Yes, I am giving this Chinese owned and operated, Japanese restaurant five stars. In short - the food is fresh and delicious, the staff is friendly, and the prices are very reasonable. This is the northernmost of three Bonsai locations in the area, located in a busy shopping/business/medical area on Route 9. Parking is ample in the giant shared lot, and seating is easy to come by outside of business lunch hours (M-F 12-1PM). In warmer weather, they also offer a nice outdoor seating area. In the middle of Poughkeepsie, am I looking for Michelin-grade sushi? Not really. I'm looking for fresh fish, vibrant color, and well cooked/seasoned rice. Clean presentation, decent prices. Does Bonsai offer this? Absolutely. On top of that, they have a great lunch special menu. It gets busy during the M-F lunch rush, so I like to order ahead or online for take out, or get there a bit earlier/later if I'm dining in. read more

A true Poughkeepsie gem! Bonsai has been my go-to sushi spot for years, and it never disappoints. The fish is always fresh, the flavors are spot on, and the quality is consistently excellent. I have pretty high standards when it comes to sushi, and Bonsai easily meets (and often exceeds) them every time. Their lunch special is an unbeatable deal -- for just $13 you get soup, salad, and three rolls. It's generous, delicious, and always satisfying. Whether dining in or grabbing takeout, Bonsai is one of those local spots that makes you feel lucky to have it nearby. read more

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We ordered take- out today because my daughter has been craving bonsai for weeks. The service on the phone was polite and clear. Service is always hit and miss here but better than bonsai to where you usually get RUDE service. The omen was my own home, so no complaints here. The sushi was fresh. Our pic was coconut mango rolls, which are wrapped in rice paper instead of Nori, eel, avocado, rolls, and California mango, which I had never had before. Most of this was appealing to my daughter and she really enjoyed it. I was in the mood for some tempura so we had the appetizer order. Don't bother with a temporary here. It is heavy and my guess is that they overuse the oil everything looked gray. Sorry I did not take pictures. She was way too hungry for that. All in all, given that this set us back about $50 plus tip and the tempera was subpar, they score 3 today. read more

Bonsai Japanese Restaurant - Bonzai near residence inn - Japanese Near Me - Poughkeepsie, New York

Given the limited Asian and fresh seafood options in Poughkeepsie, Bonsai is a fantastic find. Full disclosure: I'm a sushi aficionado used to Tokyo-level quality, so I know this isn't a fair comparison. What's important is that Bonsai delivers on what it offers. The fish was fairly fresh, which is key. While the menu is dominated by American-style maki rolls (which you won't find in Japan), they are well-made and tasty. I was especially pleased to see they invest in high-quality Koshihikari rice, a detail that many non-Japanese places overlook. Service was fairly standard. We came for the lunch specials, which were an absolute bargain. We left full and happy, and I can easily recommend this as a solid choice for a local sushi fix. read more

Bonsai Japanese Restaurant - Japanese Near Me - Poughkeepsie, New York

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Bonsai is a sushi resto in a 1 story mall in Poughkeepsie. Ot is really solid sushi. Had the sushi sashi Combo and the sushi dinner. The sushi spicy tuna roll was good, the nigiri was excellent too. Rice was great with food flavor. The service was great. Super fast and courteous. miso soup and salad good as well. The only knock was some Of the sashimi was cut too thick so it made it chewy and misses out on the texture and taste of the sushi. See the "chunks" in the pictures. But all and all a good sushi resto in Poughkeepsie. read more

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We got take out from here when we stayed at Homewood suites. Probably the best sushi rolls I've ever had. I got the rainbow roll, and some miso soup and the salad - they have a really great version of the ginger dressing here as well. On the rainbow roll, the fish was thick and had fantastic taste and texture. My husband really liked his gyoza and green dragon eel roll too. Tiny restaurant nothing fancy inside, just friendly service and amazing food. read more

2026 Feb 27: 1) 8 roll special 2) shrimp and vegetable tempura lunch menu. Miso soup is great. Salad is fresh.

Solid sushi!!!! Their fish is fresh and their rolls are yummy. They do give a small rice portion on the rolls tho...bonsai 2 seems to give more rice and bigger portions. But this place is still good! read more

Ordered to go, really nice staff, miso soup was delicious! In a nice little area with outdoor seating as well. got an updated menu for yelp read more

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Their chicken teriyaki was DELICIOUS! I love how they cooked it-- it was juicy but had a touch of crispness on the outside without the taste of being burnt. The teriyaki sauce was SO GOOD compared to teriyaki I've had anywhere else. The gyoza was delicious and given more than other Japanese restaurant nearby for same or better price. The udu noodles are very good too with soy sauce! I really enjoyed my meal and friendly and attentive waitress. I be back soon! read more

I did not appreciate hair and fish eggs???( I don't eat fish so this is definitely not vegetarian) in my avocado rolls. read more

