Murasaki Japanese Restaurant
| Address: | 23 LaSalle Rd, West Hartford, CT 06107, USA |
| Phone: | +1 860-236-7622 |
| Site: | murasakijapaneserestaurant.com |
| Rating: | 4 |
| Working: | Closed 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 5–9PM |
Location
Photos 8
Reviews 11
A
A Private User
Went to Murasaki for dinner. Before heading over, I read some of the reviews here and some of the reviews that are linked to this restaurant. First of all, I lived in Japan for 16 plus years so I have a good idea of what is good Japanese food. Most Americans dont know, but the majority of Japanese restuarants are run by Chinese. Although some of the decor is Japanese, I can usually spot fake-Japanese decor, music, staff and food within 2 seconds of entering any place. Listen for Irrashaimase! as you walk in. That might be a good hint you are at the real deal. (Like-wise, if you hear any patrons say Gochisousama-deshita to the chef/staff, you know they liked the food.) Anyways, too often Chinese-made Japanese food looks somewhat like real Japanese, but the taste (aji) is not right. You might notice this less with sushi/sashimi compared to other Japanese cooked food. On to the review of Murasaki... Parking as expected was a pain since everyone loves to eat out in West Hartford. I did find free parking not too too far away. When I entered, I was promptly greeted by the hostess. I should point out that a review of this place on another site mentioned the un-similing staff. Japanese are very polite and you shouldnt take a non-smiling face as not sincere. Sometimes, the opposite is true in their country. They do take service very seriously! I was seated at the counter... which I like because I can watch the chefs and also chat with them. Some chefs are chatted and some are not. The master (chef) was gently talking with 3 regulars. I noted he didnt over speak and worked deligently but still answered questions. The other two front counter women were very busy. I placed my order, though I realized that the waitress didnt speak Japanese. No worries as the food was the reason for visiting. To gain a better view I asked to move my seat and they were happy to move me. The restuarant isnt large and maybe half the tables were full. Though it was early in the night. I ordered some sushi rolls and took in the atmosphere. It had a nice Japanese feel. I could close my eyes and imagine I was in Japan. I wished the TV was set to NHK or Sumo and that would have been perfect. I really dislike so many places using fake Japanese decorations or worse, having their waitresses wear yukata (summer kimono). They often dont know how to wear it and it is often unwashed. Here. the staff looked professional. The master was a typical imagined sushi chef and had an air of mastery. My sushi roll arrived and it was well presented. People might say, This place is expensive or I cant get a school of fish for almost nothing down the road. Folks, Japanese food isnt McDonalds! High quality fish that the typical master picks himself is expensive. I assumed this place did the same as the fish taste was extremely fresh. It may not register on the palette and for some, it is like cheap win vs expensive wine. So maybe not everyone can tell the difference. Trust me, there is a difference! I was tempted to drink some Japanese beer as it taste so good but withheld since I had to drive a ways. Summary: This is real Japanese. Its not your Chinese buffet quasi-Japanese stuff. The ambience was good, though could improve with some nicer music (Im use to lively Japanese Izakayas) and the food was perfect for a home-sick former Japanese expat. I heard they have one more place inside the Mark Twain house which Ill check out when showing some relatives around this summer. I walked out and gave a strong, Gochisousama!
AL
Alex Ryan
The place smelled something like a mix of really old wallpaper that hasnt breathed in a while, and a bad mold problem. It was almost unbearable. The sushi was a mix - the dragon roll and salmon hand roll were quite good for a sushi bar, and would win a thumbs up from me to come again. A spicy tuna roll was literally just a small piece of tuna with some rice and topped with a bit of something they could pass off as a spicy sauce, and was very bland as a result. The sashimi was also underwhelming.
TR
Trevor Eddy
Freshest, best tasting sushi around in my opinion. From the rice which has a great balance of acidity, texture and temperature to the fish which is expertly cut and seems to be fresh and high quality. Im no expert but the sushi here is delicious!!
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A Woodroffe
The sushi here was great - really fresh! And they were very accommodating when we wanted to add spicy sauce to one of the rolls. Although the dining room isnt big, it didnt feel cramped and the service was good (at least on a Wednesday night).
AL
Alex O
The food was good. Service was nice. The atmosphere was a little off-putting. Very small space and the decor had an kind of Alice in Wonderland effect because it made it seem like the room was getting smaller at the other end.
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Liam Collins
The sushi was fairly good, but service was very slow. One of our waters smelled strongly of bleach, the server did give us a new one. Dinner took two hours on a Tuesday night.
JO
Joe Santos
The sushi and sashimi was delicious, but the service was very slow and the seating is a bit cramped. Good place to take your time, but not so good if youre starving.
DE
Del-tanian
The rolls here are unrivaled in West Hartford and the menu is very authentic. If you go you should definitely try the fire roll
PE
Peter Khoo
Real Japanese food from real Japanese chefs! Fantastic miso soup, delicious salads, and fresh, tasty sushi and sashimi.
FE
Felix Lui
probably the best sushi in the west hartford area, though the dining area is cozy to be kind.
TY
Tyler Jay Campos
Wonderful food lots of courses friendly service and delicious sushi, tempura, miso, and udon
