Hiroba Sushi — Restaurant in Sparks

It has been years since I had Hiroba, the undisputed king of Reno sushi. It is sad to see the depth they have fallen. Unfortunately, as excited as I was to relive the greatness that once was, I now see at least one reason why the owners must have split the business to go separate ways.

I typically only write negative reviews if there are a multitude of conpounding negative takeaways, but sadly here I am...

First, my inital order of appetizers came back missing two orders of mussels, a small inconsequential issue since it's all you can eat. However, the mussels also had clearly been sitting for a while because they were beyond cold.

My second and third orders of appetisers were also 2 orders short and 5.5 orders short respectively which I was subsequently told was due to a limit on appetizers, and I would not be permitted a 4th order. This was all I had really eaten because I enjoy appetizers more than sushi and will pick at my companies rolls when they get full. I typically would have no issue with this rule as many sushi restaurants may limit certain appetizers. However typically it is clearly indicated on the menu. Hiroba had no such information anywhere.

Third, my wife ordered the strawberry special drink, which she described as "moldy" I don't know if I would use this word, but it did feel off when compared to the mango variation.

Fourth, we were eating at the corner table and the table next to us was unused. It was 3:30 or so, so there wasn't too much traffic on any of the tables. I placed my empty plates on the table next to me, to ensure there is one less distraction that my baby might knock off the table. I was reprimanded for putting my finished dishes on the table next to me. I respected the wish and kept my finished plates on my table until taken.

After all of this, I issued no complaints. The rolls were also small, but it's all you can eat and they tasted satisfactory. The final icing on the cake was when I received the bill, I had a mandatory tip on the bill. This is for orders of 5 or more. I ordered 2 all you can eat and two kids' meals. However, because I ordered an additional drink for my baby who didn't eat a bite of food I was told it was over 4. I didnt voice this, but if it was over 4, I should have been allowed more than one tiny 4 person table for our plates. At this point, I was frustrated and the manager spoke with me with what I thought was an attempt to remedy the situation as most managers would. However, instead of taking an ounce of accountability for the litany of missteps, I was told I shouldn't have ordered the food I did. My appetite was wrong and didn't fit the business model. I was unprofitable, and it's not worth indicating the restrictions on the menu for people like me. To be clear, I weigh about 160 lbs and probably eat less volume than my average friends.

This was the fifth strike and the last star gone. I wish Hiroba remained the Reno gem it once was when it sat on its hill in old Reno.

I finished my meal ordering various food I didn't want because I wasn't satiated but wanted to at least eat my fill.

The mochi was...

Hiroba Sushi may be tucked away in a strip mall, but don’t let its unassuming exterior fool you. While the décor and ambiance might not immediately catch your eye, what awaits you inside is nothing short of culinary excellence. This is a place where taste and quality take center stage, and the experience is far beyond what you might expect from its location.Taste and Quality: A Culinary DelightThe real star of Hiroba Sushi is, without a doubt, the food. From the moment the first dish arrives at your table, it's clear that the chefs here take immense pride in their craft. The sushi is consistently fresh, bursting with flavor, and presented with an attention to detail that rivals some of the more high-end sushi restaurants. Each piece of sushi is a testament to the quality of the ingredients and the skill of the chefs.The menu offers a wide variety of options, catering to both traditionalists who love the classics and adventurous eaters looking for something new. Whether you opt for a simple tuna roll or one of their more inventive specialty rolls, you can expect a symphony of flavors that delight your taste buds. The balance of textures and flavors in each dish is masterful, making it clear that the team behind the sushi bar has honed their craft to perfection.Service: Warm and AttentiveThe service at Hiroba Sushi is another highlight of the dining experience. The staff is not only knowledgeable about the menu but also genuinely friendly and eager to ensure that your meal is enjoyable. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular, you’ll be treated with the same level of care and attention. The servers are prompt, courteous, and always willing to offer recommendations if you’re unsure about what to order.Ambiance: Simple, Yet ComfortableWhile the ambiance might not be the most luxurious, it is comfortable and clean, providing a pleasant setting to enjoy your meal. The simplicity of the décor allows the food to shine and the warm atmosphere created by the staff makes you feel right at home. It's a reminder that sometimes the best dining experiences are found in the most unexpected places.Conclusion: A Must-Visit for Sushi LoversIn a world where so much emphasis is placed on flashy interiors and trendy locations, Hiroba Sushi stands out as a restaurant that lets its food do the talking. It may not have the most ingenious design, but what it lacks in aesthetics, it more than makes up for in taste and quality. If you’re a sushi lover, this is one place you simply must try. The high-quality ingredients, exceptional taste, and warm, attentive service make Hiroba Sushi a hidden gem worth discovering. Don’t let the strip mall location deter you—once you taste the sushi here, you’ll be planning your next visit before you even leave...

There was 4 of us, so we opted to sit at a table instead of the bar. The service was incredibly fast for table services especially on a Friday night.

Here's the issue we encountered tonight and what prompted the updated review. my daughter pointed out to me what was 100% confirmed as a bug, a large ant type creature, that was deep-fried attached to her pot sticker. We poked it to see if it was alive, dead, or deep-fried dead. It was crispy and stuck to pot sticker. I brought it to the attention of the staff and she grabbed it, looked at it and said she was sorry and walked away. We were later compensated with $3 in beverages for the inconvenience. I understand things happen but I was incredibly disappointed by how it was handled and blown off as no big deal. It was pretty disgusting and frankly ruined our dinner, despite the fact that we ate. We continued to eat because...well...we had been planning this sushi date all week... and we were hangry. Ain't nobody got time for a hangry fam so we just didnt talk about it until we finished eating...

Here's the deal, I didnt expect a free meal or anything free in fact. What I did want was for them to acknowledge it as an issue and not just blow it under the rug. We were not offered replacement food and other than a generic 'oh sorry bout that' as she walked off, it wasnt discussed.... until I asked in a conversation manner if she let the kitchen staff know. She said "yes I did" as she walked away with our check. Then she came back a $3 discount for the inconvenience.

Additionally, some of our fish still had scales/skin attached. Pieces that should not have had skin.

This truly was just a terrible experience. I'm leaving a 3 star because of the regular repeat good experiences we have had in the past. But I expect a local business that I patronize regularly to acknowledge their issue, and give me a genuine apology from someone that gives a damn about us spending $120 on dinner at your...