Origami Korean-Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in San Carlos Park

I hate to write such a review, but I feel as if I need to share some information for other customers. I have been frequenting this establishment since they were located on tamiami trail across from Bell Tower, so probably the past 15 years. I have always loved their food, primarily their sushi. Sushi has always been fresh and they have a great variety. My favorite dishes has always been the Cajun tuna sashimi and Louisiana roll. I've been getting these dishes for as long as I frequented this establishment. I get a lot of orders through Uber eats now to be delivered, and I still order the same two dishes. Unfortunately, due to management informing me of new chefs, the quality and quantity of these dishes has gone down considerably. Not all ingredients that are listed on the menu are included and they seem to miss special order requests that are simple, such as asking for an extra container of sauce. The Cajun tuna sashimi used to have a beautiful presentation. Now, meat portions are being skimped on and not all toppings are included. When I contacted the restaurant, the manager actually messaged me and said I was a good patron and I would get my money back. I kind of knew that wasn't going to happen. This last time I ordered the Grecko tuna, as I didn't want to take my chance again with the Cajun tuna sashimi. While eating the tuna, I discovered a very long piece of plastic that must have been cut with the fish, but was left in the meal. The fish also was fatty and was difficult to chew. Unfortunately, I will not be ordering from this restaurant again. Due to the prize being so high, it's not worth it anymore to me. I am willing to pay a high price for good quality food, but finding plastic in my food this time around, that's where I draw the line. Maybe it's different when you eat in the restaurant, as I've done many times, but in the past 5 years, I've used Uber eats and the quality is poor. It's such a shame because this used to be my favorite...

Amazing food, great bartender, owner was present and engaged.

I spent almost 45 minutes looking for a non chain resturant that wasn’t closing at 8PM. Right when I picked one, this popped up and I saw the Katsu on the menu right away. I had to give it a shot. The reviews looked good, I’m not a sushi eater, but I love all other aspects of Japanese food.

The bartender was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. He helped direct me on some good choices for dinner. I ended up with pork katsu, miso soup and fried gyoza. One of my biggest pet peeves is ordering apps, entrees/side and getting it at once. This was probably one of the few times that the staff was conscious of serving the food in order, as ready by me. They didn’t rush the appetizer, the soup or the entree, it was entirely on my pace of eating that they brought the food. This was a one of a kind special touch that doesn’t seem huge, but it is when you aren’t entirely focused on just eating and leaving.

The gyoza was first, amazing crunch and flavor, really good dipping sauce. Then the miso soup. I don’t typically order soup, but it came with the Katsu - that or salad (had salad earlier for opted for something different). Then the Katsu. The flavor of the pork Katsu was amazing. The breading was cooked perfectly crispy, the pork wasn’t tough, extremely tender. The Katsu sauce had a prefect balance, almost teriyaki like sauce.

On top of all this, the bartender was awesome and helped me pick a lot of this. He nailed everything with his recommendations.

Highly recommend...

I love sushi and good sushi restaurants are dwindling faster than we can count. Things I love, sized sashimi that you can actually eat in a comfortable bite. Generous shredded daikon and carrot to add that texture to the visual and the taste buds. Great, no excellent ginger dressing on a fresh salad. I found it here. Since almost everywhere falls short, they deserve 11stars out of 10. Fabulous Uni, perfect sushi and sashimi. My extravaganza was firing on all cylinders.

When I first started my Japanese dining adventure I was luck to go. To a place where they asked if everyone was comfortable and if there were questions or anyone needed guidance. My kids learned from the owner who talked to them about sushi, how to eat it, what was important and I believe that is what any restaurant could add to their arsenals. Most it wouldn’t matter as most could not compete with Origami anyway. But many hear about sushi and are terrified. They need help when they finally get their fear in check and agree to go.

“Raw fish...I’d never eat that!!!” Well if you were at a place and anyone took the time to coach and answer questions, recommend a stepping stone to the Japanese cuisine swimming pool, well they’d have customers for life. Just my observations. Origami is the best I’ve had from New Hampshire to Fort Myers, hands down. And I’ve tried a lot of places. Keep up the good work, and if you see or hear a group timidly asking about the menu, help them and coach them into a beautiful land of...