Sushi Masa Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in South Carolina

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Sushi Masa Japanese Restaurant is a hidden gem that has stood the test of time, and our recent visit was a delightful journey down memory lane. Having been our go-to spot 15-20 years ago, we were thrilled to discover that despite new ownership five years ago, the essence of what made this place special has been preserved, with some familiar faces among the staff.

Upon our arrival on Wednesday, 2/28, around 6:30 pm, we were greeted by a courteous gentleman at the doorway who, though slightly taken aback by our lack of reservation, promptly worked to find us a suitable table. After a brief wait, we were seated and embarked on a culinary adventure that reaffirmed our love for Sushi Masa.

To kick off our meal, I opted for edamame and plum wine, both of which were executed to perfection. The flavors were a nostalgic reminder of why we cherished this restaurant in the past. My wife's choice of the spicy tuna and California roll showcased the chef's skill in crafting delectable sushi. I, on the other hand, thoroughly enjoyed the shrimp tempura dinner—every bite was a testament to the kitchen's mastery.

Despite a hiccup with the initial seating and a minor mix-up with the beverage order, the attentive staff quickly resolved these issues, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable dining experience. It was heartwarming to encounter someone on staff who remembered us from the past and shared that the original owner occasionally checks in, adding a touch of authenticity to the atmosphere.

In the end, the impeccable food and the overall pleasant evening led us to a unanimous decision to award Sushi Masa a well-deserved 5-star rating. We are already looking forward to our next visit, and this time, we'll be sure to make a reservation to streamline the process. Thank you, Sushi Masa, for continuing to deliver exceptional Japanese cuisine and for being a cherished part of our...

While the atmosphere and the layout felt very nostalgic of many a tiny restaurant one would find in Japan, we had a difficult time fully enjoying the experience by the time the food arrived. Perhaps it is a product of trying to find a decent sushi place in a town several hundred miles from the coast, but the fact remains that the price charged for their sushi and sashimi is honestly too high for what you get. I paid market price ($16) for TWO toro nigiri and the tuna was sliced so thinly, it was ripping apart where the lean meat met the fat and I could see the rice below. To say nothing of the fact that the nigiri itself was about the size of a mini candy bar (the tiny square ones, not the fun-sized). I was prepared to pay the price with the understanding that the cut of fish would be reasonable. It was not. The chirashi bowl was made with regular, long-grain rice instead of the typical sushi rice and was scant with fish considering how little rice was in the bowl to begin with. The kitsune udon was fairly decent, the two pieces of inariage floating in it were little sweet for my tastes, but otherwise was good. The korokke was probably the star of the meal, coming fresh and hot out of the kitchen with a nice dipping sauce. If I was to come back here, I think I would avoid a busy Friday night as I suspect a lot of corners were cut just to accommodate the dinner rush. Perhaps the quality (and quantity) is better on a slower evening. That said, I will most likely not be returning. The atmosphere was nice and made me nostalgic for the tiny eatery I frequented in Kyoto, but the food was a bit disappointing...

Wife and I just went for the first time. It was obvious they have a loyal following and dedicated crowd, and they did a brisk trade all night. The main sushi chef greeted many by name, and knew many others on site. Many people recognized him and stopped and talked as well. Constantly people were being greeted as if old friends.

Atmosphere was very cozy. Not many seats. Apparently this is closer to traditional Japanese, but I can't judge that.When we arrived, though the place was only 1/2 full, we were asked if we had reservations, and we could hear some discussion about whether we would be done in time to accommodate the "regular reservations." It was all an indicator about the regular crowd and popularity of the place. I took it as a good sign, especially considering this was a Tuesday at 5:30 pm.

The prices are on par with the area, and the quality was great. I will say the rolls are a little on the small side, but we were very hungry, so I could have been biased. There aren't many rolls like you would see in any other American style sushi place, such as Irashai or Tsunami (both in greenville as well), the the Nigiri was top notch, and the prices were comparable. I think we ate more than our normal, and paid less than we would have at other places in town, and certainly less than the downtown places.

I am sure my wife and I will go here for sushi regularly, and make it into...