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Japanese Village
Categories: Restaurants Japanese Restaurants Steakhouses Japanese, Steakhouses [Edit]
10 Avenue SWUnit 317
Calgary, AB T2R 0A5
(403) 262-2738
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:30 am - 2 pm
Mon-Thu, Sun 5 pm - 9 pm
Fri 5 pm - 9:30 pm
Sat 4 pm - 9:30 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
34 reviews for Japanese Village
Review Highlights
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"Very good food, good environment, and fun to watch." In 3 reviews -
"The chefs really make the restaurant though." In 7 reviews -
"...been there, you get to sit around the huge grill where the..." In 3 reviews
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34 reviews in English
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Review from Aaron C.
Calgary, AB
1/7/2012
The first time I actually went was on New Years Eve.
Reading the Reviews on the Website, and hearing feedback from Friends, I was actually quite worried about going here, We made reservations for about 10 people, so a bigger group of people, and I heard last minute that a few of the people we invited dropped out.. That was my first concern simply because on here, I've heard of people having problems with people backing out, and them charging you per person or simply just cancelling your reservation all together.
Our plans were to meet up around 845, and when I got there nobody in our party had arrived, we were sat in the Lounge area for a bit until our party arrived.
Luckily we had no issues with the fact that we had missing members in our party, or that people hadn't shown up, but again being New Years Eve, I don't think they were really paying all that much attention.
As far as the atmosphere went, It was fun, Very busy and the people were very polite. They got to work pretty much right away with taking our Drink and Food orders, and within a matter of minutes we had someone making our food.
Everything seemed very fresh, and our Cook was quite funny and enjoyable, Most people in our party ordered the Steak and Shrimp, Everything was cooked to perfection and was hot and fresh.
The steak sauce I wasn't completely blown away by, It was tasty, but I found it to be quite creamy and didn't have much bite, It went well with the Rice and Steak, but that was about it.
The steaks were cooked excellent, and the Shrimp were nice and juicy as well!
The drinks were nothing to write home about - I had two and they were both very sweet, Mine seemed to just be Sprite, Sugar Syrup and a little Booze, Nothing you could even get a buzz off of unless you pay $100 for a bucket load of them.
Overall, The food was awesome.. The atmosphere was fun, and our Chef was awesome..
Our table was very crowded however, and uncomfortable for alot of people.
I would go back again, and probably order the same thing - $45 for what we received, and the fun we had was awesome. But perhaps I would go on a slower night, or with less people. -
Review from Joel K.
4/23/2012
Japanese village - Ah, SO!
Want to watch someone throw knives around and make big, fiery explosions while you eat your food? Of course you do.
But if you're still living at home, it's sort of an unreasonable demand to ask your mom to fling utensils around and burn down your kitchen. Plus she's probably really bad at it, even if you're Japanese.
So instead of troubling dear old ma, where do you go? Japanese Village.
Now, I want to rate this so much higher. After all, it's a pretty different experience from your everyday meal.
As for the food - it's cooked right in front of your face, and it's delicious. I had the teriyaki chicken and shrimp. I wish I would have ordered the teriyaki steak - it seems like your portion winds up being bigger. But, you're given white rice, veggies, salad and sherbet with every meal, so it's tough to complain. I do wish you could "Sumo size it" though.
Everything tasted a bit salty. But other than that the quality of the food is excellent and the show is entertaining. It's not authentic Japanese food in the slightest, but it'll warm your belly all the same.
But there are a few tiny bees in my bonnet. (As an aside, why do we still use that saying? It's been ages since anyone but hutterites and amish ladies wore bonnets. Unless hipsters are bringing them back into fashion... are they? If so, that's hilarious and I can't wait to see the instagrams. Instabonnets. Whatever.)
So let me say this: I still recommend you go here. I'd still say this makes for an interesting date night, birthday party or company function. But in case the owners are reading this - or in case you just want to hear some 24 year old white bread kid complain a bit, here's how I think the experience could be improved:
1. Japanese Efficiency.
Yes, we see it in Toyota - but that doesn't mean we want to see it when we eat. Par the course here is that you MUST be on time with EXACTLY the number of people in your party as you reserved for. No ifs, ands or buts. If someone gets sick, prepare to have some very pissed off Japanese ladies wagging their fingers at you. And you don't get seated until everyone is there.
