- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Hamachi House
Categories: Restaurants Japanese Restaurants Sushi Bars Japanese, Sushi Bars [Edit]
5190 Morris StHalifax, NS B3J 1B3
(902) 425-7711
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 12 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Trendy
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
26 reviews for Hamachi House
Review Highlights
-
"Happy maki hour makes me happy." In 3 reviews -
"Nice place for an intimate dinner for two." In 3 reviews -
"...in the summer time they open an outdoor patio which is nice." In 3 reviews
Loading...
26 reviews in English
-
Review from Angela H.
4/3/2012 ROTD 5/21/2012
I'm definitly a fan of sushi. There's no denying it.
I love my raw fish wrapped in rice and seaweed.
We stopped in at Hamachi house not that long ago and really enjoyed their food. Their take on sushi has to be one of the best in the city. It's fresh, flavourful and well rolled.
My only complaint and why it's a 4 and not a 5 star rating is that the location is tiny. I felt like we had the smallest table in the back corner and not only were we sitting on top of other dinners and each other, but we were sitting on top of other dinners. It just seems like a shame to waste such great food on such a tiny location.
The evening we went we had our very first experience with butterfish and wow. just wow.....
It was an amazing experience and we can't wait to have it again!Listed in: Not so Fishy Sushi!
-
Review from Philip Y.
3/21/2012 3 photos
Definitely one of the best sushi restaurants that I've been in Halifax. Although its pricey, I'd say go during lunch hours to get better deals like the set lunches. Beef sashimi was a blast. It was our first time trying beef sashimi and I would say that they didn't disappoint.
As for the other sashimi lunch set we ordered which included salmon, tuna, butter and red snapper fish = IMHO, the size of the cut was just right. I've come to notice that some other restaurants may decide to reduce the size because of the pricing. However despite the fact that we went for lunch and had a lower price for a lunch set, the helping was to our surprise quite generous (in terms of the cut size). The fish was fresh as well.
And because it was my wife's birthday, we had a complementary fried banana with home made ice cream.
Overall, a good service and great sushi. I'd go there again as I am curious to try their sushi pizza. -
Review from Emmanuel C.
Halifax, NS
3/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
Although Hamachi isn't my first choice for Sushi in Halifax, I do like this location. Its small and quaint, staff is generally friendly, and well its right around the corner from where I live... :)
The central sushi bar lends itself to a great spot to sit "at the bar" with a selection of tables around. Typically 2-3 sushi chefs will work away at their creations. Good selection of traditional and Fusion sushi. Sushi is always good, but generally a bit pricey. Except of course during "Maki Hour" which offers great deals to late night diners!
As I mentioned, not my first choice for sushi, but Hamachi seems to always deliver consistent quality and good service. -
Review from Meghan W.
5/12/2012 1 photo
Hamchi House did an awesome special for Open City! Just look at the lunch you got for $10.99 soup, salad and 18 pieces of maki sushi with salmon, tuna and California rolls! We liked it so much we went back on day two and got the nigiri sushi box. Yum yum time!
Listed in: People in Your Neighborhood…
-
Review from Ben B.
2/5/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Easily the best of the Hamachi Houses, the Morris Street location benefits from keeping a strict focus on what matters most to its customers: sushi, tempura, and lots of it.
Chefs work in the center of the small restaurant in a sushi island (in other news, I wish there were an actual sushi island that I could move to), chopping up anything from more traditional rolls to fusion rolls for the more modern diner. Be sure to catch the Halifax rolls if for no other reason than to see what they've come up with for our sushi namesake!
For whatever reason, I find the sushi here is just fresher and better all round than their other locations, the service is a little more polished, and the ambiance just that much more remarkable. Bottom line: if you're choosing Hamachi, choose Morris Street.Listed in: Vegetarian Bliss, South Endery, My Favourite Rolls, Morris Street!
-
Review from Ally G.
Bedford, NS
1/26/2012
Not only am I writing two reviews in one day, but I'm writing two reviews of Sushi Houses in one day.
Just got back from lunch at Hamachi House, and I was pleasantly surprised. While it has not surpassed Dharma Sushi has the best sushi in town (in my opinion), it was an incredible meal. Not too heavy on the rice (which is my biggest pet peeve), avocado was the perfect type of ripe, and the salad was not all lettuce (another pet peeve).
