If you're anywhere near Cave Spring and craving sushi, Ben Gui Sushi is an absolute must. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is clean, relaxed, and welcoming without trying too hard. It's the kind of place where you can actually enjoy your meal without feeling rushed or crowded. The food is where this place really stands out. Every roll we ordered came out looking incredible and tasting even better. You can tell immediately that everything is made fresh. The textures were perfect, crispy tempura paired with soft rice and high-quality fish, and the sauces were balanced instead of overpowering. The specialty rolls are clearly the highlight. The Red Dragon Roll and Lobster Shrimp Lover Roll were loaded, flavorful, and worth every dollar. The portions are generous too, you're not getting skimpy rolls here. Each plate came out beautifully presented, and the flavors hit exactly how you want sushi to hit, rich, clean, and satisfying without feeling heavy. Service was solid as well. Friendly, attentive, and efficient without hovering. Drinks stayed filled, food came out at a good pace, and everything felt smooth. For the price point, this place punches above its weight. You're getting quality sushi that rivals spots in much bigger cities, without the inflated cost or attitude. Overall, this is easily one of the best sushi spots in the Roanoke area. Whether you're going for a casual dinner or trying to impress someone, you won't be disappointed. Highly recommend. read more

Ben Gui Sushi - Tempura and other cooked Rolls - Sushi Bars Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

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A close friend of mine recommended this family-owned Japanese cuisine and Sushi restaurant, located in the Old Country Plaza, to the left of Tanglewood Mall, in the Cave Spring / Roanoke area. It is known for its fresh ingredients, wide variety of sushi rolls, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Before driving to the restaurant for dinner, I viewed there very impressive and informative website, with Japanese music in the background, and found out that Ben Gui Chen, the Restaurant owner and Executive Sushi Chef has been making sushi in the Roanoke Valley since the year 2000, and then in 2006 opened this restaurant with his wife and a couple of staff. It has been voted "Best Sushi" in the Roanoke area for multiple years, and that the "Red Dragon," one of its signature rolls, was voted one of the "50 Favorite Foods" by the readers of the Roanoke Times. Its menu includes classic rolls, sashimi, specialty rolls, tempura, teriyaki, bento boxes, and unique creations. Currently, this family-owned and operated business is run by Ben Gui, his wife and two children. Based on the data I found their "Trust Me" Roll is the most popular dish. And other top rolls include the Spicy Tuna Roll, the California Roll, the Red Dragon Rool, and the Shrimp Tempura Roll. They offer one of the best selections of sake in the area, and also offer a 5-course sushi and sake tasting menu. It is also one of the few places in the area to have white tuna. I arrived at the restaurant on a Thursday early evening, just as they opened at 5:00PM. The restaurant's front was not too impressive, especially after viewing their very impressive website. Old Country Plaza is a small shopping center on Starkey Road spearheaded by Food Lion, with a Buffalo Wild Wings, and other small businesses. Their restaurant's sign was high above, tiny, and unassuming.The Ben Gui lit up in red as the nightfall was arriving but the Sushi stayed unlit for whatever reason, I don't know. But from my experience with a Japanese college student, they are very humble and expected to do their best as their duty and not for a reward. My student had gotten the best grade on the final exam and yet when I congratulated her in front of the class she lowered her head. So this small sign is unassuming, just as my student had been, but the food inside was probably excellent, as my student had been. Because traditional Japanese cuisine, washoku, emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients, artistic presentation, and balance. Inside, the restaurant was decorated in a minimalist style but with accents that made it elegant without being too assuming, with a welcoming, comfortable, relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. A lady, whom I assumed was the owner's wife, greeted me and gave me a warm welcome, and after asking me my seating preference, took me to the table I suggested. She then took my drink order while giving me time to review the menu. I ordered some Sweet Tea, and she came back with a bottle. That was one of the things that I felt was out of place in a restaurant of distinction. I feel drinks should be served in a glass, and in my case a glass with ice. Afterwards she did the same serving beers to other customers. After she came back with my drink, she took my order. I ordered the House Soup to start off with and Gyoza (Fried Japanese Pork Dumplings), as appetizer. For my main meal I ordered the Lobster Shrimp Lover Roll and a Scallop Roll. And afterwards for dessert I ordered the Tempura Ice Cream. The House Soup was expensive, but had some Pork Dumplings inside, among other vegetables, and was one of the best soups I've ever had. The only thing I didn't like was the large Japanese soup spoon that it was provided with. It was much too large to eat the soup with and it spilled all over my shirt because of this. A normal size Japanese soup spoon would have been better. But I cleaned my shirt with my napkin and kept on eating it because it was amazingly delicious. The Lobster Shrimp Lover Roll was also delicious. It had something crunchy inside that gave it the perfect touch. And the Scallop Roll was real good but a bit small. Most of the guests there you could tell they were repeat customers and were wealthy, because both a family at the bar and one at a table, kept ordering sushi after sushi, and more sushi. My order came up to $59.60 without the 20% tip that I left my server, but I feel the food, service, and dining experience was well worth it. I was also very appreciative for having met the owner and Executive Sushi Chef, Ben Gui Chen. From the very beginning he was very welcoming, friendly, and hospitable, and was kind enough to allow me to capture in photographs the essence of his restaurant and Sushi making. For this I will be forever grateful. read more

