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Suzuki Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Japanese Restaurants Sushi Bars Japanese, Sushi Bars [Edit]
1579 Dresden RowHalifax, NS B3J 2K4
(902) 425-8888
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 12 pm - 2:30 pm
Tue-Sun 5 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:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
26 reviews for Suzuki Restaurant
Review Highlights
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"Doraku Sushi has the best sushi I have ever had." In 9 reviews -
"I still love the basic tuna and salmon maki." In 2 reviews -
"I love the cute atmosphere and the service was great." In 2 reviews
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26 reviews in English
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Review from Melissa W.
West End, NS
5/16/2012
This is my favourite place to eat in Halifax. I've already eaten there a good many times and I'm sure to eat there a good many more times yet. I've eaten there with groups of friends for celebrations or just because of a craving, and I'm always impressed.
I love the atmosphere. As soon as you walk in, you are greeted with light music, a beautiful layout, and smiling servers. The combination never fails to please me. The servers are especially attentive and polite, and I've never had any issues.
You can be seated at open tables, the bar, in private booths, or in another area where you remove you boots and kneel at low tables. I personally prefer the last option the most!
On the menu, my personal favourites are the California and Philadelphia sushi rolls. Mm, now I'm hungry...
If you want to try something different, I highly recommend Suzuki (although I keep calling it Doraku still). You'll be glad you did. -
Review from Ashlee F.
5/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
I didn't even know this place existed until I went there with a friend. It is hidden away down a narrow ally. But, it is so cute! The atmosphere is pretty chill/relaxing; they have some average restaurant style tables and chairs - but - they also have a few booths with curtains for privacy and a neat little room that I can't even really explain, I guess Japanese style seating is pretty accurate. We were seated in the last mentioned place, you have to remove your shoes before entering the room; it was a fun experience, and quite comfortable. Our server was so lovely, polite, personable and attentive! She was great.
The sushi was delicious!! I think it was some of the best I've had. The rice and "fillings" were still warm!! Which did make some of the larger pieces a little harder to eat, but it was absolutely delicious! Try their Suzuki Roll and green tea ice cream!
I didn't pay, so I'm not sure what the total was for the two of us, but the prices seemed pretty decent! -
Review from Abby W.
Halifax, NS
Updated - 4/25/2012
I am pleased to report that Doraku (yes, I still call it that and it'll take a while for me to stop it) is as fabulous as always! I'm up to well over a dozen visits, and every single one has been awesome. (I could probably figure it out from my bank statements, but I refuse.)
The servers are amazing, prompt, and very polite, helpful at explaining the basics to my non-sushi-eating friends, and tolerant of my frequent visits, whether rushed or prolonged as much as possible.
The private tables and Japanese-style tables are oh-so-much fun, and even sitting at the bar or a table doesn't ruin the experience.
This is where I should probably tell you that it sucks so that I'll never have to wait for a table, but I can't lie about it. It's my little slice of heaven.
PS: Seriously, if you have room afterwards, try the ginger ice cream. You're welcome.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/12/2011 ROTD 8/2/2011
Confession: I'm not really a foodie. I don't eat much, and when I do, I'm not that picky. (Well, I'm… Read more »
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Review from Jill M.
Halifax, NS
2/27/2012
This place definitely earns five starts in my books. After two years of satisfying my frequent sushi cravings at Hamachi or Sushi Nami Royale locations across Halifax, I finally expanded my horizons and checked this place out. Am I ever glad I did! Had it not been recommended by a friend, its somewhat hidden presence on Dresden Rowe probably would have gone unnoticed. But trust me, travelling down that little alley is a decision you want to make.
I've been a handful of times and the food is always delicious. The rolls are cut into slightly smaller pieces than I was used to, so I didn't have to worry about choking on a giant morsel of my sweet potato roll. The wasabi was creamy and fresh tasting.
The wait staff have been nothing but attentive, polite, friendly and accommodating. If you're in a rush, it can be pretty quick - but at the same time, if you're looking to linger you won't feel rushed. On more than one occasion my server has gone the extra mile for us, a reminder that consistently great service really does still exist in Halifax.