I'm not a fan of tempura bits in my spicy rolls, I think I've been spoiled by Dharma. I just don't feel the need for tempura bits unless I'm ordering tempura specific items. That's a preference that others may not share, while I would have preferred no bits, the rolls were well-made, well presented and the fish was fresh and delicious. The price for lunch is more than I'd typically pay for a lunch combo, but I was impressed with the general layout and ambiance so I didn't mind forking over the extra few dollars. In short, I'd go again if a friend asked me to go for lunch specifically requesting Hamachi House. If it was solely up to me, I'd hit up Dharma Sushi every time. -
Review from Asheley R.
Halifax, NS
9/16/2011
Typically speaking, our go-to sushi place is Sushi Nami on Dresdon Row. Last Friday we decided to be riskkkkay and switch it up a bit. We hit up Hamachi House, the Fine Japanese Cuisine kind on the corner of Barrington and Morris. I've heard tons of fabulous things about Hamachi before going there. Such as you will get a more authentic experience and fresher fishies. I must say I absolutely lovvvvvved the teeny patio that Hamachi was sporting. Jud and I parked our bums outside and awaited the menu. I must also mention the inside is the bomb. They have a bunch of floating serving boats that wrap around the seating and serving bar. Kind of fun for someone like me that always has her fingers in something. Now I understand why Jud pushed for sitting outside. The only downside is it is fairly small. Without the patio we would've been crammed inside shoulder to shoulder.
For being fairly new to sushi (1-2 years) I was incredibly overwhelmed with the menu. There was so much variety! So if you're a sushi pro and want some crazy funky things, this is the place for you. It took us about 20 minutes to decide what we wanted to order and in the meantime we sipped on our cucumber water--my favorite part. We ended up getting the vegetable tempura roll with sweet potato, prego roll with mushroom, cucumber, avocado, cream cheese, and spicy mayo, dynamite salmon and lobster roll. All were presented fabulously and tickled my taste buds before even getting into my mouth. They were exceptionally fast as well, especially for making something so intricate. The tempura was a little crazy on the ends of the sushi roll. Jud's shrimp tail was even tempura-ed. The spicy mayo could have certainly been spicier for myself. The cream cheese was a delicious addition.
Everything was good but in the end I still ended up liking Sushi Nami better. I know I probably shouldn't and I'm probably one of very few who thinks this. I guess since I'm not a huge fish person, I found Hamachi house was almost too real. I enjoy the fact that Sushi Nami isn't as authentic. So if you're a sushi fanatic, no question head to Hamachi. If it's your first time I would suggest Sushi Nami. Hamachi is reasonably priced for sushi as well. Also a win for Hamachi is the fact you can go late at night and enjoy sushi discounted. Be careful though, I've had a few friends who spent the rest of their night with the toilet as a result. -
Review from Lyn M.
Elderbank, NS
9/23/2011
I'm so disappointed more than anything. We've been going to this location since it opened it's doors. Sadly this is also the 3rd of their spots we've been to in 6wks because we have the Team Buy deal.
Tonight we tried their main place thinking the other two were (possibly) just bad nights but surely their main and best was still the best....my rating says it.
Ordered usual appetizers that we love and have had success with - soft shell crab, gyoza, and tofu. Immediately I noticed the crab looked as if the oil was old and I said so to waitress, picked up a crab leg and it was so limp and soggy it was nasty....she was great and said yes & took it back. Onto the tofu, good but not great - again the fried coating was not just right. Lastly the gyoza - in places if you looked hard you could see what looked like freezer burn marks, they were thinner that i recalled, and the taste was very blah. Then the last one, I happened to see what looked like a black spot thru the skin (they were that thin) and I turned it over - burned!
Sushi, mostly the usual: spicy tuna, unagi, yellow tail, and a new one dragon roll. Boring...not at all as I remember them being - so sweet, rice soft and warm, well wrapped, taste to die for....as I said at the beginning...so disappointed.
The two stars are the for the waitress - she was great. -
Review from Kimberley M.
Halifax, NS
8/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ah, the Hamachi House. Often enough, I'm a lunch-time visitor, and I love their lunch specials. I often opt for the same mixed sushi lunch plate, and it never disappoints.
I like the cozy atmosphere and every interaction I've had with a staff member has been great. The last time I was in, our server was humourous and thoughtfully made sure our tea was steeped just right before we were "allowed" to pour it.
I also always enjoy that every basic glass of water comes not with lemon, but a cucumber slice - simple, but something I look forward to! -
Review from Tiffany T.