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Delicious food, fast service. Well priced. Quiet, comfortable, clean. Love the food. Nice atmosphere. read more

Ben Gui Sushi - Bento Box #1 plus Seaweed salad and green tea. - Sushi Bars Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

I've been coming here for over a decade with my parents and now husband - the whole family loves it! Everyone is kind and friendly, and it's a welcoming place. The sushi is fresh and delicious and perfect. Good cut pieces and a master chef for sure. It's always clean and looks nice, has a traditional japanese wooden design/decor. All around great place! read more

Food is great as always! However, I believe we are suffering from a lack of review from the owner on the new trainee. Sushi falls apart... not tightly rolled. Sushi rolls are not cut all the way through, therefore to pickup 1 piece of the roll- they are all joined , so you get all the pieces. They are not evenly cut and just kinda messed up. Have gone there for 5 years, so very good. Will give it 1 more shot before we stop going there. Sushi is very expensive to not get it right. read more

Ben's is always consistently excellent for high quality sushi. He gets the quality fish and knows how to cut it right to bring out its best flavor. We also enjoy meeting his whole family. His wife and two kids work in the restaurant and are always great. Looks like a good night tonight for Ben GUI's read more

The food was amazing, the service met expectations and the parking was amazing. I have always loved sushi and this place hit the spot. The prices are great I just wish the menu would be reprinted. read more

Ben Gui Sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

Ben Gui is a mediocre sushi restaurant that provides bland food at high prices. And they do so SLOWLY. The restaurant is understaffed and has only one chef, albeit an authentic Japanese sushi chef, preparing all raw food. I waited 75 minutes for four pieces of nigiri and a single unagi roll. On arrival, the fish was rather bland. I struggled to find a meager piece of bland eel inside a bed of white rice. Very unsatisfied with the quality, quantity, and price of this meal. We paid $90 plus tip for two rolls, four pieces of nigiri, two seaweed salads, and two cokes. Was not impressed by the high prices, low quality fish. Not only was this well below sushi restaurants I've been to in Tokyo and New York, it was worse than other sushi restaurants in Roanoke. Ben Gui has a pair of white boards on display with their specials of the day where the titles are large and easy to read, but the description of each item is written in tiny purple text which is only readable if you leave your table and walk up to the board to read them from a couple of feet away. The list of ingredients had largely rubbed off the whiteboard, leaving you to puzzle out what the text used to say. They should write this on paper with a pen or a printer, protect the text with lamination, or alternatively the staff could verbally inform us of specials. Our waiter made no attempt to tell us about any specials and quickly walked away as soon as I ordered an entree as I was trying to order an appetizer. The staff never offered me a glass of water, refilled any of our beverages, or asked us about the quality of our meal. I would advise you skip Ben Gui and go elsewhere if you want sushi of higher quality, higher quantity, a better price, to get good table service, or to receive your food in less than one hour. read more

Awesome staff/owners and great sushi! Love this spot when in town. My favorite is spicy tuna with seaweed salad.

