Kamakura East Sushi and Ramen Japanese Restaurant Japanese Restaurant in Belfast

Reviews

1. Maryann McDonnell ★★☆☆☆

   Was in tonight - food was tasty, but vibe was off. There were no customers in when we arrived (not unusual for Wednesday at that time) but the one table where people might have been a while ago still had uncleared plates on it. There was just one young waiter/host on who really needs some proper training in how to speak to people and on how to do the job. From the moment we came in it was like he didn't know what to say. We said we had a booking (naming my boyfriend) and he responded "okay, uh do you mind if I just check?" - in the otherwise empty restaurant. He carried on in the same awkward manner all the way through, even ordering the food was strained. We ordered the gyoza and two mains. He didn't ask if we wanted the gyoza as a starter and so my boyfriend's main came, then 5 minutes later mine arrived and the waiter said "enjoy your food".. we decided to wait nother few minutes and eventually the gyoza arrived. He came over then when my boyfriend had finished but I was still eating and asked if everything was alright and then could he take my boyfriend's bowl - my bf said alright to avoid accentuating the awkwardness. As soon as I was done, my boyfriend went to get the bill so we could escape the weird atmosphere. When he was trying to pay, the guy actually said to him "could I get a tip?". We both typically tip well, but in this instance it was a strong "no", and the cheek! Surely if you have to ask, you know it's not happening. It's sad that sometimes Kamakura can be one of our favourite places to eat and it's so close to where I live, but a good few times now over the last couple of years the service has actually stopped me from coming back for months at a time. It's not just this guy, excepting a young woman who was on duty last month and did a great job, on several other occasions it seemed younger hires didn't have a basic idea about how to welcome people, make sure the tables have the appropriate placings etc. - just basic hospitality, which should be a given in a Japanese-style restaurant. I hope Kamakura put a bit more effort into ensuring service is better and more consistent.

   almost 7 months ago
2. Matthew Stinson ★★★★★

   We celebrated my son’s 14th birthday at Kamakura East Sushi and Ramen, and once again, it proved to be the perfect choice. As a family of food lovers – and with my son being a dedicated sushi fan – this restaurant has become a favourite of ours, and it never fails to impress. The food was absolutely beautiful, every dish presented with care and bursting with flavour. Although we were a little disappointed that the breaded seabass was off the menu, the starters more than made up for it – each one a delicious introduction to a memorable meal. The sushi was as fresh and delicate as always, and the ramen rich and comforting, making the whole experience truly special. The atmosphere, paired with attentive service, turned the evening into a birthday celebration we’ll remember fondly. Kamakura East continues to set the bar high for Japanese dining in Belfast– a restaurant we’ll keep returning to for many more occasions. Highly recommended!

   almost 9 months ago
3. Paul Deaney ★★★★★

   The place is always busy which says a lot. It’s bijou and quirky. The staff are lovely - just folk trying to do honest work to make a living. The food is really flavoursome, the fish always meaty & fresh. There’s a wide choice in the menu with plenty of sides or small starters / you decide. They’re not licensed but you can byob & there’s a corkage charge dependant on wine/spirits/beer. They will provide glassware. The place is always warm and it’s homely & intimate. Recommended without a doubt.

   almost 9 months ago

1. L M ★★★★☆

   Overall an amazing experience The closest experience to Kyoto in Belfast. Amazing ambiance with a really well decorated set-up right from the entrance. The sliding door is very much like in Japan. The placement of the table and the cutlery shows the attention to detail. The service is attentive without being overpowering. Extremely organized with delivery and direction of service. The food and drink was amazing the katsu was crisp and the rice had a great consistency. Highly recommend. Also tried a few sushi rolls each of them very prepared with delicate balance. I would strongly recommend this place for Japanese cuisine.

   1 year ago
2. Sonja Chambers ★★★★★

   Live this place been a couple of times for lunch and a couple for dinner. Staff are lovely and very helpful. I'm vegan and mum has allergies and hubby eats anything and they were able to cater for us all. A great selection of dishes. Highly recommend for some casual sit in dining but also offer takeaway.

   almost 3 years ago
3. Rajmund Królikowski ★★★★★

   The food is delishious, Ebi (tiger prawn) Tempura is a must have for me every time. The main portions are big enough. Polite and swift service, simple but elegant presentation and decor. Highly recommended!

   almost 3 years ago

1. Vanessa ★★★★★

   I can’t emphasise enough how much I LOVE this restaurant. I’m addicted to the sushi, especially the Katsu Chicken Tempura Sushi Roll - if I had to pick one thing it would be this every time. Thank you for continuing to provide the most delicious Japanese food to Belfast!!

   almost 3 years ago

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