Sushi Haya — Restaurant in San Antonio

I’m going to preface this review with I have lived on the west coast for a long period now so my review may be biased- I have had the blessing of going to amazing sushi restaurants in my time but I do want to give a fair and honest review.

Went in as a party of three during there lunch hour special and got seated immediately. I typically start with raw sushi and make my rounds from there. We ordered about every raw item form the nigiri selection so here’s what I would and wouldn’t order:

Would: Salmon here was my favorite of all their nigiri, super fatty and buttery. The pepper tuna and masago have a decent saltiness that help balance that out. The yellowtail was a decent pick as well.

Wouldn’t: Inari (Tofu Skin) was soggier than it should, impacting the texture and making it a slightly unpalatable. White tuna is just really plain. Their octopus doesn’t seem to get its proper justice (probably not massaged thoroughly) and as a result, is pretty chewy. Their crab sticks as should be obvious are imitation so it’s not really anything I’d spend my time eating, and their Shrimp was just okay.

Anything else in between like the red snapper, striped bass, etc. was okay but not noteworthy. They’re good filler if you want to try variety.

We did try two rolls, the Philadelphia and the other I believe was called the Orange Dragon (although I may be wrong on the second one). The Philadelphia was standard and good. Everything was fresh and an overall safe pick. Orange dragon was okay but the spicy tuna and sauce combo overpowered the actual “fresh” taste of fish.

We tried their beef Tataki (which felt a slight bit rubbery), yellowtail jalapeño, and peppercorn tuna. For the last two just pick one; they come with the same garnish of jalapeño slices and what looks to be onion. I only slightly preferred the yellowtail over the tuna but that might be preference.

As for the kitchen, I won’t go too in depth because they are realistically all sides in an AYCE sushi setting and they served their purpose; but, we got the seaweed salad, shrimp tempura, shrimp hibachi, calamari, fried gyoza, spicy kani salad, and mixed green salad.

Overall, it was an okay experience but I have easily had other AYCE experiences for a similar price with higher quality! I know it can be hard out here in Texas so with that stand it was outstanding service but hopefully this gives some starting points for this...

Sushi Haya is a haven for sushi enthusiasts, offering an extraordinary all-you-can-eat experience that goes beyond expectations. The moment you step in, the sleek and inviting ambiance sets the stage for a culinary journey like no other.

The selection at Sushi Haya is nothing short of impressive. From classic rolls to innovative creations, each piece is a testament to freshness and quality. The chefs demonstrate skillful precision in every roll, ensuring a visual feast before you even take your first bite.

What truly sets Sushi Haya apart is the commitment to variety. The all-you-can-eat concept allows diners to explore an extensive menu, catering to both sushi traditionalists and those seeking adventurous flavors. Whether you crave the simplicity of nigiri or the complexity of specialty rolls, Sushi Haya delivers with flair.

The service is prompt and attentive, creating a seamless dining experience. The staff's knowledge of the menu adds to the enjoyment, helping patrons navigate the vast array of options. The pace of serving ensures that your table is continuously graced with a delightful assortment of sushi delights.

In addition to the exceptional sushi, Sushi Haya pays attention to detail in presentation. Each dish arrives with an aesthetic appeal that mirrors the precision of its preparation. It's not just a meal; it's a visually stunning culinary experience.

For those seeking an all-encompassing sushi adventure, Sushi Haya stands as a beacon of excellence. It's more than a dining destination; it's a celebration of flavors, artistry, and a love for the art of sushi. Prepare to indulge in an all-you-can-eat sushi extravaganza that delights the senses and leaves you with a profound appreciation for the world of sushi. Sushi Haya is, without a doubt, a gem among all-you-can-eat sushi...

I was so excited to see an all-you-can-eat sushi place and had to go try it with my wife. We went the day after it opened, so you could tell there had been a strain on the restaurant. We went around 1-130 on a Thursday and only waited about 10-15 minutes before we were seated. I’m not sure they were ready for how many people in San Antonio would want to go to this type of sushi restaurant.

As we waited, it would have been great to have someone at the bar so we can get a drink. Even though we ordered some pieces of sashimi, they brought out yellowtail saying they had run out of stock on several of our choices. It did take a while between orders as well, not unreasonably long for us but longer than you’d expect or want. I think they just weren’t prepared and the strain was evident.

The only real complaint we had, is our desert came out 5-10 minutes before our rolls for our second order. It say there and melted while we waited, which didn’t make sense. We also weren’t really sure who our waiter/waitress was since there were a couple different people bringing us items.

Overall, the sushi was really good. We liked the volcano roll the most. They don’t limit how many rolls you order upfront, so I recommend getting your full order and not depending on doing a second order for food, except maybe just for desert. We also had a small bottle of Sake which was $8 and the perfect size for lunch.

I want to mention that I always look at the bathrooms too and it has a pretty hefty influence on my ratings. They did have a very clean bathroom which to me symbolizes a lot regarding their overall cleanliness. However, it was only the second day open so I’m not sure how it’s been since.

Overall, I’d definitely say give this place a try! I’m sure it’ll be busy for a while tho so try to go on an off...