Samurai Japanese Restaurant
| Address: | 979 Lomas Santa Fe Dr, Solana Beach, CA 92075, USA |
| Phone: | +1 858-481-0032 |
| Site: | samuraijapaneserestaurant.com |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Working: | 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 5–9PM 4:30–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 31
BA
Badi Badiozamani
I have taken my family, friends and business partners to Samurai many times due to the fact that the food is always great. Alas, the SERVICE DISAPPOINTED me and my wife tonight. First, we asked for two glasses of water without ice and a slice of lime. The waitress relayed our request to a big gentleman who brought us water, but no lime. I noticed a black particle in my water, so I asked them to bring another glass. This time a white particle was swimming in my water! The couple of slices of old lime that they finally brought us were almost juice-less! The chefs Special Special was absolutely tasty, as always, and so was the Tuna Special. So, I forgot about the bad experience with the water. Feeling more appetite for the delicious food, once we caught the super busy waitress, we ordered California roll. Unfortunately, the wait seemed like an eternity. Having lost my appetite and my patience to some extent, I called the manager/owner and tactfully asked him if they were shorthanded. He said: No, why? I told him about the wait and asked him to cancel my last order and bring me the check. A few seconds later, the waitress appeared with my order and asked me to take it. She also told me she wouldnt charge me for it. Before I got a chance to respond to the waitress, the manager came with the check, and in a manner that was neither apologetic nor kind asked me if I wanted it. Feeling insulted, I responded no. Although the service was terrible, I left about 20% gratuity. Upon leaving the restaurant half hungry, I noticed the manager/owner chastising the poor waitress. Had the manager employed an apologetic/friendly tone, or had he shown a little understanding, everything would have gone fine. Was I expecting too much? I hope the waitress does not get in trouble. By the way, I will keep going to Samurai in the future.
A
A Private User
Ok, I gave it 5 stars not because its really a "5-star" restaurant in the sense that it can compete with the best Japanese/sushi restaurants in the world, but because it succeeds fantastically at being what its trying to be - really great food at a totally reasonable price. There is an extensive menu ranging from beef and seafood to vegetarian fare, as well as a nice sushi selection. I got a generous selection of sushi while my wife ordered the sesame chicken. Both were surprisingly good. Is it the best sushi Ive ever had? No. Was it totally enjoyable at a price you wont feel guilty about? You betcha! The fish was fresh and had great texture. The rice was firm and sticky without being under-done or gluey, and both the wasabe and ginger were delicious. My wifes chicken was cooked just right and the sauce was recognizable without being overpowering. We didnt do the teppanyaki, but I do plan on going back and trying it. If you like Japanese food (or rather, how America generally does Japanese food), you wont be disappointed.
JU
Justin Arn
Ive been to their happy hour on several occasions and enjoy the prices they offer and the extended hours on Monday. The bar area is somewhat small and in need of a make-over, as its layout is an odd blend of cafeteria and sports bar with very limited bar space. The prices are good given the quality of sushi, and the service is adequate. When Samurai gets busy, the wait can me more than I would usually expect; a consequence of bad space management I believe, as the server is forced to travel out of the bar area, around the host station, and almost to the kitchen to get anything done.
SH
Shalom Shimon
Friday evening I was looking online for places to eat in the solana beach area. I saw the rating of the place and decide to try the place. I asked The waiter to recommend me about something good and she didnt understand me so good because my Israeli accent lol I told her that Im not eating shel fish she got unconfident. But I helped her haha I choose my own food and it was extremely good thank you Samurai for the good food it was really good experience Im definitely recommend you guys and come back
MA
Matt Wassam
The people are very nice and welcoming. Unfortunately, that is where it ends. The sashimi platters are obnoxiously expensive and you receive the chefs choice which includes 3 samples of fish eggs, and literally 1 piece that is egg omelette. Seriously? Egg omelette sashimi? The sesame chicken is chicken teriyaki with sesame on top. Awful.
MA
Mark Bannach
Sushi chef Marco-son is the best! Theres always a spot at the sushi bar here (because its about 50 seats), and always great tasting sushi. Ive been coming here since 2003. Family owned and great traditional atmosphere with a bar, sushi bar & tables, & Teppanyaki area which has the iron grilles for entertainment.
FR
Frank Schaefer
Great food.....I have been coming here for years. it seems very authentic and its always fresh. The sushi bar is predominately where we dine. The chefs seem very knowledgeable and they are very attentive. Would love to eat there more often
AL
Alex Scott
Been coming here forever and always great. Fun to do the Tepanyaki in back or just sit at the booths and order the boat (family combos). Good service and good food for reasonable prices. Chicken Teriyaki is my fave.
A
A Private User
You can suck it. The only person getting paid off is probably you. Samurai is county renouned for its delicious food and wonderful atmosphere. Anyone would absolutely devour their menu, with happiness.
CH
Changkun Chi
괌여행 필수코스 가격도 착해, 맛도 아주 좋습니다. 서비스도 훌륭하고요.
EL
Elton Laraway
Great management, even better customer support and food came out quickly. Great place to hang out after work and the owner is super friendly. Ginger beer is a must!
A
A Private User
This restaurant has a tenquil atmosphere and has good food. The staff is nice and is there for you if you need them. It is a pleasant dining experiance!
A
A Private User
I love sitting at the sushi bar. Always serve top quality fish. I would recommend the honey moon shot. Uni, oyster, caviar, and masago with ponzu sauce.
CH
Chris Thompson
Love this place. Ive been going for 20+ years. Great family. The staff is friendly and fun. Eric the bartender is awesome!!!! Go once a week
KE
Kevin Levine
Its been here for 40 years its a mix of traditional sushi served by Japanese chefs and casual atmosphere with good California sushi.
JO
John Muir
Bartender is great. Happy Hour food used to be great, now its cheap fastfood-type sushi. Sad, as I used to really like it.
GI
GIOVANNI JAUREGUI
I love this place. The Sushi is great. Nice and quiet, and the service is excellent.
AB
Abby Smith
Tepenyaki grill is where its at. Sushi is acceptable. Family business. Kid tolerant.
TO
Tony Perez
When I arrive my drinks arrive without ordering. Great service and food.
A
A Private User
Sometimes the service is slow or unfriendly but the food is amazing
ER
Eric Backsen
Good happy hour prices... But very short happy hour time period
JE
Jeff Maslan
Go here when in town. Not the greatest quality but fun.
LI
Lily Mamer
Local cook on the table Japanese plus a nice happy hour
JE
Jeff Cram
very friendly, and good food. Decent prices for lunch
BE
Beverly Noonan
They are friendly and the food is good.
SU
Susan McMahon
The Best and Fresh Sushi ...hands down!
MA
Margaret Mizushima
This is our favorite place for sushi!
JO
Joe T
great food and chefs were awesome !!
CR
Craig Humphrey
Try the Dark Dragon Roll. Mmmmmmm
FR
Frank Creede
Best Sushi in North County.
JU
Justin Abraham
Good, fresh sushi
