Skip on the hot food! Karaage and udon were not up to standards. Udon was just bland and the chicken tasted dry and tough. Sushi and rolls were okay. We were at the counter maybe an hour and a half before closing but there was barely anything on the boats. The prices were high too for the few items we did pick out. Service was underwhelming. We were kind of disappointed with our dining experience, unfortunately. read more

Samurai Sushi Boat - Sushi Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

Tucked just off Grand Avenue, Samurai Sushi Boat feels like the kind of place that quietly restores your faith in dining out. It's not about flash or fanfare here. It's about warmth, precision, and genuine care. The sushi itself is outstanding--fresh fish, perfectly balanced rice, and a simplicity that shows confidence, not showmanship. Every piece felt intentional. But what makes this spot truly special are the two people running it. They were behind the counter the entire evening, preparing each dish and somehow still managing to greet us, check in gently, and make our kids feel completely at ease. There's a calm kindness that fills the space. It's rare to find a restaurant where the food and the people align so completely. Samurai Sushi Boat is that place. Wonderful sushi, gentle hospitality, and a sense that you've just been welcomed into someone's home. 5 stars. A lovely experience start to finish. read more

Samurai Sushi Boat - Sushi Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

Came here to celebrate my sisters birthday. Following the sad permanent closure of Isobune (the OG sushi boat restaurant in the US in San Francisco's Japan town), there has been an empty belly awaiting a boat spot like this. Unfortunately I have to say the food is mid. Came closer to closing so the food wasn't really like exciting nor did it seem particularly fresh. They have those robot things that serve food. There's also supposed to be some sort of gamification system with a hidden dot or something on the bottom of the plate but ain't nobody got time for that read more

Samurai Sushi Boat - Sushi Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

The salmon sashimi and other sushi rolls were tasty. The service was great. It's run by the nicest elderly couple, so welcoming and accommodating. They're so very grateful for their customers coming in. I enjoyed myself. Will return again. read more

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I came here hoping for a fun floating sushi boat experience. It was basically fast food quality at Mr. Chow prices. On the bright side, I didn't get food poisoning, so that's something. They advertise 21 different rolls. Only four were actually circulating, along with edamame and seaweed salad. With the limited variety, I decided to order the chicken katsu. The chicken katsu was okay. My boyfriend and I can make a better version at home. The miso soup was basic and had carrots. The staff were friendly and attentive, which I appreciated. There was no wait when we arrived, which in hindsight should have been my first clue. Overall, not terrible and definitely not worth the price. read more

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I arrived before the sushi boat was running so unfortunately missed that cool action. The sushi and soba I ordered was just okay but the robot that delivered the sushi was really cool! The reason for the low rating was that it smelled like rotten mop water and rancid grease in the restaurant. I've worked in places before where I know that smell, from kitchen floor mats and tile that don't get fully cleaned, and the smell really ruined lunch for me. The mixed tempura was delicious though. read more

Samurai Sushi Boat - Pink lotus roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

You have to try the masamune roll. I've never had anything like is! Macadamia nuts, unagi, cucumber, basil, some kind of special sauce. Yum! Also the boats are cute read more

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Absolutely delicious and extremely fresh sushi. The service is over the top with true genuine politeness. Highly recommend them.

I really like this place. They have sushi boats and had my favorite roll (Philly) which I never see at the boat/conveyor places. They had a lot of other popular rolls going around as well. They have a fun birthday celebration and a cute little robot that delivers food and other items that aren't going around the moat. The staff is so sweet. The prices are also very reasonable, especially considering the location. read more

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Had an amazing time here. We were seated right away. The portions were generous and delicious. The rotating boats with sushi and other bites were fast. Will be coming back and bringing more family and friends. read more

Samurai Sushi Boat - Bar area - Sushi Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

fresh sushi and delicious - would recommend! I prefer this place over Kura. If your plate has a sticker on the bottom you get free ice cream :) read more

