my favorite restaurant of all time, been coming here since i was in highschool. comfort place for me, love it

I live nearby and this place has always been here for me. Owners now know me personally, and the food is always good. Obviously you wont get phenomenal food from a place like this, but it is seriously delicious. The ambience is amazing, topped with the owner's child doing homework in the corner of the restaurant. Overall, the food is great, and the service even better. read more

Japanica II - 4. Black Dragon Maki - Japanese Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

The setup of this place is absolutely stunning. The decor and private rooms give the ambiance a special and authentic feel. It's peaceful the moment you walk in. Quiet, clean and cozy. The staff here is really quick and competent, they are ready to answer any and all questions you may have. We got a really cool drink that I've never seen before, the flame would not go out until you blew it. It all tasted great, quality food and drink. This place exceeded my expectations and I recommend it to anyone in the area. read more

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The waitress needed to polish her serving skills. We had to ask for beverages half way through the meal, because the waitress was never around. The Hibachi grilled steak was overcooked, no taste and chewy. The salmon was clearly frozen (maybe twice) before it was placed on the hibachi. read more

I ordered delivery during lunch time. They have some really great lunch special options, so it seemed like the perfect time to try this place. I ordered the beef negimaki bento box which came with soup, salad, a california roll, rice, and some yakitoried veggies. I was able to add one some tempura for 3 dollars extra and I sure did. Everything was absolutely delicious. It came quickly, and was hot. The tempura (two shrimps, a carrot, and a sweet potato) were crispy, light, and delicious. The salad had the classic carrot ginger dressing I love so much. The negimaki was good, the sauce was not too sweet, and the veggies and california roll all tasted great. I would absolutely order here again, the price was reasonable and the food was delicious. read more

I love this place! Sushi has always been great each time I've come here for take out so decided to dine inside. Ambience was great, came here with my baby and they seated us in our own private room. I loved the hibachi here. Usually hibachi is hit or miss because a lot of places add too much soy sauce. This place had such flavorful hibachi and GIANT portions, enough for two meals. I loved the salmon so much in the seafood combo hibachi, didn't taste fishy or anything. Will come back for the exactly same meal: one roll and a hibachi. read more

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We were recommended Japanica II by a family member and were quite concerned when we arrived. The exterior of the building makes it seem like the restaurant went out of business and was now a base for criminal operations. If you are brave enough to go through the door however, it looks just like most other Japanese restaurants. Slightly outdated with low lighting. I enjoyed the vibe. Though we were one of only 3 tables the service was not very fast. We ordered 7 rolls so the sushi chef understandably took some time to make them but they still sat for several minutes complete before the waitress grabbed them. I found the sushi to be very good and satisfying. It was inexpensive as well. We did find one bone or shell in a piece but I'm sure that happens occasionally. I would go back as the sushi was above average, but as Japanese restaurants go Japanica II is good, not special. read more

Japanica II - California Rolls, California rolls with sauces and crispy salmon skin, spicy crab rolls and an Alaskan roll. - Japanese Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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We've been to Japanica II a few times now, and it's always a great experience! The owners are super friendly. Prices are reasonable. We've order maybe 8-10 different rolls since we started visiting. One of my favorite rolls is the spicy scallop roll. They have great quality fish, and everything tastes delicious and fresh. They're great about modifications and also have gluten free soy sauce. We'll definitely continue to visit this restaurant! read more

Japanica II - Spicy Scallop Roll, Sweetheart Roll, Rainbow Roll - Japanese Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

Big City Roll is my new favorite Roll. I enjoyed the Green Tea especially on a rainy day. Reminder its unsweetened, I personally enjoyed it cause it left more room in my stomach. Udon noodles are very filling, vegetables are crisp and add more flavor. Vegetable gyoza was AMAZING especially with the vinegar sauce. The service is amazing!! They're very polite and give you enough time to gather your thoughts. They also have good recommendations so if you need any help with your tastebuds, do not be afraid to ask! The Ambiance is beautiful! I love the private rooms. I enjoy the lighting and the area where you can watch Itamae prepare your sushi. Next, I would love to try the bento box... I love Edamame, but next time that will be an appetizer. read more

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Had a great time here. The food was excellent as well as the service; very fresh ingredients and expertly prepared. The place is a little dated inside but don't let that put you off. It's great place read more

Yummy delicious sushi! They can make almost any roll gluten free by omitting the tempura crunchies. Their fish tastes fresh and their rolls light and flavorful! read more

In one word: terrible. Sushi did not taste fresh and lacked ingredients listed in the menu description. Noodles were flavourless, aside from the broccoli that had an aftertaste reminiscent of chemicals/cleaner. read more

Excellent tasting food. Their hot tea is divine! Speedy and efficient service. Beautifully decorated and serene atmosphere. Highly recommend!! read more