The best white tuna I've ever had - top tier sushi spot in Roanoke. Very friendly staff, quick service, and extensive menu! Even gives you the option to create your own roll or get a mystery roll from the chef. 10/10 will be making this my sushi spot in the city :) read more

Saturday Sushi for me. Decent apps, however the flavors didn't sustain in the custom rolls or any of the apps. The items came out hot and fresh. I'll be back to try some other items. read more

I ordered takeout from here twice between 03/2021 and 04/2021. At the time, they were not accepting dine-ins. However, I am sure restrictions have lifted since then. Their selection of Trust Me Rolls were pretty good so if you have any hesitation on what to order, try any of their Trust Me Rolls. I honestly think my favourite out of all them was the Red Dragon Roll and I still miss it to this day. All their other menu items were pretty good - good amount of rice to fish ratio, as well as their fish being fresh. I was surprised by the quality and thought put into the rolls. If I am in the area, I'll go back to try again! read more

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Definitely worth a try. Go in, have a seat and enjoy! Ben and Tina will welcome you promptly! read more

Ben Gui Sushi - Sushi and sake - Sushi Bars Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

I went there for my birthday and the food was delicious, amazing and great the service was amazing so fast. read more

Ben Gui Sushi - the front of the restaurant - Sushi Bars Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

The best sushi place! Ive been coming here since they opened and I have never been disappointed. It's my favorite place to eat dinner when I come visit Roanoke!! So worth it every time! :) I love this place! read more

Ben Gui Sushi - a plate of sushi on a table - Sushi Bars Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

Sadly, I must report a bad food experience at the once fine Ben Gui Sushi. Food really sub-par in all respects, and at prices that I expect excellence. Globs of fat untrimmed from beef...California roll with brown avocado...Tempura oil must be very old...Shame, Shame. Service was good until the server placed a used plate from another table in front of me while cleaning up ours. WTF? The good news is that none of us got sick. We will never return. Sayonara. read more

The food was amazing with great service and ambiance!! A bit pricey but that is to be expected these days-especially for specialty menu foods. The ambiance makes up for it and great place for a date night or special occasion!! read more

Came here a few times and have not been super impressed by the food. The staff is very attentive but unfortunately the dishes we ordered just missed the mark. We got a bento box (B), icrunchy roll, fried rice, and soba noodles. The meat in the bento box was so chewy it was basically inedible. The icrunchy roll (5 pieces) was super expensive and not worth the price for what is offered - the flavor was nonexistent aside from the tempura shrimp pieces on the top of each sushi. The fried rice has super chewy pork pieces in it but aside from that was the best thing we ordered. The soba noodles were super thin and the sauce tasted very watered down. All in all, we probably won't be returning. read more

Ben Gui Sushi is awesome! The Owner makes the sushi himself, and he's very conversant! Service is speedy and sushi is delicious!

Will not return. Too much rice in sushi rolls. Too much vinegar in rice. Not impressed. This is sushi for people who don't know good sushi. No ice for a soft drink They seem to have a superior attitude and seem to think their sushi is the best. Its not. Its not terrible but its definitely miles away from being the best in Roanoke. Don't waste your time or money. read more

Some of the best sushi I've had down in SWVA! The fish was very fresh and all the sushi we ordered was absolutely delicious. I ordered Marshall's favorite roll and Roberts favorite roll and they were both so amazing and filling. The sushi rice also has a very nice flavor. 4 stars only Bc service was a bit slow just because there was only one server working. But the sushi was definitely worth the wait read more

It was my first time to Ben Gui and I had to order takeout. I tried calling in my order however their line was busy, so I walked in to an extremely sweet and apologetic staff. The sushi staff took my order immediately and started my order for the phone mishap. The restaurant wasn't very busy at the moment, however I appreciated that my order was a priority. I ordered edamame and gyozas for my appetizers, and Alaska, Unagi and the Karen's Favorite Roll. Everything was yummy, but takeout sushi isn't always the best. I can't wait to dine in at Ben Gui to try their nigiri and sashimi. read more