Dining here was a very disappointing experience, which we were warned about. The service, attentiveness, and quality control were terrible. First was the long wait for the server to clear a spot for us at the sushi boat bar. Mind you, half of the very large bar was empty but it still took more than 15 minutes for two seats to be prepared for us to sit. Once we were seated, the experience was fine until a family of four were put right next to us. The family was positioned right in front of the area where the chef put fresh food items onto the boats. Almost every time he brought out a fresh dish, the family would grab it directly from him instead of allowing him to put it on boats for other guests. We told the manager that the restaurant should allow other guests a chance to get the fresh food that was being brought out. We finally did get a fresh sushi roll dish that the chef put onto a boat and one piece of the roll still had Saran Wrap around it. Fortunately, my wife noticed it before she tried to eat it. We eventually ordered a sushi roll from their menu to share instead of trying to rely on the food on the boats. When the roll finally arrived, my wife took a bite and there were bones in the fish that was in the roll. She wasn't aware of it until she swallowed the fish, but fortunately the bones were not big. No other piece of the roll had bones in it (which was great) but it still made for a frustrating and concerning experience. Bones in our sushi roll and plastic wrap around our sushi are definitely concerns that will prevent us from eating here again. read more

First time eating here. The only good thing about this restaurant was that the service was decent. The servers were nice and attentive. Otherwise the food / drinks were not up to standards. Some of the sushi on boat was covered because it had been in rotation for a while and was cold. I first roll I picked several bones out of the cooked fish. Also ordered beer and hot saki. Saki was supposed to be hot (it was lukewarm and too sweet) and the beer glass was not clean and smelled like a dirty sponge. I didn't finish either drink. We also ordered a couple rolls off the menu. They were decent but because of the other issues I wasn't able to enjoy it. This restaurant has ppotential but needs to reimagine its concept to get more customers to come thru the door. Until then I will not be coming back. read more

Samurai Sushi Boat - Unsanitary men's bathroom. - Sushi Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

If customer service was what the rating was for, I'd give it 5 stars. They are prompt, attentive and can tell they are trying. But this is for the freshness of the food. It's overall okay and when having sushi, it's either going to great. meh, or horrible. They get a meh. I'd like to give it another shot but it's not close enough for the efforts. Hopefully it's a fluke. read more

Don't let the appearance fool you, the sushi is delicious. Also the host was so friendly and warm. My wife and I brought our baby on a weeknight, when the place was slow, and had a really lovely time. read more

We've been here before but haven't left a review previously. The food is good but the best thing about the place is the ROBOT! Yes you read that correctly, the robot that delivers your food is amazing. I am a geek/nerd, but who wouldn't love to have their table visited by a robot carrying yummy food. The robot delivers to both the tables or if you sitting at the sushi boats. We ordered, a vegetarian bento, california roll, avocado roll, agedashi tofu, gomae, rock and roll which were all delicious. The selection on the sushi boats were decent and not a great variety but definitely what was available was good. read more

Samurai Sushi Boat - Sushi Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

I have been frequent in this restaurant for many years. The food is good. The service is interesting with a computerized waiter. I just was taking it back today when I was served a glass of hot water instead of tea and when I asked for tea, I wasn't told I would be charged, but I was. I know they're probably having a hard time making end to me, but really a Japanese restaurant that charges you for tea? I don't think so. I will take my business elsewhere. read more

The service is always so great and so is the sushi. It's my go to spot and it's super close to Grand Lake Theatre so it's perfect for a pre-movie bite! read more

This place is cute. Just came today for the first time. We thought it's only open for dinner but it was indeed open for lunch so we went in. Tha lady has been working here since the opening for 18 years. She was so so sweet. My daughter was hungry so she gave us complimentary edamame so my child could munch on something. That was so sweet of her. The live boat only opens for dinner so we have to come back to try that :) They use a robot to serve food which is cute I guess and entertaining though personally not my thing as I prefer human interaction. But the lady came several times to our table to make sure we were OK and if we needed anything else. I was so touched by her service. Personally this is what makes a difference to me that really makes a difference. We shared 6 rolls from the simple menu the usual salmon, tuna, negi Hamachi, unagi and rock n roll and everything was great. We also shared a small hot sake which was on point. Service is lovely and friendly and restrooms are clean. Would definitely return! read more

