Sushi Palace — Restaurant in Somerville

I've been to Sushi Palace in Somerville a handful of times, and typically I've gotten what I've expected, fast and reliable service on a moderately expansive menu in an all you can eat format. Up to this point, I've gotten exactly that.

Though, my trip on Tuesday June, 24th has convinced me to write this review and likely not return.

First, I'll start with the good. My group of 5 had a reservation at 6:30, and we were promptly seated at 6:30, given waters and the menu to order. After that, it was all pretty much down hill.

After putting in our first order, we were served within 15 minutes, though the server forgot a number of items (since it's all you can eat and it was busy, we figured we would just order those items the next go-around).

Upon finishing our first order- it took about 15 or 20 minutes for the staff to notice and come around with a second order sheet. Though once they came around with it, we filled it out and returned it. Then came to the waiting- about 40 minutes of it. We asked the staff a few times what happened to our order, and each time we were either disregarded or were told "it's coming." After enough waiting the staff brought us back new order sheets because our original order sheets were lost.

At this moment, my group was considering leaving due to all the waiting but we decided to give round two one more chance- that was the wrong decision.

After waiting another 25-30 minutes with no food, and the surrounding tables being served again and again we inquired what happened to our order. The staff apologized and indicated it was busy, though from our observations it appeared our table was the only one that continuously got disregarded.

My group was about to finally leave when our order was slowly being brought out. Item by item- 5 minutes apart (and of course- with items missing).

After eating the remaining sushi that was served, we asked if we can have to ice cream we ordered about 40 minutes earlier- and we did end up getting it- 10 minutes after making our final request.

Upon getting the bill, our group asked to talk to the manager to ask about a discount due to the disappointing service. The manager quickly said they do not give discounts for slow service or forgotten items. My group then decided not to tip- a decision we do not take lightly. We understand servers are typically underpaid and rely on tips to get by, but to some degree there needs to be respectable service for a tip to be given.

After paying, a few members of my group went down to the bathroom (myself included). When we came back up to our seats I discovered the servers took the gluten free sauce I brought (since Sushi palace does not accommodate originally with gluten free soy sauce). Typically I would say something and try to get it back, but myself and my group was so fed up we decided to leave.

But the story does not end there! While trying to leave our server cut us off at the exit and said, "You can't leave, you have to tip." A little shocked we explained once again that over the course of our meal we were often forgotten about and had items not given to us.

Our server still in front of us at the door kept demanding we tip. Nowhere on the Sushi Palace website nor on the check does it indicate tips are built-in to the bill or required.

Eventually the manager came over again, asked the server to step away from the door and we left.

I was going to leave a 2 star review before being stopped at the door- but being confronted at the door made it easy to change this to a 1...

My girlfriend and I have gone here more times than we can count; we are both huge sushi fans. Yes, we have spent a lot of money here (especially since we only have time to go on the weekends when the price is a little higher) but it has all been worth it. For around $23, you get all the delicious, expertly crafted sushi you can eat, plus a selection of small tasty appetizers and desserts. I usually don't write reviews, but after all the happiness Sushi Palace has brought to me and my girlfriend, I hope to return the favor with a well deserved 5 star review. The Service: Depending when you go, it can be pretty packed. Most the time you won't have to wait for a table though. They also have a large, dedicated staff. Don't expect the staff to linger around and create small talk with the customers like in other restaurants, as they are constantly busy and hard at work running sushi back and forth. That being said the staff and service is exceptional. The Atmosphere: I assume the building which Sushi Palace is located now used to be a bank. There is a vault that they use as storage space/an extra room which adds a neat rustic vibe to the restaurant. Other than that the atmosphere isn't overwhelming or boring, but a nice medium. The food: We have been to a few sushi spots. There is another place in Somerville we go for sushi if we want a quick bite for lunch, but Sushi Palace is where we go when we're prepared to have a big dinner. The food is all incredibly delicious. Some of the best sushi I've had. And with all you can eat, Sushi Palace is essentially sushi heaven. Don't be afraid to ask them to customize a roll for you, like adding tempura crunch to the spicy tuna roll (my girlfriend's favorite). The Location: Where else is better to eat than downtown Somerville on Division Street? The atmosphere on Division Street ever since they closed it off to car traffic is that classic, cute downtown scene almost anybody likes. During the summer you can walk over to main street and see the classic car show they have every Friday evening. Visiting in the winter? Division street is full of Christmas lights with a large Christmas tree right outside Sushi Palace. Any time is a good time to walk down Division Street. Except maybe after midnight. So next time you're craving Sushi, head over to Sushi Palace. Let them know it's your first time there and they will gladly explain how ordering works. And as the icing on the cake, it's BYOB, so bring yourself a bottle of something nice...

This is hands down my favorite AYCE sushi place and I have been to about 6 different ones in the surrounding areas.

Atmosphere: My girlfriend and I always go on Sunday nights and the place is usually packed. I personally enjoy this as most other places are "dead" and not as vibrant. The seating area is a bit cramped, but I really don't mind and in fact I think it adds to the lure of this place.

Service: Although sometimes communicating with some of the servers is a bit difficult, it is not a real issue. Although the place is always packed, the service is extremely quick. I have never waited longer than 10 minutes for an order even at peak times which is a main factor to my 5 star review. Also, the servers are very attentive and generally upbeat.

Food: I have never really had sushi from a place other than an AYCE place so I may not be the best to compare it to other establishments, but I would only think it fair to compare to other AYCE places anyway. In that comparison I would say this place is near the top of my list. As someone who enjoys eating mostly sashimi and nigiri I would say that both are delicious. I also do enjoy the rolls, which I don't usually get very many. The selection is at least on par with most other places and offers more than others I have been to. Some of the rolls are a bit rice heavy and the plating may not always be "beautiful", but I am not one to put as much emphasis on those factors.

The #1 reason I will keep coming back to this place is the fact that it is truly "all you can eat". I have been to multiple other places that cut me off or stop bringing out the correct orders, but this place has never once done that.

All of these factors combine to make this my favorite sushi place and keep me coming back. I drive 1 hour to come to this place instead of closer places to put it in comparison.

I have attached pictures of our most recent trip to this place. Not pictured are some of the appetizers...