We just had such a shockingly rude experience, that I still can't believe it happened. My wife and I, along with two other friends, went to Amura for dinner, and we brought a card game to play. We ordered a large amount of sushi (well over $100), and after we finished, the four of us started playing cards while we were letting the food settle, and considering ordering more. We hadn't even been finished for 10 minutes when the waitress (who I believe was the owner) asked us when we were going to leave. She never even asked if we wanted anything else. She didn't yell or anything. If fact, she didn't seem mad, but rather confused and pretty passive aggressive. She said we could play cards at home, and where she comes from people don't play games after they eat. She also pointed out that we had been in the restaurant for 50 minutes (which really speaks more to how long we waited for our sushi), and that'slong enough. 50 minutes certainly isn't an excessive amount of time in a restaurant for a large dinner, right? We were so shocked, we weren't even sure we understood what she was saying, but sure enough she told us we didn't need to be there. There are certainly times when it is appropriate to let customers know they've over-stayed their welcome:
Ah, Amura Sushi Cafe in Virginia Beach. The name itself rolls off the tongue with a certain...unremarkable quality. Yet, I found myself within its unassuming embrace, a critic venturing into the culinary unknown with the weary resignation of a seasoned traveler enduring yet another layover. The "atmosphere," as the common parlance dictates, was...present. Tables existed, chairs stood dutifully, and the lighting possessed a functional luminescence that neither offended nor inspired. One might say it achieved a state of beige neutrality, a canvas upon which the true test would be painted: the food and the dreaded "service." The sushi, I confess, held a whisper of promise. The cuts of fish, while perhaps not possessing the breathtaking artistry of a Parisian master, displayed a commendable freshness. The rice, that often-overlooked foundation, was appropriately vinegared and possessed a pleasingly yielding texture. It spoke of a certain diligence, a refusal to succumb to utter mediocrity. And the service...well. It was, dare I say, almost...pleasant. My server, a pleasant woman with an earnest demeanor, navigated my inquiries with a surprising degree of competence. There were no theatrical pronouncements, no unnecessary flourishes, simply an efficient and almost respectful attention to my needs. A stark contrast to the often-cloying solicitousness that plagues lesser establishments. In conclusion, Amura Sushi Cafe is not a culinary revelation that will send tremors of delight through the gastronomic world. It is, however, a perfectly acceptable establishment that delivers precisely what it promises: edible sushi served with a modicum of efficiency. It lacks the soaring ambition of a true artist, but it also avoids the egregious missteps of the truly inept. It exists, and in its quiet competence, it manages to be...satisfactory. A word I rarely find cause to utter, yet one that, in this instance, feels surprisingly...
Read moreI don’t usually leave reviews to every place I visit but this place deserves all the recognition it can get. I ordered the Firecracker roll, rainbow roll, and spider roll. I’ve tried as much of the local sushi here in the Norfolk/ Virginia Beach area as I can and I can tell that Amura just became my favorite from the first visit. The sushi had great flavor and texture, the fish and ingredients were fresh and delicious, and the Portions were great. I personally feel like they’re priced conservatively but I’m not complaining at all about getting great sushi that also isn’t overpriced. The lady who greeted me and took my order was extremely nice and had a good energy about her, definitely felt an inviting vibe. Customer service was great, and the whole restaurant appeared to be very clean. The dining Area is kind of small and with social distancing there I wasn’t able to get a seat and ending up taking my order to go. However this is by no means a deterrent, I look forward to...
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