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We Got seated right away. Love sitting at the conveyor belt to grab sushi ! It's a fun experience and food is good'

Spoiled fish and terrible service. I ordered yellowtail sushi and it was a bit slimy and smelled rotten. I kindly let the server know and she was upset that I let her know the fish was spoiled. I do not recommend this restaurant. read more

Did a take out order. The hostess was gracious and attentive while my order was being prepared. The food was delicious. The robot is hilarious. The restaurant is friendly and inviting. read more

Love this place! Brought a friend who had never been to a sushi boat restaurant before and also we had a robot deliver two different rolls to us. :) Super fun, reasonable pricing, amazingly fresh fish (especially the salmon, which is exceptional). Very friendly service as well! We came for dinner on a Tuesday night and it was pretty open, nice ambiance. Don't snooze on this place! Great spot for dinner before a movie at the Grand Lake theatre read more

The sushi is terrific, and Mama-san is friendly and customer-focused. They have floating boats AND a robot waiter. And the prices are very reasonable! A terrrific dining experience at a great price. read more

OMG, where has this place been and Ive been here a handful of times. The lady who greets is the most sweestest and welcoming. We always sit in front to not miss the action. Im in love with the Jalepeno poppers and always ask for them. Sushi is fresh and service is superb. read more

Samurai Sushi Boat - The aftermath - Sushi Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

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The sushi belt was not on; perhaps it is on at certain hours? We were there for lunch. Salmon and crab were not fresh tasting. Server was nice, but forgot several parts of our order. Mixed tempura, once it finally came, was excellent. read more

I stopped by for early dinner around 5. They weren't busy at all. The service was great they also have a robot helping as well. I tried the hot sake which was different definitely would nice on a cold day. They have a belt with sushi that you can grab which was cool. I tried the califonia roll, the other items I tried I couldn't remember the names but they were pretty good. Im not a big sushi fan but this place was pretty good and greatly priced. The ambiance is very chill, it's a small intimate restaurant. read more

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I arrived and was initially disappointed to discover that the conveyor belt doesn't run during lunch, but I'd already paid for my parking and decided to stay. I was charged dinner prices when I ordered, but I didn't mind this too much. It was already after 3:30 & the menus mention that the price is subject to change at any moment. Fair warning. The service was really great. Lovely, kind woman was working and I always love seeing the robot come around. Hefty slices of fish on my nigiri - definitely filling. The wine was on point. Glad I stayed instead of heading elsewhere. The visit turned my day around and made it better. Also came here in the past to celebrate my dad's birthday during dinner and it was perfect for that. read more

Samurai Sushi Boat - Nigiri dinner - Sushi Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

Bento Box - I have orders lunchtime bento boxes from Samurai. The portions are decent and service is always friendly and fast. They are practicing social distancing protocols and even have the table at the entrance so you don't enter their establishment. First time I ordered the salmon teriyaki and chicken teriyaki they were both pretty good but would order the chicken again ! Second time I ordered the tonkatsu and the salmon sashimi. They were better but was charged an extra two dollars for the salmon. Overall it's a good place to order and worth checking out. read more

Samurai Sushi Boat - Menu - Sushi Bars Near Me - Oakland, California

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The food wasn't good. The service was terrible. They forgot some part of my order. I'll never go back there again.

We love the sushi bar, and everyone who works there is so nice. I definitely recommend if you are looking for a quick delicious bite.