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The sushi gem of Appalachia. I love this place! Incredible options with an evolving menu of different rolls to try. Extremely professional staff too- overall an incredible presentation of food and service. I'd recommend any of the rolls but the fatty white tuna (Albacore) sashimi is OUT OF THIS WORLD. read more

Solid 3.5 stars, but rounding up to 4 due to good service and menu that will entertain locals and sushi newbies. Busy, but no overflowing on the last Friday night of 2018. Colorful, flavorful and crunchy bento boxes made our four top happy, along with a stand-alone roll with eel. A nice variety of drinks, including plum wine and those big cold Sapporo beer cans. Will admit that I almost walked out when a deep fishy smell hits you in the face when walking inside. Needs some work on airflow, but fortunately things were better in the space with seating. As I mentioned before, the menu has cute names and the strip mall location is made to feel much less sterile while still being clean. I a visitor to Roanoke and there are other restaurants that are higher on my list, but this is a solid option for sushi. read more

Ben Gui Sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

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My fiancé and I just ate dinner at this establishment and strongly recommend to you dear reader to not follow in our mistake. The ambiance is very nice to begin with, but upon being seated that changes. We ordered water and Ben Gui did something very interesting then--they brought us bottled water. They charged us $3 for that, of course, but we will get back to them overcharging us. Just to make it clear, we expected water in a glass for free as you would get at literally any other restaurant. That takes us to issue number 2: the food just was not good. We both got sushi, and the roll sizes were tiny and improperly cut. Moreover, I ordered a special "Roanoke Roll" which is twice the price of a normal California roll. The menu notes that these special house rolls are larger than normal rolls, they are not. Finally, and by far most importantly, when we went to pay for our mediocre sushi, we noticed our bill was over $50. We had counted up the prices of the sushi we were ordering before placing our order, and $50 was incongruent with what we were expecting. So why was our food so much? Well they charged us for water to start. Worse still, they charged us off of prices in the back of the menu! Evidently, they have raised prices, but instead of ever telling us that, they gave us normal menus with the old prices. We never even saw the increased prices. My quote unquote large Roanoke Roll, was, for instance, raised from $11 to $14.50. Everything was similarly raised. So we were charged extra for our food vs. what the menu stated, we were charged for water, the food was less than stellar, and when we mentioned the menu prices to the waitress, she became accusatory towards us. PS: My fiancé's stomach is now bothering him. He doesn't have this problem from literally any other sushi place in Roanoke. TLDR: Eat here if you want to be charged more than the menu says your food costs and look forward to enjoying bad food. read more

I don't know where to begin. Sushi is supposed to be Japanese and I ordered steak and shrimp hibachi with noodles instead of rice. California roll and Shrimp Tempura. What I received was CHINESE sweet and sour shrimp? Chinese teriyaki beef??? Rice... deep fried squash. Then chicken stir fried noodles that tasted literally like a burger. The sushi was below average. I'm very upset and I will not recommend this place, ever. Please, please trust this review! read more

This used to be one of my favorite restaurants for sushi in Roanoke but the last time that I went, the quality seemed so different. The fish didn't taste as fresh and the presentation was substandard. What really made me mad is that they hand out bottled waters in place of tapwater and when I asked the server why that was, they said because their ice maker broke two years ago. Not only did they charge us for the bottled water, I can only imagine how many plastic water bottles get tossed out at the restaurant adding to our environmental impact. read more

I am visiting the area and have eaten Sushi all over the US. The waitress was curt with me whrn I asked for ice water with lemon. They "do not have ice" here. People drink out of soda cans. Not even a glass. I ordered Miso soup and it arrived cold. I think it was a pre packaged quick soup or something. Not good. Then I ordered unagi roll and sashimi to start and the rude waitress said "That's all? We are busy. So if you want more you will have to wait." Unagi roll was perhaps the most poorly executed roll I have EVER received. Anywhere. Falling apart. Not properly pressed. No sesame. Minute in size as well. The Hamachi was dark in color and not Premium cut and not very cold. The ginger slices 3 in total were orange in color not fresh. And the Wasabi was inconsistent in heat..so it was old or badly pressed. The waitress bumped up the price everything on my check by 50 cents and thought I would not notice. I considered it her tip. I have no idea where these other reviews come from but poor execution, quality, kindness and service is reason for this review. read more