Now, I understand why they do this. But they can sometimes come across a bit rude and it makes booking your function here a bit of a risk; if someone drops out last moment, you're screwed.
They also like to get you in and out of here as fast as possible, which again, I understand. It's a very popular place and it costs them a lot of money if you sit and linger.
So when you come here, expect to get pushed out of the proverbial Japanese womb like a Prius. Book your "sit and chat" time elsewhere.
2. Come on, creativity!
The chefs give more or less the same presentation over and over and over again, so you can't blame them for perhaps being a bit tired of it. Our chef was great and had a wonderful personality on him, but it all felt a bit scripted. I'd love to see them mix it up a bit; these are some excellent chefs, so they ought to divert from the standard show every so often.
But still do the fiery explosion thing please. That's always fun. Always.
So okay, two smallish beefs; but because you come here for the experience and not so much the food, it'd be nice if they could work on fine-tuning that experience a little more.
At the end of the day this is still a great place to go, so long as you know what you're getting.Listed in: Date Nights that Don't Suck
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Review from Éva B.
Calgary, AB
4/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've been humming and hawing about writing this review for a couple of reasons I know people love this place and two I had super high expectations.
We went here for a birthday a couple of weeks ago. The chef at the other table was doing all sorts of tricks however ours was very boring and didn't really bring anything extra to the meal. I was totally hoping for some throwing and a little spice to the meal since I heard so many great things. However we got an onion volcano and some very dry jokes.
I also find this place ridiculous for pricing. I know seafood is expensive but you can't honestly tell me I'm getting 7 pieces of cut up chicken for over $20 and a few prawns. I left feeling very hungry and I ended up stealing vegetables from other people who didn't want them. I just don't see the appeal. The steak sauce was also not my cup my tea that's just personal taste and I won't let it reflect on the rest.
Honestly I found the guy who cleaned the grill after to be more entertaining. Everyone has always raved about this place and I can see the appeal but for me it just didn't cut it. I would have rather spent it on a steak dinner and left feeling full.
The decor was nice. However portions to price really bothered me. I felt cheated and they kept screwing up the drink orders. They also did not fix our bill due the errors not being one to cause a fuss (usually) we paid and left but I really could have used someone to go that extra mile to change my experience even a little bit.
I may go back not sure how I feel about spending so much for a few pieces of chicken and few prawns. Could have been the chef we got I'm not really sure. The food did taste very good I just wanted more! -
Review from Grace C.
Calgary, AB
5/8/2012
Ridiculous won't even give this place a chance
I have never eaten here before and was looking forward to celebrating a birthday dinner. I made a reservation for a party of 10 at 7:30pm and was told to call the day of the reservation between 11am-1pm to get a confirmation number and to tell the hostess exactly how many people were coming. She told me that IF ANYONE DIDN'T SHOW UP REGARDLESS OF THE REASON I I WOULD BE CHARGE $25.00 PER PERSON NO SHOW FEE. She also told me my party would not be seated unless everyone was present and IF ANYONE WAS LATE OUR ENTIRE TABLE WOULD LOSE THE TABLE RESERVATION AND BE FORCED TO GO ELSEWHERE. She also informed me that there would be a TIME LIMIT ON THE TABLE and we will be forced to vacate the table by 8:45pm regardless if people were finished eating or not.All these demands are ridiculous. The restaurant owners must think they are a real big deal. Well I think they are full of BS. I cancelled my reservation and took my business elsewhere. -
Review from Carolina M.
1/4/2012
Went there with my son and he loved it. i liked it too.
The typical japanese restaurant where the cook in front of you, so it was entertaining. Even though i am not a fan of sitting at a table with a bunch of strangers but my son picked it so i went along.
Thankfully the guys sitting next to us were super nice and our cook was a really nice Japanese girl that made the evening. She was really friendly and sweet, worked her butt off and put off a show for everyone at the table.
The steak sauce is amazing just as everyone claimed it was in their reviews.
Alberta beef is great, chicken was well cooked, vegetables very fresh and shrimp was tasty.
I will not give it 5 stars because i have been to this type of restaurants before and everything taste kind of the same. But i got to say it was really tasty. And my son loved it so much!!.
It was just way too much food, so go hungry. You will be stuffed!.
The place was packed for a week night, of course it was right after Christmas, but i swear there were at least 10 Birthdays in there that night!. So i guess it is a popular place to have a celebration.