Basic roles for typical prices ($15-20). Sushi on conveyor belt is super basic as well but for half the price ($7) for fewer pieces. The fish is fresh though and the service is GREAT! Everyone was very friendly. They have a robot that serves the food too, which I found very entertaining. They were willing to customize rolls if you don't find what you're looking for. Plenty of seating and two tv screens with the basketball game on. read more

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Conveyer belt sushi and a massive pan-japanese menu. Nice interior aesthetic but review based on takeout. Overall, one of the better cheaper places for sushi that is open after 9 (until 9pm) but not particularly good in general as a sushi or Japanese spot. Strongly recommend against non sushi dishes. - Great value sushi. Highest priced rolls are about 17 bucks which is a bit cheaper than elsewhere. Food is decent but nothing amazing. - Rolls were a bit hit or miss. The spicy tuna was surprisingly good while the 49ers roll was mediocre. - Teriyaki chicken was terrible. Dry, tough, and seemingly microwaved chicken. Minimal sauce. Accompanying fruit was not good (warm melon?) and salad dressing seemed spoiled. Supposed to come with soup, rice, and salad. Rice was fine, salad was 4 pieces of iceberg, and no soup. read more

If you have plenty of time and would like to watch endless (empty) boats go by, this is your spot. As I dazed into the deep abyss of empty sushi boats, I realize how much time I wasted hoping it would get better. The crazy part... I ended up spending $124, for 15 unsatisfactory plates.. read more

Came here with my daughter tonight and we had a wonderful time. The waitstaff were so friendly. The sushi on the boats was so much fun and it was fresh! I've been to conveyor sushi places before and was not happy with the freshness but this place was on point. Also I was able to ask the sushi chef for particular things if we didn't see them on the line and he made them and put them on the line. Also the robot delivered my daughter's mochi ice cream which was a real delight! Would definitely recommend for a fun night out :) read more

The staff is racist at this establishment! My friend went alone to treat herself to some sushi and upon entering, the staff asked her to pre-pay before she ate. First of all, how are you supposed to pre-pay at a restaurant that charged you based on how much you ATE. Emphasis on ATE, as in past tense, as in you are supposed to get charged AFTER you eat based on the amount. Mind you, she is a black woman so she rightfully felt racially profiled and felt so singled out, it made her cry and she didnt end up eating there. She had been a PAYING patron there just a week before with a friend. Super disappointed my friend had to experience this. Would give ZERO stars if I could. I dont see any way this could be defensible. If people are walking out on the bill, then maybe get rid of the whole rotating belt itself and become a regular sushi restaurant. Its not right to pick and choose who needs to pre-pay based off of their exterior. read more

Back 5 months later, missed the lunch time rush so service was unrush and great. We enjoyed the sushi platter, generous portions, eye appealing and yummie while I also had the lunchtime bento combo (california roll/tempura). All fresh and delicious. read more

Aside from them leaving the sushi revolving for longer than fish should LEGALLY be left out for i received terrible service my second time going here. Will never be back. Was asked to pay before I even ate all my food because "some people don't pay" very clear they felt I was going to steal because I was black treated me very poorly despite being here less than a week ago go to mijori up the street better quality great deals and AMAZING service unlike this restaurant. read more

We have been going here lately because the sashimi is good and the slices generous. Yes, they are sometimes a bit frozen, but we lay them on the warm rice while we enjoy the miso soup and salad. It is fun to see the little robot boogie through the restaurant, stopping and asking you to remove your food. There are real people too, sometimes you need to remind them of your drinks. They are very friendly. I prefer to sit at a table since I have seen people pick up items from the boats and set them back. (If you see this, let the waitress know and they will talk to the patron) read more

We've been going to Samurai Sushi Boat for more than a decade and they have consistently been the freshest, largest portions, and best tasting sushi we've found around the Bay Area while still being priced reasonably. The people have always been pleasant, gracious, and helpful, and recognize us when we order. They've never let us down and over more than a decade, that's saying a lot. I highly recommend them for their consistency, their quality, their value, and their great customer service. read more