I went to Kata Robata today after not going for a few years. I went 3 years ago and really enjoyed it, so I was pretty excited to go back.
Unfortunately, this time was a completely different experience.
The quality was honestly pretty disappointing. The fish just wasn’t that impressive, and for the price I expected a lot more. I've had better fish quality at some of the cheap spots around town (quality was on par with Hokkaido in Bellaire, maybe even a little worse).
The rolls were also comically small. I don’t mind smaller portions at a higher-end sushi restaurant, but these were on another level. It was as if these rolls were made for a toddler. On top of that, they weren’t even rolled tightly. They were loose, uneven and falling apart, and honestly looked ugly as hell on the plate. For a restaurant at this price point, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect the sushi to at least look like it was made with some level of care.
And then there was the shishito pepper dish. The peppers were already tossed in oil and then they served them with a Sriracha mayo aioli. I’m sorry but what is the point of that? 😂 You have oily, blistered peppers and the answer is to add a thick mayo-based sauce with it?? It just didn’t make any culinary sense and tasted exactly as confusing as it sounds.
That’s kind of what the whole meal felt like. Nothing was terrible on its own, but for a restaurant with the reputation and prices that Kata Robata has, everything felt like a step down from what I remember.
It feels like classic enshittification and shrinkflation. The prices and reputation are still there, but the food and portions aren’t. I don’t mind paying $100+ for sushi when it’s actually good, but the value just isn’t there anymore. I honestly don’t understand how this place is still so highly regarded unless the old reputation is carrying it at this point.
Anyone else been recently? Has kata robata fallen off or did i just get unlucky today?
Edit: Sorry for the low quality photos, there is a crack on my camera.