The atmosphere is probably the main reason why Suzuki has become my new sushi go-to. Its small size and quaint decor give it a cozy, charming and authentic feel. Its private booths (with curtains!) are perfect for a more intimate dining experience and there's also a separate shoe-free Japanese style eating area with cushions and low tables. Lots of options depending on what kind of experience you want.
All in all, the food, service and atmosphere of Suzuki have me excited to go back! -
Review from Catherine M.
Halifax County, NS
3/8/2012
I used to live around from this place back in the old days when it was Doraku. After moving to the 'burbs, I lost touch with a lot of my favourite down town haunts and was disappointed when I heard that Doraku was no more.
Imagine my delight when I discovered that Doraku wasn't gone, just renamed!
Excellent, excellent sushi. Very fresh and tasty, and the quality is consistent. The ambiance is nice too, the little private dining booths are great for a dinner date with a friend you haven't seen in along time.
If you haven't tried Suzuki, I recommend you get in there as soon as possible. -
Review from Charles T.
Halifax, NS
2/19/2012
One of my favorite dining experiences in Halifax. I am not someone who cares much about ambiance, but when the food is great, it is a nice bonus. The private little dinning areas in Suzuki make it a great place to go if you want to have a great meal and conversation with someone.
I can't remember all I have tried there, but know I always leave extremely happy with the meal I have had. In general I am a fan of sharing meals, most of my dining companions get used to me eating off their plates as I always want to try a little of everything. I find Suzuki a particularly great place to go with a group of people and order a bunch of things and share so you can experience as much of the menu as you can.
For my money it is the best sushi in Halifax!Listed in: With a Little Help From My…
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Review from Rob B.
Bedford, NS
3/22/2012
For a small town Halifax really does punch above it's weight for Sushi. This is one of the good spots. Great rolls, high quality sashimi
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Review from Adam S.
7/12/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I visited Doraku for the first time this evening and I was honestly impressed. Maybe this was because I hadn't eaten sushi in far too long, but I'm choosing to believe it has more to do with the quality of the restaurant.
First of all, I kind of love the hole-in-the-wall feel. Getting into the restaurant requires slipping into a short, tight little alley off Dresden Row and the restaurant itself is quite compact and cozy. There is a short row of open tables and a few private booths. I'd say the decor of the restaurant seems to be more uniquely Japanese than other sushi restaurants I've been to in Halifax.
The servers are polite, attentive, and knowledgeable, all of which are key to good service. Although the server noted that sushi orders were very backed up (and suggested we order an appetizer to tide us over), I didn't notice a significant delay.
I ordered the Kara-Age as an appetizer. The dish consists of a handful of piping hot, deep fried chicken fritters. Very yummy, especially with the sweet sauce that accompanies the food.
For my main course, I ordered both the sweet potato tempura roll and the veggie roll with a side of spicy sauce. Both of these were fantastic, though I'd have to give the edge to the sweet potato. Filling, but not heavy.
All in all, this was an excellent meal and I look forward to returning. The only reason I'm not giving this a five-star review is because this was my first visit. If I have a similar experience for my second and third visits, I'll update the score to a five star. -
Review from Meghan D.
Dartmouth, NS
6/20/2011
This is a pretty good restaurant, without a doubt. It's pretty teensy, and they have sunken in booths and even certain tables have curtains you can pull across to enhance privacy, if you wish.
On a recent evening, we were greeted here by a really lovely young woman who was extremely friendly and polite. Her service was great: she checked in enough times you let you know she was available, but she wasn't over attentive. I ordered the tuna maki roll, sweet potato tempura, and atlantic roll. All three were yummy! My sister enjoyed the shrimp tempura udon, sweet potato tempura roll and tuna tempura roll. I tried her tuna tempura and thought it was the best of the bunch, but she preferred the sweet potato! The rolls are a tad on the small side, but that's super handy cause you can eat 'em in one bite instead of trying to awkwardly take a gigantic mouthful of a bigger one without looking like a fool. =)
This menu is extremely extensive and the prices definitely aren't bad. If you're looking for a restaurant with an authentic Japanese feel, I would definitely give this a try. -
Review from Jessica G.
