Samurai Japanese Cafe Balmain, Sydney

User Reviews of Samurai Japanese Cafe, Balmain

Displaying: 1 - 10 of 75 reviews

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food 9 Ambience 6 Service 9 Value 10

A hidden gem excellent fresh food and service try crispy salmon roll entree, ebe gosa prawn dumplings, and kakuni beef meat main (to die for).

May 05, 2012

santorini92
2

9.8 Highly Recommended

Food 10 Ambience 9 Service 10 Value 10

The Best Japanese food you could have, I have tried many top Japanese restaurants in and around Sydney and Samurai has the freshest Sushi and the best value for money around town.

May 01, 2012

forfoodie
2

3.5 Below Average

Food 3 Ambience 2 Service 4 Value 5

Fast delivery of food but almost impossible to get further service as once they delivered the dishes they scattered and never revisited the table again. Ok the food is priced well but indicative of the portions you get. To have a 'Meal' you would need at least two to three courses to satisfy. Most dishes are plumped up by excessive garden salad or other filler dressings, chicken was full of fat and I edible and sauces were bland or so watery that they were unworkable. Unless you are a fan of excessive rice or battered/deep fried food you will struggle to find a choice of dishes and the menu seems to rely on the fact that the carb content from the rice and the battered foods will fill you enough to compensate for the tiny portions of main ingredients. Overall, unimpressed, food was stock standard japanese issue, left hungry and won't be revisiting. The other sushi cases on this street can beat them hands down. Shop around!

Mar 11, 2012

Emf
1

7.8 Recommended

Food 9 Ambience 6 Service 7 Value 9

I've been many times and it has always been very good food. It is small and noisy as it is busy most nights. Decor could do with a refresh but it is fine.

Tacos, crispy salmon sushi and Gyoza are our usual favourites. Dishes are all like home made. No frozen processed Gyoza here. Meat and chicken is always tender and tasty. Prices are very low for what you get.

Get in at 6pm for a quick but good dinner for families.

Feb 08, 2012

bjmt
3

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food 10 Ambience 9 Service 9 Value 10

Since discovering Samurai it has been a regular favourite. Not only do I dine here, but I have made sure I recommend this restaurant to any one who is looking for great Japanese food.

The sashimi is always fresh and large pieces! Beef Tacos are amazing, and definitely a must have. My boyfriend loves the mountain pancake... surprisingly yummy as an addition to any meal. Yakitori skewers are good too. In fact, every time I dine hear I try something different and I am never disappointed.

Dining in a couple or with friends, I never leave paying any more then $25 per person and you leave feeling stuffed! Amazing is all I have for this place!

Jan 29, 2012

LovingIt
4

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food 9 Ambience 7 Service 7 Value 10

Although a tiny and noisy restaurant the food is sensational and excellent value. Definitely recommend the beef tataki (which just falls apart it's so tender), okonomiyaki and teriyaki salmon. Make sure you book, even mid week, and ask for a table in the front section of the restaurant.

Jan 10, 2012

by simple taste
7

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food 9 Ambience 7 Service 10 Value 9

I wish this was my local. They have the best specials, and I could eat the asparagus wrapped in beef all day long. It's incredible value for money, and the sashimi is always fresh and melts in your mouth.

Jan 10, 2012

Chris B.
3

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food 8 Ambience 8 Service 8 Value 10

I have never liked Japanese food much until I went to Samurai. A great local that has consistently great food at a very affordable price.

Dec 29, 2011

jgreen
1

5.5 Average

Food 6 Ambience 3 Service 7 Value 6

My first, much anticipated visit to a restaurant in a suburb of good restaurants was so disappointing, I will never go back. The restaurant was very noisy, due to the small space and the noisy groups of diners sitting in the same room. The problem compounded as everyone talked over the noise. I was so looking forward to the food! But the okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes) were mushy, too salty and burnt on the bottom. The so-called sake pears were tasteless and had no hint of sake flavour.

Oct 25, 2011

calbreez
10

7.3 Recommended

Food 9 Ambience 6 Service 5 Value 9

Great prices and really tasty food!

Don't expect too much service or a modern restaurant (it needs a refresh).

4 people were stuffed on $30 of food, with extra food left over.

I would recommend to all! Happy eating.

Mar 23, 2011