I really wanted to like Wabi Sabi. We drove past several of our regular sushi spots to get to this one. It was sure to be good as it is under the same ownership as Dancing Wasabi and the user ratings are mostly high, right? I ordered the spicy tuna, dragon, and salmon rolls. My girlfriend ordered the dynamite, red snapper and salmon roll. The salmon and red snapper rolls were small compared to what we were used to from most places such as Cloud 9 and Ichiban. As I was eating something seemed off, but I couldn't figure out what it was. The Dragon roll is topped with eel and sauce so it was hard to tell, but when I got to the simpler rolls like the salmon I noticed right away that it was the rice. It was too soft and had all mushed together. I'm not sure why. I guessed it was too much water in the rice, but when I brought it up to the server he assured me it wasn't that. He said they have new sushi chefs. I uploaded a photo entitled "Mushy Rice" where you see especially at the bottom of screen the rice mushed together. It was 15 minutes to 10 so we didn't make a fuss we just let our server know about the problem. He said he'd let the owner know. It wasn't so bad that I couldn't stomach it, I just didn't enjoy much of it. My girlfriend disagreed and she only finished her dynamite and half of her other two due to the texture and taste being off, leaving 8 pieces uneaten (that makes a whole roll). We eat sushi about twice a week and also make it at home often. Our experience may not have been the same as others, but we definitely won't be making the trip to Covington just for the sushi as this particular plate was the worst sushi I've had from a restaurant. The two stars are for the service being good and quick. Unfortunately that isn't enough to bring us back and I must leave 3 stars out. read more

Wabi Sabi - Mushy Rice :( - Sushi Bars Near Me - Covington, Kentucky

Came here for lunch on a weekday and the service was kind of slow. The servers were good but not really in a hurry. I would expect things to be a little quicker because most people are there on their lunch break and only have so much time to spend. The sushi and presentation were good though, and it's always half off! If I'm in Covington again and really want sushi I'd probably come back, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go here. read more

Wabi Sabi - Sushi Bars Near Me - Covington, Kentucky

Wabi Sabi is pretty darn good. I've already been twice in the past week! This place is located on an urban street in Covington that somewhat resembles OTR. They offer plenty of seating, including their outdoor patio out in the back. I usually just sit at the bar. The staff has been pretty friendly and helpful in explaining things to me. My food did take a little longer to arrive than I would have liked. But boy, it was worth it! The Sunday Morning roll is deep fried and is completely mouth-watering. They also do a superb job on the Volcano Roll. YUMMY. Their chicken fried rice is enough to serve (3) people so that's a big plus, too. And did I mention the sushi is half-priced SEVEN days a week? And they also have great drink & appetizer specials as well? I just love a good glass of plum wine. Check this place out next time you're in KY. read more

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Love it! Rob (manager) is great and went out of his way to make our visit enjoyable. Fav rolls... Sunday Morning, Volcano, Sassy Girl, Red Double! read more

Wabi Sabi - Volcano, Red Double, Sunday Morning - Sushi Bars Near Me - Covington, Kentucky

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The new manager was really nice to me. He told me he was making new Bento box items for the next day but still was able to make me a Bento box that day. The entire staff was totally aware of their cleanliness and I feel like Covid sanitation was very important to them. Of course the drunken taco sushi roll was fantastic I love spicy tuna! read more

After riding around, trying to decide where to eat, my husband and I went by Wabi Sabi. We figured we'd give them a try, since we've never been. We could only get carry out but, that was ok. I started off with the miso soup. It was a mediocre miso. Nothing too impressive but, not bad. My husband ordered the sour & spicy shrimp soup. It was a creamy tomato based soup with lots of shrimp. He said it was really spicy, and he loves spicy. I ordered an eel cream cheese roll. It was supposed to have cucumber but, I substituted it for the cream cheese. It was really good. I loved the eel sauce on top. We also ordered white tuna, red snapper, yellowtail, and flying fish roe, all sashimi style. The flying fish roe was really good. Nice and salty. I used it to dip my eel roll in. The white fish was pretty good. Not as buttery of a texture as I like though. Neither one of us were fond of the snapper or yellowtail. They didn't taste as fresh as they could, in my opinion. Once we're able to eat inside again, we're going to give them another shot. read more

Wabi Sabi - Sour & spicy shrimp soup - Sushi Bars Near Me - Covington, Kentucky

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We ordered the Volcano, Airforce, Love the Cov, and the Double Shrimp Roll. First of all, let me say that my husband found the presentation of Volcano. It is a little boat bordered by foil, you can't pick it up with chopsticks. But the Volcano was my favorite thing. It was spicy, refreshing with cucumber, and the sauce was so tasty. The other rolls were mediocre and unimpressive. read more