[Grade: A] [Worth it ($)?: 9/10, pretty good for what it is] As a newcomer to Connecticut, I've been looking around to see if there's any place that has some good reviews as a baseline. I'm usually pretty picky, especially when it comes to sushi, but I was pleasantly surprised when I came here. Overall, I'd say they had a great quality of fresh fish and ingredients. The roll I got had a great crunch w the shrimp tempura, and they had a layer of spicy tuna on top of the roll covered by another layer of sliced avocado. I usually don't see this technique, but I think it's a great way to make a roll. Also, their nigiri was excellent too in taste and technique, and I liked that they put a small dab of wasabi like more traditional places. For the most part, I really enjoyed my sushi experience. Although it's not anything crazy, it's not trying to be, but it does great at what it is trying to be and that is great sushi at a great price! I'll definitely consider this as my main sushi spot in Middletown! read more

Japanica II - Monkey Roll with White Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail, and Eel Nigiri - Japanese Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

Surprisingly awesome Japanese on a crowded commercial road. The restaurant is offset in a plaza and sort of hard to find, but keep going toward the back! Menu includes the usual Japanese food goodies and a surprisingly long list of rolls. I liked the two I got; they had a lot of flavor without being inundated with sauces that can drown out the stars of the rolls, the fish! Pleasant decor and ambiance. read more

Japanica II - Dr Christina Roll and American Dream Roll - Japanese Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

Very good sushi and hibachi dinner. The location is not the best and is very hidden. I would definitely come back

Just updating since it's been a while and we continue to order takeout from Japanica regularly. It continues to be consistently great, every time! We typically get the regular sushi/maki rolls (not the special rolls) which are super reasonably priced and very fresh. We also usually order several appetizers and miso soup. All are always good! read more

Shrimp tempura Samson roll was great, crispy salmon roll was mediocre. Fast service, which I appreciate read more

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Food is Not fresh ! Chicken was hard and chewy rubbery ! I got sick old sushi also ! I asked for my money back ! I got two bento box and even the salad was questionable! Nasty ! read more

The food was very bland nothing had any flavor Service was terrible the staff acted like customers weren't even there I walked in and they did not pay attention to me for several minutes walking by me not even acknowledging me which coincides with the food they don't care about their customers are the way the food tastes read more

Japanica II - This is the waiting area - Japanese Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

Again, another place I have gone to several times and never left a review. It's a good place. Nice size rolls at decent prices. This was my go to place during the pandemic. My favorite is the peppered tuna on the cold plate section. I live the taste! It's is awesome! I have to start taking pictures when I am out! read more

Everything about Japanica is fantastic. Best sushi, wait staff is exceptional. Looks are deceiving but highly recommend!

Such a great little sushi house. It's small and tucked in the back but I can't believe how great their sushi was. You definitely get your money's worth out of this place. I got a rainbow roll and a California roll and it was enough to fill me up. read more

Japanica II - Rainbow Roll California Roll - Japanese Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

Went here with a group last night for sushi. Restaurant was essentially empty except for us which was kind of neither here nor there in relation to my review, so nevermind. Japanica II has a fairly large menu - many hand rolls, special rolls, and entrees. They also offer a significant number of vegetarian rolls, which made one of my friends happy. Their prices were also very reasonable - $4.95-$6.99 for several hand rolls. Special rolls were in the $9-10 range which is also reasonable compared to other places. I ordered a shumai appetizer which was tasty and pretty normal. For dinner, I had two hand rolls which were also quite good. One was a "fancier" roll which didn't have a fancy price. The restaurant has nice decor and an overall calm atmosphere. There are 2 or 3 private seating rooms up front which would be cozy for a date or small group. We did hear the Japanese musak version of "My Heart Will Go On" twice, but I felt wrong taking a star off this restaurant's otherwise good review. read more

Japanica II - Spicy Tuna and Sky Beautiful rolls. - Japanese Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

This is my sushi spot. My family, friends and I love their sushi, apps, salads, and THE STEAK HIBACHI - yum!!! I ordered a 3 roll lunch special to pick up quickly during lunch break at work today. When paying I asked the owner what the deal was with the 50% off sushi. The half off menu actually has 8 items that aren't sushi or rolls. The special half off menu Sun-Thus is part of their business model to continue to showcase what they have to offer by way of a dine-in restaurant. Their food is seriously delicious. I plan to take advantage of this offer to dine-in as much as possible before the half off menu is gone! Items I order repeatedly here: beef negamaki, pan pork gyoza, steamed vegetable gyoza, Kani salad, sushi over rice, rolls and special rolls, hibachi!! Their hibachi rice is amazing. Then again so are the hibachi noodles. Steak hibachi is a big winner from here in my household! The owners are also very nice. Excellent customer service from what I've seen and I've been coming here for many years. read more

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I personally think it's the best sushi place in Middletown. Everyone is always friendly and the food is delicious.