Halifax, NS
4/26/2011
I have always loved the Hamachi House ever since my first time there about 4 years ago. I hadn't been there in quite a while, but because my best friend is in town we decided to treat ourselves. This is still a great place. The prices are good (a little more than most other places) but the quality is SO worth it. Last night we had the Unagi Berry Sushi Pizza for the first time. It was perfect, and the best sushi pizza I have ever had. Sushi is by far the meal I go out for the most, and I have tried a number of places in the HRM, and the Hamachi House is still by far the best.
My bestie had their soup of the day, a coconut curry soup. So flavorful, spicy but delicious ( this chick doesn't do spicy so well, so just a slurp for me)
I love the brown rice maki, although I didn't have any last night (picky friends) It is still noteworthy
The one downfall of the Hamachi House is the venue. I mean, it's cozy but perhaps a little too cozy. It is always super busy, even last night on a Monday and there is very little seating. Im glad we got there when we did!
Can't wait til my next trip down to Morris StreetListed in: Flavours of the World
-
Review from Andrew P.
3/21/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Although, I haven't been to every sushi place in the HRM (though I would like to try!) I find myself coming back, time and time again. I only usually come to the Happy Maki after 10, but I am rarely disappointed. The last time I went, it was the best I have had in the city yet, even beating that I had in Hawaii.
The atmosphere is one I really enjoy, with blue lighting, a central sushi bar, and painted murals. The only problem is that it can be sometimes pricy, even at Happy Maki.
I would highly recommend Hamachi House for a date, or a night out with your friends. -
Review from John M.
Toronto, ON
5/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
Chain sushi is always an iffy prospect. The attention to detail and quality of product that make one sushi restaurant stand out over another are hard to carry from one location to the next. Thankfully, Hamachi is able to provide great fish and excellent presentation.
We had lunch specials and were happy with just about everything. The nigiri were delightful and the fish almost melted in my mouth. The tempura was cooked perfectly and edamame sichimi was a surprise favourite; I'm going to start making my edamame at home just like. My only issue with my bento was that the teriyaki sauce was too think and strong. I ended up leaving some teriyaki-drenched rice behind even though I wasn't 100% full.
The prices, especially the lunch specials, were middle of the road by Toronto standards. If I had more time to spend in Halfiax I know I would go back again and again. -
Review from Lacey H.
3/12/2010
Happy maki hour makes me happy. I love heading to the Hamachi House after 10pm during the week and getting little discounts on my favorite menu items.
Although the discounts aren't mega, they still seem to encourage me to order copious amounts - as if it's a fire sale and I'm scooping up the deals to save my life.
I have a standard set of things I order when I go out for Japanese food: an avocado roll, a yam tempura roll, maybe even a side of tempura if I'm feeling saucy, agedashi tofu, a bowl of miso soup, a side salad and every now and then I'll throw in another roll for good measure.
If you're a veggie, sushi is generally the same wherever you go but that doesn't discount the fact that the Hamachi House does it very well. Their rolls are plump; made with sweet, moist rice and ripe fresh ingredients. The service is generally good, some days it's super and some days simply meh, but the food is consistent which is the selling point for me.
I recommend the Hamachi House as a good place to go on a date, catch up with friends, or grab a late night nibble! -
Review from Aaron J.
Halifax, NS
10/22/2010
Honestly for all the hype on this place the sushi was at best ok
Its way over priced for what they offer and i have had WAY better for less.
i'm sorry to everyone who likes it, you need to get out and try sushi else where there is so much better for less -
Review from Laura P.
4/14/2010
My own experience at Hamachi House has never been short of lovely. This is a spot offering good sushi in a demure and thoughtful setting.
I see this restaurant as a great spot for a date. The space is small and intimate, whilst carrying the buzz of a Halifax hotspot. With its mid-room sushi bar, customers have the option of ordering their fish and watching the process. Or if you prefer, cosy up in on of the many tables scattered throughout. Lighting is relaxed and the service always seems quite smooth.
The sushi selection is extensive, although there are also plenty of options aside from its main schtick. An excellent miso soup and a house salad are my preferred way to kick off the meal. (House salad is served with a delicious ginger dressing) But as for main dishes, there are eggplant, tofu, chicken teriyaki, tempura, etc-- much more than the average sushi joint.
