Matuba Japanese Bar & Restaurant
| Address: | 2930 McKinley Ave, South Bend, IN 46615, USA |
| Phone: | +1 574-251-0674 |
| Rating: | 4.2 |
| Working: | 11AM–2PM 11AM–2PM 11AM–2PM 11AM–2PM 11AM–2PM 5–10PM Closed |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 9
A
A Private User
In my 40 years, I have never had a dining experience so upsetting that I felt compelled to write a review of the restaurant. I have never been treated so poorly in a restaurant. At best, portions were small and most of my sashimi dinner was very average (And I am not picky. I would have been perfectly content with so-so sushi). All I wanted was an ok dinner and to be treated with courtesy. However, one item I ordered was completely inedible. I took one bite and it was impossible to eat; it was a sushi roll DROWNING in mayonaise-based sauce. I love mayo, so it is hard for me to fathom that someone could use so much that the flavor would be over-powering but it was....truly nauseating. I rarely send anything back when dining-out, but there was no way I could eat it and I wanted something else. When I apologized to the waitress and asked if they could either remake it or if she would suggest something else instead, she took my plate but returned with arguments that the dish was right and the chef has been making it this way for 12 years. (I must have heard that justification no less than 7-8 times). I was then surprised when a moment later the chef came-out and started arguing with me about his dish being fantastic. All I wanted was a quiet dinner. After patiently waiting for him to stop so I could move forward with my dinner, I received my bill even though I was still hungry and had wanted to replace the item. Further, I saw that I was being charged for the unacceptable dish, and the waitress responded that the chef insisted I pay for it. When I protested, the chef whom the waitress identified as the owner got ugly...I was shocked by his behavior. He clearly felt justified, and "being right" was far more important to him than customer service or even looking for a reasonable compromise. He was willing to seriously upset a patron for a $6 charge. Like "Mind Boggling " below, I too wonder if the glowing reports were planted here by the restaurant owners. The quality described here and my experience do not mesh. I am reasonable. The restuarant business is hard. Even if the food were worthy, I prefer to invest my dining dollars with any of the numerous, deserving South Bend-area entrepreneurs who work hard and are grateful for every customer who chooses them. I willl find another restaurant to support, and I suggest that you do, too
A
A Private User
We are from indianapolis and decided to try Matuba for dinner. It did take longer than it should have for them to ask us our drink order. The Guoza dumplings were pretty good. I did like the miso soup. The ginger dressing was disappointing because it was a vinegarette based ginger dressing and i dont like vinegarette dressing I got the sashimi and too many of the fish tasted a bit fishy and had a not-so-fresh texture. My husband got the chicken that was panko breaded and fried and he liked his. He also got the white tuna which was a huge dissappointment because it was just off in taste and texture. Their sushi rice is too pasty and sweet. The worst part was that a side of "spicy sauce" cost me $1.50 which she didnt disclose up front, and the drinks were not free refills, which meant you had to spend $1.25 per glass! We wont be coming back to this place!
A
A Private User
From the reviews that I read, I figured this sushi would be the topic for days and weeks to come! It in fact was...only...on how GOD AWEFUL it is!! Im baffled by the reviews and the ones that actually raved about this restaurant because this was by far the WORST sushi EVER!! Its actually insulting to even call it sushi. My 6 year old nephew could have done a better job on rolling the sushi and presenting the food in a more appealing way. The presentation was at best...aweful! All I could say is any positive review on this restaurant must be either by the owners or people that really dont eat out often! P.S. Leona...youre right about staring at the food before eating it! I was staring at how disgusting the food looked! FYI...there is no such thing as vegetarian sashimi.
A
A Kh
This place has some of the best sushi in this area. Robert is awesome sushi chef and makes his sushi with skill. Sometimes you have to wait for a bit so its probably not a place you want to go to if you are on the run (unless you call ahead) but to have a nice dinner after a long day at work or simply a nice chill lunch this place is awesome. For being in south bend im surprised how good the fish is here, also bento boxes for lunch are great. They are priced well and have a nice amount of food in them. As far as the looks of this place, yes it could use an upgrade but its clean and has good food which is in my book already way ahead of many other places in south bend. Robert makes awesome spicy tuna!!!
NI
Nicolas Wyse
Not only is this the best Sushi in town, the menu is FULL of other great items to try. The staff is very friendly, and personable. Prices are very reasonable as well. Worth the drive from anywhere in Michiana. I have been here probably 50 times since I moved to South Bend in 2009, and every experience has been good. Some of the negative reviewers before me sound like they are probably from local competitors, or they dont understand how to write a review. Dont worry about them, check out Matuba for yourself. Myself, and everyone Ive ever talked to that has been there has loved it.
DO
Dominic Zultanski
If you want sushi, the most awesome customer service anywhere, and an all around great experience - MATUBA is the place!! Robert is Matubas Sushi Chief and host. Robert takes the time to know his customers and in the true nature of your sushi experience can gather a list of your likes and dislikes to create a special roll just for your tastes no matter what your sushi experience is - they may even name it and add it to their long selection. Matuba is a MUST try and you will not be disappointed!!
AN
Angela Despain
Fantastic food, amazing staff. Robert the cook is very friendly and talented. The menu is overly crowded and confusing, essentially 20 different combinations of the same thing totalling in about 200 total menu items - a bit ridiculous for me. The decor is a little outdated and silly, but we didnt come for the ambiance! Fantastic food, totally worth it, just dont try to navigate the menu. Stab at it blindly, order whatever it lands on, and youll be satisfied!
MI
Micah Carlson
Best sushi in the area. Wonderful, buttery salmon which is always cut large enough to hang heartily over the edge of the rice. Great prices and portions. I have never had a roll here I did not like. Robert is also very friendly and thoughtful. I have been eating here for many years, and have seen many "nice" sushi places be built and closed (and their sushi did not approach matubas, though their prices far exceeded). Matuba is the best!
CA
Carina Suarez
I love this place. The fish is always fresh, and it is reasonably priced (I only ever get the sushi). The owner is really nice and always makes sure to say hi when you walk in. The only downside is that they do tend to put mayo on everything, but Im sure you can ask them for no mayo. I set up an alert on my phone to remind me of that when I get near the restaurant. Otherwise, this is definitely the best quality sushi around.
