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The B-Well Sushi and Cafe
Categories: Restaurants Japanese Restaurants Sushi Bars Japanese, Sushi Bars [Edit]
6184 Quinpool RoadHalifax, NS B3L 1A3
(902) 428-4019
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 9 pm
Sat-Sun 12 pm - 9 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
18 reviews for The B-Well Sushi and Cafe
Review Highlights
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"This was my first time having an avocado roll." In 3 reviews -
"Take-out or dining in, both are accommodated." In 6 reviews -
"...avocado rolls, and combined with miso, a tasty salad and a..." In 6 reviews
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18 reviews in English
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Review from Emma R.
Bedford, NS
9/11/2011
I've been frequenting b-well for almost a year now. As the closest sushi to campus, they have a monopoly on my stomach when I am both too lazy and hungry to make it to spring garden or further. However, I wouldn't have it any other way.
The atmosphere of the place is really casual, exactly what a cafe connotes. The servers are always super sweet and friendly, if sometimes a little timid. I love the couch/chairs by the window; it feels like you're eating lunch in your own living room.
For the price, the sushi is fantastic. The menu isn't huge, but has many innovative options with adorable names and helpful descriptions. My favourite unique options include the yummy yam dragon roll (basically a sweet potato tempura roll topped with avocado. crunchy and creamy heaven!), rocking roll (ginger, avocado, and tempura bits wrapped in salmon with spicy sauce), and super green dragon roll. Unfortunately I cannot have tempura anymore due to allergies, but they have been more than accommodating with customizing my rolls to give me more options. They also have gluten-free soya sauce.
Their rolls also have a really reasonable fish:rice ratio for the price. The spicy salmon rolls are huge (although I would recommend the rocking roll as an interesting alternative for those without allergies), and I order them every time I go. Additionally, they have a great selection of hot and cold beverages along with some japanese grocery items, which makes it convenient to grab some gemai tea to take home. Oh, I should mention their chicken rice bowl is one of the best deals in the city, at 5.50 for a good sized portion of tasty moist chicken on lettuce and rice.
In all, a great concept that is well executed by a dedicated staff. -
Review from Philip H.
Halifax, NS
2/4/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Great sushi, great service, great atmosphere. Great.
I recommend you try the ginger latte. It's made with a powder and honey and soooo good. Paired well with any sushi, the spicier the better. The Matcha (green tea) latte is made with unsweetened matcha too, which is rare for other cafes (tea houses excluded).
Washroom is small, not very accessible by wheelchair. Free wi-fi (password thebewell). -
Review from Ben B.
10/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Oh dear. I hate to go against the grain here, but I can't help but feel like I went in with waaaaay too high expectations after all the five-stars here. That's not to say I didn't enjoy myself, but it's not going to be my sushi staple any time soon.
I popped in for lunch and was shocked at how small the place is. It looks much bigger from the outside, making it much more functional for take-out orders. Which is probably why half the place is saved for room around the counter and the other half is a mishmash of small café tables and a loveseat. Still, this is probably the only 'casual' sushi place in the city. While the others are trying to be fancy enough to justify the crazy markup compared to ohhhhidontknow ANY OTHER CITY IN THE WORLD, this one is cool just being relaxed.
There were only four people in the place when I got there but I was still told to expect about a 45-minute wait for any order, giving more reason to believe that everyone else already *knows* about the take-out advantage. Still, I was happy she let me know and after confirming that they had wireless internet, I figured it was as good a place as any to bunker down for a few hours which brings me to my favourite thing about B-Well: wireless internet.
Sushi for me is one of my favourite solo meals which makes it perfect for a lunch during a workday. Yet, this is the first sushi shop I've found with wifi. I'll be back again for that reason alone. Pro tip: the password is 'thebwell'
Typically, you order at the cash before you even sit down, making your selection off the busy but very functional laminated menus or the more fun but a little cray-cray chalkboards featuring special rolls without much description. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are very clearly marked with their own icons which is lovely.
And the rolls? Well, they were a-okay. I had the Yummy Yam Dragon Roll which is a smaller, less tasty version of my favourite at Minato, and the A.C.I. roll which, again, was pretty wee but combined avocado, cucumber and inari (bean curd). I think had I ordered them spicy they would have had a little more flavour and maybe bumped my rating up a star, but I unfortunately forgot.
Service was spotty but determined in the way that having only one person working is bound to be. Dishes were left on tables for upwards of an hour, there was always some customer being ignored, but damnit if she wasn't running her little heart out all over that place for the whole afternoon I was there! -
Review from Erin S.