A year ago, I. would've claimed Ben Gui was my favorite Japanese/Asian restaurant. It was always warm and inviting, and I felt comfortable going in a group or by myself.... I've been going by every few days, but it was always closed...it was a Monday, or after 230p, or something. So today was my lucky day: OPEN! I went inside and they told me (very shortly, I may add) "we only do take out now." That would be fine, but they just looked at me as if asking me to leave. Awkward, and I felt unwelcome. Finally I asked for a menu, I always get the chicken Bento Box, but couldn't remember what they called it, so I looked through the menu. The woman was staring at me, and it was unwelcoming (again). When I got to the back of the menu, she said in a clipped tone, "we don't do lunch, only dinner." The tone was brash and (again) unwelcoming. I dropped the menu and said, "Goodbye." How hard would it be to say, "we're not serving indoors yet, but if you'd like something to go, I can take your order."??? I got the impression they didn't want me there and were just waiting for me to go, so I left. A year ago, they would've been polite; today they were rude... and it wasn't a language issue. She spoke perfect English. I went to Ichiban and had a wonderful meal where I felt welcome. The service was excellent, and I tipped more than 25% because of it. If you no longer wish to be a restaurant, close your doors. Don't make the customers feel unwelcome. I doubt I will ever go back. I loved Ben Gui because I went there with my mother when she was alive, we always got our Bento Boxes, and it was full of good memories. Today they squashed those memories. UPDATE: after posting this, I noticed another reviewer said basically the same thing, except they were told that eating in was "only for regulars." WOW! That is not something you should tell a potential customer (apparently this person had been a previous customer)... that you are excluding them, while accepting other patrons. Ben Gui, you will keep losing your patrons if you continue to make them unwelcome. Not good business. read more

Not sure exactly what this place is thinking but they definitely need to stop trying to scam people. Menu prices were all wrong and bottled water? Firstly, if I order a water and a cocktail and you bring me bottled water automatically, I shouldn't be charged for it. Tell your customers that you only have bottled water and that it costs extra. Inform them! Secondly, the entire menu isn't the right price. If you flip to the back page of their very long menu (unlikely you'll even see it) it says they have not reprinted their menus and everything is "10-20%" more expensive than it says. Why take the time to print that page and not reprint an entire menu? Because they're trying to scam people. The prices are already pretty high for rather plain sushi rolls- and then to increase them another 10-20% but only say so in a tiny box on the very back page of an already long menu? Yeah, okay. That's scammy. Also please teach your servers to bring back change in a fashion that makes sense for allowing them to tip 20% without asking for change again. I planned on tipping a little more than 20% because the overall service was great (not his fault the restaurant can't update a menu) but once my change was brought back (a twenty, two ones, and some coin change) leaving me to tip either $20 on $77 and change or $2 on $77, I decided to dig in my purse and just leave exactly 20%. The entire experience felt like they were trying to get more money out of me than I thought I was paying. read more

I'd like to give it more stars, but I never stepped foot in the door. We've been here before, several times. Every time service was great and the sushi was delicious. However, today I called to make reservations for a birthday dinner, and the caller said there was a $20 per person minimum. I'm sorry, what? Now, I know COVID has taken a toll, I get it. I also know, from past visits, that there would be no issue meeting that minimum. My issue is, you're now requiring that. Your business your rules, but that immediately turned me the other direction. We actually ended up somewhere else, and averaged $40/per person. Sad, because we loved this place. read more

They make you feel like an unwelcome relative while the arrogant chef decides if they're going to allow you to eat there. Their condescension was bad enough, but the last time we went there, the quality of the sushi and the roll was not good. You can get bye with attitude if your food is at least good but it wasn't. Good bye Felicia read more

