Kind wait staff, and the robot food buser is SUPER cute! I enjoy the salmon sashimi every time I go.

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

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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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

They don't wanna improve anything they're moving out from that location Very disappointing experience. The food was actually good, but the customer service completely ruined it. We found fish bones and a thick, hard piece of fish skin in one of our sushi rolls, and one of the bones was found while my young niece was eating. When I politely brought it up, instead of apologizing, the woman working there became extremely rude and defensive. She kept interrupting me and repeatedly accused us of complaining just because we didn't want to pay. That was absolutely not the case. We came to eat and were fully prepared to pay, and in the end, we DID pay. I was simply trying to let them know about a serious issue with the food so they could be more careful. What made the situation worse was how differently and disrespectfully she treated us. Several women in my family were wearing hijab, and her attitude and accusations made us genuinely feel that we were being discriminated against because of how we looked. I can't speak to her intentions, but that is how her behavior made us feel. It was never about getting free food. It was about basic food safety and respect for customers. Unfortunately, she seemed to care more about accusing us of not wanting to pay than listening to a legitimate concern. read more

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

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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Fun and delicious. Great for kids, too. The server/owner mentioned they are retiring in a few months, there's a for sale sign out front. Last chance to support this business and spread the word for a new sushi boat owner. Or perhaps a thai boat, vegetarian boat, chocolate boat, etc. read more

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

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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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

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

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 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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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

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

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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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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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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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 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 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

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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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

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

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.

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 came on Sunday night and sat at the sushi bar. The sushi boats were disappointing: the boats were moving a little too fast, a lot of the boats were empty, and there was not much variety. The sushi on the boats were also not very fresh. I got a plate of sushi that had hard, chalky avocado chunks in it. My other friend got a plate of Halibut(?) nigiri, and he said it had a seafood-y taste and left a strong aftertaste. I ordered a sushi roll off their menu (the Raider's Roll), and that tasted a LOT fresher. If you come, I advise just sitting at a regular table and ordering off the menu. I don't think I will come back to this restaurant again. The service was fine, but I really do not recommend the sushi boat seating. I thought the lighting at the sushi boat island was also pretty bad--it made the sushi look unappetizing and unclean. read more

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

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Came here to celebrate an occasion with my boyfriend, and we had a great time! Food was great and service was very friendly and I had fun chatting with them! We ate from the conveyor belt but i also ordered a Chicken Katsu entree, which was served to me by a little robot, literally! I really enjoyed eating here and I would love to come back again! It's also worth mentioning: at first the boats looked empty, but the sushi chef let us know early into our dinner that if there was something we wanted, we could just let him know and he'd make it immediately. The amount of sushi put out on the boats is proportionate to the number of customers present, so it makes sense! read more

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

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