Saito 2

We've been going to the original Santos for years and finally had the occasion to eat here. It's one of our children's favorites and I can see why. Between the 3 of us, we had a luncheon Chicken, a lunch Combo and two appetizers: Scallop Tempura and Calamari Tempura. We also had hot green tea and I had Ramune Strawberry. No complaints here - the service was prompt and friendly - in fact, the host brought out the appetizers and checked on us a couple times, as did the waitress. The food came out in a reasonable time and was uniformly delightful. The Ramune was new to me - I really enjoyed it. The atmosphere is the same as most hibachi restaurants.

Sushi was mediocre and bland My son and I split four rolls we got one napkin each and no extra plates while all staff sat at a table and talked. Won't be back.

This is what 30 dollars of combination fried rice looks like. . If your to lazy to cook fried rice the right way get out of the restaurant business.

I'm breaking a rule. I'm giving this a rating after only one visit, but, I went for one reason alone: Sushi Jimmi. Here's the issue: Sushi Jimmi. He makes THE BEST SUSHI in Memphis. If you don't agree, as everyone is entitled to their own opinion, that's fine, but in the spirit of political discourse these days, I WILL STRAIGHT UP FIGHT YOU if you spout that in my general physical vicinity. Ok? Sorry. I feel strongly about sushi.The sushi is as good as it ever was at his joint on Poplar in the old Wendy's near Tillman, although the selection is a bit more sparse. However, the drive is a bit far, the prices a bit high, and the staff a bit, well, not the folks I'm used to. They're not bad, but they don't have the same sense of hospitality as did Asian Fusion.I have to admit that the criticism here is more directed at the owner/operator of Saito 2 rather than about the food or experience. Honestly, the place deserves a try, because I'm basing this on my sense of disappointment from it not being what I was hoping it would be.

The food is great and the owners are so nice. They make sure you're taken care of. I've seen a few servers, never the same one twice so I can't comment much there, but each server I have had, has been nice. Although I see a lot of these reviews solely based on a former sushi chef, I think the rest of the staff deserve some recognition and appreciation. Especially the ones running the show, the owner! I would say, be specific when asking for basic rolls (i.e. yellowtail scallion ~roll, I've ordered 2x and it either be nigiri or a completely different roll with avocado and rice outside). The server is very understanding and the matter gets resolved, but I'd just take the extra effort to really explain yourself.

First time and I ordered Miso Soup. It was okay just wished it had more tofu. There were maybe one or two tofu crumbles.

Possibly good sushi not great hibachi. Hibachi taste unseasoned. Chicken is dry and taste like crunchy air, the rice taste like air and the veggies taste like water. If seasoning was added it may be better.

This place is close to my house so I figured I would try. I must say, I was really impressed. The sushi was really good and fresh. I also had the chicken and shrimp hibachi and it was tasty- seasoned and cooked really well. This is definitely my new to go hibachi spot.

Came to this location for the chef, Sushi Jimmy. Best sushi chef I have found in Memphis. Rolls were affordable, just the right size and described well on the menu. We ordered a Tokyo roll(tuna,crab, and cucumber in the shape of a heart), a Philadelphia roll, and a rainbow roll (got to have fresh fish). The ingredients tasted fresh and the rolls were the perfect mouthful. The rice was cooked perfectly so you got a good mouth feel. Nobody likes a mushy rice. My wife spoke directly with Sushi Jimmy to let him know how much she enjoyed the sushi. He was very personable and spent time speaking with her. The waitress was attentive and helpful. The atmosphere was decent. I would recommend to sit at the tables because the booth cushions weren't very comfortable for a long meal. If you haven't tried Sushi Jimmy, get there before he leaves town.

My first visit to Saito 2 was 1/29/2023 and I will be back! I went to try the Sashimi there and compare it and the value and ambience with that of Ahi nearby and with Red Koi in the Bartlett area. I met the head Sushi Chef, asked him about availability of Saba (mackerel) and was not surprised they did not have this very "fishy" fish which I enjoy - Red Koi is the only one I know in the area that serves it.The interior of the restaurant, although a bit dark for my taste, was spacious, with plenty of tables and space between them - per the Web site. It is much larger and more "Inside dining" friendly than Ahi down the road, which does a lot of take out and has only three or four tables, but nonetheless does cater to indoor and is a very friendly very Japanese environment which I enjoy.I ordered the Sashimi appetizer, six pieces of assorted Chef selected Sashimi, and received it promptly, with no lettuce under it, just the oft seen shredded carrots. What stood out immediately was that the cucumber was very thinly sliced, very fresh and very crisp and tasty. The Wasabi was as I like it, strong and a good texture. The ginger was not as thin as I would have liked it nor quite as flavorful. The Sashimi was adequately presented; I enjoy a bit of art-work in the presentation, and the best for that is Red Koi.The sashimi itself was quite good, and i received 8 not six pieces so that was a nice surprise. It was not too cold, so I didn't have to wait long for it to reach close to room temperature, which I think brings out the flavor. The cost I recall was around $13, a fair value, but not quite on a par with a close competitor. In terms of cost, Red Koi is by far the more expensive of the three but has the freshest, most-eye pleasing and widest assortment of sashimi.The service was excellent - very attentive and friendly waitress. Overall I look forward to returning and getting to know the head Sushi Chef and try more of the menu!1/21/2023