Watami Sushi & Noodles — Restaurant in Waynesville

I wish I was making this up and even typing it all out made me feel like a Karen, but the treatment I received 2 weeks ago at Watami was awful enough that I am leaving my first Google review ever.

Essentially, our waiter cut me off midway through my order and talked over me the entire time. He also avoided me for the rest of the night while treating everyone else in the group differently.

I wanted to get rice and about 6-7 types of sashimi. It sounded like a lot but sashimi is just slices of raw fish, so the portion in total is not all that.

First off, our waiter argued over 2-3 types of sashimi I named and insisted that they don't serve it here. It was on the menu and I have definitely ordered them before so I was confused, but he would constantly cut me off and interrupt me. My friends had to speak up for me and showed him the menu and he just went "oh ok" and shrugged. I chalked it up to maybe him being new (we haven't seen him before and have been going here for years) and tried to be positive.

Secondly, halfway through my order, our waiter stopped me and said he was not going to finish taking my order. He said it was a lot and he wasn't going to write it all down. Keep in mind that everyone else in my group was getting at least an app, an entree, a side, and a drink. I just got a water, and didn't even get my own rice since he said I could share with my boyfriend if I really wanted rice.

The last bit of our exchange was so hostile and surreal that I still feel crazy thinking about it. Our waiter looked at me and said something along the line of, "Why do you eat so much? Do you really need to? Why are you getting that much food? Look at your boyfriend." The look he gave me was just super rude and condescending, and that whole tidbit effectively killed my appetite for the night. He then said I could order more later but he would not be writing things down for now. Our whole table was shocked and just kinda went quiet so he left.

Keep in mind, I'm a 5'2" woman weighing around 115lbs. I'm in shape and healthy. I was also paying with my own money (and for my boyfriend! Who was getting 2 entrees with his app and drink!). I also used to have an eating disorder so to feel comfortable with eating what I want when I want has been a long journey for me, and the badgering I received that night (while not detrimental) had definitely given me a pause.

In the end, we waited an hour to get our food. I actually got the least amount of food compared to my friends who all needed boxes to bring leftovers home. They all commented on the fact that I got one plate while they all had 2-3. It felt stupid, we were all trying to crack jokes about it but the mood was definitely weird after that.

Our waiter ended up checking in on us twice during the 2.5 hours we were there (had to wait 15 minutes to have our orders taken and another hour plus to get our food). Which was fine, they were busy and I'm not going to hold that against them. But he avoided talking to me while asking everyone else about their food. And no, he didn't offer to let me order the rest of what I wanted.

I debated posting this for a while since 1) I used to work food service so I know how things can get and I always want to give people the benefit of the doubt and 2) I'm Asian and don't want to harm an Asian establishment. But after going over the chain of events in my head the past couple of weeks, I realized that even on my worst nights in retail and casual dining, I never treated my customers like that.

This used to be one of our favorite spots in the area but the latest experience has soured that. Which sucks. I have even had multiple employees here telling us we are some of the nicest people they have ever had on different occasions (we used to frequent here) so I know it's not a me issue.

My friends and I have all agreed that we probably wouldn't be returning to Watami anytime soon. I'm still giving 2 stars in general since the...

As a mom with two energetic kids, I can't rave enough about our fantastic experience at Watami Sushi & Noodles in Waynesville, NC. From the moment we walked in, we were met with warmth and hospitality that immediately put us at ease.

The sushi at Watami is an absolute delight – fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Even my picky eaters couldn't resist the delicious spring rolls, rice, and specific choices for kids. The kids' menu had options that catered to their tastes, making it a win-win for the entire family. My son is still talking about those spring rolls!

What truly set this restaurant apart was the exceptional customer service. The staff went above and beyond to make sure our meal was not only enjoyable but also tailored to our preferences. They were incredibly patient with the kids, making them feel welcomed and excited about trying new dishes.

The atmosphere at Watami is both inviting and relaxed, making it a perfect spot for families. The cozy yet modern decor created a comfortable setting where we could savor our meal without feeling rushed. Our dining experience was enhanced by the attention to detail in every aspect of the restaurant.

If you're looking for a top-notch dining destination that offers delectable sushi, exceptional service, and a family-friendly atmosphere, look no further than Watami Sushi & Noodles. It's the kind of place that turns dining out into a memorable family outing. We can't wait to visit again!...

I love the food here and will often order takeout or share food with others dining in. Super fresh, large portions and very accommodating. I always try to tip well and give a few dollars on to-gos because I love the business and food so much. The only thing I’m upset with is the service. The first few times were okay, but today was especially appalling. Today I went out to dinner with my mom, and we both haven’t eaten all day. I was super sick for about two days and was very weak, and this would be my first meal since recovering. Our waitress said multiple comments about the amount of food we ordered. I let the first two times slide cause hey, I’m a server too and maybe she wanted to warn us about how much we ordered or was just awkward about it. I get it I’ve done it too, which is why I didn’t think much of it. The last time I try to get my check, and she says AGAIN for the THIRD time now “wow the fried rice must’ve been good since it’s all gone.” At this point she’s already talked over me the whole experience, mentioned twice already how we ordered so much food we will need to take it to go, after eating most of our food her continuing to say it, and again at the end when I just want to pay. As someone who has recovered from bulimia and binge eating disorder, these comments, while small, can cause relapse. I hope they can be more mindful in future, because I have never as a server mentioned how much or little...