Reviews - Sozai
Reviews summary
Sozai offers an exceptional sushi experience, highlighted by fresh sashimi and thoughtfully crafted dishes. Patrons rave about the knowledgeable chefs who engage diners while expertly preparing each course. The cozy ambiance complements the culinary journey, showcasing a dedication to sustainability and high-quality ingredients. While many commend the omakase and unique flavor profiles, experiences have varied, with some noting inconsistencies in service and food quality. Reservations can be challenging to navigate, but the overall dining experience at Sozai remains a top contender for sushi lovers in the Midwest, promising delicious and memorable meals.
Was Konrad Wienekamp at Sozai a mag?
Great experience. Got a table with a friendly server and loved every dish. The shun was a great way to try multiple dishes, especially with an appetizer and dessert. Chef was friendly and accommodating. ごちそうさまでした! Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 View all feedback.
What Nic P dislikes about Sozai:
The restaurant would not accommodate an allergy and refused to take our reservation. EXTREMELY disappointing for an award winning restaurant. I have been to several Michelin starred restaurants around the country who have all accommodated allergies. Food: 1 Service: 1 Atmosphere: 1 View all feedback.
Reviews from various users
Last update : 26.02.2025
Sozai and Chef Hajime are truly exceptional. I've been here four times and keep returning for more. I've learned so much about sustainable fishing, and it's clear that this approach is the future. Every dish on the menu is outstanding. Chef Hajime's passion is evident in every bite, and it's no surprise he's a James Beard Award winner. A all the way! Service: Dine in
Have heard about this place for a while. A pedestrian atmosphere with above average sushi but far from the best in Detroit and not in the league with any Michelin Asian restaurant we have been to. It was an interesting dinner but for $150 a head there are far better options. A good effort for what they have to work with. Solid 5.5/10 Food: 3 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 2
A very intimate and unique experience. The food was excellent! Your food comes in courses catered to your selection. Add sake if you want the complete the experience! Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner Price per person: $50–100 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5
Our first time, and we had the most amazing experience! Will definitely be coming back soon Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner Price per person: $100+ Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5
We had the Minato and the Nami experiences at the sushi bar. Highly recommend. We loved trying a wide variety of fish. Everything was fresh, delicious, and unique! Loved the sparkling sake! Despite this, I can’t give five stars because the owner wasn’t friendly and barely explained what we were eating.
Last update : 26.02.2025
2024 James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Great Lakes region
Last update : 15.03.2024
This restaurant offers a fantastic Japanese cuisine and sushi experience. The dishes are inventive and artistic, with a variety of flavors and textures. The sake selection is top-notch, with a knowledgeable and skilled sake master who excels in pairings.
Kid-friendliness: Not suitable for children.
This is probably the best meal I’ve ever had at a restaurant in the Metro Detroit area. Now I know what it’s like to be a judge on Iron Chef — just amazing world class quality, creativity and passion with every dish that came out of our Nami omakase order. If you really like Japanese cuisine — you owe it to yourself to experience Sozai.
Amazing Vegetarian food choices. Awesome service and atmosphere. I definitely recommend dining here.
My recent visit to the sushi bar was truly fantastic. The chef helped me choose the perfect sake without judgement, despite my limited knowledge. He engaged our group with interesting conversations and taught us how to properly enjoy sake and sushi. I was pleased to discover that I have been eating nigiri correctly thanks to watching sushi documentaries. The food and service were excellent, and I look forward to returning in the future.
Last update : 25.06.2022
I could reserve for silvester. we were not disappointed. chef served only 1 set prix fixe nye curs. totally acceptable and.
This is my third visit to sozai and my last will be given how terrible the experience was. I came here three times in the spanner of a month, and for one.
Oh my goodness, we tried the sashimi platter, poke of the day, red violin, bowler roll, vegetable tempura, namagi, and pickled platter at this restaurant. The sashimi was served with perfect pairings and we also enjoyed the Gyokuro tea. We were extremely impressed by the quality and presentation of all the dishes we ordered. The interior of the restaurant is clean and cozy. Just be aware that reservations must be made by phone at specific times (no online option) and you may encounter a busy signal.
Wave between 3 and 4 stars. I stumbled on sozai in an Eater lister at one point and decided to give it a try after I see all Rave reviews. we.
TLDR: This place is delicious!I some times tell people how I am the luckiest girl in the world. Today was just an example of that.Was visiting my brother and shared with him how I was craving sushi, but I would just wait until I went back home instead of eating it here in Michigan. Then this morning, I went to the dealership to take in his car for an oil exchange, while, I was waiting, I was flipping through a magazine and saw that there was an article about the restaurant.I read the first paragraph in the article and my eyes lit up because Chef Sato used to be the owner of Mashiko in West Seattle after a recommendation from my sister and her husband when I went to visit. I enjoyed every bite I had during the meal at Mashiko when he ran it, I ended up going there three out of the four days I was in town (I did not go there the fourth day since they were closed).I messaged my sister and brother-in-law shared with them the good news! I let my brother know that we should try eating there while I was in town. They accept reservations between 4:30-5:03 or after 9 PM and I tried calling multiple times and got a busy signal, but my brother called and was able to get a reservation for that day since there was a cancellation.We had the Chiso Omasake as well as two sakes that were recommended by the chef and everything from the first to last bite was superb. I came in happy (because yay! Chef Sato opened up a new restaurant) and left happy and full because the food delicious. I made dinner reservation for the evening before I leave.