The last time I went with a few friends we ordered the 'sushi heaven' dish. This is a large combination of sushi options and served with miso soups and house salads. It was fun to dig in all together on one huge platter and examine the many sorts. For those who like to sample, this is a great option. (But I'd suggest going with about 4 people, its pretty big)
Service is calm and assured. My experiences have always been able to provide good insight on obscure fishies and the menu options I've been unclear on.
This is a spot detailing atmosphere and quality food. I'd recommend it to sushi addicts or those looking for a taste of Japanese cuisine.Listed in: The Sushi Experience
-
Review from Ang M.
Halifax, NS
10/20/2009
I am not the most sophisticated Japanese-food eater in the world, I know that. My tastes are pretty basic - a little tempura, a bit of a California roll and I'm happy. So maybe it doesn't mean a whole lot for me to say that I think this spot has the best California rolls and tempura in town, but I'm gonna say it anyway - so there.
Also, I love the atmosphere and the service has always been really great. Nice place for an intimate dinner for two. -
Review from Candice W.
St John's, NL
Very few times has service at a restaurant left me feeling warm and fuzzy inside like it did at Hamachi.
First of all, the service was fantastic. Our waiter was fun and lively, and chatted with us a few times throughout our meal.
The place is very small and intimate -- we sat around the sushi bar in the middle of the room. We had asked for a table but there were none available, and I'm glad we found ourselves at the bar instead. Watching the chefs prepare the sushi was more entertaining than any show I've seen lately, and while they were completely focused on creating their art, they answered any questions we threw at them from the sidelines.
Watching one chef prepare a Sushi Pizza was the highlight of my evening; it might have been the most colourful dish I've ever seen. Note to self: try it next time instead of the usual maki. -
Review from Jennifer G.
Halifax, NS
6/18/2011
Hamachi is always one of my favorite sushi spot. I have tried almost everything on the menu and liked them all, especially the spicy salmon roll. Classic and I never get bored of going there.
-
Review from Adam B.
Halifax, NS
1/19/2010
Most people who know me know I don't care for sushi. It's the kind of food that does nothing for me. So you can imagine the dread I was feeling when I was recently dragged to the Hamachi House on Morris for "Sushi with friends."
...Can't I just stay home instead and eat alphagetti?
Apparently the alphagetti was out of the question. So off we went to Hamachi. Now, imagine my dread turning to happiness as I realize that there's more than just sushi on the menu, and further more, there's actually stuff I think I'll like!
And I did like it, oh yes...I did like it.
Specifically I tried the Chicken Teryiaki and was I ever glad I did. The chicken was delicious! I wasn't going to have to sulk the whole evening! Hooray!
That being said, I did start sulking a little bit when I saw the bill. The Hamachi House is in no way cheap, but could be considered affordable if it's a once in a while treat.
Regardless of the price, the food was delicious, everybody had a great time and I would, shockingly, go back to the Hamachi Sushi House (Just not for the sushi!). -
Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
Updated - 12/5/2009
This update pertains to the delivery portion of 'Hamachi House Fine Japanese Cuisine.'
Last week I ordered from 'Hamachi' and was told my order would arrive within the hour. An hour and 20 minutes later I called and was told that my food had already gone out and that it should be arriving shortly. ok...
My food did arrive shortly although it had all clearly been sitting for an extremely long time. The edamame was cold and the condensation from the container had left many of the beans soggy. My sweet potato rolls had also clearly been sitting a long time. The tempura inside had turned cold while the rice had started to flake off in chunks.
Overall, pretty unimpressive. 'Hamachi' charges a few more dollars, which I typically don't mind paying because I find the quality is superior. I'm not willing to pay extra for sub par sushi though so I hope 'Hamachi' gets organized with regard to their delivery process. Sushi isn't the type of food that tastes good after sitting for an hour.Listed in: Best Sushi
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
10/15/2009
'Hamachi House' gets my reward for the best (sit down, restaurant style) sushi in Halifax! This… Read more »
-
-
Review from Bethany J.
Halifax, NS
3/25/2010
I'll open with a confession: I've only been to the Hamachi House on dates. I don't think I've ever actually paid to eat there, so my review may be informed by that.
I love the Hamachi House, but then, I love sushi - so this is good! Hamachi House has a wonderfully varied menu with something for everyone, from tempura to "Holy Dynamite". Complementary items are also available - the house salad is great! - as is almost anything you can imagine wanting, with respect to Japanese cuisine.