The funny thing is the staff comes to the birthday table and make the bday person wear a geisha hairpiece or a warrior mask, the sing happy birthday and just make the people feel comfortable and have a few laughs.
I'd go back. -
Review from John F.
Brooks, AB
3/26/2012
I love this place, the food is delicious, I have been there many times and eaten everything on the menu at least once and damn its good. Make sure to make a reservation! I love this place!
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Review from Crystal W.
Calgary, AB
7/25/2011
I have found the food and quantities to be consistently satisfying. The chef routines are always the same, but you can deal with it if you keep your visit to once or twice per year. I do enjoy going with others who've never seen this style of dining, as it's fun to watch their expressions as they take in the experience.
A few minor beefs I have in relation to going with a larger group on a weekend are that you feel more limited with time (they don't mess around with maintaining customer turnover) and you can't visit very well because it tends to be loud. I'm also not a fan of their reservation system and do consider this outing to be slightly pricey. I have also noted that you freeze your butt off in the ladies restroom in the winter months.
I do end up at JV an average of once per year, so clearly it continues to be worth the trip. -
Review from Matthew B.
Calgary, AB
8/8/2011
The uniqueness of Japanese Village provides a challenge to review it.
I remember my first visit I was in stitches at the jokes told by the chefs, but now find them incredibly stale.
I enjoy the portions though as you get an amazing amount of food for the price you pay. The fact that you get soup, rice, a great helping of veggies, a main, shrimp AND dessert is awesome. The steak is always great and like many many people mention... the steak sauce is to DIE for. I don't know what it is, but this is the stuff that will keep you going back again and again. Try putting it on the rice that comes with your meal.
Previous reviews express concern with feeling rushed due to turnaround times, but I've never felt rushed while eating at Japanese Village. The staff and managment has always been very nice to me. It's very low lighting in JV, so watch out when you come outside if it's still light out.
I do have a concern in terms of tipping. It's not clear if your tipping your chef or if your tipping your server. The servers here don't do near as much work as a server at another restaurant. I'd rather give the chef my tip.
People who are familar with the Benihana chain will recognize the teppanyaki style, but it's a certainly bare bones basic version of a Benihana and it has no sushi. I don't know why but other Japanese Villages in Canada do have sushi. I don't eat sushi, but I noticed.
Overall, you'll have a not bad time and you'll leave with a full belly. -
Review from Ed I.
11/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been a fan of JV for years now. Im going to say at least 25 or so years. They use to have two locations in Calgary one at Southport, the other on Third ave Downtown. Now both locals are closed and have since been replaced with their new location on 10th.
I have to say I am the only V.I.P. cardholder for Japanese Village this gives you a 10 % discount on your total bill. I found this out when I was dining there about a month ago and presented my card.
The manager (John Arasaki), came over and spoke to me and told me did you Know that you are the only person with one of the cards left in Calgary. He said their was one other person, but he passed away.
Now getting on to the food. I usually like to go with a larger group of people, at least 10. That way I'm not eating dinner with a bunch of strangers. (sometimes I don't care).
I just feel awkward eating in front of total strangers. It's funny though, I can eat at a teppan style restaurant in another city and not feel self concious in any way and not care who I sit with.
When you come to the newest location on 10th, you have to climb a flight of stairs. I'm not sure if the have an elevator, so if you have a guest that needs wheel chair access call ahead. I seem to recall an elderly person having an issue with the stairs when I was leaving.
Okay now for the food, I like the different combinations you can order. Steak & Chicken, Chicken & Shrimp, Shrimp, Shogun Special (Filet & Lobster), etc, all meals come with tea, rice, zucchini, onion, beansprouts, a salad a soup, and a dessert.
I like the fact the food is prepared in front of you, and I have only had one really mediocre experience when I had a "chef in training". He overcooked most everything on the cooking surface. He was just slow on getting everyones orders off, and a little nervous. As for how it tasted, I don't think you can make that food taste bad with that steak sauce on it. You can put that stuff on anything, your rice chicken, steak, whatever, I can drink that sauce by the ladel.
As for the show, I could really do without the show. I honestly feel embarassed for the chef if he can't perform the oversized salt & pepper shakers routine, and throw it behind his back and catch it.
