Misato Japanese Restaurant

I think Misato is one of the best Japanese restaurants in town. They do a great job of their sushi — and the rice is always perfect. Everything we’ve ordered outside the sushi is also done at a very high standard. I really like their Sunomono. If you enjoy octopus I’d recommend it. Their mackerel is also very good.

Not sure what happened… used to be so good… I suspect a ownership change… when we were in there we were one of few tables to be seated… no music in the background and was very quiet… quiet to a point where we felt that we had to whisper not to break the silence… very awkward dining experience.
The quality of the food seem to have gone down as well…

So far most authentic Japanese in town to me, the Japanese manager (or owner) is very friendly and provides good recommendation. The cut of sashimi was really clean! Would definitely go back!

I’ve actually gotten takeout from Misato before but was not that impressed with my meal that one time, so I decided to dine in and see if it was any different.
Bento Box B with Beef — $ 12.95
Comes with standard tasting miso soup.
In this bento box you get sashimi, tempura, teriyaki beef (choice of chicken or beef), a small salad and edamame. I was surprised that rice is not included as most places do include it. The sashimi was so creamy and smooth — definitely fresh! The tempura was a bit greasy and I wish they gave you a larger salad. Edamame was pretty standard since it was just simply boiled. The teriyaki beef with veggies would’ve been better with a bowl of rice as it was on the sweet side.
Calgary Special Roll (½) — $ 11.95
The famous Calgary Special Roll. Since I know so many people rave about it, I decided to try it myself and was very happy they offered a half portion of it b/​c there is no way I can eat the bento box and the full eight pieces. So now that I’ve tried it… I am not sure why people like it so much. I was expecting different varieties of fish, but there’s only tuna, salmon, masago, shrimp and fake crab meat inside the roll, and there’s a thin slice of smoked salmon on the outside. Mind you there’s a lot of fresh fish inside, but the ingredients are nothing special. This is just a house special roll on steroids. Before Sushi Kawa went downhill, their house special roll was way better since there’s more variety of fish offered in it.
Overall my meal was satisfactory but I definitely don’t see myself driving all the way down here too often. Service was pretty decent and prices are average to a bit high depending on what you order.

Misato is our favourite sushi restaurant in town! We go for sushi at least twice a week and ever since we discovered Misato we’ve become completely hooked. We’re definitely regulars here.
Portion sizes are good but what we love is just how consistently fresh everything always is. Prices are a little on the high side however it’s totally worth it!
We generally get takeout but anytime we’ve decided to dine-​in we’ve never had to wait to be seated & the staff are always very friendly. I have a lot of allergies and they’re always extremely attentive to make sure our needs are met.

Tasty!
BBQ Salmon Skin…5 stars. Excellent!!! Almost anything fatty that’s grilled is good! This is no exception. Sliced salmon skin with a bit of meat is nicely charred and flavorful. Next time I’ll have to ask for sauce on the side… I prefer the natural taste of the skin and have the option of dipping the sauce. Also, the sauce tends to soften up the skins. Otherwise, an excellent dish.
Grilled Salmon Collars/​Cheeks (Hamachi Kama)…5 stars. Pork chop-​sized salmon collars perfectly grilled to order. There is absolutely nothing better than grilled food! The meat on these collars are super tender and gelatinous!!! Be forewarned, though, as there ARE a few pin bones by the cheeks and larger ones around the collar… nevertheless, this is not a dish to be gorged upon but rather enjoyed pleasurably.
BBQ Black Cod…4 stars. Three won ton-​sized black cod collars for $ 17.95, plus sides. Based on price, alone, this dish would get 1 star. However, the collars are perfectly grilled. If you prefer a more intense fish flavor then this dish is for you. Due to their diminutive size, there’s very little meat on the collars but plenty of crispy and gelatinous goodness. You’d REALLY have to like cod collars to order this dish. I, myself, prefer salmon collars for their lighter taste and bigger portions.
Agedashi Tofu…5 stars. If you like tofu, you’ll certainly enjoy this dish. The deep-​fried tofu has an amazingly light crust. Coupled with its soft interior, it makes for an interesting meal. The dish, itself, looks quite elegant (magazine worthy). The tentsuyu broth is very light and a great pairing to the even lighter tofu. Be careful with the minced ginger garnish, as it can be overpowering (I simply brushed it aside).
Yakitori (Chicken Skewers)…5 stars. Nicely grilled cuts of chicken and scallions. The teriyaki sauce is light and flavorful. They’re not glamorous, but these are as good as any chicken skewers you’ll ever have at a Japanese establishment.
Vegetable Tempura…5 stars. Evenly coated assortment of thinly sliced vegetables, such as, yams, bell peppers and zucchini, as well as, whole asparagus. The vegetables are fried to perfection. Can’t ask for more than that. ;)