Great experience! Staff was very helpful and kind. The rolls I had looked great and tasted even better! Highly recommend this place. I didn't, but definitely a good place to bring a date. Quiet and cozy. read more

Japanica II - Dr Christina and Out of Control rolls. Highly recommend!! - Japanese Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

Japanica iss one of the best places I have sushi. They also have a lunch special you should check out it's worth it to lunch. Plates are awesome they have chicken Katsu lunch plate. It is the bomb being that I am from Hawaii. We have some really good sushi places and this place brings me back. I love this place. I think everyone should try this. If you like sushi check this place out, I will add more to this review next time I go there. read more

I was in middletown around 2 pm for an appointment at 3. This was around the corner along with some other places but based on reviews and not wanting fast food I gave them a try. Outside there is a menu that you can look at. Pretty normal japanese dishes. What stuck out to me though was the different luncheon boxes around 10$ Going in I was immediately greeted by the sushi chef and who I'm assuming is the owner came over and sat me. I spent some time looking up the reviews some more. I decided on the chicken teriyaki luncheon box and the gyoza. First the miso soup came out. Sorry for not taking pics, I was a bit hungry. It came in a cute black bowl and was very delicious. The gyoza was cooked well and tasted really good. The sauce they left on the dish was a little sweeter than I like for my gyoza but I could have always put in some of their soy sauce if I wanted but it tasted good enough and was made for it so I didn't wanna change anything. I scarfed them down pretty quick. A few minutes later my luncheon box came out. As you can see from my photos It came with plenty of food(miso soup inc) everything was pretty good and the sushi was as expected. I'm not a huge salad guy but of course I tried it and was pleasantly surprised. I liked the chicken teriyaki but for 1 I'm not a plain chicken guy and not a huge teriyaki guy. It was however pretty good I just wish I had tried the steak! See you next time Japanica 2. read more

Japanica II - Japanese Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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One of the most amazing Japanese restaurants I've ever been to. The scorpion bowls are out of this world. The food is the freshest I've ever seen prepared in front of me This is one of my top tens and on my top 10 this is number 1 read more

Japanica II - The most amazing!! Scorpion Bowl I have ever had!!!!!! - Japanese Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

Very middle-of-the-road. Not bad, not great. Service was a little slow, despite being the first people in the restaurant. When I told the waitress I had a gluten allergy, she brought me gluten free soy sauce, which was nice. I wish it wasn't in an old regular soy sauce bottle with a handwritten label slapped on it, though. I was just hoping they washed the bottle out really well. The sushi was ok. The fish wasn't the most tender or fresh tasting I've had, but it was ok. They were out of the sea urchin because I guess it had been a popular item that week (this was on a Friday). They gave us a little plate of pineapple that was clearly from a can with some tooth picks at the end. It's a nice gesture, but if you're going to do a free small treat, try to make it quality. It's still a reflection of your restaurant. The decor wasn't anything special either. It really bothered me that the bathroom light in the women's restroom was so dull. When I first flipped the light switch, I thought something was wrong. My iPhone flashlight provides more light than the ceiling light in that bathroom. We went to this place out of sheer convenience of proximity, but I don't think I'll be paying it another visit. read more

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very good i like the spicy tuna roll it very good it my to go restaurant i loved it so much also the miso soup is so good

We love Japanica since 2015, Japanica has seen my kids grow and we love their hibachi although they don't have a show, for sushi we love the ocean brother with cooked shrimp read more

This has become my husband and I's go to sushi spot in the area! I'm SUPER picky with sushi and quality because I get grossed out easily with meat/fish, and even I love it! We have been getting takeout here regularly since we moved to this area. I'm newly pregnant now, so I've been getting the vegetarian rolls lately which are also really good and satisfy the sushi craving! read more

Good quality ingredients and very nicely presented. Delicious sushi. Only issue I have is the soy sauce is extra salty for some reason.

Over charged card and then told me they did not. I showed them proof on bank app and they refused to reimburse me or give me my food. Very shady. read more

I had it delivered 45 mins they closed and they delivered. Pretty quickly. The sushi was really good ( refer to pics) .. the salmin just melts in your mouth like butter. They give you a lot of rice .. I just wish they would have a bit nigger portions for their prices. Other than that everything was clean and tasted great :) Will definitely order again soon! read more

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Absolutely love this spot. Would say it is one of the best sushi restaurants in Middletown. Sushi is very fresh and extremely affordable. Come here very often but mainly for takeout read more

This is our favorite place in town to get sushi. We usually get the Golden Bridge and Black Dragon maki plus some of the smaller rolls when we order from here, but we've tried all the other raw house special rolls. The Umi roll is incredibly delicious and the Princess Paula maki is great if you love yellowtail. The rolls have just the right amount of rice and the amount of fish is perfect. The price is fair and the staff is friendly and welcoming. read more

The food here is still great. Take out only during COVID. Good prices, good sushi. The duck bao are super good.