Murasaki — Restaurant in Virginia

My Weekly Sushi Oasis If you're looking for the best sushi in the area, look no further than Murasaki. It's become my weekly go-to, and for good reason. Their selection is incredible – there's literally a sushi roll for every craving. My personal favorites are the classic Salmon Roll and the melt-in-your-mouth Tuna Roll, but I'm always up for trying something new.

The staff at Murasaki truly elevates the experience. They're incredibly friendly and attentive, making you feel welcome and valued every time you walk through the door. Whether it's recommending a new roll or just chatting about your day, they go the extra mile to make sure you have a great time.

Here's what I love about Murasaki in a nutshell:

Sushi Nirvana: The variety and quality of the sushi are unmatched. Fresh ingredients, perfectly cooked rice, and creative combinations keep me coming back for more. Staff that Shines: Friendly, helpful, and always up for a chat, the staff at Murasaki makes every visit a pleasure. A Vibe for Every Mood: Whether you're in the mood for a casual lunch or a cozy dinner, Murasaki's atmosphere hits the mark. It's warm, inviting, and perfect for a relaxing sushi fix. If you're looking for a top-notch sushi experience with friendly faces and a welcoming atmosphere, Murasaki is the place to be. It's my weekly sushi haven, and I can't recommend it highly enough!

Bonus Tip: Don't forget to check out their weekly specials! You might just discover your new...

Would happily “roll” back in

If you’re looking for a Japanese spot that feels like a neighborhood gem but serves food that could spar with the heavy hitters, Murasaki is it. Tucked away in an unassuming strip, the interior immediately pulls you in with warm wood, cozy booths, and just enough Japanese décor to remind you you’re not at another cookie-cutter sushi joint.

We tried the Spicy Pork Lunch Box, which was the kind of comfort food that makes you rethink your relationship with pork…spicy, savory, and paired with sides that made the whole box feel like a greatest-hits album. The Tuna Avocado Roll was deceptively simple but generously loaded, and when we asked for extra avocado, they didn’t blink and just layered it on like they’ve been waiting all day for that request.

The Miso Soup was classic, clean, and not just a salty afterthought like so many places serve. And then there was the Dragon Roll; presentation on point, flavor even better, the kind of roll that earns its name without needing fireworks.

Service was laid-back but attentive, the kind of staff that makes you feel welcome without hovering. Prices? Reasonable for the quality, with portions that justify the check.

Bottom line: Murasaki is not a hype machine, it’s a restaurant that quietly delivers. If you’re in the area, skip the chains and pull up here. Get the spicy pork box if you want bold flavors, and the Dragon Roll if you’re in the mood for a little...

Good Food, Horrendous Service

If I could give zero stars for service and five for the food, I would. Unfortunately, the dining experience as a whole was completely ruined by the abysmal service.

We started by ordering drinks — just water. Simple, right? Apparently not. After 20 minutes with no drinks, the owner (I assume) finally came over to take both our drink and food orders. Another 10 minutes later, we finally got our water.

From there, it only got worse. We waited an additional 30 minutes for our food while watching other tables get their orders served in record time. The owner even came by at one point to say he would "check on our order," but it didn’t seem to speed things up.

When the food finally arrived, I’ll admit it was good — probably the only redeeming part of this disaster. But once the food hit the table, that was the last we saw of any staff. No one checked on us, no refills on water, nothing. After we finished eating, we waited another 10 minutes before flagging someone down for our check, which still took another 10 minutes to arrive.

The food was great, but the service was so atrocious that it completely overshadowed the meal. I wouldn’t come back if it were free. Go somewhere else unless you enjoy...