Hanami Japanese Cuisine
Hanami Japanese Cuisine
Delivery: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
4 reviews
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It seems to me that every AYCE sushi deal is owned and operated by Chinese folk. This is not a bad thing per se, but for some folks it means cutting corners on freshness and lacking the authentic boot to kick start any type of appeal. Unfortunately, this was the case with Hanami, and was likely responsible for their closing last year.
The place was dark, almost seedy to the point where most of these places tend to look alike. In direct view is the sushi chef, along with a counter where folks can witness his brilliance (or lack there of). Seating is going to geared toward couples more than they are for bigger groups, but the place was empty much of the time.
The AYCE sushi deal was basically this: for $24.95, you get a small menu of limited nigiri sushi and rolls and a complimentary glass of sake. I've heard of way better deals before, I was really just banking that the sushi was going to be worth my time. The verdict? Fairly mediocre, but edible. At this point most folks just eat to get their money's worth, not necessarily to fill a hunger void (though that helps).
Nothing sampled was remotely good. Perhaps the only wolid choice was my eel-avocado handroll since that was at the very least fresh. The spicy tuna rolls were virtually inedible and the crab stick was of the fake crab variety. Judging solely based on the sushi wouldn't be entirely fair, so I managed to make sure I had plenty of the other food as well.
The results were far from stellar. I tried some tempura udon that was too soggy and soaked in a broth that tasted like it came from a packet (same goes for the miso soup too). Also was a recipient of the gyoza, which drew suspicions for it's microwave like heat, as opposed to a fresh searing from the pan.
This AYCE sushi experience was just disappointing. And since I'm not the first to report on such issues, it was only a matter of time before Hanami rolled itself into oblivion.
Aside from the fact that this place is in excellent proximity from the PATH, the sushi was very good. Great place to go if you are just getting into the city and want sushi, or if you are leaving and are craving some (drunk or not). Am definitely going back again.
Came here for a late spur of the moment lunch.. missed the lunch deal by 10 min. Honestly, I thought they could've just given us the deal since there was NO ONE in the restaurant except for the waiters.
Ordered the yellow tail special roll and a clear soup. Roll was pretty good – soup was OK. My friend ordered the sushi special, which was also OK. I prob won't be back… I'm a Gen loyalist – their dishes are inventive and well priced.
The service was interesting.. I think the waiter was just making conversation but he decided to impart words of wisdom on our late lunch and Christmas shopping. He was great.. but awkward.
Hanami is a at best one of those joints that you settle for when you're looking for a place to order some sushi from for lunch at the office.
You know the stuff that isn't very good, but for some odd reason you'll settle for for the simple fact that you're at the office. (Why is that by the way?)
The sushi is passable at best and if you stick with heavily masked items like the spicy tuna rolls you can avoid discovering whether it's one of their off days.
I've found the freshness of their fish varies quite a bit. After the 3rd or 4th time I've finally decided to just stop ordering here, but sometimes the desperation kicks in and this is a convenient location so if you happen to work in the area and are looking for Japanese food to settle for during your office lunch hour, this might be your spot.
If you happen to get bad sushi, you'll have a perfectly legit reason for taking a half day at work.