Sushi Samurai

5.5 Average

Food  3      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  3     

Visiting some friends in the area and they told me they dine here frequently so joined them for a mid week lunch.

Overpriced and salty food, but as I wasn't paying I didn't want to make them feel bad by not eating the pork belly lunch box set $13. Never had pork belly cooked this way, long stringy bits of pork, poached in salty water, served in a box with steamed rice, with a side of salad. I must admit the miso soup was nice. The edamame wasn't fresh, slightly brown and over seasoned with salt.
On the upside service is friendly. Won't be going back.

Jan 07, 2012 

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  9     

Came here with a group of friends for a birthday. We all had the all-you-can-eat for 90mins for $29pp as we chose the upgrade to shishimi option. 90mins might not sound like very much time to order but in fact it was more than sufficient to really fill our tummies. The food was fresh and plentiful. A couple of our orders were delayed but other than that, it was a really good experience. Would definately go again if in the area.

Oct 23, 2011 

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  9      Value  9     

Latest review 2011:
Well this place is now the best Japanese in Pyrmont considering the recent downfall of Yuzu due to new management. Service is friendly and efficient here. We had the inside out sushi roll specials with fresh reef fish and grilled salmon. Excellent. Great eggplant which was recommended by other recent reviews. Amuse bouche of deep fried salmon skin was interesting. Great value. BYO wine is good. Only downside is the uncomfortable bench and stool seating.

Review back in 2008:
What great value! $15 for a tempura lunch box, which was huge, could not finish it. Very tasty combination of seafood and veges with rice and salad. Tasty miso soup and tofu also. Its a nice little place, that is well fit out and has welcoming service. Well done. Will be back to try the meats and sashimi another time.

Oct 21, 2011 

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  9      Value  9     

Good for quick meal if in area. Very fresh and efficient service.

Sep 05, 2011 

7.5 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  8     

3 September, 2011 - My family came here for an early dinner on Saturday night and the restaurant was already buzzing. Service was a bit more slow tonight but still we were hungry ready to order, three of us had their set menus and I had the salmon sashimi and soft shell hand rolls. While the sashimi was fresh and tasty, the hand rolls weren't worth $15 for two. They were decent sized but you can go to Makoto and get them for $5 each! The waitresses hover and clear empty plates straight away and as service is fast you are out the door within one hour.

August 1, 2010 - My husband and I came for dinner before a show at Lyric theatre and luckily we booked as many people were turned away at 6 pm due to being booked out.

Service is prompt and fast with the highlight dishes being their inside out rolls and sushi. Their soft shell crab was generous and tasty with 4 pieces served with sauce and mayo. The disappointment was their wagyu beef steak dish that came on a hotplate as it was mostly gristle and fat.

Would come here again for the rolls as their dragon roll was delicious!

Sep 03, 2011 

7.8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  7     

Have been here on a number of occasions. Solid Japanese food using freshly sourced ingredients and clever techniques, reasonable prices and well-crafted "set" menus. Eggplant is a fantastic mix of salty, sweet and creamy. Avoid soft shell crab as salt may contribute to hypertension.

As below, booking ahead is recommended. Staff are friendly, polite, and timing of dishes is appropriate. Setting is comfortable albeit a bit intimate to neighbouring tables. Have not yet tried their takeaway as not in the area, but very keen to!

Aug 07, 2011 

7.8 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  6      Service  7      Value  9     

Been there a dozen times now. Must book ahead if it's the weekend. I really like their miso eggplant, all their salads, Their wagu beef on a hot plate. They have a lobster set menu which is delicious and fairly priced. They're also in the entertainment book. This place is great value for money.

Jul 17, 2011 

8 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  10      Value  6     

Went there on a Saturday night, luckily we booked ahead as the restaurant was fully booked out which is always a good sign. The food was very fresh, we ordered the samurai 7 containing 7 types of sashimi simple in flavor highlighting the freshness of the raw fish.

The decor is simple with a modern touch, the background music was a bit loud to our liking. The service is very attentive but not intrusive. Overall an enjoyable dining experience and definitely be back.

May 08, 2011 

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  10     

Excellent little sushi place in the backstreets near Darling Harbour. I came here for lunch with my partner and another couple and was very impressed by the quality of the food, the variety, and the price. Will definitely be coming back.

Apr 15, 2011 

4.3 Below Average

Food  5      Ambience  4      Service  5      Value  3     

Not awful, but not particularly good either. Why choose this one when there are better Japanese restaurants (quality, price) available?!

Aug 05, 2010