Samurai - Aurora

I wanted to have my meal there and take any leftovers home, but when I returned at 2:30 PM, the staff insisted I had to take my food to go. I pointed out that t... read more I wanted to have my meal there and take any leftovers home, but when I returned at 2:30 PM, the staff insisted I had to take my food to go. I pointed out that they were open until 3:00 PM, and there were no other customers dining at that time. The staff just stared blankly at me, showing no willingness to accommodate my request. I understand that cultural differences may be at play, but it's frustrating. I tried to express that if the restaurant is open until 3:00 PM, they should serve customers until that time, but there was simply no response. I then went to my car to call the manager, who explained that the chef takes a break from 3:00 to 4:30 PM, which is standard practice for them. However, I’ve never encountered a restaurant that would turn away customers 30 minutes before closing. It felt like they didn’t care to provide good service because they didn’t see the value in my business. This happened on March 2, 2009, during a time when people are cutting back on dining out due to economic challenges. I found it hard to justify spending $17 on lunch when no other restaurant treats their customers this way. I’ve dined there at other times during the evening, and I didn’t find anything exceptional about the food, especially given the high prices. If this continues, I expect they might go out of business soon, especially since there are five other dining options nearby. Regardless of cultural differences, bad service is just unacceptable. I wouldn’t recommend going here!

I've been dining at Samurai since the week they opened, and I can honestly say I've never been disappointed. I find myself going there every 2-3 weeks. The food... read more I've been dining at Samurai since the week they opened, and I can honestly say I've never been disappointed. I find myself going there every 2-3 weeks. The food is always delicious, and the staff is incredibly attentive. I've tried nearly every sushi item on the menu and enjoyed them all. Their sauces are fantastic! I would highly recommend it to everyone!

The staff were unkind, and the portion sizes were small for the price. I would not recommend this restaurant. read more The staff were unkind, and the portion sizes were small for the price. I would not recommend this restaurant.