I visited Wabi Sabi along with some friends who are regulars there. Pros: Cheap, decent sushi (I'm not an expert but was good for me), good local beer selection, good location down in Covington proper. Cons: Well, you've heard a lot about the bad services. Since I was with regulars who know everyone we didn't have an issue. The waitress came fairly quickly, took our order and the food was out in less that 20 minutes. The last two places I've visited it was about an hour or more so this is nothing. We arrived about 8pm on a Monday. Walked in and the host did act somewhat lacksidasical. We asked for the patio and he shrugged, led us outside and let us have our choice of seats. Only one other table was taken. The patio is well, ok. One side is Riverside restaurant building and the other is apartments so nothing special. The view is of a rear parking lot, the dumpster and a large parking garage. No ambiance for sure. I shared my Swipe Right and also had the Hot and Spice Shrimp soup. I also had a few of my group's sushi. As I said, I'm not an expert on sushi. It was tasty and maybe a bit over-salty but hey, I don't complain and had soy sauce on it anyway! The soup was HOT. Both temperature and spicy. Almost too much for me. The amount of shrimp was ok for the price but I would have enjoyed some more vegetables in it. But it was f***ing spicy! I'm no baby but we laughed about how I'd feel the next day (not too bad btw). Next time I'll try something else. So, all-in-all, if you're looking for a cheap and local place for sushi and can entertain yourself while waiting for the food then it's a nice place to visit. If you're looking for an attentive and active staff, well spend a bit more and visit Mt. Lookout. read more

Best sushi spot hands down. Cute little joint to sit down and eat. Staff was kind and wearing mask!

Good quality and service. Love that there are additional menu items for the non sushi eater. Of course a full bar delights the multitudes. 50% off sushi if you dine in!!!! The only @negative" for me is the red ginger. I prefer white ginger instead of dyed. That said, this is still a must visit. Good sushi. Great bargain! read more

Wabi Sabi - Sushi Bars Near Me - Covington, Kentucky

Affordable sushi that tastes good, but not many of the high-end rolls which helps keep the prices low. Wine was very reasonably priced and the servers are knowledgeable and attentive without being smothering. Noise level was low for a bar type setting. Nice place to sit and chat over affordable sushi. read more

Thought food was good but definitely overpriced versus some of the other options around the area. If you like sushi then that is half price but anything else will cost you more than it should. read more

Sushi was pretty mid. Honestly worth driving 10 minutes North to Clifton and deal with the traffic of a College town to get some solid half-prices sushi from Drunken Bento. read more

Hands down top 3 sushi spots in the area! Half price sushi most of the time. This is the air force roll and volcano roll. The air force is our favorite and we get it every time! In the summer they have a nice patio you can sit on and enjoy the weather. Service is quick and the perfect lunch sushi spot. Casual atmosphere, but delicious! read more

Wabi Sabi - Sushi Bars Near Me - Covington, Kentucky

Honestly, I wouldn't give any stars, but you have to give at least one star to write a review. My husband and I love to support local businesses and restaurants. Unfortunately, Wabi Sabi is a big flop. We ordered bibimbap, which I understand this a Japanese restaurant, but if you can't do a Korean dish, please don't have it on your menu. The rice was sushi rice, not fried in a stone bowl, the vegetables were subpar and chicken tough and tasted old. We also ordered chicken fried rice, which again, a disappointment. Barely fried and tasteless. I say this meal was a donation, because I empathize with struggling businesses in these days of Covid. I recommend they up their game. read more

Wabi Sabi has filled the half price sushi hole in my heart. Yes service is terrible. The layout is awkward. If you have a night like we did maybe each individual in your party will get their plate at different times over the course of 25 minutes. Just come with your patience and a cute jacket, because, yes it's also uncomfortably cold in there; and wait for your food. It's delicious. The menu is pretty extensive, but we were only there for the sushi/sashimi. All of your standards are available along with a descriptive list of their specials. The pricing and variety make it easy to try several things, all of which will arrive beautifully plated. The raw options are excellent, but I always order the deep fried Sunday Morning Roll paired with something new. While I wouldn't recommend bringing children, the staff was very accommodating to our toddler. They have a full bar with signature cocktails. I'm looking forward to warmer days when we can check out the outdoor patio. read more

I went on February 9th and live in Covington. There aren't that many sushi joints (maybe two or three). Of them, Wabi Sabi is where I typically go. That said, I don't think I will be going back unless friends drag me along. The rolls are great. Probably some of the better ones in Greater Cincinnati. But....and this is a HUGE but......the service is lacking. I sat at the bar and witnessed one competent server. The remaining few sat at the end of the bar, talking away at their significant other that was apparently hanging out. The continuous conversation was regarding getting hammered, partying and commenting on the patrons' food selection. The few times the servers actually stood up, it was to get themselves or said significant other a drink. I want to like this place but takeout is not an option (if you dine in, the sushi/sashimi is half price). Maybe it was because it was 8pm on a Thursday evening but the service needs to improve before I go back. PS- The food was great. Almost good enough to overcome the infuriating service. read more