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Located in a strip mall next to the Starbucks, Bonsai is a hidden gem and a cozy spot for delicious Japanese food in Poughkeepsie. They have two other locations that serve your usual staples like sushi, hibachi, teriyaki, and all that goodness. I've been here several times when my friend introduced me to this spot. It's a great place to catch up with friends. They have around ten tables indoors and during nicer days, limited seating outside. The sushi is very fresh and everything is reasonably priced. They also have a huge selection of special rolls. As someone who loves variety, I really appreciate how your can create your own custom bento box (2 choices from a select list of rolls, teriyakis and appetizers) in addition to a miso soup, salad, teriyaki roll and 4 pc california roll. This is probably my favorite thing to order from their menu! Service is also friendly and attentive, despite being on the slower side. They are a bit busier with takeout orders, and there was only one person who was waiting on tables and managing to go orders. Definitely will stop by next time I'm in the Hudson Valley area! read more

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The Udon soup was mediocre. The broth had no umami. Fake crab and cubes of chicken. Not impressed at all.

A beautiful little hole in the wall place, very clean and neat, I do love the cozy space here. For service, I do appreciate not being rushed, and waitress being super polite and checking up if liked food and for refills without asking and packing away leftovers for you. For food, the she is so hot roll, was packed with meat, way better then most places that overuse cucumber and avocado as fillers to be stingy with proteins. The roll itself was sightly spicy, could more spicy though, but still tasty and worth the price of admission. The soup was pretty standard miso with crab added, a great opening but nothing too spectacular. Overall good food and even better service, plus one of the few places that does not put a tip suggestion section on your receipt, so not pressured to tip, but did anyway because they deserved without asking read more

Bonsai Japanese Restaurant - She is so hot - Japanese Near Me - Poughkeepsie, New York

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There are about 10 tables outside and it is in a little alley way which makes it more intimate. When my party of three got there at 5:30 we were seated outside immediately however about 30 minutes after we started eating the outdoor seating was completely full. We ordered an edamame and vegetable tempura appetizer and both were really great. The tempura even came in a plate that looks like a boat and had sauce for dipping in it. I am usually a very picky eater and don't like vegetables but I actually thoroughly enjoyed the tempura. all of the food was brought out super quick so there was hardly any waiting. For my main entrée I got the chicken teriyaki which came with a green salad with ginger dressing, white rice, and a miso soup. The proportions were all big and definitely very filling. The chicken was great and I seriously had such a nice time! Would definitely be a repeat customer. read more

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Bonsai is an incredible restaurant located in the heart of the Spackenkill neighborhood of the Town of Poughkeepsie. Locals to the area consider this a staple due to its high quality fish, cute vibe, and incredible prices (especially during lunchtime). At lunch time, this place will be packed with local families on weekends and IBMers on weekdays because of its proximity to the Poughkeepsie office. The service is incredibly kind and attentive and they adapted super well during Covid by opening up a little takeout window to help limit exposure. Definitely one of my favorite hometown restaurant, I go here every time I visit my parents. read more

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First time coming here and will not come back. My family and I dined here on Saturday, late afternoon. We arrived around 5:45pm and I noticed the happy hour special, but were given the menu without it because it ended at 6pm. Ok, no problem. We were seated in the empty restaurant, neglected by the wait staff. Few minutes later, the waitress provided came to take our orders. She had an attitude from the very beginning when we came in to be seated. That was our warning to leave the place. She proceeded with giving me and attitude when I ordered by daughter who is 12 a kids meal. Their kids meal menu says 12 and under so I don't see what is her problem. 20 minutes later our food arrived. The sushi tasted good, but not great. I've had better. The salmon bento and kids chicken bento is dry. Sadly, neither one had rice served with it?!!! What kind of place doesn't serve rice with the bento box? After my daughter finished eating, I asked where is the mochi ice cream that comes with her kid's meal, and she was looking forward to it. Another rude waitress stopped by our table and told us the meal doesn't come with it and that I was wrong about what's included. I said it's listed on their menu. The waitress argued. I repeat myself again to her three times then she went and got the menu to show it to me. Smacked on it says mochi ice cream included and I pointed it to her and say look. I can't believe the poor service here. It's bad enough and now you don't even know your own menu!!! Rude waitress took the menu away, never said sorry and came back with the ice cream (thankfully in a clear bag so we can trust that the food has not been spat on). Finally the bill came and I'm sure they want us out as much as I wanted to leave this hell hole. The rude waitress didn't give my husband a pen to sign the credit card slip. I swear I've never done this but that this point, I felt like leaving them with no tip at all for their crappy service. My husband had to get up a flag a staff for a god damn pen! Mind you no other customers were dining indoor still. Finally someone gave him a pen and yes, being the nice husband he is, he left a tip. I couldn't wait to leave so I left with the kids while he settled the bill. Food was dry, sushi mediocre and service is horrible. I'd give negative stars here if I can. read more

