Arigato

Gary was an absolutely amazing server!! LOVED him and how kind he treated my sons and I. The food was delicious but the cook/chef didn't seem to be in the best mood. I was hoping to show my son (for his b'day) how fun the cooks were but it was definitely lacking tonight. I recommend making reservations as they were extremely busy on a Wednesday but luckily, w/o reservations we were seated fairly quickly. (The ladies up front were sweet also) Although I've been a server for many years I don't agree with automatically adding gratuity to every check, especially for only 2 or 3 people. Larger groups I could understand. All in all a very nice dinner. I guess I was just hoping for a little more "show" or "pizazz" from the cook. I'd definitely recommend the place though.

The Arigato Japanese Steak & Seafood House Experience (Dine-In Edition). I made reservations for dinner for two, including myself, online and received an email and text confirmation. I thought this was awesome for them to add an online reservation option. So, I went to the restaurant during my reservation timeframe and was seated not too soon after getting there. I had enough time to wash my hands in the bathroom. The bathroom did appear clean at the time of the visit. I also had time to order a drink at the bar before being called to the table. Talk about perfect timing! I ordered the Arigato Special, made with gin, triple sec, orange juice, lime juice, and sweet and sour mix. A very refreshing drink, I may say. Once taken to the table, there was no such thing as social distancing. But, of course, I'm vaccinated and boosted, so it was all good for me. I know others beg to differ, but I digress. I ordered the Shogun Dinner Special that comes with filet mignon, lobster, and a choice of shrimp or scallops, and I ordered scallops. It also came with soup, salad, appetizer shrimp, hibachi vegetables, and fried rice. The ambiance was ok but, I can tell COVID still have a grip on the restaurant industry. The chef did not say much, and the days of tricks over the Hibachi table are gone. However, the food was undeniably good and well seasoned. The server was ok, but the restaurant's automatic 15% service charge added to the bill worked in her favor. Soup and salad bowls lingered, and she refilled drinks sparingly. So would I go back? For me, the days of going out and expecting excellent service and great food at the same time are diminishing. There are other Japanese restaurants in the area that prepare fantastic food. Some are in restaurants, such as take-out eateries, and others are smaller than Arigatos. Nevertheless, if the showmanship is not displayed, what is the purpose of sitting around the Hibachi table? So, I would go back to Arigatos if asked. However, it is no longer my favorite spot for Japanese food.

Make a reservation and enjoy some delicious Japanese steakhouse food! Wonderful food that absolutely melts in your mouth with a dutiful wait staff and amazing cooks, this is one of few meals I've had in the past couple of years that I have actively reminisced on. The reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is due to the cleanliness of the main dining area and the state of the building and restaurant itself. As a byproduct of quick cooking and a show, there is food that finds its way to the floor. So be mindful where you step. The ceilings, walls, and building itself are in a state of decay, badly needing restoration, a 21st century update, and a few coats of paint to-boot. Overall, a great experience! Pro Tip: Parking lot is tight confines, so be patient pulling in and leaving. Also, take the side road leading away from the hospital and not Stratford for a better travel experience to the restaurant.

I loved the food as much as I loved the experience. Downsides, the wait for enough people to fill a table even if you make reservations. Upsides, a lot. The food is amazing and delicious, the staff is friendly and personable, the chefs are engaging when they cook in front of you, and did I mention delicious? The meat was tender and cooked to my specifications perfectly. The veggies were the right amount of tender and crisp. You got plenty of sauces of your choice. It truly was a great experience and something I recommend to everyone at least once in their lifetime.

Without a doubt, THE ABSOLUTE BEST Japanese restaurant! Their white sauce is like no other! Ive been coming here since I was barely a teenager and every other place I try, disappoints and doesn’t even come close! Highly, highly recommend! The only downside is they no longer have the sponge cakes at the end of your meal..(& havent for a while) but that’s due to the company who manufactured them, went out of business. Sadly.. because those were seriously the best things ever! Also, for those disappointed in “lack of a show” I’m personally there for the food.. not tricks! Lol It sounds kinda ridiculous to hold against them. They don’t do as much as they used to with “tricks” since covid and probably don’t talk as much because it’s hard to understand with a mask on… just something to think about.