The Hamachi House has a certain cachet; it's definitely not somewhere to take your young children. I can totally see one of my kids getting enthusiastic about the sushi boats and that turning into some kind of awful! Hamachi House is a quiet, reserved little restaurant (see if you can get the front booth!) that's perfect for tête-à-têtes. (If you, like me, are a fledging chopstick user, you may want to skip these if it's a first date.)
Although there are other sushi purveyors in the city, I keep going back to Hamachi House (and would even if it wasn't a date!) for the service and the quality. -
Review from Salamander J.
8/29/2009
"Don't speak to the chef," a lovely waitress with a fabulous scence of humor, reprimanded me. A Halifax scene... I think, but I may have been too blitzed by the saki bombs! Food is not as special (fine Japanese) as they think (hold the mayo please!) but that lobster roll is a classic in the making. If you dare, ask the chef for the daily catch. In the end a fabulous escape from Hurricane Bill which I learned was a pussy Hurrican from the waitress, "I remember when the wind was blowing so hard a fish flew out of the water, a seagull ate the fish and a wave killed the seagull."
Mainehigh: 4 -
Review from ness y.
Toronto, ON
9/10/2009
i cried that night, after my brother dropped me off from our dinner together at Hamachi House.
i'd just moved to Halifax, but heard friends living here say over the years that Hamachi had the greatest sushi in the East Coast.
even if hamachi house had been cheaper, nicer decor-wise, faster, i don't know if it could have stopped the tears.
if that's all i have to look forward to - scraps of mediocre fish disguised in mayo - then it's going to be a long, long contract in halifax.
somebody point me in the right direction, please. i know there's got to better in a place surrounded by water... -
Review from Joshua Y.
Vancouver, BC
10/6/2009 2 photos
First off, I am not giving Hamachi House four out of five stars because their sushi is close to the best I've ever had. I am giving them four out of five stars because its some of the best in Halifax. And Halifax does not have that great sushi selection. In my mind its so bad I wish I could sue all of the sushi restaurants in this city for ripping people off. But if Hamachi House in Halifax was in a major city like Vancouver, it would still probably rank about a three out of five. So here is why I think it is at least decent sushi.
The atmosphere alone is worth a star or two. Hamachi House has a fun, sleek looking atmosphere. The place is quite cramped however, but they do they best I could think of with the space they have. Their location isn't bad. About a five or ten minute walk from the major downtown streets. In the summer time they have an outdoor patio and for me there is nothing like sitting on a patio, eating sushi and drinking some Saki on a warm, summer day. Their staff are very nice and hard working. I have heard the opposite from friends but I have gone there a few times and have had nothing but great experiences. the Sushi selection is what anyone who has had sushi from a major city would expect. And their prices are actually reasonable for what you get which is a rarity in Halifax where many Sushi restaurants try to overcharge since they think Sushi is an exotic food for Halifax. Perhaps it was seven or eight years ago. But with over five or eight Sushi restaurants in downtown Halifax, alone, you ain't so special after all.
Hamachi House is one of my more favorite Sushi restaurants. Its not my top but it does a good job. And it is close to one of my favorite coffee shops, The Wired Monk. So the area has a special place in my heart by surrounding me with two things I love the most, sushi and coffee shops. I find the staff pleasant and really great, others have not so who knows. But if you aren't going to get up to Spring Garden Road for, in my opinion, the best Sushi, then Hamachi House is a great substitute. -
Review from Anna H.
Halifax, NS
12/7/2009 1 photo
Hamachi is one of your best bets for good sushi in Halifax, but you've got to be cool with paying a bit more for the experience.
We met a friend here for dinner, but couldn't meet her at the same time. When we showed up she had been studying at the restaurant for 20 minutes before we arrived. There aren't too many sushi restaurants that I know of where they'll let you do that, so thumbs up on service for accommodating her.
All of our meals were nice - presentation was thoughtful and we enjoyed the food. Prices are definitely steeper than what I'd choose to eat every night; their cucumber roll comes in at $4.75 and a rainbow roll will put you out $12.95. Quality was good though, and I wouldn't argue with eating there again, as long as I'd been paid recently. -
Review from Mitchell M.
Halifax, NS
11/26/2009
Surprised I haven't reviewed Hamachi House before! It was the first place i tried Sushi! Can't go wrong with their spicy tuna. Also, go for their specialty rolls; Halifax, Hurricane, Dragon, Rainbow, etc. The place is a little cramped, but in the summer time they open an outdoor patio which is nice. Halifax doesn't have a large sushi selection, but check out Doraku as well!
