Tonight my favorite sushi restaurant was closed -- they're always closed on Mondays. I was craving sushi and didn't want to wait until tomorrow. There are plenty of sushi spots around here, but none have really won me over... until tonight. I decided to try Faceless Samurai. I ordered the Chirashi -- a bowl of sushi rice topped with chef's choice sashimi. I was in heaven. The fish was incredibly fresh, each piece perfectly sized for a satisfying bite. The texture and flavor of the sushi rice were spot-on -- lightly seasoned and balanced, letting the fish shine. The service was excellent, but what stood out even more was the atmosphere. The place felt warm and joyful. People were laughing. A couple walked in and the chef/owner came out to shake hands and hug a regular. My server was kind and professional. It just felt good to eat there. They've officially gained a lifelong customer -- I usually eat sushi once a week when I'm not traveling. Go treat your taste buds. You won't be disappointed. P.S. I rarely give 5 stars. It's that good! read more

1.5 stars. An extremely disappointing meal. I don't know where to begin. Let's talk about the fish first. Low quality lean grainy tuna was served. It wasn't cut properly, and was a rigid rectangle on a ball of improperly cooked rice. The salmon was mediocre tasting, but also unevenly sliced. The two pieces of escolar (chef's choice, my foot - cheap is more like it) were butchered like Tetris pieces. Why does it look like a croissant - for the love of Pete! The salmon maki wasn't properly rolled and was falling apart and the fish was cut improperly. The pork Katsu was okay. The other table was served frozen sashimi. What a poor performance. Service was poor. The wait time - an hour and fifteen minutes was appalling given the lack of quality and poor presentation. Thankfully, my 9 year old son and I entertained ourselves during that time, but they never brought him out his California roll. I cancelled it after we finished the bento box, but come on, what the heck, how do you not make a cali roll and not serve it to a hungry child immediately. I haven't left a 15% tip in quite some time, post pandemic, but this was beyond the pale. 1/2 star for the ambiance. It had me fooled. I don't like seeing businesses fail, but this one needs to be put out of its misery. read more

Faceless Samurai - Japanese Near Me - Palm Harbor, Florida

This will be my new lunch spot. I ordered online and the food was pretty much got out of the kitchen. They waited until I got there to fry the tempura and she was sweet enough to let me know that she left it open so the humidity doesn't ruin the crunchiness. That's 10/10 hospitality right here. The restaurant is really nice and have those cool sit down benches that make it more authentic to the culture. The chicken katsu was really good and I don't know what the dressing is for the salad but it's also homemade. It may be like a lemongrass ginger or something but will be back just for that dressing. Plenty of parking in the plaza. read more

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No wonder why this hidden location has been gatekeeped for so long by locals. For those that have been to Japan and experienced authentic Japanese lowkey cozy izakaya vibes, then you know this vibe well. Help them celebrate their 12 year anniversary! Tip: Visit for dinner and ask for the special izakaya menu. + This spot is run by a fortunate duo: Sushi chef from Japan + kitchen chef from Thailand. To provide Tampa Bay with some innovate eats. While this shop is famous for their leading chef's sashimi and sushi bouquet plates, I visited to try their izakaya small plate menu, along with their two different types of okonomiyaki offered. Okonomiyaki is a hard-to-find menu item in Tampa Bay, especially the traditional style (without noodles). So it was great to see these here, as well as onigiri. read more

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The food was quite good. I was craving for some sushi and there's not a lot of good sushi's around, so I decided to drive out a bit. The place was cute, you get to sit on a cushion similar to a traditional Japanese style, but the place is owned and run by a Thai family. The chive cake was surprisingly delicious and fun to eat. The sushi is about average, but the sushi chef was a bit slow that night. If I was closer, it would have been a regular spot for me but worth a drive on a regular base. read more

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Ordered via their website for an online order to pick up. I received a text confirmation and order ready time. I go to pickup my order and they did NOT even see it. WHAT? How can I restaurant who suggests online ordering have such a huge oversight. Worse, they did not even offer an apology or compensation for which I had already prepaid for my order and tipped. Also, once we finally got the food hour and 15 min later than the 30 min quote time - the food was not even worth it. The food quality was poor, the roll was sloppy, and the tuna cut and texture was very chipped. Last time I go or recommend this establishment. read more

Great spot for lunch! Everything I've tried from their lunch menu has been delicious and fresh. The food comes out quickly, and the staff is always very friendly. Definitely a go-to for a reliable, tasty meal. read more

Nice people, great food, fun atmosphere. Love the booths - a mix of Japan and American style.