The service is great. The staff is great and the food comes out quick. The sushi rolls are delicious. Monday nights are $2 large Sake. Definitely worth checking out. read more

Wabi Sabi - Sushi Bars Near Me - Covington, Kentucky

Have to admit I went here with low expectations. I found it to be simply delightful. While it wasn't the best sushi I have ever had, it was quality food at a reasonable price. I really enjoyed the music and atmosphere. Give it a try. read more

Who thinks of sushi when you come to Kentucky? Well this place had some amazing sushi. Great prices too. read more

Wabi Sabi - Very good and only $30 for all - Sushi Bars Near Me - Covington, Kentucky

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Greater Cincinnatians love their half price sushi and I am no exception. Wabi Sabi is located on Madison Avenue in Covington, and features street parking. I like sitting at the bar, watching soccer (or whatever sporting event is going on at the time), and ordering shrimp shumai to start if I can help it, before diving into an entree of rolls and nigiri. Of everything I've had, it's all been quality -- or as quality as you can get in landlocked Cincinnati. Some favorites include: Airforce, Dragon, Playboy, and Sunday Morning (the latter drizzled with sriracha and not spicy mayo, like most other sushi restaurants serve it). The entire menu is pretty big and features apps, rolls (specialty and otherwise), sushi, salad, soup, a host of entrees (Asian fusion), and dessert. There is also a lunch menu, including bento boxes. The beer selection is okay, service is good, food is always what I need to satisfy a craving, and the meal as a whole can absolutely be a reasonably priced one. Wabi Sabi is my go-to sushi restaurant in the area. read more

This is legit the greatest sushi and general asian food i've had in my whole life, wow!!

Sushi was good but the service and atmosphere was a little lack luster. Restaurant itself needed to be cleaned up a bit unfortunately. Not sure if maybe they're short staffed because of covid? Our favorites were the kimchi soup and the Sunday Morning Roll! read more

I have tried this place a couple times. So far everything has been great. I love their sashimi and am definitely going back. They may have a few bad reviews for slow service but so far my service has been good and I will bring my friends to check it out... read more

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The sushi is good, the service is not. I love that the sushi is half price and tastes great. Very fresh. But the service was horrible and we were there at an off-time so it wasn't even remotely busy. The server was very slow to bring our checks and run our cards. She also forgot part of my order which I just let go, because I didn't want to wait longer. It was also freezing cold in here which made the waiting even worse. read more

Fresh sushi, delicious entrees, and great service. This is always my go to for sushi. Volcano roll is my favorite and I've got my fiancé hooked too. Caterpillar roll is a close second as well as the old trust Sunday Morning. Edamame is always a great appetizer. One of my favorite places in NKY. read more

Relaxing atmosphere with a NKY feel, service is excellent....food is Amazing! Authentic dishes with unique Fusion of Asian food culture. The Sour & Spicy Shrimp Soup was my favorite. The sushi bar is fresh and clean. read more

Wabi Sabi - Great lunch MVH! - Sushi Bars Near Me - Covington, Kentucky

Their sushi is always delicious and on the affordable side, I will put a disclaimer that if you're dining in there is typically a little bit of a wait due to how busy they always seem to be...but it's definitely worth it! read more

They're just ok. If you order pick up its not half price so watch out for that. I got a philly roll and the salmon doesn't taste that fresh so that's a bummer. Their spicy tuna doesn't seem to be that fresh either and it's just huge scoop of mashed tuna with nothing else but some sauce on top. It wasn't really what I was hoping for and there weren't descriptions online so it was hard to avoid that. It's not terrible but I would recommend veggie rolls. It's a real bummer when you spend $18 on lack luster sushi. read more

I must have been there on a bad (fish ) day. When I waked in the smell was distinct - no sushi for me today. The service was great however the food was lousy. I ordered shrimp teriyaki. There was about 6 shrimp that must have been caught on a cold night. ( shrinkage ) for 22$ you would expect some quality but this was 1 pound of grilled onions some under developed shrimplets and dry rice. I would not go back for a hours devour Skip over to McD's and save your dollars. read more

The table was very dirty. Service was okay. Didn't stock the same wine for happy hour. When we ordered a bottle they brought us out two different ones. The spicy mayo sauce looked like it had just been sitting in a fridge when they brought it out to us. Very disappointing. The Sunday morning they brought out was cold, as if it was made earlier in the day then heated back up. The dishes were very dirty and disgusting. read more