11/2/2011
This is a cute little sushi place, clearly frequented by the local college crowd.
The sushi is only okay. I was expecting better quality considering we were right on the coast. It made me realize that I totally take for granted the freshness, the authenticity, and the quality of sushi where I'm from on the US West Coast.
If you are expecting a variety of raw seafood, this is NOT the place to go. It is very apparent that this place is catering to people who are not used to eating sushi with any sort of regularity. Most of the rolls are either made with vegetables or with cooked fish. The quality was decent, but nothing like it is at home.
The staff was very friendly, and probably bummed they could not make more authentic food.
I would probably recommend this place as a starter sushi place for someone who is new to the sushi world and just wants to dip a toe in. -
Review from Andrew F.
Halifax, NS
6/21/2011
A sushi bar, and a café?! I can't think of a better place for me to spend all of my time, and my money!
Halifax is becoming quite the contender in the sushi business, and a lot of new shops are popping up in and around HRM. The B-Well Sushi and Café does a great job blending elements of a traditional Japanese sushi bar, and a cute, warm and welcoming café!
I consider myself somewhat of a sushi aficionado, and I am always on the hunt for something new and exciting! I typically prefer vegetarian sushi rolls, as they tend to have the most exciting flavour combinations, and I heard this place had a lot of interesting options on the menu.
During ONE of the few sunny days we had in May, I decided to take a stroll from downtown up to Quinpool to give this place a try. I had heard AMAZING things about their Samurai Balls (I'm doing everything in my power to keep this review clean and appropriate for children) so I was tempted to try them out!
The space is small, but quaint. The decor is very Japanese-inspired and instantly reminded me of the small cafés that you would find on small side streets in Kyoto, or in Osaka. After coming back from Korea and Japan, I was really excited to find a place that really brings me back to the time I spent abroad.
So, after hearing about all of the fuss, and avoiding a bad joke waiting to happen, I went up to the counter and placed my order. I got the Samurai Balls (very similar to Takoyaki ~ Japanese Octopus Balls) minus the octopus. You will find no fish inside of this appetizer, only melted mozzarella cheese and Takoyaki sauce drizzled on top. I also ordered the Banana Bonanza Roll which was a very interesting twist on traditional sushi. The soy sauce that came with it, complemented the Banana and seaweed beautifully, creating a terrific taste combination that I really enjoyed,
To go along with my meal, I ordered the Iced Ginger Tea. It was the perfect combination to go along with my meal. It packed a nice punch, but it was still sweet enough that it wasn't too overpowering.
All in all, this place is an absolute delight, and I would love to bring a few friends next time! (Dining alone isn't as much fun!) -
Review from Breighan H.
Halifax, NS
4/13/2011 ROTD 12/31/2011
When I first saw The B-Well Sushi and Cafe sign on Quinpool Road, I developed a blind crush. Ever since the sad closure of Andy's Restaurant, the oddly-named sushi restaurant of Quinpool Road past, I've longed for another restaurant to fill the painful gap. B-Well is that gap-filler, and what a good gap-filler it is! It also happens to be in the old home of Samosa Plus, another spot I sorely miss.
Anyway, down to business. I think I've been to B-Well five or so times, every time with awesome experiences. Even though on my very first visit, I was served a fish roll when I asked for a vegetarian one, I let it slide. We were offered apologies up the ying yang, and my bf was happy to find a tummy-home for the fish dish. I'm delighted to report that there are a LOT of vegetarian and vegan options which is rare for sushi restaurants in Halifax. Usually there are a couple of options, but B-Well has many! Also, they declare on their menus and signs that their dressing includes egg and their miso soup contains fish. Full disclosure is sexy!
Today, I shared three rolls with some gal pals of mine. We chose the ever-delicious Yummy Yam Dragon Roll (sweet potato, avo + special sauce- WHAT?!), the I LOVE Roll (avo, ginger, tempura and inari), and the new-to-me Bonus Banana Bonanza. Yes, that's right, at B-Well Sushi and Cafe, they think it's okay to put bananas in sushi, and lo and behold, they're right!
So, let's see, the staff are great (not so much at first, but definitely lately), the location is awesome, the cafe itself has many seating options including sometimes outside, and there are lots of unique vegetarian options. Oh, and as far as I can see, it's the cheapest sushi in Halifax, without sacrificing quality or authenticity one iota. The B-Well Sushi and Cafe is definitely winning.Listed in: Que Pasa, Quinpool?
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Review from Gabrielle B.