The okonomiyaki was amazing! The staff were really nice and really made us feel welcomed. The restaurant itself is so cute and really had a traditional feel. read more

Faceless Samurai - Seating area - Japanese Near Me - Palm Harbor, Florida

I had a great time at Faceless! I got the chirashi and it was filled with thick cuts of fish and tamago. I just wished there was more rice to enjoy with the fish! The chirashi came with a choice of miso soup or ginger salad. I chose to warm up with a bowl of soup. I also got the wakame cucumber salad. It paired really well with my chirashi bowl. read more

Faceless Samurai - Wakame salad - Japanese Near Me - Palm Harbor, Florida

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I love the chive pancakes offered at dinner time. They are lightly fried. I've had this dish twice but the second time, I requested the spicy sauce normally served with the veggie gyoza. I like the veggie gyoza offered at dinnertime. They were sautéed and served with a delightful spicy sauce. Note: they put some wasabi into their nigiri, between the rice and the fish. It's tasty that way. And the raw tuna has been fresh every time I've ordered it. read more

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Ambiance is so unique & cool ! Great food options with a good price value . Would go back repeatedly just for the Japanese seafood pancake alone ! Delicious and hard to find around here read more

beautiful relaxed environment. great tasty food and friendly service. highly recommend this wonderful restaurant. read more

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The restaurant was easy to find, with plenty of parking available in the plaza. Upon arriving on a Friday evening, I was able to get a table right away, which was a nice surprise given the busy atmosphere. I ordered a variety of sushi rolls and some appetizers, and all of the dishes I tried were tasty. While none of them really stood out as particularly exceptional, they were all enjoyable and had a good balance of flavors. I personally prefer more simple sushi but if you love saucey sushi this is your spot. The ambiance of the restaurant was casual, with a few tables scattered throughout the space. It was a comfortable place to sit and enjoy a meal, and the service was friendly and efficient. read more

Faceless Samurai - Japanese Near Me - Palm Harbor, Florida

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This is a hard review. Faceless Samurai has excellent dishes. Never a complaint about the quality of the food. The owners and staff are very friendly. However, you need to leave yourself plenty of extra time for both takeout and seated dining. This is especially true on the weekends. They ate not necessarily fast!. Overall, dine here, you'll enjoy it, but be patient! read more

Been wanting to come here but haven't had the chance til tonight. Found this spot on YELP & so glad I did! Excellent customer service and food was delicious. My favorite is the curry - duck . Very crispy & DELICIOUS. Can't wait to come back to try other different curry they offer & saving room for dessert. This is a cute date night spot. Currently open for dinner - so call first just to make sure their open. read more

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What a great restaurant! This will be my go to restaurant for Sushi. Friendly service, as well as a quiet place to eat.

I liked the interior, tasty food, variety of sushi types, and good service. I definitely recommend it !

My paramour and I went here for our Datenight, because he wanted something light and healthy. This was a place neither of us have ever been to, so it was a nice change of pace. The atmosphere inside was nice, the booths have a private feel as you slide into them. That was especially nice for a date night. We both started with green tea ad water. We ordered for appetizers a seared tuna app and tempura veg, we ordered the terryakai chicken and Pork Katsu. Soup and salad that came with the meals came first and were good. The tempura veg was tasty, crisp and hot. The seared tuna ... I didn't like it, my beau ate it but to me it didn't taste the freshest. Just after that was delivered came our main meals, The chicken was cool and bland, it didn't have much flavor at all. The pork was covered in the usual dipping sauce and was not hot, as it should have been since it's a fried dish. It tasted Ok but I don't like sauces, I'd have preferred to have the option of dipping not being forced to have it on my food. The service was impeccable, but the food was just ok. I'll try it again. read more

Faceless Samurai - Japanese Near Me - Palm Harbor, Florida

Went there on a whim for lunch after being in the area. I was impressed. The lay out of the restaurant is smaller than I expected, but that wasn't a bad thing. The booths are styled after a Japanese Kotatsu which is a nice touch. They had a reasonably sized menu with number of Japanese, thai menu and a lengthy sushi menu as well. My table got the vegetable tempura which was very nicely fried, and then put in our order mainly for sushi before we noticed the chef specials included Takoyaki which we then asked to place an additional appetizer order for. In total we had two appetizers, and 3 sushi rolls. Sushi rolls took a little longer to get out but we did order one roll that was fried so I expect this is why that took longer. Food tasted fresh, and the staff was talkative and receptive to our needs. Price wise, it was a little higher priced than I would have initially expected, but not so much so that it would deter me from returning. I'm very curious about their Okonomiyaki. My one suggestion would be a chef special of Japanese Katsu curry. This is solely my opinion but I feel a Japanese menu needs to have a curry on the menu for rainy days like ours were today. Overall, I'd absolutely recommend giving this place a chance, I think you'll be happy that you gave it the opportunity to impress! read more