I also can do without the cheezy one liners ie: soya sauce being japanese coca cola, or the cooking oil being motor oil 10w-30.
If the chef can just do a decent efficient job cooking, I'm happy ! -
Review from Carol C.
Calgary, AB
10/4/2011
Good food ... crack/steak sauce, anyone? (My friends and I practically shoot it.)
Service level has always been uneven, and the reservation process is a pain.
Lunch is much better deal, unless you are dying to see the act put on by the chefs at dinner.
Wear clothes you intend to wash immediately due to the smoke from the open grills. -
Review from Natasha K.
Calgary, AB
5/24/2011
I've been to Japanese Village twice, once and it amazing, and a second time and it wasn't nearly as good.
Overall, it is quite overpriced but they get away with it because of the entertainment factor. On my first visit, the chef was so funny and entertaining, leading to the second visit, which was underwhelming and boring. Not boring because I had seen it before, underwhelming because the chef didn't have nearly as much charisma as the first.
The food was good but not spectacular, the drinks small (order beer!), the customer service was low.
So far this place has been hit or miss. -
Review from Barry B.
Calgary, AB
11/5/2011
Brutal. Horrible right from the start. Poor bookings (rude), rushed in to seat, eat and get out! They were placing the next guests settings before we finished desert. Calgary has a plethora of restaurants to enjoy, try elsewhere, you will be much happier with any other experience.
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Review from Sarah M.
Calgary, AB
7/22/2011
I LOVE IT! Honestly my absolute fave guilty pleasure. If you are looking for a cheap delish fast lunch too their lunch during the week is around $10 and just as good only a little smaller than their dinner portion.
There is nothing left on the plate when Im there. If it wasnt so rude id lick my plate. For Real. -
Review from Chelsea K.
Calgary, AB
8/3/2010
This seems to be the #1 location for birthday parties in Calgary. I can sort of understand why: they're suitable for large groups, and there's a lot of entertainment value in the chef's performance and costuming for the "Happy Birthday' song.
I was here for a birthday a while ago, and the chef did the usual performance with tossing around onions and cleavers. Only, the chef messed it up and dropped the cleaver. It landed inches away from my face, shattering my plate, waterglass, and spraying sauce and food bits all over me. I was horrified.
The chef tried to make a joke of it and laughed it off by saying "I meant that to happen" while waitresses frantically cleaned up the broken dishes and brought me a new plate (my food was not replaced). My evening was spent sitting 3 feet away from the table in pure terror as the chef continued to play with cleavers and fire, and my meal was spent trying to pick bits of ceramic tableware and glass out of my food. The restaurant offered me no apology, and no discount on my meal (which was more or less inedible with sharp chards of ceramic and glass in it, not to mention I had lost my appetite after nearly having an impromptu nosejob). I can understand that accidents happen, but I would have appreciated some sort of acknowledgement that there was an error or that this was out of the ordinary.
In conclusion:
1. Fear for life at having sharp cleaver tossed inches from my face.
2. $40 drycleaning bill and smelling like hoisin sauce and onions for the rest of the night (very unattractive when going to nightclub later, also being eyed hungrily by seagulls on my way home).
3. Sharp bits of ceramic dishes and glass in my meal.
But according to the chef, that was meant to happen, it's normal and it happens all the time. -
Review from Ali Z.
8/3/2010 1 Check-in Here
Japanese Village has become the default downtown restaurant for whenever we need to get a group of people together. Excellent food, quick service, and a central location make it a great place to meet.
The steak sauce more than lives up to the hype, seriously, try it with everything despite what your cardiologist says, it's even delicious with steamed rice. The chefs always put on a small show (though the jokes are corny & repeated - downfall of being a frequent visitor). One occasion I was with a group of South Asians, the chef assigned to us to not only spoke the language, he knew more Bollywood songs than most of us. There's nothing quite like a sing-a-long over dinner with the Japanese chef leading the chorus.
I'd recommend Japanese Village for large groups, not sure how it would work with only two people as you have to share tables. The atmosphere is loud, encourages people to talk, and is a satisfying experience.
I've been to Japanese Village once during the workday lunch rush, same excellent experience just with a reduced menu and much faster turn-around.
Concerns:
- parking downtown Calgary is difficult at the best of times
- make sure your entire party arrives on time otherwise you'll have to wait to be seated
- a very minor concern however any drinks bought in the lounge have to be paid for & can't be added to your dinner bill -
Review from Alix Laura W.