Dartmouth, NS
7/11/2011
Doraku will always have a special place in my heart as it's where I first tried and became addicted to sushi. Doraku was my first taste of tuna maki, green tea, udon, and miso soup. Doraku also introduced my to the Japanese soft drink Calpico, which is definitely a hidden gem. It's worth a try. It's a tangy milky white drink garnished with a cherry. The flavor compares to nothing else.
I've always found their prices fair compared to other local sushi places. And Halifax has a ton of local sushi joints. Although the dining area is small it offers a multitude of options. You can sit up front and watch the sushi master practice his craft, sit at a regular table, enclose yourself in a private booth, or opt for the secluded traditional Japanese style room. Make sure you remove you shoes if you go with the old school Japanese option.
The offer a wide array of sushi. I still love the basic tuna and salmon maki. If you're looking to be adventurous the Eel and Philadelphia roll are not to be missed. They have very nice tempura, the sweet potato
and zucchini are especially nice.
My only qualm is that they should have a few more lunch specials. -
Review from Kirby G.
Caraquet, NB
1/24/2011
Halifax is a great city for eating - in my opinion. In that regard, you'll find many sushi options in this quaint city.
I ate at Doraku probably 4-5 times and my feelings are mixed. At least 2 of those times, the service was slightly poor and the food wasn't the best - as in, the sushi didn't have a tonne of flavour but I like this place overall. It's unique and definitely worth visiting.
Their lunch specials are tasty and low-priced. -
Review from Marc L.
Halifax, NS
Updated - 1/4/2012
Repost : original review was automatically filtered for some reason.
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I love the decor, I love the food and its nice to be in a Japanese restaurant owned or run by Japanese.
But, why are the wait staff running around (sometimes literally running) the dining room when the restaurant is less than 3/4 full?
This is the second time that I see this here. Its not like the place is on fire.
I find it rather stressful not to be able to enjoy the great food with this harried service. Avoid if you are trying to decompress after work.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/15/2011
I love the decor, I love the food and its nice to be in a Japanese restaurant owned or run by… Read more »
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Review from L. D.
Halifax, NS
7/20/2011
Have to admit, I didn't really care for this place. I heard so many good things I decided to try it out. I ordered the chicken teriyaki and MAN-WAS-IT-BAD! I feel like maybe the chef just poured a whole bag of salt on top of the chicken and said "Voila! A new teriyaki sauce!" And I'm usually a big fan of teriyaki! I couldn't finish it...and my friend who had the beef couldn't either.
Although I still give this place a 3 because I feel like maybe it was just the teriyaki? If I had been in the mood to have some sushi rolls maybe my experience would have been different? Not sure...but my experience didn't really make me want to go back. -
Review from Eleanor B.
Dartmouth, NS
1/24/2011
By far my favourite sushi place in Halifax. The Doraku rolls are boyfriend's favourite, but I'm a bit more traditional and really enjoy the tuna and salmon sashimi.
One of my favourite things about Doraku is that the sushi rolls are not oversized (for the most part), and actually can be eaten in one bite without looking like a chipmunk.
One note: on a busy night, call ahead if you'd like to eat in one of the wooden booths in the window. And be prepared to take off your shoes! -
Review from H K.
Halifax, NS
10/25/2011
Great sushi place and all the staffs are very kind to costumers =)
Their sweet potato, alaska, rainbow, philadelphia, and tuna or salmon with tempura bits rolls are soooo good!
Donburi is also delightful(much better than any other places in Halifax)
Very cozy and homey feeling restaurant. -
Review from Laura O.
Halifax, NS
A few nights ago marked my second visit to Doraku. While finishing up last-minute holiday shopping in the Spring Garden area, I spontaneously decided on solo sushi dinner. Truth be told I was parked conveniently across the street from Doraku, and while unlocking my car door, I completely gave into temptation and headed over to do one of my favourite activities - eat alone at the bar in a sushi restaurant.