I have been to Misato probably 20 times which means I love it. But last night I was very disappointed. It just wasn’t up to it’s normal high standards. The rice was too gooey and the beef in the Alberta roll was way over cooked. It was more like a jerky roll. And the rolls themselves were quite a bit smaller. I am willing to give it another chance but gee, I hope it was just an off night for someone.

Really good sushi. Huge pieces of sashimi and rolls. Not a lot of roll variety and prices are high, but really fresh.

As there was a large selection of items on the menu, we asked our server what they recommended. It was suggested that each couple to order at least 2 Maki Sushi (Rolls) options, and if we wanted maybe some Nigiri Sushi (raw fish on top of rice), or Sashimi (raw fish). So our group agreed that it was a good idea, and that we would probably have more than enough food to eat. Maki Sushi ranges from 5 pcs to 8 pcs and are no more than $ 12, Nigiri came as 1 pc and the price ranged from $ 2 to $ 5 a piece.
We had 4 couples (8 people) and each couple ordered 2 Maki Sushi options. We ordered 2 Sashimi Specials for $ 27 each and each plate comes with 17 pcs. Our group also ordered some Nigiri options, a total of 6 pieces from what I remember, and only a few ordered Miso soup before the meal. We also found that the portions were a good size. We have been to places where the portions are so tiny that you end buying too much. Then we have been to a place (Towa) where the portions are huge and for a first timer you end up having left overs. We think the portion sizes from Misato are just right.
The freshness of the fish was excellent! It wasn’t too cold as if it were just taken out of the freezer, and not too old that it would give you an after-​taste. It was pretty darned perfect in our opinion. We can’t remember all the options we had but one thing that did stand out was the spicy options we picked. Sometimes places have a hard time gauging how spicy they should make their food. In our personal opinion when it comes to sushi it should never be too spicy. The hero of the piece should be the fish, with the spices simply complementing the fish. In the case of Misato they make it so you can taste the spice, but it doesn’t hinder the taste of the fish. It is very balanced and leaves your taste buds wanting more. As for the Sashimi special, beware sushi newbies that the combination is pre-​selected (so you do not have the option to pick what comes in it). It comes with your common Red Tuna, White Tuna, Salmon but it also had what looked like octopus, scallops, and crab. The last three are more challenging to eat, if you know what mean. One thing our group noticed was the Wasabi. Normally we are used to a thick green paste, but in this case it was runnier and were told this was because it was freshly grated when prepared.
All in all, it was a good experience and each couple paid no more than $ 50. We give it a 4 out of 5 and we will be revisiting it over and over.

#121 I guess I lucked out, based on the most recent 2 star review.
Arrived at 8:45pm Thursday. Seated promptly and a nice waitress within 2 minutes. Service is kicking it for me.
Hey Rocky, watch me pull a roll out of my hat… Again?
I only had the Rocky Roll since I am going to Sakana Grill for Happy Hour in a few but wanted to try a new sushi place. After watching «Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead, this is part of my last 24 hours before my REBOOT.
Recommended rolls:
Rocky Roll contains tuna, green onions, avocado wrapped in smoked tuna.
Pinky Roll is Rocky Roll but trade the word tuna for salmon.
Bookmarked and returning soon.
Domo Arigato, Misato.

Understaffed and incompetent staff. Hostess and waitresses here are very disrespectful in welcoming, seating, and serving. The restaurant is often busy and the staff take it as an excuse to provide a rushed and poor level of service with an arrogant attitude.
Called to make a reservation today but failed to get an answer after many trials, so went ahead and went to the restaurant. Was asked if I had reservation after being ignored at the door in the beginning, and when I said no one answers the phone to make reservations, their excuse was ‘well we are very busy today’. In the end I was asked to come back in an hour for a table. Took what I got of the fantastic service so far and left to never return again.

