Biwako Sushi — Restaurant in Saline

Update 6.21.25

Biwako is no longer THE sushi restaurant per my previous review. We discovered today that Andrew no longer owns this business, and it was sold at the end of 2024. My family are creatures of habit when we find dishes that we like from restaurants so we tend to order the same things. Today, we ordered our favorite sushi rolls and knew immediately that something was different. The rolls looked similar enough, but as soon as we tasted them, we knew something wasn't right. It seems that the new owner is still using the old menu and the basic recipes, but changes have been made somewhere because the food isn't the same. Perhaps they're using a different food supplier. Maybe they decided to put their own spin on the recipes. I don't know. They now own the restaurant, so they're entitled to make changes as they see fit. However, it's not the same. We've been eating at Biwako since they first opened. We've been coming here for this food, these rolls, for almost 20 years, so it's really difficult for us not to compare the food. The food we received today wasn't horrible, but it was different enough that we won't be returning. It saddens us after frequenting this restaurant for so many years, but it was evident today that our Biwako is gone, and it's time to find a new favorite sushi restaurant. We didn't know it was under new ownership when we stopped for take out today, so let our experience warn others who aren't aware.

Biwako is "THE" sushi restaurant, no others exist. Sure, you can find a plethora in the area these days but none compare to this one. The hubs and I have been coming here since they first opened and have been faithful ever since. Not to say we haven't deviated a few times while on vacation but we always end up comparing the food to Biwako's and have learned that it never measures up. So why bother? We often get take out but I do suggest dining in at least once so you can try their miso soup and the salad they serve. I recommend trying the wasabi dressing as I'm not a fan of ginger. We tend to order the same rolls repeatedly but I can't imagine any of their food is bad. So if you're craving sushi and want to try the best place around, I recommend the spicy Cali (my kid's favorite!), the crunch n' munch, the caterpillar, and the Andrew's special. A big "Thank You!" to Andrew, the owner, for taking such good care of us over the years and maintaining such a fine establishment. We hope you're in business for...

I had to post an update- I recently went here with my bf and neighbors. We had the best bikawa night ever! We ordered the deal for 4 people, which has you pick 4 special bikawa rolls and 4 rolls- and comes with salad, soup, free dessert and a free appetizer. (We had gyoza and it was amazing)

we ordered;

1 Ferrari 2 Las Vegas 1 Sweet Dragon 1 July (the one w/ strawberry) 1 September 1 New Michigan 1 black jack 1 TNT

Lemmie tell you- OMG was it good. The owner took care of us personally- and the food was AMAZING.

Pretty much the entire table agreed- the rolls were more or less in this order of fantastic-ness...

1.) September 0...My... Goodness. 2.) Ferrari tied with Las vegas. VERY similar, but ferrari bigger and with more in it. 3.) black Jack and New Michigan were amazing. 4.) TNT was fantastic. The July was tied for unique/deliciousness. 5.) sweet dragon- very good, but not as good as the others.

Oh, and YOU MUST get the green tea ice cream! They've hit on a fantastic, intense brand that's just wonderful to savor.

The rest were also very good- but 1, 2, 3 and 4 were unreal. And when the bill came- we expected $100 or more for 4 people pigging out on sushi, apps, soup, salad and dessert- but no. It was about $78 without tip. That's really good for what we got, for real- we had trouble fitting all the deliciousness on the table! That's only $20 per person- apps, 2 big rolls, salad, soup and dessert- all included.

I will repeat- again and again! Bikawo, if you're listening... you have some happy regular customers that will come again and again! I love you're chefs, you're food, and you're excellent service- and this is a big compliment coming from a picky chef!

I hope you are so successful that you expand into that horrid dollar store next door. You'll need a restaurant 3 times that big when the reviews are...

Addendum to previous review! 2025, they have redeemed themselves somewhat . I was getting over the flu and a friend brought me sushi from there. It was pretty good, which convinced me to try to go back . I have noticed it depends on what day you order from. Some days are really good and some days taste like just rice. Since finding this spot I brought many colleagues and friends and family here. But! After today I will no longer be going back and neither will my family! My daughter brought me for early mother's day lunch, And after finding 2 hairs in her sushi, the waitress fluffed it off As that's the way tempura looks. Thank goodness for another blonde haired.Gal, that was listening and did the right thing.And had our sushi remade . Needless to say my daughter lost her appetite, Due to the food and the attitudes other than the blonde. When we got the bill, I politely asked "no discount for hair in the food?" And the person who claimed to be a manager yelled at me and said we remade it for you so no! I calmly replied that that was not the way for her to handle things.I come there all the time.And I would like to continue to come back and I asked again if she was a manager and she said not really.I'm the lead. I proceeded to tell her, her attitude was not how you handle customers, Especially if you are a small establishment as she proclaimed you want your customers coming back. Due to the attitudes, the hair and their poor judgment , I will find a new restaurant! Sad thing is my employees , my family and friends will no longer come either once they hear how we were treated.

This was my first visit to Biwako and definitely will not be my last. Rolls were large, delicious and the bill was very reasonable! I...