Food is great!! Good prices & fast service which can absolutely be appreciated. The atmosphere is always calm & peaceful as well! 10/10 for us! read more

Great food! Comes fast, great prices. A family favorite :) my 10 year old gets the edamame and chicken fried rice every time. With the cream cheese wontons! read more

Food was delicious, quick and polite service. The cheese bites and egg rolls are the best!!

Cozy little place with great food and very nice staff. I stepped in to enjoy some lunch and was pleasantly surprised with the bento box offerings. Try the seaweed and cucumber salads! Thanks, Lucky Samurai! read more

Best Japanese restaurant in the area never disappoints fresh sushi fresh food and homemade sauces and soup made right in the kitchen everything is made and cooked to order and the prices aren't bad compared to other places food is always hot and they defiantly give enough portions and the staff are always very nice and professional read more

amazing grilled food and amazing sushi !! nice and fast service!! very nice vibe inside the restaurant

Where to start...since ownership has changed, I have not had anything but bad experiences. I continued to go every now and then hoping that eventually something would change; they have the best ginger dressing and I enjoy their bento box. Today I went into the establishment with my mom; we were the only people inside at the time. We were hungry, hoping for good food and a decent experience. We went to order at the register and were greeted by a young lady which we never got her name. When she came up I immediately noticed she had an ear pod in her ear. She was barely listening to us and over talking us and rushing. I had to repeat myself several times as did my mother. She kept saying "I'm sorry?" And while we were trying to tell her exactly what we wanted to order she kept over talking us to ask us what we wanted and rushing to the total even though we were not finished. Had she been listening fully she would have caught everything she needed. I specified I wanted the small bento box. I ordered teriyaki chicken, sushi roll #21, gyoza, salad with ginger dressing and a tea to drink. My mom ordered fried rice with onions and egg only with a half and half tea. She asked for a side of teriyaki sauce which usually is given to us but she said it would be a charge and hey we understand food cost; no real fuss there. However she did the same exact not listening fully and over-talking to my mom as she did to me. At this point my mom is irritated because of how much she had to repeat herself. If you are struggling to hear us, taking the ear pod out would be ideal. Even so, while you are at the front dealing with customers, it is common courtesy to remove your ear pod to ensure there isn't obstruction to hearing to keep the experience as low stress for both parties as possible. Finally, we get done ordering and are sitting at the table I chose to eat at. Our food comes out, I notice that my food is incorrect. I noticed there were mushrooms in my chicken which I never get and was unsure why they were there. I bring it to the attention of the young lady who ran our food out that I didn't order mushrooms. She proceeds to say that the hibachi typically comes with mushrooms. In my reply I told her I never ordered hibachi and that she must not have heard me say teriyaki. So they come back with my bento box with the correct ordered chicken and rice. I check my sushi and see there is avocado and the kani is not tempura. I again never order sushi with avocado and remembered the roll I ordered did not include that and the kani was tempura. So I go up to the register and the young lady who took my order says I thought you said #20. I said no maam in fact I never order that and I order the same thing every time I come. So she was about to come and take the one I had then changed her mine and said she would bring another half sushi that was correct. She brought the right roll but it was still missing ingredients of the roll. At this point I was already annoyed and just did not feel like it was worth the bother. There is a difference between those who are passionate about what they do and those who just treat it as a job. I used to LOVE this place when it was ran by Christopher. Him and his wife were lovely at running this establishment and I feel that my standards are very high because of them maybe but the least I feel one could do is active listening. I will not be back for quite a while if at all at this point I have given up on having a good experience. My mom left underwhelmed, unsatisfied, and disappointed. As a Chef, I want to submit that when it comes to small hiccups like these, they can lead to bigger issues down the road. Not paying attention well in food service can become law suits waiting to happen, what if I was allergic these things I ended up with? And leaving them in my presence isn't ideal either. While I thoroughly inspect my food before eating it not many do and something simple as active listening is an easy fix. read more

Left: #28 Tiger Roll Right: #29 Rainbow Roll Not pictured: App of Fried Gyoza (dumplings) Dumplings were okay, but I wouldn't order them again. Young man at the window was kind, patient, and very helpful. Also, informed me they have BOGO sushi on Fridays! I've had their hibachi before, it was delicious -- unfortunately, I've never been inside before. Overall, I recommend for the location, price, and certainly would pick this over buffet with sushi down the street! read more

Lucky Samurai - Left: #28 Tiger Roll Right: #29 Rainbow Roll - Japanese Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

very delicious food and good portion sizes. I got the low carb plate and somehow it costs more to get it without rice? servers are always friendly though and the interior is nicely decorated. read more

The service was great but the food just isn't that good. Ordered hibachi steak and shrimp with broccoli only The rice was plain white Still had corn peas and carrots Never again If it looks like a hole in the wall...... it is what it is read more

Every Friday they have a bogo special for their sushi which is amazing, I normally stop by the drive thru also I order my daughter a side of rice which is an amazing portion for a toddler. Will continue to come back any chance I get. read more

