I ai Sushi
| Address: | 3691 W Waters Ave, Tampa, FL 33614, USA |
| Phone: | +1 813-932-1111 |
| Rating: | 3.9 |
| Working: | 5–9PM 12–2PM 12–2PM 12–2PM 12–2PM 12–2PM Closed |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 11
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G Tucker
Not really that great. I feel bad giving them two stars, but I really believe its deserved. There was one other table with customers besides me; then they left and it was just me. No music - just the hum of their kitchen equipment. The decor looks like they shopped at Goodwill because its a mix of different styles - the overall look reads like a BBQ joint. The food was Ok. Ive had worse. [The nigiri-style pieces were sloppily cut and the rice was falling apart. The fish eggs werent too fresh. The rolls were also sloppy - some pieces were loose and coming apart.] Its typical for sushi restaurants that are not authentic/Japanese owned - and I would submit also a typical Florida sushi experience. At least they didnt have cream cheese in every roll (!). The menus are in 3-ring binders and nearly all the food is represented as pictures. The waitress was nice - of Spanish descent and seemingly shy. I expect more. I want good quality food, nice decor, and professional service. This wasnt the place for that. Im sure theyre nice folks, but sorry I wont be back.
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Lucy Doan
The food quality is the TOP and I have eaten at many sushi restaurants before, including in Japan. If you want REAL Japanish taste food, this place is a MUST try. I dont really care about the owners attitude though. Many ppl comment here that shes rude but I found out shes just as fine and quite nice indeed. Its the language barrier that makes her dont talk much and neglect to answer question. But she tried to do her job professionally, quick service & top quality food! Its good enough for me. Im here for her food, not to judge her attitude. Besides, one of Asians characteristic is close and shy, they dont talk much, dont talk loud, and afraid to eye-contact with strangers....but theyre all nice. Try to talk to her in Japanish if you know some, be patient with her, shell show you how nice she could be. Finally, the restaurant is very quiet, cozy and CLEAN. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone I know!
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A Private User
Though the atmosphere is authentic, the sushi was the worst Ive ever had. My fiance & I ordered rolls that included Spicy Tuna & Alaska (salmon) which were both warm and mushy -- NOT good for fish. Our server was un-attentive and it took 30 minutes to get our bill after asking for it. When two different servers who finally came to our table saw that we hadnt touched our sushi, neither even asked how the food was, or if something was wrong. When the server finally stuck the bill on our table, we did not bother tipping for service we did not receive and food that was unedible, and as we left the server made a snide remark about the lack of tip. All of this was in addition to the fact that the restaurant was sloppy, with cleaning products around and a sticky table. The best part of this experience will come if we do not suffer from food poisoning.
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Cherry Le
The service is TERRIBLE. Its a shame since the food is very very good. Compliments straight to the chef and only the chef for the food. The female owner was rude. She lectured me and my group of friends for not informing her beforehand that we were going to split the check and gave us an attitude the entire time we were there. After giving her sub-par tips, she stormed out after we left the restaurant and confronted us in the parking lot. Tips are NOT mandatory and are given when shown outstanding customer service and she did NOT. I will not be returning here. Good food is just not enough when you have nasty and hateful owners/staff.
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Maegan Powers
Service here sucks! The owner/ lady was so rude! I sat there ate my food & paid! I left her no tip for the way she treated me and her attitude the whole time! After she found I left her no tip she ran outside to the parking lot asking and screaming for a tip & how I need to come inside and tip her! Got inside my car and left! A tip is optional and its given if the service is good! I aint tipping your for attitude! Sorry no way! Such an embarrassment especially screaming at me in the parking lot as many people have said she has done! NEVER GOING BACK AGAIN!
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A Private User
I will never be going back here. Below average food. Yes, the owners are authentic Japanese, but they use sub par ingredients which make the experience less than worth it, especially when combined with the beyond terrible service. Ive never been so repelled by service before I Ai Sushi. The people there act as if you are a burden for being a patron at their restaurant. Unbelievably terrible service with below average food makes me run for the door to never look back. For a pleasant experience along with excellent food; its Kaisen Sushi, all the way!
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Patrick Hanson
Great Japanese food. The appetizers are on point, the ramen is delicious and the okonomiyaki is really good. They have a good selection of fresh sushi as well. I would try almost anything on the menu, it is all delicious to me. Going with the theme of some others, the attitudes can be "off putting" if youre used to warm Western hospitality. That being said, Ive never experienced the staff being rude. There is a bit of a language barrier but the owner is dedicated to providing delicious Japanese food and it certainly shows.
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A Private User
Absolutely delightful... this restaurant was a pleasureful experience from the food to the atmosphere down to the eager staff and even the palatable bill. My date and I started out with a 10oz sake to drink as well as an order of edamame and wakame. For our main course we chose three sushi rolls: 1 rainbow roll, 1 futomaki, and 1 spider roll. ALL THREE were awesome... the food had such a home-cooked feel to it. I felt the entire time I was being served from someones family recipe book. I DEFINITELY WILL BE BACK!
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Anastasia Katsafaros
Love this place and have been going here for years. Authentic food that tastes fresh. Ramen is amazing and one of my personal favorites is thier Sweet Winter. The reviews crack me up on here. It may not have the "friendliest" staff, but the majority barely speak english. So I personally dont believe that being friendly is the problem, but the language barrier. I always leave a tip regardless, but she never takes it. If you can take it for what it is, you will absolutely be back for more.
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Heath Strickland
The dining is casual. Ate here on a late Friday night. The place had 2-3 tables taken up, so it was slow, and the service was one lady, who was also slow. The sushi was good. I had the edamame which was ok. I have had worse. I also ordered the tuna, yellow tail, and conch. All were great. My date had the fried tempura shrimp. Her portions were large and looked fine. She just filled up fast seeing as it was fried. In total for both of us, with appetizer and no drinks, ~30 bucks with tip.
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rob susu
The food here is incredible. I would dare say it is the best genuine Japanese joint in the entire area of Tampa. As far as food quality goes, this is definitely the place to go. One thing to have in mind though, is that the staff and owners know this. They are proud of what they offer and they are not your servants. They are your hosts. They do not care if you do not come back. Treat them with respect as you would any high end restaurant.