Calgary, AB
7/14/2010
I have been there once. The food was fine. The sauce everyone talks about is tasty.
They charged me $3.50 for their waiters to do a rendition of "Happy Birthday" That is three times more expensive than ITunes. And defeats the spirit of the song entirely.
Never.Again. -
Review from Moez T.
Calgary, AB
10/27/2009
A couple of friends of ours went on a trip to Japan. The decision was made to have a going away party/dinner at Japanese Village Steak House. I had been to the location in Edmonton as a kid and remember enjoying it thoroughly. I was looking forward to trying it here in Calgary.
If you ever plan a group event, do whatever you can to ensure that everyone shows up at the same time. Japanese Village wouldn't seat us until our entire party had arrived, which was a pain. Due to the way it's setup though, it makes sense for them to force us to wait. But seriously, make sure your guests arrive on time.
The atmosphere is great, with lots of different Japanese memorabilia kicking around (at least it looks Japanese, but truthfully it could be from anywhere in Asia). The chefs really make the restaurant though. Aside from cooking the meal in front of you, which is fun to watch, they are also very personable and often funny.
The food was fantastic. I have nothing bad to say about the food. It was cooked exactly as we wanted it done, which is obviously easier when the chef is standing in front of you. It's also not that expensive, which is nice, but it's still pricey enough that I wouldn't go often. It was the perfect send-off to our travelling friends! -
Review from C T.
Calgary, AB
12/7/2008
Japanese Village has improved since they moved into this new upstairs location on 10 Avenue and 4 St SW. It took over the old Cannery Row location.
One thing I've noticed when you sit around the teppanyaki (cooking table), the vents work so much better now. I used to walk away smelling like the cooked food in the old restaurant but now it's much better. I appreciate eating there more.
The best thing about Japanese Village is the STEAK SAUCE!! Yes, this steak sauce is phenomenal. Have you been there at lunchtime? People around the table put their rice bowls in front of the chef to have him put the steak sauce right on top of their rice - thus, the term "Rice Soup"!!! Yes, it's that good! It goes good with anything.
I usually have the Teriyaki Beef and Shrimp and it only costs $8.95 at lunchtime. There are different combos you can get. The more expensive steak cuts are also available like filet mignon and New York strip. Not only do you get the beef and shrimp, you get a choice of soup (shabu-shabu soup) or green salad with ginger dressing, lots of stir-fry veggies, a bowl of rice and a cup of green tea to wash all the food down. What a deal!
I understand that parking in the evening is validated by the restaurant. Ask the restaurant more about this.Listed in: My fave Calgary Restaurants
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Review from Wanda B.
Calgary, AB
5/2/2011
Not even sure where to start with this one. We had read several negative reviews about this place...but had a single positive experience several years ago...so with inlaws visiting from a small town and celebrating a birthday we decided to give it a try...much to our disappointment.
Two seniors...two grown ups and a 3 & 5 yr old had dinner at the Japanese Restaurant tonight and immediately upon noticing no kids menu asked about a kids menu. We were told what was on the menu was half price for kids ($10) knowing the kids don't each much and are picky we requested they share a kids meal which the waitress said was fine. They like steak so we ordered the cheapest steak on the menu - teriyaki steak and expected a $10 bill at the end of the meal.
I ordered the chicken & shrimp meal. Firstly we noticed how quickly the chef appeared and rushed through cooking the meal....there was very little entertainment value for what we paid unlike the last time we went. Secondly I took one bite of my chicken teriyaki and had to spit it out because the texture was off.....further inspection of it in my hand discovered it was raw! OMG! I told the chef and he scraped it off my plate back onto the grill......cooking it almost beyond tender even squishing it to ensure it was cooked...or perhaps over cooked. This was observed by everyone in our party. Once he was satisfied it was cooked he put it back on my plate...at this point I was slightly disgusted and found myself breaking apart every bite of chicken in my fingers to ensure it wasn't raw before I ate it. The entire grilled meal was also slightly greasy.