Lucky Samurai - Sushi - Japanese Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

Our family of four have been wanting to try this place and so glad we finally did on the Saturday before Easter. Knowledgeable and friendly staff. I'm so taken back with the options you get here especially with the bento box and the sushi. The Hibachi and Sushi are such great quality and value. I couldn't stop raving to my husband about their noodles alone. We recently moved from Charlotte and we're learning that Gastonia has so many great options surprisingly and this place definitely does not disappoint and I find it to be a real treasure. We would love to come support here every chance we get. Thank you for spoiling us! read more

The food is absolutely delicious but the service however is not . We've been to the drive through twice and a guy always comes and takes our order and collects the money .. well we waited 30 mins the first time for our food and 45 min the second time . If we hadn't already paid we would've left . Very disappointing since they now have new management read more

We will not be eating at lucky samurai again. food quality used to be good but timing now takes 30 minutes to get (two bento boxes) food and sushi roll. No help and lack of training & management...(did not offer refund) This restaurant has gone straight to bottom of the gutter read more

Lucky Samurai - Special - Japanese Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

This place has some of the best food in Gastonia. They deliver exactly what they advertise, and no less. Portion sizes are great, staff is incredibly friendly. I visit this location regularly and as long as they're open, Sake Express doesn't exist. read more

Went through the drive thru and food was still hot when home. Flavor was nice and portion was generous.

I used to eat here between 2015 to 2020. It was always good. I love their tea. Then I didn't go to Gastonia for a while. I ate here in April 2022. It was good. My husband and I ate here January 24th. The tea was good but the food was plain and dry. We had hibachi chicken and hibachi shrimp. The chicken was tough and none of it had any flavor except for the carrots. Shrimp weren't seasoned much. The rice, mushrooms, and rice were really plain. First time I've not liked it. Sorry that I talked my husband into going there. They have many choices for sushi. I don't know much about it. The descriptions of much of it seem similar. I'll have to give them another try some time when I am by myself. The service is always great and they are very nice. I felt bad for the fellow out taking orders in the rain. He seemed to take it in stride. We used the drive through because of the weather. We had an appointment at the hospital so we just parked and ate. read more

Definitely a lot of food. The cream cheese roll up are literally cream cheese rolled up in a wrap and fried, they're alright. I got a box with sushi roll and teriyaki chicken! Lots of rice. The ginger dressing for the salad was good. Sweet tea was sweet. The place was clean and service was fresh. Prices very reasonable. read more

We stopped by here in route to SC. What a pleasant surprise! We had the Tiger Roll, the Spicey Tuna Roll, the Arctic Roll & the Crunchy Roll. All were good & all unique! We also had miso soup & seaweed salad. The atmosphere is very casual. Clean. Quiet. You order at the counter & they bring it too you. Very pleasant staff. We only dealt w/ Anglos. I definitely recommend this place! read more

Lucky Samurai - Japanese Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

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Yummy and adorable:) Nice workers and customer service! My favorite is number #15, and the order usually doesn't take too long

My husband and I just moved to Gastonia this month and we have already eaten here 3 times! Hibachi is delicious and fresh and the portions are great! Not to mention super affordable! We will definitely be trying the sushi next time we go! read more

Came here for a business luncheon today. After arriving quickly realized this is probably not the best place for that. The food was good and simple. The sushi was really good and had great presentation. Customer service was real friendly. I would return for sure to grab a bite. Pricing was fair as well for the food. read more

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This place is the best spot in town to get quality cooked Japanese along with hospitable service. read more

Lucky Samurai - Cabbage chicken - Japanese Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

One of my favorite places to eat. Friendly & attentive staff. Whether it's been dine in or carry out the foods been out fast(10 minutes or less) and always yummy. Clean and quirky atmosphere.They also have a 100 for the food safety rating. read more

Lucky Samurai - Teriyaki vegetable plate and cream cheese egg roll. - Japanese Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

Since their management change, Lucky Samurai has vastly improved. Last year, I would have given them a 3-star only because their sushi is fantastic, but the quality of all their food has gone very far up! At the recommendation of multiple people I trust, I decided to give them another try today, and I can assure you based on today's experience, paired with my last experience at the competitor down the road, I won't go back to the other guys. Lucky Samurai is my new go-to spot in Gastonia for Japanese food. read more

Got the hibachi chicken shrimp and beef. Really good hibachi. It was flavorful and goes great with the shrimp sauce and hot sauce. Food came out fast and my water kept getting refilled. Standard hibachi food done well. Will try sushis next time. Would highly recommend. read more

Lucky Samurai - Hibachi chicken, shrimp, and beef. - Japanese Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