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Good service. Soup and salad very good. Fresh and tasty. Great salad ginger sauce. Easy to read menu. Love the cooked sushi menu list. Creative fun rolls. All was fresh and yummy Outdoor seating is nice. Been here 4 times and never disappointed. Not a high end place but for an everyday sushi place it's really good with nice staff. read more

The staff is very professional and friendly! The food is fresh and amazing! My favorite restaurant for California Rolls and their soups read more

While I usually prefer going to Bonsai II for indoor eating, the original Bonsai is my go-to for warmer weather, so I can sit outside in the lovely little courtyard, or for takeout, since it's closer to me. I've been to each Bonsai restaurant, and I can confidently say that they have the best quality and best priced sushi I've found in the Hudson Valley! I love the Yakimaki roll, the salmon sashimi, the spicy scallop avocado roll, the miso soup, and honestly everything I've tried there! If you like sushi, this is a must, especially when you get to eat outside, since this restaurant is on the smaller side for indoor dining. read more

Bonsai Japanese Restaurant - Yakimaki roll - Japanese Near Me - Poughkeepsie, New York

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Get the yellowtail jaw. Don't wait. Don't hesitate. Don't perseverate. Get it. You will love it. read more

Bonsai Japanese Restaurant - Yellowtail jaw. - Japanese Near Me - Poughkeepsie, New York

Picked up last minute dinner here while visiting from NYC and what a nice surprise! This place is delicious. Fish was fresh, service was great and prices were reasonable. Highly recommend! read more

Very good sushi here! We stopped by last Sunday on a whim and really enjoyed the rolls. Reasonable prices too. Sadly, the bathroom really needed cleaning, but it may have just been a crazy busy day. Will definitely return. read more

Some Of the best Galbi I have ever had!! Called in take out. It was ready right on time and delicious!! Fantastic place! read more

The quality of the food was amazing. A small local place for some great sushi. Staff was friendly and attentive

For years Bonsai has been our "go to" for takeout Japanese cuisine. The quality was almost always fresh (occasionally the tuna and ikura tasted pass their freshness dates). It was one restaurant that that persevered during the pandemic, adapted and survived. The service is efficient and the owner/manager is a friendly sort. We also liked its convenience to our home, just a few minutes ride. The interior is not especially appealing but they do have the outdoor court that some people like. Bear in mind there are two locations on Route 9 so, if you are phoning in an order, make sure you pick up at the correct location. I've seen a few confused first-timers dealing with this error. Within the past few months, because we are familiar with the menu over years of going there, we've noticed that the management has chosen to economize by shrinking the portions by, perhaps, 25%. The edamame that used to fill a bowl now come nowhere close. The pieces of sushi are smaller but still adequate as are even the gyoza and, believe it or not, the amounts of soy sauce that are packed with the meal. The "crabmeat" salad appetizer used to be enough for a second serving but this is no longer the cased. The rolls, though, seem to maintain their heft. This is the "shrinkflation" that economists have been writing about. The prices remain somewhat stable but the portions are trimmed back. Perhaps it's not the worst idea, considering the expansion of waistlines during Covid, but it does communicate priorities to the observant customer. In the end, this might start even the most loyal of customers searching for options. read more

The food was excellent. So very many choices especially with rolls. The service was quick and staff was attentive. It's not a fancy ambiance but it was quick and easy and clean. read more

We thoroughly enjoyed our Bento Box at Bonsai! Sushi fresh and tasty. Same for the chicken teriyaki . The Bento Dinner Box was well presented and the portions generous. The outdoor seating was a plus. I will definitely stopped by when in the area again . read more

Bonsai Japanese Restaurant - Bento box including chicken teriyaki with plenty of veggies underneath and salmon avocado rolls - Japanese Near Me - Poughkeepsie, New York

I definitely recommend this place. Tiny but cozy, and food is really good. Service was great. read more

Bonsai Japanese Restaurant - Angel, Robin's nest, Infinity - Japanese Near Me - Poughkeepsie, New York

Yummy sushi. The sushi pizza appetizer, special rolls and tempura banana and green tea dessert were a hit! read more

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DEALS: Happy hour! 3-6pm everyday and what a great deal! The happy hour rolls are 6 roll pieces, which is way better than the 3 pieces I'm used to at most happy hours. Even the gyoza comes in 6. Edamame is served warm and salted and in a decent sized bowl so our group of 5 had a hard time finishing it with our dinner. Papers at the table with pencils to mark what you want to order for faster ordering. Hits: gyoza, crunchy roll, hamachi Kama, and sashimi. Sashimi at happy hour is $1.50 each piece. SERVICE: Attentive, but they messed up and forgot two sashimi, but they brought it out after we pointed it out. They also mixed up and brought salmon rolls instead of salmon teriyaki, but they also fixed it once we pointed it out too. OVERALL: Good overall I will be coming back. They have another location, but the other location happy hour ends at 5:30pm instead of 6:00pm like at this one. read more

