Wabi-Sabi — Restaurant in Petersburg

We went on a Saturday night at 630pm. The place was mostly empty. We only had an hour, so we didn't have time for our normal sushi experience (several rounds of rolls to sample the menu), but we had heard great things, so I wanted to give it a chance while we were on that side of town. Unfortunately, this place was hyped up that my expectations were that Wabi Sabi was going to be on point.

To get an idea of the quality of their fish, I asked for a sashimi appetizer. The waiter let me know that they didn't have one. No big deal. I asked if he could get a recommendation from the chef. After all, who knows the quality of fish better? The waiter came back to let us know that the chef doesn't have a recommendation on sashimi (should have been a red flag) but we went with the waiters recommendation of the basics: tuna and salmon, along with an eel roll. The couple with us ordered an alligator roll and crab dip.

Despite several visible chefs working, and the restaurant being mostly empty, our appetizers didn't arrive for 45 minutes. This is only relevant because of our time crunch. Seemed way too long to prep such a small order, but not too terribly bad. I asked for the check before our food arrived, because I knew we were low on time and didn't want to risk being late.

The sashimi was served BEAUTIFULLY. The tuna was presented as a rose, with the salmon plated to complement. The cuts were thinner than I expected for sashimi, but again, no big deal. The tuna was decent, but didn't match the quality I had been told to expect. The salmon was limp and tasted like it was bought at a supermarket a day or two before. I'm not suggesting that's what they did, but that was the flavor and aroma that it had. The eel roll also disappointed, as it was a pricier roll without the draping cut of juicy eel you would expect across the top. Instead, there was an undersized portion of eel inside the roll, and the rice was undercooked and had a firmness that you wouldn't want.

Our friend with the alligator roll enjoyed it. Our friend with the crab dip said it tasted like she was served warm seasoned cream cheese, and that there was no crab flavor.

When the served brought back my card, I did my best to mask my disappointment, but he could tell that I wasn't pleased with what we had been served. I didn't ask him to fix anything nor did I want to speak to a manager. We were in a rush and needed to go. However, as we were standing to leave, a manager walked up and wanted to talk about our experience. We didn't have time, as we were actively trying to leave. Admittedly, I was short on words because I wasn't trying to have a conversation, however she seemed to take offense at me not wanting to discuss the issue. We paid our tab and made our way out, but not before the manager sarcastically called out to us "Come back and see us again."

Ironically, that manager ended up attending the event that we were going to after dinner. The enormous eye roll she decided to throw our way is the only reason I'm taking the time to voice my dissatisfaction.

I'm sorry that you didn't get the explanation you wanted about the lackluster food we received, but we aren't obligated to talk to you about it just because you ask. We didn't ask to talk to a manager. The sarcastic callout and the eye roll later that evening were completely uncalled for. You mad about something? Act like an adult. You deserve only 1 star in service for the way that you acted, but our waiter did a fine job and doesn't deserve to be dragged. For a restaurant with a great reputation, this was the opposite experience that I would...

A Culinary Gem in Olde Town Petersburg

Nestled in the historic charm of Olde Town Petersburg, Wabi-Sabi is a culinary gem that masterfully fuses the delightful flavors of calamari and the artistry of sushi. As a seasoned food enthusiast, my recent dining experience at Wabi-Sabi left me enthralled and eager to return.

The moment I stepped into Wabi-Sabi, I was greeted by a welcoming ambiance that beautifully reflects the spirit of Olde Town Petersburg. The restaurant's tasteful decor, with subtle nods to Japanese culture, creates an inviting and relaxed atmosphere that sets the stage for an exceptional dining experience.

My culinary journey began with the calamari appetizer, and it was an absolute revelation. The calamari was impeccably cooked to perfection - tender on the inside and delicately crispy on the outside. The flavors were thoughtfully balanced, allowing the natural taste of the calamari to shine, while the accompanying dipping sauce added a tangy zest that elevated the dish.

Next came the sushi, the crown jewel of Wabi-Sabi's menu. The sushi rolls were an exquisite work of culinary art. Each piece was a harmonious blend of fresh seafood, vibrant vegetables, and expertly seasoned rice, meticulously rolled and presented with precision. The chef's creativity in crafting unique flavor combinations was evident with every bite, making the sushi experience truly exceptional.

What impressed me most about Wabi-Sabi was the seamless integration of traditional Japanese techniques with the unique character of Olde Town Petersburg. The restaurant manages to strike the perfect balance between staying true to its Japanese roots while paying homage to the rich history and culture of its location.

The attentive and friendly staff at Wabi-Sabi enhanced the overall dining experience. Their knowledge of the menu and willingness to accommodate individual preferences made me feel valued as a guest, ensuring that I had a memorable time throughout my meal.

Wabi-Sabi is not just a restaurant; it's a culinary journey that celebrates the harmony of flavors and the joy of discovering new tastes. The attention to detail and the commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients further cement Wabi-Sabi as a must-visit destination for both calamari enthusiasts and sushi aficionados alike.

In conclusion, my visit to Wabi-Sabi in Olde Town Petersburg was an absolute delight. From the impeccably prepared calamari to the exquisite sushi rolls, every aspect of the dining experience was a testament to the restaurant's commitment to excellence. If you find yourself in Olde Town Petersburg and are seeking a remarkable dining experience that beautifully blends the flavors of calamari and the artistry of sushi, look no further than Wabi-Sabi. Prepare to be transported by the culinary journey that awaits you, and leave with cherished memories of a truly...

I go to Wabi Sabi for their lamp chops just about everytime I take a trip to Colonial Heights. Last night was no different. We decided to dine in this time, which I’m thankful for nonetheless. We ordered an appetizer (calamari) and my boyfriend ordered a basket of pita bread. I also swapped out the rice with my entree for a salad. The waitress was not only rude and obnoxious (she was a pregnant lady so I’ll blame that on hormones) waited until our entrees were done until she brought our appetizers and my salad out. I had a three or four peices of the calamari, which were barely deep fried, by the way and soggy on the bottom due to laying on what looked like wet peperoncini’s. I took one bite of my lamb chop before I noticed long black hair on it which looked like it had been cooked with the hair because the hair looked crispy. I notified our waitress and she immediately got in defense mode stating she had no one with long hair prepping food, but yet I could clearly see both of the employees on the back line that were cooking had long hair and I hair nets. I lost appetite and did not eat any more. (Salad was half eaten and there was more than half of the calamari left). My boyfriend and I then noticed that there was hair on his lamb chops as well so I gave her his plate. She then brings over a ticket, and what baffles me is she refused to clear out the entire tab because I had already taken a couple of bites of my salad and eaten 4 pieces of the calamari (we had water so that was free). She also refused to cook fresh entrees for us after I asked her about it once she brought the tab to me. She still kept saying no one on the back line has long hair, which was a false statement. She was very rude and obnoxious. And clearly has poor customer service skills. I do not recommend this establishment and it’s evident that the new owners need to reevaluate their staff and possibly offer customer service training. Clearly collecting 17 dollars for a half eaten appetizer and a basket of pita bread is more important to them than customer satisfaction. At this point I wish I had taken photos of the food so I could post all over my social media accounts to let people know how...