My sister goes on and on about how this place is better than sake so I gave it a try. This place is definitely not better than sake. You go in through the back (not sure why any business owner would want this) & the floors are disgustingly sticky. I should've left then. Like your shoes stick to the floor sticky. The prices are reasonable and the service is friendly. The food is gross. I dont go many places and say that, but its borderline inedible. I bite into the chicken and had to spit it out. The texture is so nasty. Like it does not taste natural or like chicken at all. I couldn't handle it. I would never go back. read more

I love this spot for a quick family meal. In my opinion they have much better qualify food than the popular Saki Express. I like the Bento box options and the staff is nice as well! read more

Food was delicious! Generous food serving and great price. I was also very satisfied with the customer service that I received both over the phone and in person when picking up my meal. I look forward to ordering from here again in the future. Food was hot and ready quickly! read more

Best I've had in a while. Plan on going back ASAP. Sushi won it for me. I don't eat raw pieces but the California Roil Nd the Philadelphia Rolls are just the way I like them. You can put a whole piece in your mouth and enjoy it not fight it. Be advised the Wasabi is no joke! But the full menu selection doesn't work properly. Flashes and then goes dark. Tested it's not my phone. read more

Stopped here on our way from VA to GA for a quick late lunch, per Yelp and Google reviews. The reviews didn't lie; it was very slow in there mid-afternoon, extremely fast courteous service, and the food was served in minutes. We had chicken egg rolls, teriyaki beef, and teriyaki tofu. All very fresh and so good!!! Happy tummies here! :D OH, and they have a drive-through!!! read more

Lucky Samurai - Teriyaki tofu - Japanese Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

Im sitting and wait for my food im not really happy.Maybe this food will be good.Idk what kind of sushi chef they hired but its a no for me.The sushi taste ok but looks weird I never seen a rainbow roll that looked so weird but over all I came I ate And now I must Review.The food could be better. read more

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So welcome back to my favorite low cost option in the neighborhood. Waitstaff has been the same. Sushi chef must be different. The roll sushi is a little heavy handed on the sauce but good. They have added nigiri but have no idea how to set the rice blocks up. Bite size guys, not two bite. Otherwise, they added Sriracha to the table condiments which is welcomed. Waitstaff is busy and wants to make sure that you are getting the service you need. Hot dishes can be ordered spicy and it comes out awesome. There were better places at a higher price point in town, but they have closed leaving me this rock solid base. Fast, solid, tasty and reasonable. Nothing better when you need drive through or quick dinner. read more

Best part is sushi here. The building however is old dated and decors sucks. The waitress is always nice. Food comes out fast. Place is never busy when I come here. No music no tv. read more

My rolls were good, I got the volcano roll and an eel roll. I was too hesitant to try raw fish here because I've never been. The rolls were good, not great but for bogo they were what I was expecting. I got a side of vegetable rice and that was very good! My boyfriend got steak and shrimp hibachi and it was very mediocre. The only vegetable was sweet carrots and mushrooms so that was disappointing. He ate it with a smile because that's just who he is. The portion was small and unshareable. The place was pretty empty but the cashier/server was very polite. We will return for the sushi, although still not brave enough to try the raw fish. read more

It's not expensive, but really subpar. The rice is hard, they're sushi is not that great. The meat is kind of tough, and sauce on the sushi was too sweet. If you've had good Asian food, this is really not that good, but it's cheap. Not good, but good enough for its price and location I guess. Their employees seem to be mostly high schoolers, nice kids. read more

Lucky Samurai - Japanese Near Me - Gastonia, North Carolina

Food was not bad, however the place seemed outdated and not very clean. From the outside it looked like a fast food place, turned into a dine in place with a takeout window. The prices were very nice for the amount of food you got and the staff was extremely friendly. read more

This place used to be one of my favorite destinations for Japanese food. The hibachi and sushi was always delicious, however the last few visits have been disappointing. Food quality seems to be lacking and the inside is dirty! From the bathrooms to the dining room. My shoes literally were sticking to the carpet. I really would like to see this place redeem itself and remodel and get their food quality back on standard. read more

I have eaten at Lucky Samurai many times. Each time is just as excellent. In many ways they are just like Sake except the quality of the food is better. The menu and price are about the same but the sushi is 10 times better! I also like their plate Niku Kare I think. The chicken that is cooked with the pineapples is delicious! There are also better combination meals available. Yes, it is not as crowded as Sake Express but don't be deceived! I always choose Lucky Samarai when I want some sushi. Edit 05/30/2016 OMG... What happened to the sushi? I ordered a Philadelphia roll and I think they put cooked Salmon in it. The salmon was a light pink color and it look minced... Very confused. This was the most gross sushi I have ever eaten. I have always told people that Lucky Samurai has the best sushi as far as quality for the price. Not anymore. Very disappointed. read more

I was a big fan of Sake Express when it was at this location, but this place is just as good if not better! I had the yakitori chicken with broccoli and it was cooked perfectly. There was enough for me to have leftovers afterwards and the cream cheese rolls are delicious! Service was fast, friendly, and the prices were not too high for what you get. I'll definitely eat here again. read more