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Excellent sushi some of the best in the USA. Great half price sushi makes this place a great value. Great service and a great location in downtown Covington. The sushi here is my favorite in Northern Kentucky only Sea Sushi in Florence is as great as this place. These two places are the best to visit if you are a sushi lover. Wabi Sabi also has a location in Florence as well. Overall experience was fantastic if I could give them 6 stars I would. read more

I found Wabi Sabi on the Find Me Gluten Free app. It was recommended as being gluten free friendly. I have celiac and food allergies. Upon arrival, we were seated promptly. The host was nice. It took about 5 mins before we saw a waitress. We realized there was only one waitress, so we waited patiently. About 10 mins later she came over. My waitress didn't know what gluten was. Once I explained it, she told me that there weren't any items on the menu that did not contain gluten. As far as sushi went, I usually stick with (real) crab or shrimp. She said the crab contained gluten (she said it was white fish rolled in flour). So I ordered the avocado cucumber roll. My spouse ordered miso soup and salad. After she took our order we did not see her again at our table. Every time I would try to ask her for a refill of water she would look the other way and rush past me. When she first came to the table she was polite and welcoming but as soon as I mentioned being gluten-free she became cold and standoffish. It was very odd. That night my spouse and I were both very sick. My spouse does not have celiac or any serious food allergies. Among my many symptoms, I had debilitating stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, and a migraine. My spouse had diarrhea and severe nausea. Come to find out we both got food poisoning, I also ate gluten. So the meal that they gave me, claiming to be gluten-free, was not. The only reason I gave them two stars is because although I was very limited food wise, the host was nice & the place was clean. I would never recommend this place to anyone much less someone who has food allergies of any sort. They obviously cannot be trusted to be truthful. read more

This is a dive bar with very affordable sushi. Prices are 50% off. I got to order to sushi rolls and paid 6 dollars. Quality is average but is not bad. Environment is good so definitely you can stop by as I did while driving across the midwest. read more

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2nd and Last! This was my second trip here and will be my last. Friday night after Thanksgiving and crowd was not bad, but wow the server was horrible. Not enough plates, had to ask twice. Wrong order on first try and still charged me. Took forever to get soup and we sat there and watched our sushi ready on the bar only to be ignored for over 15mins. This waitress needs another job. But sushi was great! But won't be coming back, too many other places with service that is above average! read more

Wabi Sabi is like a hidden gem in Covington. Their sushi is great, but my favorite thing is their Lunch Bento Box. The restaurant is pretty long & narrow, with a cute little patio behind back. The Teriyaki Beef lunchbox is unreal - & it is like a surprise every time, because they switch up some of the sides it comes with! It always has rice & a ginger salad, but then it has some random things (pot stickers, some sushi, edamame...) - all so good together. Nice atmosphere & pretty good service. I love Wabi Sabi!! read more

Wabi Sabi - Teriyaki beef lunch box! AMAZING!! - Sushi Bars Near Me - Covington, Kentucky

The food is great! They have "half price sushi 7 days a week" I enjoy ordering the sushi! The service could be faster. They have a good selection of craft beer and a patio for the good weather days! read more

Great experience for me. I am an airline pilot on a longer lay over. Came around 5-6pm and sat outside. Only a few people here at that time. Enjoyed outside for some time until a couple brought their child who played shooting games on some device so loud I though I was in the middle of a war at dinner. After relocating inside, I enjoyed a happy hour bit of wine, tuna and salmon rolls. I go for the plain stuff, as I am super easy to please. Great service. Only drank a glass of wine and took the rest of the bottle, only $12!!! to be saved for another night. I am used to spending $12 on one glass of wine so this was a nice perk. Rolls were great. I have some Cincinnati overnights in the coming month and will be back. read more

So excited that this place opened in Covington! The place was great, and the rolls...we ordered 7 for our table.... were fresh, expertly rolled, and beautiful. Our server, Lee, was welcoming, and gracious. We have just moved back from San Francisco, and I believe we have a pretty good feel for what constitutes beautiful, fresh sushi. Wabi Sabi competes readily and easily. This is a casual establishment, with a fun outdoor patio area. To Wabi Sabi: Welcome to the neighborhood!!! To the rest of you: Get out there and support restaurants like this! If you're like me, you're sick of the chain store restaurants. read more

You know I've given this place a couple tries now and I'm just not satisfied. The bibimbap is essentially $17 rice... very little meat and vegetables and an over cooked egg. The fish doesn't taste fresh, the restaurant is very fishy smelling and has a stale air feel. They also always screw up our order somehow. On the plus side the staff is pleasant and friendly, but I've definitely had better food elsewhere. read more