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Sufficient for what I'd expect in Poughkeepsie. We were in the area to visit family, and wanted to grab sushi after a long day of travel. Price: Awesome deal for simple rolls (i.e. nothing from the special rolls menu, but you can get quasi special things like a tempura roll or eel roll and regulars such as spicy tuna and philly rolls). We came at the happy hour time and got the deal even on a Sunday. Service: Friendly and speedy. We came with a baby and they were happy to accommodate us with a high chair and extra bowl. Sushi came out ultra fast, which was great since we didn't want to be waiting forever with our little adorable ticking time bomb of screaming. Location: conveniently right off Route 9. Close to IBM and a bunch of other stores in the shopping plaza. Ton of parking but that's par for the course in this area. Overall, good deal and rare find in Poughkeepsie. read more

I've only been here with my boyfriend for happy hour (3pm-6pm). Hot sake per person is $2.99 (lol, so $3). It's usually not enough for me so I get a second, but depends on your preference. I think their hot sake is pretty good! For the $2.99 appetizers, dynamite is the best. It's basically fish tempura over seaweed and shredded cucumber salad. Really yummy! For sushi, salmon is the best. If you want to substitute white rice for brown rice, it's 50 cents extra per roll. They added $2 extra for the 16 salmon sushi pieces we ordered (and shared), which was nice of them. The tuna avocado roll is delightful. They weren't skimpy on the fish. I think it's worth coming here, especially during happy hour. In the summer you can sit outside and eat. Don't get this place confused with bonsai II. Same deal there, but you can't sit outside. Enjoy! read more

Bonsai Japanese Restaurant - Japanese Near Me - Poughkeepsie, New York

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If the name didn't already give it away, Bonsai is like so many Asian restaurants upstate: typically Chinese owned & operated, slightly watered down items to cater to the local palate with all the remnants of cheesy decor. Make not mistake, this is not Jiro level sushi or anything remotely high end, but for folks craving a fix of raw fish variations with a (pseudo) Japanese edge, this is the place to be. The nigiri pieces, priced at $1.50 each are nicely sized with not too much rice. On the rolls end, it's a really solid variety of simple stuff at $2.99 to more gourmet ones at $3.99. As expected, there are some gimicky ones like "sushi pizza" or the "Poughkeepsie roll" along with many other tongue and cheek names. They're all made quite well, and colorful for any food photoshoot. Service is pretty attentive and they were quick to refill my tea / water without asking. I haven't experienced much upsell when questioning their specialty rolls and they've been pretty good about keeping the crowds at bay when it gets a little too crazy on the weekends. The bathrooms are clean, parking is vast (shared), and they are a good option for a casual group friendly dinner. For any sushi snobs: indulge on their happy hour, which goes from 3-6 pm daily and all sake / beer is $3. Surely after a few of those, the sushi here wouldn't be so bad? read more

Fresh, tasty, a higher price point for sushi than I am used to but definitely worth the splurge. They were out of one of the fish I ordered and gave me choice of replacement... then gave me both options anyway. That was nice. I left full and happy. I will definitely come back. read more

Bonsai Japanese Restaurant - Japanese Near Me - Poughkeepsie, New York

This review is just for the sushi! Anyways, I ordered the the infinity roll and a sushi app (The 4 seasons). Overall, I'd say it was average. Sushi was good, not great. The initial flavor was what you'd expect, but there wasn't any depth to the meal. If I'm in the area I may come back, honestly not too sure yet! read more

Bonsai Japanese Restaurant - 4 Seasons Sushi App - Japanese Near Me - Poughkeepsie, New York

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It's our go to sushi place. We love it but recently their edamame has been meh.. either it is undercooked or way overcooked. We love this place still though. read more

Love the chicken teriyaki. My favorite thing to eat. Always clean and fresh and fast . Go there 2-3 times a week.

Today brought in a gift certificate that was bought from another bonsai restaurant and told they no longer accept them from other bonsai restaurants. No prior notice of this on there website employees or notice on door when you walk in. Found out when we were paying the bill, seriously what If I told them I didn't have the money for the bill when I wasn't able to to use the gift certificate what would this business have done then. This is unacceptable poor customer service and ultimately a breach of contract to find out at the end of the transaction read more

I'm new to sushi and usually just order basic rolls b/c I'm not really sure what's in most of them, but the menu was awesome with the detailed ingredients so I was able to try some new rolls. The restaurant was clean and they took Covid precautions, the staff was great and the food was fantastic! Will Be back when I'm out this way again! read more