Halifax, NS
1/24/2011
I decided when I moved here from the land of cheap amazing sushi that I would never find a place that matched my sushi needs at a price my spoiled self could feel good about. I first went to the B- Well only to use their free wifi when my internet failed. The coffee was good, hours went by and I cracked and checked out the menu. This is when I found out I could get a perfect portion of yam tempura rolls with avocado on top, a sweet soy sauce, black sesame ice cream and a ginger latte. I paid more than ten dollars ( still under 20) but the pleasure I got from their creative menu, fast service and coffee table books was worth repeat visits. I have yet to eat anything there that I do not like. Also, they have every kind of sugar you could put in your coffee and spicy stuff for your soup. It's condiment heaven.
My only complaint is that miso soup does not come with your meal. It's just not right . This might be a complaint about Halifax sushi in general. -
Review from Emmanuel C.
Halifax, NS
3/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
I really struggle in writing this review as I hate to be a party popper. I chose b-well sushi based on previous reviews and well I feel somewhat compelled to be honest.
I love my sushi. I'm not one to go for the "combo" choice as I like a bit of a mix between sashimi and rolls and most often none if the combos do that.
As I said, I chose to go here based on the reviews. Lunch for 2 - 2 teas, 3 rolls, 2 orders of sashimi, 2 miso soup = $63
I know sushi isn't at Vancouver prices in Halifax but if I'm going to drop $60 on lunch I have some expectation.
The presentation was impeccable, and taste amazing. What was lacking was size and tightness. One of the reasons I also choose to veer away from combos is the rolls are typically made for volume selling. These 3 rolls off their house specialty where smaller than I am use to and rolled very loosely. I don't know of it was a bad day or not, but I wasn't overly impressed.
That said, the sushi was succulent and I will give them one more try before ruling them out. -
Review from Brittney K.
Halifax, NS
12/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
It's a cafe...it's a sushi bar...it's amazing!!
This place is a quaint little spot that's perfect if you want a quick lunch with a friend or two- it's not the typical Japanese-inspired dining room you would come to expect in most sushi bars, it's more like a casual yet classy lounge/cafe. Quite chill.
But what's even more chill is the great quality of food and service- the folks here pay attention to delivering perfectly presentable rolls and meals (I'm a stickler for details when it comes to sushi- kind of an obsession). When I head to the B-Well, I usually get the lunch deal with the pair of salmon rolls and avocado rolls, and combined with miso, a tasty salad and a cup of fair trade coffee. Here's the thing: at other places, that could cost you anywhere from $20 northward. At B-Well you get all that for under $15- epic much?
If you want something a little different, you can have a go at their selections of sashimi and nigiri, rice bowls, or even the sushi pizza varieties- but those'll cost you a little bit extra compared to the lunch menu. Certainly worth sampling, though.
And if you're pressed for time, and can't dine in, fear not, for B-Well offers excellent take-out (I've utilized this service in the past, and have been quite impressed). Take-out orders can come in quite an abundance (did I mention that this place was good?)- but there's a comfy area to sit and wait while your order is freshly prepared.
In my books, B-Well is one of the best places to-B if you like great sushi! -
Review from H K.
Halifax, NS
10/25/2011
I waited for an hour for sushi... My friend and I were not happy.
We couldn't just leave because we already paid for the food (&tip). -
Review from Laura P.
4/29/2010
B-Well offers a pleasant dose of sushi and a change of pace. Replacing the traditional sushi-house esthetic is a cosy cafe-styled venue with all the fixings. Large leather couches and coffee tables are situated just a few steps below the initial entry point, where the take-out menu and counter await incomers.
The atmosphere is warm and relaxed. I was greeted by the staff ever so warmly-- it seems that B-Well stays true to its name. A genuine smile can go a long way in my books, and this stop gave me a welcome that stuck with me long past my visit. Happy Sushi!
Take-out or dining in, both are accommodated. The take-out area is a separate space from the actual seating area, so both parties can enjoy less traffic and intermixing.
B-Well's menu is straightforward yet assertive with its selection of rolls, rice bowls, sashimi and nigiri. There are also few extras like the sushi pizza and samurai balls. I went for the Kanpyo Roll (sweet squash) and the Avocado roll and was quite pleased. And at $3.50 a roll, its just that much tastier.
I enjoy this little spot for its great attitude and good sushi. Its an uplifting place to be and I'll definitely be back.Listed in: Flying Solo
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Review from Jens G.
Halifax, NS
10/24/2010
Completely biased here as the Sushi God's have smiled apon me.
This place is a few blocks from my house and has amazing sushi at amazing prices. What did I do to deserve to have this convenient luxury.
Dining in is great as the place is cozy, ambiant and still has the energy and good vibe with the constant flow of people picking up orders.
