Banzai

Doesn't Recommend

Samantha V.

Joined 1 month ago

Worst sushi I've ever had! I had to throw it away it was so nasty and smelled like canned cat food. The bubble tea was okay. The noodles are virtually ramen noodles from the store priced at ten dollars. Don't waste your money on this one, just head over to your local HEB and pick up better quality sushi and ramen!

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Jojata

Joined 4 years ago

Healthy food at an affordable rate!!!. This is my favorite sushi restaurant in Austin!! The location is close to my office. The atmosphere is comfortable for any kind of lunch encounter, whether I want to read a book, or bring clients, its perfect for all occasions. The owner focuses on serving delicious and healthy food. They were able to provide detailed nutrition information when I was a restricted diet. Their lunch specials are affordable and delicious. I highly recommend the bubble teas as well!!! I often bring new people to this restaurant and everyone is highly impressed. Thank you Banzai for making such great food.

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730

Joined 5 years ago

Delicious desserts and sushi esp the unagi, lovely atmosphere, friendly staff, byob. i guess i said it all in the headline but i truly feel like i've found this warm and comfortable cove even in the midst of all the lamar/central market traffic when i walk into bonzai. the ambiance of the place is calming, quiet and genuinely relaxing. i like every kind of sushi i've tried there but i like the bbq unagi best, not in the roll but nigri style on top of a small ball of rice wrapped with seaweed. the desserts are so incredible...cream puffs from heaven and fried ice cream of some sort. and it's byob. i submit you could not want much more.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Low overhead and consistent service make this Central Austin's fresh and affordable sushi stop.. In Short
Once a former fast food chicken joint, this small central eatery now focuses on fresh, no-frills Asian fare. Order from an array of traditional sushi rolls, teriyaki and noodle bowls, bento boxes and more at the counter, then grab one of the simple wooden booths or a table for two that make up the minimalist interior. First-date couples, area students and others seeking sushi on a budget make this a frequent stop.

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seebster

Joined 6 years ago

Great vegetarian sushi!!. This is where I go when I need a sushi fix. Formerly some fast food place, the building inside has been transformed into a warmly inviting restaurant. I'm happy to meet a friend at Banzai (non-vegetarians are just as happy as me) or just order take-out.

I always get the same thing and, even if I haven't been in for a month or two, at least a couple waitresses know my order! I get the Tomago Roll, (egg that's slightly sweet like the rice) the Tofu Roll, and Inarisushi, which is not available too many places! (It's a pocket of slightly-sweet bean curd filled with sushi rice and avocado.) If I'm cold, then I get the miso soup. Everything is fresh and yummy, and not overpriced.

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queenskwirl

Joined 6 years ago

Love love love Banzai!. this is definitely my favorite sushi place in austin. i've been to maru, sushi sake, musachino and umi and the quality here beats that of the 'formal dining' restaurants.

it isn't really a 'sit down dinner' type of place (more like lunch- it's in an old KFC building) but i think their products more than make up for the what they lack in ambiance. super fresh, tasty fish and their rice is amazing. most places, even the fabu musachino, have very sticky, dense rice. at banzai, it's sort of more the texture of jasmine rice- a little more air between each grain. sushi pieces feel light and fluffy.

i personally don't think it's much cheaper than anywhere else, but i'll pay the price for the most-awesome sumo roll. their noodle bowls are great, as well!

again, love love love banzai!

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merimaya

Joined 6 years ago

Equal options for vegetarians and meat lovers.. This is one of the best sushi places in Austin. Banzai serves both omnivores and herbivores equally! There are TONS of vegetarian options. The prices are all very reasonable and the wait staff are all very nice and prompt. The atmosphere is nice. I go there almost every Thursday with a friend because we must have out BANZAI!

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starshine57

Joined 7 years ago

Always Fresh and tasty! Try the Green Shadow roll.. I am continually suprised that I can get a really nice roll or bento here at a cheap price. The service is always good and there doesn't seem to be alot of staff turnover. The portion sizes are perfect and the food is always fresh. For fast Japanese food this is the place to go, and I like to come here after a hectic day of work to enjoy the simple, quiet atmosphere. You'd never guess it used to be a KFC! The only thing is their Unagi is really salty, not the best I've had but everything else has been excellent.

Doesn't Recommend

berudandy

Joined 7 years ago

do not go there. I didn't have high expectations going to Banzai. The menu had the standard Japanese dishes like cha soba, tempura udon, ton katsu, etc., and it was a littttle bit pricey. But that didn't bother me so much as when the food came out. I was severely disappointed. The portions were very small; my friends who got teriyaki bowls finished them instantly and remained hungry. The eel with rice was, I believe, around $9, and the portion was miniscule as well. My tempura udon tasted all right, nothing special.

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vivacleo

Joined 9 years ago

I adore Banzai. Nisha (sp?) and Steve are so nice. It's something special when the people there know who you are and your order. The sushi is fresh and good. It's the gentle and friendly mix between the expensive sushi digs and cheap sushi on the run. It's good without zapping the wallet.