Ziki Japanese Restaurant
| Address: | 279 W Centre Ave, Portage, MI 49002, USA |
| Phone: | +1 269-459-9166 |
| Site: | zikijapanese.com |
| Rating: | 4.7 |
| Working: | 11AM–3PM 11AM–3PM 11AM–3PM 11AM–3PM 11AM–3PM 12–10:30PM 12–9:30PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 7
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Nicholas Rivera
This review is from my first experience at Ziki back in 06/2015. Updates at the bottom. A friend and I decided to check out Ziki when our regular place was closed at 2:30p. I figured, at very worst, wed experience something different. It is pretty unassuming looking on the outside but very inviting once you step inside. There is no alcohol served here, so the main attraction in the restaurant is the sushi chef (and oddly, a large television behind him). The decor is clean, classy and comfortable. We were sat promptly and crisps with a sweet sauce were brought out. I decided to try their signature sushi since that is what I was in the mood for so I went with the Godzilla roll (Fresh tuna, salmon, yellowtail & white fish, deep fried w/ spicy mayo, eel sauce, masago on top) and the Magic Salmon roll (Fresh salmon, avocado & cucumber rolled in spicy salmon w/ chefs special sauce) I wont lie, I am not a sushi purist. I can go a little overkill with the condiments at my usual place but I decided I needed to try this "as is" to experience it properly. This was probably some of the best sushi I have had. Everything was very clean and fresh tasting. The Magic Salmon roll had a fantastic flavor that ended on a citrusy note and the Godzilla roll was very enjoyable (and was enhanced by just a little soy sauce). Also, while the Godzilla is a fried roll, it was very light and crispy, not oily or heavy tasting. Even the presentation was top notch. Another point worth mentioning is that I am a huge fan of gari (pickled ginger) and it was nice to see that theirs didnt have the typical food dye coloring. As we wrapped up our meals, a small bowl of cut pineapple was brought out for us, which I thought was great. It was a fresh and sweet (literally) way to finish off the meal. I have been back one time since and while I did the Magic Salmon roll again, this time I also went for the Dragon Roll (Eel, cucumber, topped with avocado and eel sauce) but I also decided to try the Tuna Tataki (seared black pepper tuna with special sauce) appetizer. The plating of the tataki was very interesting, all the pieces of tuna rested on the side of the bowl which contained a smaller bowl that had a shredded cabbage or something over a little LED lit bauble. It was a charming little display and while this $6 app wasnt going to fill you up, is was full of flavor and very enjoyable. The Dragon Roll was as good as anything else I had already tried. (Eel is amazing, if you havent). What I havent mentioned is that the pricing is fantastic. I would be tempted to eat here even if the food wasnt as good as it is. Their signature rolls range from $6.99, most are 8.99 and tops out at 10.99. With two rolls and water, I can eat here for under $20 easily (before tip). Fantastic food, great service, enjoyable setting, I hope Ziki is around for a very long time... and I plan on doing my part to keep them going :) UPDATE: I have since been to Ziki more times than I could count and I never fail to enjoy it. My regular tends to be the Magic Salmon Roll, Sweetheart Roll, and the Kani Salad. Even after changing sushi chefs a couple times, Ive never noticed a change in flavor or quality. I recommend Ziki to anyone and everyone that will listen!
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Michael Culver
Arrived for lunch on a Saturday. Very nice design and ambiance despite a squeaky front door and loud electronic door chime. We were seated promptly and with great courtesy. Very clean. However, the food was just so-so. Steamed shrimp dumplings were too dense as though theyd been squeezed to shape them a bit too much. Shrimp tasted like damp protein.. no real shrimp flavor. Sushi was ambitious, but also not very noteworthy. The chef clearly cares about the preparation and it shows in certain ways like the sear on the fish topping. Also, the array of sauces both as plate decoration and on the sushi was a nice touch visually. However, for flavor, it is just syrupy. I didnt taste much of the fish, and the rice was grainy and mushy. I realize that this is what the American market expects of sushi; Inoffensive, and lacking any essence, but it exactly what sushi should not be. The staff clearly has the talent to make something better, but neither myself or the company with me were impressed with the meal. Summary: Excellent appearance and cleanliness. Excellent service. So-so food.
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Aubrey Koches
It was delicious!!! Lots of great variety on the menu- something for everybody!! They had lots of great vegetarian options too!! Not as expensive as other Sushi/ Hibachi places in town- yet the food was even better than the other places. We ate here for my Birthday and they did not disappoint!!! The free dessert was delicious- and I dont want to ruin the surprise for anyone- but lets just say the way they "sang Happy Birthday" when they brought me the dessert was super fun!!! Never seen it done like that before! I went with a group of people who have all different tastes from each other- and everyone was able to find something they liked on the menu!! Cant say enough good things about the sushi- this is definitely going to be our new sushi place!!! They service was also best weve had in town for this style of restaurant. Outstanding!!!!!
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Kristina Weber
Visited tonight with some friends. Had green tea, calamari, a Godzilla roll, and a tuna nigiri. The Godzilla roll was really good (and served with a swan and an edible flower!), the calamari was pretty good, the tuna nigiri wasnt great (but that might depend on availability/season/catch?), and the green tea was clearly from old leaves or something - could barely taste it. The decor and atmosphere was nice, if a bit loud for conversation. Overall, worth a second go but the quality of the food seems to vary from dish to dish. I also felt bad for our waitress - she was very soft-spoken so we could barely hear her.
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Denise N
The food is excellent the fish from the sushi bar is very fresh. The restaurant is extremely clean and the staff is the friendliest in town. They sincerely want you to enjoy your experience when youre there. I know there are plenty of hibachi restaurants in town but although Ziki doesnt put on a show for you like they do at Sakura or Kyoto their hibachi style food is far superior. The couple of times Ive been there it wasnt very busy so you better get out and show some love Portage. If you like sushi order the Sushi boat with a friend. Its literally a wooden ship the size of your table decorated with sushi.
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Kira Biastock
We tried this place based on the reviews and we werent disappointed! The server we had was very attentive and nice. The chef even came over to see how everything was. Our food came out very quickly as well. We ordered the steak hibachi, crab rangoons, crispy spicy roll and the funny dragon roll. All of the food was really good and even presented well. The atmosphere and decor of the place was modern and comfortable. Even though its located in a strip mall, you wouldnt even know it.
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K Johnson
Super friendly, family appropriate. They serve hibachi without the scary fire grill and they dont throw things at your face! This I appreciate! Dont get me wrong, the hibachi show can be fun, but sometimes you need more privacy or you have little ones that dont need their eyebrows singed. LOL! The food is fresh and prepared nicely with flair. The staff is kind and fast. Great place.