I dined there last night. Unsure I will return...last two times I was there, I was made to feel unwelcome. Was seated behind the main dining area where their kids hang out. From January 2021 and for several months following I would frequent Ben Gui's, eat there at least twice, sometimes three times a week and my checks always ran $60-80 just for me ! I drink sake and never order rolls as I do not like to eat 6 pieces of the same thing...always order ala carte Nigiri or Sashimi, and an appetizer or two. I used to always be seated in the main dining area..Ben used to talk to me all the time...both used to be extremely friendly towards me... Slowly I got shifted to the bar (they call it the "high top") then the last two visits I was stuck along the wall where their kids hang out. Don't get me wrong, the food is good, although as a long time, very seasoned sushi eater for many decades, my ichiban (#1) go to place has shifted Cafe Asia 2. Sorry Ben Gui. read more

Called to see if they offered dine in. They asked my wife if we were regular custo ers and how long we had been coming there. After telling them we we not regular customers but have eaten there numerous times over the past few years we were told they were seating only theirregular customers. What? So my money spends different than regulars. Never will I spend my money there. Most ludicrous thing I've heard. read more

The food was delicious and the portions were good. It's a nice place with a quiet environment. I enjoyed my visit. However. When I checked my credit card statement, they had over charged me an additional $18. I had already given her a $20 cash tip. As a result I won't be returning to this restaurant. And can't recommend it. read more

Walked in at 4:33PM today 13Feb22 just 3 minutes after they open for dinner with my family. My wife's only wish for Valentines day was for good Sushi. The man behind the counter asked "How can I help you". I asked to be seated for dinner. He said "No. 6 Is too many." I have 4 kids all of which love sushi and all of which are well dressed and well behaved. I said "So we cannot eat here"? He said "No. To go order only." Let me be clear about the fact that there were 2 other customers already sitting and eating and at least 6 to 8 other tables completely empty. ??? I looked at my wife and we shared a very confused face... So to make a long story short we ended up having a great steak over at Texas Road House which was also open but taking paying customers as opposed to Ben Gui. Never again Ben... read more

Ben Gui Sushi deserves a 10-star on Yelp. I stopped in for lunch during my visit to the mountains and it was a hit! I arrived around 12:00 p.m. as the first customer. The place was slammed by the time that I left. I was greeted twice by the waitress and the sushi chef, they were so kind. It was heartwarming to experience this kind of customer service. I felt so welcomed. I ordered 4-sushi rolls and they were all amazing! The special $14 roll was my favorite! That was out of this world. It's one of my favorite sushi rolls now. It was more on the spicy side but the concoction of the flavors were all right. The fish was fresh and didn't leave a fishy taste. A shout out to the miso soup too, that was also on point. As I left, I was asked to see if everything was ok. It was amazing! Couldn't ask for more. I would drive 3-hour to eat here again in the future. Keep up the great work! read more

Sushi was amazing!!! Fast service and yummy food, I'll be back! Ben Gui is a king, go eat here!!

Nom nom nom nom nom. I've been a fan of Ben Gui for several years. I moved away from Roanoke to Virginia Beach in 2007 and always try to come back to Ben Gui whenever I'm in town (though it doesn't always work out). Stopped in for dinner after hiking Dragon's Tooth with my two best friends and my gf from home who came in town with me. Most of us got sushi of some kind or another and a few appetizers. The tempura veggies (which two of my friends ordered) looked delicious. Fresh and large sizes veggies which came out piping hot. One friend also ordered a tofu app. and really enjoyed that. I ordered the Miss Allison roll (my name is Alison so I had to) and the Volcano roll. My volcano roll was absolutely delicious - huge sizes so one was more than enough. I REALLY enjoyed the Miss Allison roll which was a spicy crab roll with salmon, avocado and white tuna on top. YUMMMMMM. I'm going to ask them to make that for me here locally. Our servers were friendly and personable - the group doesn't get together as often anymore since I moved away so we were joking and having fun and they played right along. Yum! read more

What a great little find. We were welcomed by the staff & the sushi chef chatted for min. Our waitress was so accommodating. Great selection & they substitute anything. He only charged my friend a dollar to replace her California roll with a shrimp roll. Can't wait to try everything. read more

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