The sweet and friendly girls working there greeted me enthusiastically and let me get settled in at the bar. There was only one other table in the restaurant at this time, however it seemed like a calm before a busy period - as I did overhear them tell several walk-ins that no tables were available because of reservations about to arrive.
I ordered a glass of the house red, which wasn't named on the menu and I surprisingly didn't even ask what it was. It was drinkable and thankfully, didn't seem to be from a bottle that had been open for too many days. Points for that (I've sent back wine that's gone off at so-called wine bars in Halifax before).
My order was simple: start with miso soup, and one order each of sweet potato tempura and Doraku rolls. A friend of mine has dubbed Doraku rolls as the Japanese big mac, since they are so tasty and easy to devour. Also, they have a sort of mystery mayo that is insanely satisfying. What is really inside them is tempura shrimp, eel, avacado, cucumber and spicy sauce.
Everything I ordered was made skillfully and tasted delicious. This was only my second visit, however, I can say the food was as good as the first time so in my books that's a good start for being deemed consistent. I love the cute atmosphere and the service was great. Also - the prices are decent. Definitely on my list of go-to sushi spots downtown. -
Review from Brittney K.
Halifax, NS
11/14/2010 1 Check-in Here
Best sushi in Halifax, hands down. In fact, the entire sushi experience is bar none Halifax's best.
The restaurant itself is stylistically appealing, with classic Japanese design allowing guests to channel their inner 'zen'. Intimate booths provide privacy for virtually any dining atmosphere, but I've found it particularly great for dates and there is a larger area that accomodates such events as corporate dinners.
The real treat here at Doraku is the impeccable quality of sushi and service. The waiters/waitresses here are fabulous, timely and efficient, and they ensure that you are totally satisfied with your meal (they drop by a fair bit while you're dining, but I see that as more of a caring attentiveness than an annoyance).
I've tried pretty much the entire Doraku menu (yeah, I've been here A LOT- kind of a sushi fanatic...), and I have to tout the tuna rolls as my favorite- they've got a spicy "zest" to them, but they're not too hot to handle. Irregardless of your selection, you're pretty much guaranteed top-notch quality with careful attention to detail in taste and presentation. The quality here suggests a high-end price, but amazingly, the prices ate on par with other (markedly lesser quality) restaurants in the area. Sweet deal.
Bottom line: the ultimate sushi experience in metro! Take the effort to seek out Doraku- worth the effort (and certainly the price!!) -
Review from Laura P.
Updated - 10/18/2010
Doraku- it'd been a while. Of course, with a visitor in town who happens to be proactive in sushi shananigans, a reunion was imminent. Hop to it!
Yes to this intrinsic setting. Privacy is ensured with secluded booths and a space all your own-- which is especially lovely for a date or low-key meal out. Regular table service is provided as well, but its the quiet nature and mindful approach to dining that gets my vote.
The food is equally brilliant. Small in size and made with care, sushi presentation is right on for a fuss-free chow-down. Always a little overzealous in the selecting, my friend and i went with sashimi, the Doraku Salad (Minus the egg-- the best ginger salad in the city!), spider roll, sweet potato tempura (my favourite), smoked salmon roll and .. a veggie roll to top it all off.
Results were delicious and at a modest price. Doraku is certainly my top spot for sushi in the city, with its heart-filled charm. Its enough to take periodic tendencies to the next level.Listed in: Girls Night!, Flying Solo, The Sushi Experience
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/21/2010
My cousin-- the sushi nut-- advised me to stop in to Doraku for some of Halifax's best Japanese… Read more »
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Review from J M.
Halifax, NS
10/13/2010
The best sushi in town hands down.
Not only that, but their Udon Noodle soup is the best I have had anywhere.
After having tried (literally) every sushi place in town that I could find, I only go to Doraku now. -
Review from Ryan M.
Nepean, ON
9/25/2010
Unreal food at unrea lPrices!
This one is a little off of the beaten track but make sure you look hard for it! -
Review from Nik C.
Halifax, NS
7/1/2010
Probably the best sushi place in Halifax I've found so far.
