Hokkaido Cafe — Restaurant in Town of Amherst

Quality is low. I didn't leave very full because after ordering one round of food, I wasn't dying to have more of it. I would not come back here and would not recommend to anyone. This is probably why they have groupons...because return rates are low. Go somewhere else for sushi!

At a glance: Type: All you can eat Dinner: $22.99 Overall Rating: 2 stars Quality of food: Sub-par and would not return. Groupon: Yes

Disclaimer: I'm from Toronto so my standards for sushi are quite high. I don't usually write reviews but my sub-par experience compelled me to write one to help other people better make their decision on whether or not to come here. All-you-can-eat places usually get a bad rep for being low quality. In Toronto, the quality of sushi is very high even for all-you-can-eat.

I was recommended here by my friend who said it was good. I went with my friend on a Saturday night at 8:30pm. We found a groupon for this restaurant; for $12 you can get value of $20. Groupon isn't clear about this, but it is NOT one groupon per person, it is one groupon for 2 adults.

When we first arrived, we were the only customers there. This may have been due to the fact it was one of the coldest winter days of the year. As we ate, there were three other tables of two that trickled in. It was a cozy little strip mall sushi place with dark wooden tables. Service was good (standard). Portions of food is small, which I like.

We enjoyed the appetizers. In my opinion, I think they do a standard job with this. We enjoyed their salads, udon and spring rolls. The chicken yakitori was grilled quite dry, the beef wrapped around green onions had good flavour but was dry, the shrimp tempura is not made with authentic panko, it is more of a bread crumb batter and the miso soup tasted sour (not fresh?)

Sushi The spicy salmon sushi was weird. I expected chunks of salmon mixed with spicy mayo wrapped in seaweed. Here, it was like a thick mayo paste with no trace of any salmon in it. Terrible. We didn't order any other sushi because of this.

Maki rolls Just beware that whenever they use the term "snow crab" they actually mean imitation crab. The ratio of white rice in the rolls is a lot. The rice is plain rice (no vinegar or sugar added). I usually expect some sesame seeds on the outside....this place skimped on that . The spider roll (softshell crab), eel and cucumber, rainbow roll was decently good. We ordered seconds of these. I didn't like that they put teriyaki sauce on the eel roll though, it should be eel sauce instead. We also ordered the Philadelphia roll....this was okay.

Sashimi: They have white tuna, white fish (tilapia), salmon, mackerel and surf clam. I ordered 2 pcs of mackerel since I've never tried it before so I have no comparison. I ordered 10 pcs of salmon sashimi. When I order raw salmon, I expect it to be chilled, bright orange with marbled fat running through it and texture to be firm. The salmon sashimi at Koi sushi was the opposite- a dull orange, not a lot of fat and the texture was soft. I ate the 10pcs to not waste the fish but I certainly did not order more as it didn't seem fresh to me. The next morning, my stomach didn't agree with it either.

Dessert: The worst part was that they didn't serve dessert here. No ice cream. I found this appalling and made me wonder why I'm spending $23 + tax here when the quality of food was so low. I have had better quality all-you-can-eat sushi at a lower price and with better food. ...

Title: Authentic Japanese Delights at Hokkaido Cafe

Rating: ★★★★☆

Nestled in the heart of the city, Hokkaido Cafe is a hidden gem that brings the flavors of Japan to life. As a lover of Japanese cuisine, I recently had the pleasure of dining at this cozy establishment, and I must say, it left a lasting impression on my taste buds.

From the moment I stepped into Hokkaido Cafe, I was greeted with warm hospitality and a tranquil atmosphere. The minimalist decor and traditional Japanese accents created a serene ambiance, transporting me to the vibrant streets of Hokkaido. The attentive staff added to the overall dining experience, ensuring that every guest felt welcome and comfortable.

Now, let's delve into the main attraction—the food. Hokkaido Cafe boasts a menu that showcases the rich and diverse culinary traditions of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island. From ramen to sushi and everything in between, there is a wide selection of dishes to satisfy every craving.

I started my culinary journey with an appetizer of gyoza, perfectly pan-fried to a delightful crispness while maintaining a juicy filling. The flavors were well-balanced, and the accompanying dipping sauce added an extra punch of umami. For the main course, I opted for a classic bowl of miso ramen. The broth was rich and aromatic, with layers of flavors that danced on my palate. The noodles were cooked to perfection, and the toppings, including tender slices of chashu pork and a perfectly cooked soft-boiled egg, elevated the dish to another level.

One thing that impressed me about Hokkaido Cafe was the quality and freshness of the ingredients. Each bite was a testament to the care and attention put into sourcing top-notch produce and authentic Japanese flavors. The attention to detail in the presentation of the dishes added to the overall visual appeal, making the dining experience even more satisfying.

Apart from the savory delights, Hokkaido Cafe also offers a variety of delectable desserts. The matcha-flavored treats, such as matcha ice cream and matcha mochi, are a must-try for any matcha enthusiast. The desserts were not overly sweet, allowing the delicate flavors to shine through.

While the food at Hokkaido Cafe undoubtedly shines, it is worth noting that the restaurant's seating capacity is limited, which may result in longer wait times during peak hours. However, the cozy and intimate setting adds to the charm and authenticity of the dining experience.

In conclusion, Hokkaido Cafe is a delightful destination for those seeking an authentic taste of Japan. With its inviting atmosphere, attentive service, and flavorsome dishes, it captures the essence of Hokkaido's culinary traditions. Whether you're a fan of ramen, sushi, or simply looking to explore the diverse world of Japanese cuisine, Hokkaido Cafe is a worthy choice. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you to the enchanting flavors of Japan's...

Ive spent a lot of money at this restaurant, I've given stellar reviews, told all my salon clients about them, today, I wanted to surprise my son who is sick with a nice dinner, I ordered on grub hub, and I ordered 2 YAKI SOBA, when I saw my order, I was given the yaki udon, I asked if I could bring it back to get the right food, the girl on the phone spoke to someone and she flat out told me no, she said, "the the udon is already made, I guess you shouldn't have ordered on grub hub" She said that if you order on grub hub it won't differentiate between the 2 types of noodles and it defaults to udon. She told me I needed to repurchase if I wanted what I initially ordered!! I could have easily bought 2 more, but apparently kindness, understanding, and the customer is always right doesnt apply here. I can't even imagine treating my salon clients this way. So I spent a ton of money to not get what I ordered. I offered to bring the noodles back, mind you I live an hour away from them, and they said nope, your food was already made!!!! I literally just asked to switch the wrong noodles for the right noodles. If you want the same exact food with stellar customer service there is a restaurant in Buffalo on elmwood that will satisfy your needs. I just really didn't like driving all the way to buffalo, but, the drive to buffalo is worth it for the customer service at Asia alone! I won't ever be eating here again, and from their tone, I highly...