Hayashi Japanese Restaurant
| Address: | 6641 Grand Ave C, Gurnee, IL 60031, USA |
| Phone: | +1 847-856-0270 |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 4:30–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 36
DG
dgw
Key takeaways: expensive/low value for dollar; curt/rude staff; closing process invades the dining room nearly an hour before closing time. The devil is in the details here. The food is good, but very expensive for the portion sizes. Id say its pretty typical of this restaurant type, actually, nothing really remarkable. Prices were 20-30% more than seemed reasonable. Entrees include only rice—no soup or salad. It would have been forgivable if the main items were portioned more generously, but that was not the case. Goma-ae appetizer was maybe an eggs volume of spinach, hardly deserving of its $5 price tag. Two small filets of mackerel ("Sio" Yaki saba, $14) came accompanied by two long slices of carrot, two slices of zucchini, half a dozen green beans, and an (admittedly delicious) deep fried item I have not been able to identify. The Beef Nabe Udon ($13) fared slightly better in the value assessment, but not by much, as it was mostly udon and light on the meat and vegetables. Both entrées were tasty, but lacking substance. Also lacking was the service—far from the usual friendly and helpful norm at Japanese establishments. I would go so far as to characterize the waitresss behavior as rude, especially her attitude toward us when the minute of "officially clos[ing]" came and she practically demanded that the check be settled even though we were not yet finished. In fairness, though, it seemed like nobody wanted to be there until closing. The whole (visible) crew consisted of two sushi chefs and two waitresses. The sushi chefs busied themselves with cleaning the countertop display case, then fell back to watching videos together on a smartphone well before closing time. At various points, we saw one waitress or the other: bring a bucket of soapy water and large red rubber gloves out and set it on the sushi bar; fiddle with a smartphone only half concealed behind the kitchen curtain; and peek through the curtain several times in the space of a minute to see if we were finished. Those are just the obvious occurrences, and nearly all occurred before closing time. The display case cleaning was starting as we arrived, roughly 45 minutes before closing. Its also worth noting that the waitstaff working tonight wore sneakers under their uniforms, which were in plain sight as they walked around. That further killed the decor, I think. The outfits just didnt go together.
S.
S. Miller
My girlfriend introduced me to this place over 2 years ago, and I instantly fell in love with their great food, friendly atmosphere, courteous staff and professional chefs! Im 41 yrs old and Ive tried Asian cuisine from 100s of different restaurants during the past 30+ years. But, Ive never tasted Asian food as good as theirs! I live in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin which is about 65 miles away from Gurnee, Illinois. And, I do not mind going out of my way, and passing tons of other Asian restaurants just to satisfy my cravings for that authentic Hayashi food!
ST
Steven Schwarz
Great sushi, and plenty of choices! I was looking for sushi places in the area, and I usually like Ichiban as an option, but the local Ichiban had bad reviews, and so I found this place! Its a bit of a hidden gem being sandwiched Potbelly and another place, but I give it high praise for being a quality sushi place!
TE
Ted Mall
Gurnees oldest Sushi place. Wonderful selection, great presentation, attentive staff. Popular with both locals and travellers. I have been going there for over 15 years and always had a great dining experience. They always have off the menu specials and a nice collection of sake as well as other wines.
IM
Imran Faizi
Great place for delicious sushi. It is small and cozy so when it is busy you might wait a little and it is worth it. The sushi has always been fresh and the wait staff are attentive and fast. Try the sky roll it is wonderful and my favorite. The bloody tuna is also great with spice and smokey goodness.
SA
Sam Watts
They have real Japanese food. Yes, the service is great and all, but the food is what really matters. The other restaurants around here have watered down miso soup, donburi on plates, and old, weak wasabi. Hayashi actually makes Japanese food like it should be made.
KA
Kazz Horak
I was there 3+ years ago, since then I havent been there, since my son had flu after he had some Sushi here. The waitress had Japanese name on name tag, so I spoke some Japanese to her, but she does not even speak Japanese!!! Another fake Japanese
KU
Kunal Patel
Great food and great service! Beef teriyaki melts in your mouth. Certainly coming back! This area is packed with your top 25 franchise restaurants/fast food joints. Look forward trying some different rolls next time.
SC
Scott Bright
We have been going here for years. The food is excellent. I love the bento boxes and the sushi. My daughter just discovered vegetable tempura. Very friendly staff makes you feel at home.
BR
Brian Viengthong
Greatest Sushi joint in IL. Small restaurant but brings a cozy atmosphere. The waiter and hostess are hospitable. Would highly recommend this place to friends and family.
KA
Katharine Schleich
Some of the best sushi I have ever had! The service was excellent as well! Loved the bloody tuna roll and the mochi ice cream. I will definitley be back!
AN
Andy Cheng
Friendly staff with great service and they have lots of appetizer choices. i would recommend their sushi because their maki needs a little work.
KI
Kimberly Drake
Staff is always very friendly. Incredible sushi! Lots of different choices. This has become a favorite spot for us! Highly recommended!
CH
Charlotte neal-duncan
Had my Birthday dinner there last year based on a recommendation from a friend. Really loved it! Will definitely return again.
LI
Lia Bianco
The sushi is phenomenal.! I just wish they were part of Grubhub, so we could get it delivered like some other sushi places.
IA
Ian Baxter
Pretty solid food and friendly service. I would recommend for anyone looking for sushi while visiting the Gurnee area.
JH
Jhan Dolphin
Ive been eating here for over 15 years, and I have never been disappointed. Always very fresh, always high quality.
MI
mike kim
Friendly staff makes you feel right at home! Sushi is fresh and best Ive had since my trip to Tokyo 2 years ago.
CH
Chris Tomek
Awesome food and service with a smile. My child and I eat here about once a week. Higly recommended.
NI
nick s
Amazing food, spectacular service. A great place for sushi! Cant recommend this place enough.
CO
Cooper Morita
I am Japanese & hands down, the best sushi place Ive ever been too & my dad has to agree too!
TE
Teresa Dudding Byrd
Great service. The food was authentic and reasonably priced. Fast service and good atmosphere
TO
Todd Vang
We always have great sushi at Hayashi. Great service and great chefs.
NI
Nicolet DeRose
I have eaten sushi around the country and this is the best!
CA
Cayo Buay
Super friendly staff, super delish foods... win - win..
VI
Victoria Huerta
The food and service at Hayashi are always exceptional!
CR
Craig Citro
I love this little sushi shop in Gurnee.
TH
Thomas J. Lee
Clean and friendly. Would come again
JO
joe jones
Great hole in the wall sushi place
TO
Tom MacNabb
Cozy atmosphere, friendly staff.
PA
Pamela Corrigan
Best sushi in Lake County!
AN
Andrew Young
Great sushi.....loved it!
RA
Randy Salkowski
Great food but busy
BE
Beverly Jones
Always terrific!
LI
Lisa Dydo
Great food.
DE
Deandre B
Great food