I've been going to this place for a long time now (we have a few sushi spots) this place is small and cozy, perfect for date nights. The rolls and Thai entrees are all tasty! Service is good. They take care of you and doesn't interrupt your meal with the constant "check ins" like some places. A hidden gem in a nondescript plaza off of Tampa rd and lake st. George. read more

The Thai food is an afterthought in this sushi restaurant. Mediocre Thai food, inattentive service, little ambiance.

A fantastic meal and customer experience. Enjoyed our interaction with staff and everything we ordered was excellent. Nigiri worth mentioning-rice texture, vinegar seasoning, temperature, and fish to rice ratio was well executed. Wasabi added by the chef to the Nigiri was a pleasant surprise (and how it should be everywhere else IMO). This place is tops. read more

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Hmmm, mediocre at best. Sushi was decent, but the other half of the order was delayed way too long. I'd casually eaten1 whole sushi roll before stopping and waiting for the pad thai for my wife. Which arrived a good 10-15min later. The pad thai was meh. One thing I noted is that it seemed to have a 'Cheers' type atmosphere. Where everyone, except us, knows your name. read more

Best Japanese Thai Fusion restaurant, everything was great. Service is like no other. Greeted with a smile from the owner every time we walk in. Food from both the Thai and Japanese menu is great. I highly recommend the Pad Thai and gyoza if you come here! read more

My favorite japanesse in town! Chefs and server are friendly. I love Omakase, Eel and Lychee wine . read more

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A great place, because they treat you like you are st your own home. Quiet, romantic a true family environment with extraordinary cuisine. A fine balance between Japanese traditions and Thai cosine. The menu has a decent selection of Saki, great wines and fine Japanese beer. 5 star service in Palm Harbor but at a family style price. Thank you for all the love in your food! Ricky read more

It's a small place but friendly and calm atmosphere. The workers are kind and very helpful and the food was delicious! I ordered the bento box dinner and sushi Mori and it was delicious! The fish was almost buttery and soft and delicious. Definitely a place I will return to! read more

Faceless Samurai - Bento Dinner - Japanese Near Me - Palm Harbor, Florida

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I have been eye balling the Faceless Samurai for quite some time now. I love sushi but they also have a few Japanese dishes I wanted to try. The restaurant is a small establishment that is tucked away on Tampa road in the same strip mall as Queens Pizza and a Shell station. Atmosphere: When you walk in you feel like you are walking into a humble Japanese restaurant. Along the right wall are booths that allow you to sit on pillows and a low table. Down the center is a long banquet table that can hold a large party or several small parties. A great community table. The left side has typical chair and tables. Towards the back is a well lit and modest sushi bar. The owner, Duke, is personable and is honest about his portions. He had the opportunity to sell me more food than I needed but said that the dish I ordered should be filling for one person. The food and people that work there are well liked. I was the only one that wasn't a repeat customer. Duke and the waitress (didn't catch her name, she too was know and liked) knew their customers' names and food preferences. By the end of my dinning experience they were calling me by my name. Their customer service is so exceptional that Duke made a mistake on a to go order and told the customer that if it should ever happen again call and he will bring the correct order to her. WHAT!!! Amazing! Food: I ordered gyoza and okonomiyaki. The gyoza was delicious. The meat stuffing was well seasoned and balanced in flavor. It was moist and not chewy. The wrappers were delicate in texture but didn't easily fall apart. They were cooked perfectly, steamed and pan fried so that you get the juxtaposition of soft wrapper next to crunchy wrapper. The okonomiyaki was huge! The pancakes/ crepe like wonder was packed full of flavor. The edges were crispy while the center was soft. They included cabbage and seafood. It was topped with eel sauces, mayo, seaweed, sesame seeds and bonito flakes. I tried to finish it but I could only eat half (next time I'll dine with a friend). I highly recommend this as an appetizer for a group of 2 to 4 people. I look forward to trying more dishes! Cost: Gyoza $ 6.5 Okonomiyaki $ 10 or 12 (can't remember) I will definitely be back! read more

Faceless Samurai - Okonomiyaki - Japanese Near Me - Palm Harbor, Florida

Duke is awesome. The food is great. It's always a good time. We have been going for years back when Duke was in training with the Master!

