakes, and no explanation, rushing us out.

The bill for appetizer, 2 drinks, 2 entrees, and the nigiri was $88.11 ($103 with tip). Price seems completely reasonable with the atmosphere and quality.

We were there from 6:45-nearly 9, but the entire experience felt rushed, and like we were led what to order. 4/5 for price and quality. Hopefully the other...

I was excited to try Miyazaki from rave reviews my parents had given me. Unfortunately, we must have visited on an off night as our experience was not great.

The wagyu burger was great and is something I would consider ordering again. I also enjoyed the calamari that came with a delicious dipping sauce and gyoza which was fine.

The sushi combo is where things began to unravel. When ordering, we were told the chef's special might take 15-20 minutes which we agreed was okay. However, we ended up waiting 40+ minutes with no clue on its status. Dexter, who was great, came out about 25 minutes after we ordered to grind the fresh wasabi in front of us and even paused to ask why we ordered it as the rest of our meal did not look like it would go with it. Our waitress came around a few times to say she would check on the sushi, but it was the 4th time when she said she would "911 it" and it came out shortly after that. Excited to finally try the sushi, we were disappointed to discover that 5 of the 6 pieces of nigiri we tried had undercooked rice to the point we didn't bother with the 6th. The rolls were good and I think I only encountered one piece with hard rice. I reported what had happened to our waitress and she said she would let the chefs know then asked if we wanted the check.

The service started off wonderful, but sadly became laughably poor near the end. When our sushi had finally arrived, I asked for a refill on my water. During the refill, she accidentally spilled an almost plate sized puddle on the end of our table for which she immediately apologized. I get it, accidents happen. Then she walked off to check on the next table and I assumed she would be back shortly to wipe up the spill. The puddle stayed for the rest of our meal.

I'm hopeful that whatever happened to result in our experience can be ironed out so others have a better time. I am rooting for the success of more Japanese offerings in the area, but it might be awhile before I consider...