Take out is fast, furious and delicious. B-Well? Be Awesome !!! -
Review from Lacey H.
Updated - 5/22/2010 2 photos
Lunch specials! I ended up dining in a couple of weeks ago and had the most splendid time. The service was great and the price was right. For about ten dollars I received two rolls of the avocado and yam tempera variety, plus fair trade coffee, a miso soup and a salad!
My friend and I sat at a sweet table in the back and enjoyed the natural light and the lovely atmospheric music. The space is tidy and cozy and we were able to chat and enjoy ourselves in peace.
Since my first dine in experience when they first opened, they've started offering soy milk and organic sugar. This place is so cute; the rolls are mini but expertly wrapped and the employees are lovely. A darling place to enjoy a nosh.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/19/2010
Icky snow interspersed with slushy precipitation yesterday, made for a perfect take-out / nosh at… Read more »
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Review from Adam B.
Halifax, NS
2/2/2010
Those of you who follow my reviews (Hi Mom!) know that I don't really like sushi. Since these days this seems to cut my dining options in half I'm occasionally forced to bite the bullet (and the raw fish).
With that in mind I recently joined a few friends at The B-Well Sushi and Cafe. I am pleased to report that it is quite good.
I've managed to avoid Sushi by focusing on Teriyaki Chicken dishes and though B-Well's dish is small, it is very tasty and and priced right. Also, because I am a sucker for clever names, and against my better judgement, I ordered the "Rock-N-Roll" which was Avocado, ginger, and tempura wrapped in salmon.
...It was interesting...and more importantly, it wasn't bad.
This may sound a little bizarre, but I can definitively say that the B-Well has the best glass of water in the city. I was shocked at how cold and refreshing my glass was! The waitress thought I was being a little ridiculous, but we had a laugh over it.
Overall I am slowly over coming my distaste of sushi and I am happy to say that B-Well is helping! Check it out! -
Review from Nathan M.
Waverley, NS
5/7/2011
Prices are decent, and the food is gooooooooooood! A great addition to Quinpool road, and business worth supporting.
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Review from Shawna D.
Chester, NS
5/21/2010
This was my first time having an avocado roll. I am not a huge Sushi fan, and when I do have it I usually get the California Roll.
This is a small spot filled with atmosphere and great food. I can not imagine getting over stuffed at a place like this, so this is a good thing.
Everything is in exact quantity and the presentation is perfection
This is a great spot to relax and enjoy some healthy lunch. -
Review from Kim H.
9/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
I had one of the most delicious and satisfying sushi meals ever at this small, cute cafe. I was immediately impressed with the cleanliness and super-friendly cashier before even ordering! My companion and I split two orders of sushi (I chose the Yummy Yam Dragon Roll - yam tempura wrapped in avocado - and she chose the Dragon Roll - prawn tempura with lettuce and wrapped in avocado). We started with the special Udon salad, which consisted of a pile of udon noodles in a yummy dressing/sauce, with lettuce and pieces of crab. Everything was delicious and very fresh tasting. Everything was also made and brought to us very quickly, and the prices were very reasonable (it came to about $28 for everything, including green tea). The atmosphere was quiet and casual (however it was around 5pm, so I imagine it gets more crowded closer to supper-time and with people stopping in after work). All in all it was a lovely experience from start to finish and I will definitely go back again.
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Review from Anna H.
Halifax, NS
1/9/2010 5 photos
A unique place without being weird - the vibe is typical of a coffee shop but the fare on offer is all Japanese. For seating there are six or seven small tables plus some plush couches and chairs near the window. Tables are a bit *too* small; it was hard to accommodate the plates and glasses needed for a meal for two. The staff was very friendly though. Noticing that we were ordering an all veggie meal, our server alerted me to the fact that their miso soup was fished based (which it says on the menu board as well) so that I could avoid it if needed.
As far as sushi in Halifax goes, my meal here was actually quite good. I had a veggie combo plate, and the yam tempura roll was the best I've had in town. Our salad, often treated as a throw-away freebie by sushi restaurants, was actually full of fresh greens and grape tomatoes, and topped with a delicious miso dressing. The only issue with our order was that it came to the table with an unannounced substitution of shitake mushroom nigiri in place of inari, and because my boyfriend hates mushrooms we had to ask about why we hadn't gotten what was listed on the menu. The waitress apologized - she hadn't known the substitution would be made - and offered to knock a few dollars off our bill. We were happy with that fix, and after the other good service we'd received it didn't detract from our meal at all.
You can order for eating in or for take out. Or, stay at home. They deliver, too.