Supper is finished in 50 minutes due to being rushed and the bill comes....(side note we were never asked after our first round of drinks if we wanted more beverages). Upon reviewing the bill I notice right away we were charged full price for the kids meal (teriyaki steak - $19.95) and proceed to question the waitress about it. She begins to argue and debate the issue with me. I reminded her we ordered and requested a kids meal and she still continued to argue with me about the fact that they served us an adult sized portion never taking account of what I was telling her. She left with the bill....5/10 minutes later some woman comes over and continues to argue with me that we were served an adult meal....and so for the 3rd or 4th time we (now my husband is involved in the conversation) explain again that we had requested and ordered a kids meal...I further went on to tell her that my chicken was served to me raw and if this is going to be an issue perhaps I should get in touch with a health inspector....I mean really why should we have to argue over and over about what we ordered and what we were charged...there was no customer service and no apology at all. And this woman says to me...and I quote "DON'T YOU THREATEN ME....DON'T YOU THREATEN ME...DON'T YOU THREATEN ME"...all the while we keep reminding her we ordered a kids meal and that is what we are paying for so please take it off the bill. When our waitress comes back with the bill...and bill finally changed to reflect the kids meal that we ordered.....I ask who the very rude woman was and was told the hostess...the manager was too busy to come and talk to us.
I am a foodie who eats out alot. This was a horrible display of customer service and we were not about to back down from this debate. No customer service....servers and staff who are trained to argue and debate concerns (as read in previous reviews)...and a manager who can't be bothered to deal with issues. Not to mention a teppanyaki chef who does not know how to cook chicken.
If you like MdDonald's you will like this place...if you want a good meal with customer service do not waste your money..this place is not worth it. -
Review from Nicole B.
Edmonton, AB
7/26/2010
Yum yum yum. Did I mention yum?!
Japanese Village is a great place for a great dinner. Actually, it's dinner and a show! I love watching the chefs as they cook my food - it's an awesome experience.
If you haven't been there, you get to sit around the huge grill where the chef works his magic. It is a lot of fun and I would recommend it for a group of friends who want to go out and have a great time together! I don't think it's a great date place because there isn't much privacy (with the whole sitting around the grill thing) but to each their own! -
Review from Mark S.
De Winton, AB
1/16/2009
This is a great place to go for lunch or dinner. I have noticed that you get an actual show from the chef during supper and not during lunch though.
The menu is a little limited, but every selection I have had is delicious. I especially enjoy either cuts of steak and a side of the shrimp. They provide a sauce for the food that is absolutely one of a kind. I have bought many similar types at grocery stores but I have never found one quite as good.
I have to agree with the other reviewer, the vents actually work now and you do not come out of there smelling like a burnt onion.
We walked in without a reservation but the place was very full.
In downtown Calgary, this is one of the best deals for lunch. If you want more attentive service and a show, you should take in supper though.
Great place. -
Review from Kristy H.
Calgary, AB
4/21/2010
My friend and I LOVE this place. The price for lunch is really good, dinner gets a little pricey but you do get more food at dinner.
You get to watch your food being cooked which is fun. It is quite noisy in the place because your sitting in big groups of people around all the grills, but its still fun to go with a bunch of friends.
The food is great! Their steak sauce must contain something to make you addicted to it...i could put it on anything! YUM! You can even buy a small bottle to take home, but it must be used within 48 hours because they dont put preservatives in it.
The cooks are really nice and sometimes they do some funny things to get you into being part of the experience. If you go for somebodies birthday they sing for you and get you to put on a pretend japanese hair piece (plastic) and take your picture :) -
Review from David H.
Calgary, AB
1/24/2011
A - List - Highly Recommended. Where else in town can you get a carnival atmosphere with chefs cooking while trying to be funny, erupting volcanoes of fire at your table as well as a magician wandering through from time to time? That is Japanese Village - a place to eat great food with people you do not know while sitting around an impressive stainless steel cooking hot plate! The food is excellent, portions of chicken, steak and shimp are good but not overly generous. The sauces are excellent. If not extremely hungry, consider splitting a dinner and asking for extra rice. Bar service - $5 for domestic beer. For birthdays, they will come around with a japanese outfit for you to wear while they take your picture. Fun times - great business.
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Review from Jim R.
Calgary, AB
7/14/2010
The food is not the best you'll ever eat, but this might be the most fun you'll ever have at a restaurant.
