Wagaya

7.8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  7     

Updating my almost three year old review, as things have changed over there!

The food is pleasant and homely as always, don't expect extravagance. Food value (price to proportion ratio) has largely been retained, but some dishes have become smaller in size. You can expect to pay between 20-25 dollars for a very fulfilling meal, so at least in my eyes, this place still gives good value for money (relative to CBD prices).

The decor has not changed at all, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Pleasant and mellow vibe throughout the restaurant with dimmed lighting set in a modern contemporary Japanese design.

The service is still great every time I've been there (probably more than 30 times now since my last review), though it may drop when the restaurant is full. The touchscreen menu though will guarantee to get you a waiter/waitress.

Overall, these guys are still steaming along - good value.

Jan 31, 2012 

4.8 Average

Food  6      Ambience  5      Service  5      Value  3     

I have been to wagaya several times never understand whats the rave about the food, don't understand what sort of food it serve (bento type? fusion type? ramen? sushi?) since the food are just all taste ok and the price doesn't really match with with the porpotion. Finally for the nth time (I only go because my friend's birthday or being force to) I finally know what's good there as I was in a mission to find yakitori in Sydney, the yakitori dishes here are surprisingly great but again over price what suppose to be cheap bar/street food in japan. What expecting about just under $25pp including beer end up with $35pp incuding beer. So not cheap eats at all. Oh well I guess the seating style and the mocktail/cocktail kind of pay up for it.

Oct 22, 2011 

7 Recommended

Food  5      Ambience  6      Service  8      Value  9     

I don't think there's a great deal I can add to what a lot of people say here. But I do want to emphasise a couple of points.

The cuisine: it's Ok. Standard Sydney Japanese fare. It is perfectly edible, but nothing one can order here has any "wow" factor. This is competent food, although they do have a fairly large selection of edibles and potables.

The ambience: also Ok. The restaurant is appointed well enough. It is larger than it seems and it has a kind Australo-Japanese minimalist quality to it that is pleasant, but it's just beginning to look a little worn down. It will probably need renovations in the not too distant future if it wants to keep up appearances.

That said, Wagaya is just plain fun. The computer screen ordering menu is something you see in Japan, but with the exception of Mizuya and a couple places in North Sydney, a novelty here. It has the advantage of allowing just as much time as necessary to order dishes and one can keep ordering them as the night progresses. The orders usually appear with lightning-like efficiency, which keeps all happy. But more than that, I have yet to meet anyone who doesn't like to play with the touchscreen and see what they can find. As I say, it's fun!

The price is the clincher. Most of the items on the menu are exceedingly reasonable. One can have a very large meal, even with alcoholic drinks, and not spend too much.

If I want really good Japanese food, I will go elsewhere. But if I want to have a good night out with a lot of friends and not break the bank, Wagaya is usually the spot that springs to mind.

Oct 06, 2011 

6.8 Recommended

Food  4      Ambience  7      Service  10      Value  6     

This used to be my favourite place to go to when I want a fuss free quick meal. The 40 minutes drive there was worth it but not any more. It all started one time when we went in a group of 10 and it was a busy night, a lot of the sushi dishes came out dry and the flavour wasn't spot on and hot dishes came out barely warm.

I started exploring new joints and left this one for a while. I decided to go back a few weeks ago and this time the portions have changed, the usual california rolls and spider rolls have shrunken noticeably.

Overall after that night I have no desire to go back there again, the food lost its magic for me. I love Wagaya for the great service and touch screen ordering system but I don't think I'll be back again.

Aug 17, 2011 

2.5 Not Recommended

Food  5      Ambience  1      Service  1      Value  3     

I visited Wagaya with my partner on a Saturday night and we left unhappy. The food was just ok. But the queuing, seating and overall service was completely unacceptable and it spoiled our evening we thought.

We had requested a booth and were told the wait was 45 minutes. The wait turned out to be more than an hour. There were no available seats in the waiting area so we stood closeby the counter. We felt the attendant behind the counter was rude when we enquired about our position in the queue. When we were finally at the head of the queue we were ready to sit at a nearby booth that had become available, but instead of being seated at a booth as we had requested, we were seated at an uncleared table in a small corridor beside the fuming grill.

Since we had waited so long and the booth had already been taken we just ordered our meal. But subsequently there was poor service to the table throughout the night. When we managed to get the attention of wait staff, on more than one occasion our request was ignored or forgotten. The table was piled with empty plates which never seemed to be cleared away. Simple orders like more hot water took more time than seemed reasonable to reach us.

Overall we left Wagaya that night feeling very disappointed.

Aug 14, 2011 

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  8     

Have been to Wagaya several times and have always enjoyed it. Excellent atmosphere and the food was awesome!

Aug 04, 2011 

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  7      Value  9     

Great experience will definitely be back but not with Gluten Free friends - the menu is not gluten free friendly and when we asked they thought we wanted a free meal!

Jul 28, 2011 

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  10     

My boyfriend and I have been to Wagaya a few times now and its the best Japanese restaurants in Sydney so far.

For starters its open till Very late. I personally am a night owl and have been frustrated for years that there is not enough restaurants in Sydney open till late without having to resort to Maccas. This is a great change.

The food is absolutely fantastic. The gyoza is the best I've ever tasted, the wagyu pizza, octopus pancake, sukiyaki, scallop garlic rice and spider sushi is all worth trying. Nice cocktail menu too.

The touch screen system is highly addictive, the ambience is really nice and the waiters are very friendly and helpful. The booths and overall design of the restaurant makes you feel like you're not in Sydney anymore.

Overall, I recommend Wagaya to anyone! "Oishii desu".

Jul 25, 2011 

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  8     

Went there on a Friday night with a group of girls. We booked a private room in advance. The whole touch screen ordering is alot of fun and it comes out incredibly quick. I would recommend booking the private room especially if you are a bigger group.

As for the food, it was excellent. Everything was delicious but especially loved the crumbed cheese, the spicy chicken wings and the noodles. It was reasonably priced as well for all the food that we had to share between us.

Overall great experience would go there again. I can imagine there is a tendency to overspend with the touchscreen but its fun place to go for a group.

Jul 19, 2011 

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  9     

The ambience and the great range of food keeps me returning to the place. Very efficient service and the food arrives quickly after the order is place. Best to book ahead for friday nights and weekend dining, because there's always a long queue.

Jul 17, 2011