Sumiya Yakitori

The service at Sumiya Japanese Charcoal Grill was friendly and efficient, even though the restaurant was packed with customers. I had high expectations after seeing so many glowing reviews, but unfortunately, the food didn’t quite live up to the hype. The flavors and execution just didn’t stand out compared to other yakitori spots in the area. I visited at around 8:35 PM on a weekday night, so it’s possible the kitchen was winding down for the night, which may have affected the quality. We ordered several skewers — chicken thighs (sauce and salt), tsukune (meatballs), gyutan (beef tongue), kalbi, jumbo pork sausage, and hotate (scallop) — along with an ontama rice. Most of the grilled meats turned out a bit dry, and the seasoning felt uneven. The hotate skewer was the standout — perfectl

The food here is delicious and rivals skewer places that I have visited in Japan. Everything tastes fresh and flavorful, and you can tell that a lot of care was put into each dish. The dining area can be crowded as it isn't too big, but we were able to get a table on a weekend dinnertime with only a 15 minute wait. I definitely recommend the skewer bento set so you can try a bit of everything!

The charcoal grill smells great when you first walk in the door. The servers were courteous and quickly responded, helped us settle down a table. The food was easy ordered via online menu. The food was fast and tasty. It was our first time but we love the grilled seafood. The meat were probably better with sauces as a bit plain but tender and fresh.

Sumiya offers decent food, though it doesn’t stand out among other izakaya spots I’ve visited. The skewers, while flavorful, are relatively small in portion size. However, the service is excellent, with the staff being polite and friendly, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. The atmosphere is another highlight, providing a cozy and welcoming environment that enhances the overall experience. While the food is good, it may not leave a lasting impression for those seeking something extraordinary. Overall, Sumiya is a solid choice for a casual meal with great service and a comfortable atmosphere, though the food could be more memorable.

The food here is as close as you can get in Japan without actually going to Japan. I always get a three skewers (beef, pork, and chicken) bento. It comes with salad that you choose your own dressing and a soft boiled egg. I also always add the oyster mushroom with garlic skewers (5/5) and karaage (5/5).