The sashimi and ngiri were well prepared and fresh, with large pieces of fish that were of the highest quality. The only slight disappointment was the softshell crab roll, which I found slightly too mayonnaise-y, but I'm fairly picky with my rolls so it could just have been me.
If you're looking for excellent sushi in Halifax, go here. -
Review from Orla M.
Halifax, NS
11/10/2010
Doraku Sushi has the best sushi I have ever had. The spicy tuna roll is my favourite, along with the BC roll, and Sweet Potato Tempura. Their house salad with ginger dressing is a great way to start the meal, and they have a nice selection of wines as well.
The restaurant has been around for years, but it is easy to miss. It's on Dresden Row across from Park Lane mall, in a tiny building with the entrance up a little walkway.
You can sit in the main area, have a private booth, or there is the traditional room where you remove your shoes, great for a large group.
Another great thing about Doraku is that the maki rolls are not huge, which may not be as exciting in presentation, but they are simply easier to eat, not falling apart as you try to hold on to every bit. The price is great, not as expensive as other sushi restaurants in Halifax.
Service is generally consistently good, and it's normally quite busy on the weekends, so reservations are recommended. -
Review from Mitchell M.
Halifax, NS
10/27/2009 1 photo
Introduced to this little hidden sushi place today. The entrance can be a little hard to find down an alleyway. Smaller sized restaurant. Good sized menu and well priced (competitive to Hamachi power hour actually). Rice used had more of a sticky rice taste which was a nice change. Good spicy sauce. Rainbow Roll looked really good.
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Review from Steve S.
6/5/2009
Cute little place, nice secluded booths and friendly servers. Good menu and modest sake selection too. The variety of sushi and sashimi we ordered were very good in general, the rainbow roll was tasty and we prepared, everything wlse was very well priced but also a little on the smaller size, balances out to good value I think. Tomago had some discoloring but tasted just fine, eel rolls very nice and the specials were enjoyable. Good atmosphere in a pumpin part of town.
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Review from Yixian L.
Halifax, NS
3/20/2011
Where do I start? Sigh. Honestly, I'd rather not be writing this review. I honestly think it's a waste of my time. But since I, myself, refer to public reviews, hoping that the general consensus would inform me well enough to decide to give restaurants a chance, hopefully, this will be informational to my fellow HRM dwellers.
Being a student in Halifax, I haven't had the luxury to have any exquisite oriental cuisine. Coming from an oriental background and being surrounded by the food (homemade and restaurants), I have standards above what Haligonians do, frankly, because they haven't been to Japan, China, Korea and so on.
I've been to Doraku three times in total, hoping each time would be better. Unfortunately, it wasn't. My boyfriend and I ordered an unagi-don and a sashimi dinner. We ordered a few items from a order list of sushi and maki, but I'll dismiss them since they were not the things that compelled me to write this. The unagi (eel) was burnt especially on the bottom and very soggy to begin with. The worst part is that the rice it was sitting on was soaked in sauce; it practically wasn't white rice anymore. My sashimi dinner was by far one of the worst Japanese meals I've ever experienced. The squid was strewn in pieces which is not acceptable from sushi chefs. Each sashimi was not fresh, at all, I could smell this fishy stench coming from my plate. Unfortunately, I can't ask them to make me a new one if that's what they have in stock. The importance of the fish being fresh determines how good the sushi can be, let alone the experience of a sushi chef.
The one thing allows this to be forgivable is the service. They were friendly and attentive enough and the atmosphere was (since we were in the booth) nice and private. I always seemed to have a problem with authenticity in the food, the waiters and cooks, and so on. But so it seems that I'm in Halifax where the majority of the public are Caucasian and there aren't many Japanese let alone, Japanese chefs.
My jackass point is that for people that understand the quality of Japanese cuisine would not dare eat at such a restaurant like this.. or within the HRM. I would strongly suggest to move to Toronto. -
Review from R N.
Halifax, NS
9/20/2008
yum! the sushi at doraku was delicious, and the service was so friendly! will definitely come back. only wish their miso soup was vegetarian.
Listed in: coast to coast, Exploring Halifax
