W & Z Asian bistro & sushi bar — Restaurant in Payson

REVIEW OF SUSHI BAR PICK UP ORDER ONLY

I called WZ Asian Bistro to order from the sushi bar for pick up. I had never seen a menu and, after some discussion about the available dishes with the person who answered the phone, I ordered the Deluxe Sashimi Combo ($32). The only option was salad or miso soup (I chose the soup), so I’m not really sure to what “Combo” refers.

My order was ready to go in only 15 minutes. The pick up process was quick and easy. While I was in the restaurant, I noticed that the staff were all correctly wearing Face Coverings and the host was attempting to seat customers at a decent distance from each other.

When I got home, I realized that they had packaged the hot miso soup with the cold fish. I suggest opting for the salad in pick up orders from the sushi bar.

The portion of miso soup was generous, but the portion of the fish was not. In fact, it didn’t even look like sashimi. The fish was all diced up, included surimi (imitation crabmeat) salad, wakame (seaweed salad) and sliced avocado, and was served over sushi rice like chirashi (sushi bowl). I actually said, “That’s more like a mainland-style pokē bowl than sashimi.” As a pokē bowl, it was acceptable. While the portion was smaller than expected, it tasted good. I’m much less price-sensitive than most people when it comes to food, but it was definitely not worth $32.

I was about to write a somewhat negative review, when I looked at the menu and realized that I had, in fact, received a Deluxe Poke Bowl ($18.95), instead of the Deluxe Sashimi Combo that I had ordered and for which I was charged.

When I called WZ Asian Bistro to tell them about the mix-up, the person who answered the phone offered to remake my order correctly. I accepted the offer.

It was ready to go within 25 minutes. When I picked it up, I apologized for not recognizing that I had been given the wrong dish before eating it, but was told, “No need to apologize. It was our mistake.”

This time, I definitely received a Deluxe Sashimi Combo. Although the fish was cut into relatively small pieces, the quality was acceptable.

Whether the Deluxe Sashimi Combo is worth the price is debatable. However, given that WZ Asian Bistro is in the mountains of the Tonto National Forest, I’m glad that it gives me an acceptable option to satisfy any cravings for sushi.

If my order has been filled correctly the first time, I would have given WZ Asian Bistro three stars for the Deluxe Sashimi Combo. However, the gracious correction of the error deserves an extra star...

Worst service in town. Wife and I went in to have dinner and to try the place out. We were quickly seated and immediately asked what we wanted to drink…. I don’t know I just sat down. So I ordered a draft beer and a water. About 5 mins later our drinks came out. We watch as others tables we seated close to us. I took a few sips of my beer and it tasted off, coors light. A few mins later we ordered our food. As we sat waiting for about 10- 15 mins we were looking around and noticed others sat after us were getting their food. So I waited and nursed my beer, I look at the glass and there was something stuck to the inside of it. Told our server and she tried tell me it was something outside of the glass. That clearly wasn’t the case and she removed it from our bill. Another 10-15 mins passed and finally I’m getting concerned about getting served. So I asked the server if our food order had been placed and she went to go check….10 mins later still no food! I’ve had it. We walked up to the hostess desk to offer to pay for my wife’s drink, wouldn’t you know THERE WAS NO TICKET FOR OUR TABLE, NO FOOD WAS ORDERED.

45 mins there and will never go back. No manager came out to talk to us, no offer to get our food right away, no nothing. Our family and friends have been warned...

It was my first visit and I have to say that the idea of quality Sushi in Payson is a little daunting... But what a pleasant surprise! Had the WZ Roll which is one of their featured, but also most expensive -- but wow! What a fusion of flavors. The Las Vegas roll was among the best I've had as well (and I cherish my Las Vegas Rolls). Prices were reasonable for a nicer sit-down; and, if you don't like Sushi -- they have an impressive assortment of Eastern & Asian fare. The full assortment of Chinese and Thai dishes had us contemplating one of everything on the menu. The servers were friendly, prompt, and attentive. Although we ordered 6 sushi rolls, they were delivered to the table quickly; and our appetizer (pork dumplings) and chinese plate were even faster. I wouldn't necessarily recommend the appetizer, it was a little salty and a little dry (but that could change with the day), but overall the experience was a very good one. Definitely a great date spot for lunch or dinner as the interior is well designed and classy with just enough light to enjoy some ambiance without sitting in the dark. Oh, and we saw the Orange Chicken being set on another table as we departed, definitely looked and smelled worth...