If you've ever had Edo Japan fast food, then you'll know what to expect here. Granted, this is a higher quality and definitely tastier, but let's be honest: this place is all about the show. Sitting at a U-shaped table you get to enjoy your meal cooked, with flair, in front of your eyes. It's amazing how the chef can loosen up the atmosphere immediately, even when you're sharing a table with people you don't know.
And the food will be very tasty, regardless of your choice of entree. A great place for a date (the cooking show minimizes those awkward silences) of a fun gathering of friends. Definitely a great pre-cursor to a night out at the club. -
Review from Matthias S.
Calgary, AB
3/13/2010
This place was really cool. I have only attended one other benihana-style restaurant. But this one was way better.
Pros: It seemed very authentic...at least from what I have seen from authentic Benihana places in Japan on tv. The shrimp were delicious.
Cons: You HAVE to be on time. If you say you will show up 5minutes late. They will give away your reservation. Which is not very nice. Really expensive. -
Review from spaniel l.
Calgary, AB
3/12/2009
Fun place to eat. No surprises, not too different from how it is done in Japan.
Great place to take a group and watch the chef cook up your meal.
Because this is beef-town, I usually order beef.
Thumbs up for JVSH -
Review from Coolden J.
7/27/2010
Went here on Monday evening. Wanted to try sushi, but went to this teppanyaki place instead because of its Yelp review. There are only about 10 reserved parking spots for this restaurant. Otherwise, you have to find street parking or garage. The place is located on the 2nd level.
Our hostess and server were very nice and helpful even though we didnt have any reservation. We sat with other four people in the table. The chef was average, there are many better chefs in Los Angeles area in terms of the show as well as jokes. I thought the menu selection is minimum compared to other teppanyaki place I have been (believe me, I went to many different ones in US from Benihana, Tokyo Wako, Cho cho san, Kobe, and many others). The food arrangement is also a little bit different since they didn't offer any rice (steam or fried rice). Like other teppanyaki place, we were served salad and vegetables. The teppanyaki package also comes with shorbet at the end (this is new to me). The food quality is pretty good, comparable with other teppan places I have been.
It was surprising there were so many people having Birthday in that evening. Every table always had Birthday song and show, including ours :( At least 6 times I heard Happy Bday song with Japanese show while eating. It seems like this place is #1 restaurant to go for Bday celebration in Calgary, which is a good spot for a family or a group of people. The cost of the food is comparable with other teppan restaurants I went. -
Review from Muli S.
4/29/2010
Man I went on Binge Sashimi buffett in this restaurant.
They served Sashimi Buffett for quite decent price.
Quality of the Sashimi was also quite fresh.
I actually quite surprised to see this great sashimi place in calgary.
Yeah but I also found my sushi place served around san antonio area.
I highly recommend this restaurant in terms of quality, quantity, and price -
Review from Ryan P.
Calgary, AB
11/6/2011
TERRIBLE! We were bullied into coming early for a reservation then she tried to bully us with a $25 charge for people who hadn't arrived yet. On top of that she blamed us for not listening to her warnings about being late. She let us, a potential $600 - $800 tab walk out the door and told us it's okay, they're busy anyways.
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Review from Jordan D.
Calgary, AB
10/9/2011
Great food, fun time. Steak sauce is really good!
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Review from jen d.
8/8/2008
Japanese Village is the kind of restaurant where you sit around a table where they cook your meal in front of you (like Benihana in the US, but way better tasting) - so free entertainment. We only went once to this location in Calgary, and it was just as good as the one in Victoria. No clue why we didn't go more often. The only downside is parking is so expensive for whatever reason in downtown Calgary (more than San Francisco... makes no sense to me). It's expensive for dinner, but reasonable (cheap, almost) for lunch. The best EVER is the steak sauce on the rice. The beef melts in your mouth. Definitely worth it.
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Review from Michael T.
Calgary, AB
3/21/2009
We went to Japanese Village for my girl friends birthday. She had an absolute blast. The food was good, but the atmosphere and presentation was amazing. I recommend a large group!
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Review from Eric B.
Calgary, AB
8/16/2009
Very good food, good environment, and fun to watch. A little noisy, but would be ok for groups. Surprisingly kid friendly, though we went on a Sunday night, it may not be other nights of the week. Will be bringing friends with us next time.
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Review from Perry H.
Calgary, AB
1/14/2009
Very Inexpensive for lunch and awesome food. The Steak Sauce is the best. You'll need a reservation though.
