Sato Japanese Restaurant

1999 N Beltline Blvd, Columbia - 29204
190 reviews
Japanese Sushi Bar
(803) 782-1064

I went here for the first time in a long time last week. I was impressed at the authenticity of the environment. A woman was crying at another table and I saw a chef comfort her, and then proceed to toss a shrimp into her mouth with his spatula. She was happy after that. So five stars

My party of 20 was confirmed a day before arrival. We had reservations at 7:00pm! I was aware that we would not be seated until everyone was there. We all arrived on time no later than 6:50pm. We kept being told by the host that we would get seated in a “few minutes”. We didn’t get seated until 8:25. If they were unable to handle the large party they should have verbalized that over the phone when I made the reservations. - management was not helpful very rude and short.Upon arrival a sign at the front stated they were short staffed (not mentioned during reservation).Finally being able to discuss issues with management she was able to provide “free Saki” and that’s it. This establishment needs renovations and management upgrade.Food tasted good although cook lacked enthusiasm and entertainment.

This place is horrible. I got steak, Shrimp, and chicken which said it was 27.99 and after tax it came to 35.63. Not only that I waited 15 minute to have my order placed and another 25 before it came out, to only get back home and have 3 little pieces of chicken. I called back and told them I paid for 3 meats not 2 and mentioned how it was unacceptable. They told me to come back and did fix it. However, the cooks should’ve known better then to do that. If you do things right the first time, you wouldn’t have to back track.

The manager who was either Amanda or amber(she gave me 2 names) was horrible and treated us like horribly. It took over 40 minutes for us to get a cook and over 30 for me to get the drink I ordered. The manager Amanda or amber did not care and told me I was rude for asking why it took so long to get my drink. DO NOT EAT HERE YOU WILL REGRET IT. The staff here is horrible

One of our favorite places to go as a family or on date night! The food is great, the staff is friendly and entertaining, and not over priced.

We had a great time wait time was short. Food was great. Not bad for the price as well.4 star only because there was not much entertainment from our cook but he was nice. Will return for future visit.

This use to be our favorite go to spot for Japanese. Asked for no veggies in my food and received veggie, during dine in. The cook verified before making my food that I wanted no veggies and still cooked my food with veggies. Put veggies on my plate after looking disgusted and taking them off he individually took the other veggies from the rest of the meat, bell peppers with I cannot stand!!! Not only that my the sever was the worse! She comes to the table talking like a little baby (can’t hear her) takes the order, bring the drinks and we don’t see her again to check on us until someone literally had yo go get her! She came out talking about “I heard you were looking for me” what do you think; with these empty cups. Then had the nerve to bring the check and boxes because she knew she wasn’t coming back. Had to ask others for things we needed. The owner/manager asked how was everything I told her, she did not seem to care and said “sorrrreee” while walking away!

Very happy with our visit here. Came in with my family of 5. I have 3 small kids 7 and under and only had to wait a few minutes for a seat. The chef was exceptional! Gave our kids a wonderful first experience and was tipped very well for doing so as he spent so much time on our kids and giving them a great time. The food was also AMAZING!! Would recommend this restaurant to any family of all ages!!!!

Our chef was awesome, had really great dry humor and very professional.

Other than the dinner specials this restaurant isn't worth spending your money at. They have no proper heating. It was freezing cold inside of the restaurant, mind you it was already 30 degrees outside. Also, I have had better hibachi at sumo's and miyabis.