This is my favorite local spot! The gyoza is phenomenal and is my favorite thing on the menu. The restaurant is quaint & nicely appointed. The sushi is delicious and fresh. Service is always fast and friendly whether we decide to dine in or order carry out. read more

Faceless Samurai - Gyoza - Japanese Near Me - Palm Harbor, Florida

I had dinner at Faceless Samurai on Tampa Rd in Oldsmar and it looks like it is closed from the outside because the signage light was not turned on. I have drove on Tampa Rd., for many years and I had not idea this restaurant was there. I was not happy to see our food server who had long straight hair did NOT have all her hair pulled back in a pony tail. The food server needs to realize she is in the food industry and she should know better! I don't want her long hair flowing in my food and it's unsanitary for her to have her long hair not pulled back in a pony tail. The restaurant is small, narrow and a little too dark and a claustrophobic feel for me. The restaurant was not busy and I was there for nearly 2 hrs due to the food coming out of the kitchen very slowly, apparently "to go orders" are priority. The chairs are very hard and uncomfortable which makes it unpleasant while waiting for the food to come out. Just a suggestion, it would be nice to provide cold filtered water in a glass bottle and leave it at the table, rather than unfiltered ice water and having to wave down the server to get more water when no other customers are in the restaurant. Many restaurants are doing that now as a convenient gesture for the customer. My sushi was good, not bad and I have definitely had better elsewhere. Overall the restaurant experience was okay. read more

Excellent service from the staff, especially Isaac! Sushi was fresh and delicious. Entrees were well prepared and atmosphere was friendly. Can't wait to come back! read more

I had Faceless Samurai a couple of times as takeout but this is my first time eating in the restaurant itself and I got to say, it's a gem. The place gives me that Izakaya feel. Its small enough for an intimate group to come and enjoy a couple of drinks with some great food. It's the kind of place that you don't want to share with anyone - not because it's bad or anything like that, but because it the type of place that you treasure to yourself. You're new secret spot. I had to submit a review though because Duke and everyone at Faceless Samurai makes you feel so welcome as soon as you walk in and the food itself was so freaking delicious. We had their sushi before but this time we went with something different - we had 2 small salads, miso soup, gyoza, the Drunken Noodles, and Chicken Teriyaki. First off: the Gyoza = Fire. It's a must-have appetizer. The Miso and Salad were perfectly prepared. The Drunken Noodles were delicious but watch it because the spice does have bite. So worth it though! The Chicken Teriyaki was incredible too. Saucy and scrumptious. My only regret was eating it too fast. Side note: this place is one of the few (perhaps the only place) that makes Okonomiyaki. If I can suggest something to the owners: bring some Takoyaki & Taiyaki to the menu - it will make me love you more. If you're questioning what to eat then look no further. This place gets a "yes" from me. Photos next time for sure! read more

Faceless Samurai - Best Gyoza Ever! - Japanese Near Me - Palm Harbor, Florida

First time here and I was looking for drunken noodles to satisfy a craving. I read a previous review indicating that the drunken noodles were a good choice. So drunken noodles and some ebi later, i cleaned my plate and will gladly go back again. I was skeptical because of the combo of sushi and Thai on the menu (I'm always skeptical when mixed cultures are on the same menu), but there was no reason to be. Walked in 20 minutes before they were due to take their afternoon break and received a warm welcome, friendly service, and excellent food. I already have a favorite sushi place, but this one is now my square second for sushi and will be my first for Thai. I will be back! read more

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Excellent food and service! Gyoza are a must, as well as Drunken noodles. We tried fried bananas and they were delicious read more

Wow! Fresh, tasty, great customer service! I really enjoyed sushi special! Thanks a lot and I will be back.

Food was amazing and will definitely be back for more. I also tried a few new things, the sushi chef and staff are excellent. read more

Faceless Samurai - Rolls - Japanese Near Me - Palm Harbor, Florida

A bit busy when we stopped in but friendly staff. Huge portions and we took food home. Will definitely be back.

This is an authentic Asían cousine restaurant that caters to all yet maintains exceptional details to original recipes that have made them a staple of quality in Tampa. Their Asian dishes including great variety of bursting sushi dishes will leave their chefs flavors lingering in your palate, craving for more long after you have left. I can't find a better, more accommodating and with extra kind service and health Driven menu in our area. This sushi restaurant is consistently top gun in my view and appreciations. The staff and owners leave no stone unturned to please me and my guests weather it's my family or business associates that always come back for more... just as I do! I love your sushi Faceless Samurai location! Sincerely, Ricky read more