Being asocial is a negative. I’d love to know more about the fellow Unilocalers, just so to understand how Misato could possibly get 4 – 5 stars.
Been there twice, one visit worse than another.
First time, they made us wait, though barely three tables were occupied in the whole place. The food was ok — nothing to rave about, but nothing to complain. Price tag was not really high, so I don’t think that $$$ is entirely correct.
Second time, not only we’ve been waiting till another two tables, arriving after us, were served, but the food was simply not fresh — teriyaki beef barely warmed up in a microwave, mashed potato cold, and the whole lunch box was just from the fridge. This food was NOT prepared fresh — flat chinatown-​quality stuff.
On the positive side, waitresses were always smiling, but missing to fill our cups with tea or respond fast — and, again, the room was never packed — just a couple of tables, so don’t know what made them so busy as to be inattentive.
Resuming:
— Average to low quality food;
— Consistently long waiting times;
— Polite, but not helpful staff.
If anything seriously thinks that’s a 4 – 5 that’s ok, your mileage may vary — but in my book that’s a 2 – 3. Period.

Still haven’t found my favorite Japanese place for vegan food yet in the city, but this place is good. I get so tired of going to Globe Fish that I was looking for somewhere else.
It has a nice atmosphere and is clean and nice enough to go to for dinner. The menu has a decent selection of vegetarian items so that’s appreciated.
I don’t live too far away so I’ll probably be back.

Still on the search for great sushi in Calgary! This place is pretty close. It’s also run by Japanese which is key to success :)
Their rolls and sushi are quite consistent and the flavours are fresh. They are quite uniform with their sashimi cuts as well. They do put a good dollop of wasabi on their sushi so just a warning!
Their spicy tuna is awesome as well as their dynamite rolls! Their prices are quite high in comparison but definitely worth it as they are true Japanese sushi chefs.
I’ve only ever done take out with them but they do seem to be quite busy in the restaurant at most times. It’s in a nice area and has a nice big parking lot. If you get bored while waiting there’s also a Sunterra to browse around in.

I have only dined here once, but the combination of dishes we ordered on that particular night were exceptional. We were quite simply blown away by the food — with the standout, for me, being the «Spicy Tuna Sashimi.»
The sauce in that dish was unique, and extremely flavourful. I give big props for something that doesn’t taste identical to every other restaurant.
In fact, all the dishes, compared to their peers at other restaurants, had a little something special about them. At least it seemed so on our visit.
However, pricing seemed to be a little higher than comparable dishes elsewhere. It’s a consideration, but I think you get what you pay for sometimes.
Atmosphere-​wise, the restaurant seemed especially quiet. Even for a weeknight. Not a lot of pop or vibe to it.
Still, very enjoyable. I came to eat a great meal, and I was not disappointed.
And upon reflection afterwards, a big intangibles jumped out as well: convenience.
My usual sushi standby is in Kensington, which I visit fairly regularly for lunch. But I never bother going there for dinner.
Why?

Well, if something is too much of an ordeal, I really can’t be bothered. And the parking situation in Kensington quite often sucks.
So a GOOD sushi restaurant next to adequate parking is welcome for someone like myself. As I have been known to say, «minimum effort, maximum gain.»
Unilocal’s 30 Day Challenge 2012 — ²⁶⁄₃₀

I adore Misato — having lived in Vancouver for 4 years, I appreciate good sushi and it’s hard to find in Calgary.
Granted, my sushi picks usually tend towards the «safer» stuff ;)
The service is always great, and the restaurant has just the right number of seats, in my opinion. Wait isn’t usually that long.
The only disappointment thus far was the calamari roll — the calamari was chewy and we ended up discarding half the roll. I love calamari — and this wasn’t it :/​
Otherwise, I’d say Misato is a little pricey but it’s what you’ll have to pay for excellent sushi in Calgary.
I’ve been many times and will be back, of course.
(11÷30)

Best kept secret
Location — you have to know where
Food creative and fresh
Service well done
Presentation amazing
Spicy Tuna simply AWEsome
Go but don’t tell anyone about it.

I like this place, although a little pricier than some of the other Japanese restaurant’s. On this particular visit, I came for lunch. They have a few different options at this time. 11:30−2, and if you have $ 11.95 in your pocket you can choose from two different «Bento» boxes labeled A & B. The first comes with either chicken or beef teriyaki, a small salad with a house dressing, 4 California rolls, 3 tuna rolls, edamame beans and tempura. Oh yeah, the meal starts with a bowl of miso soup. So nothing extraordinary here, sure the flavors are good but the prices compared to other Japanese restaurants like I said earlier are higher. In conclusion, I would come back, and yes I have been here before. I am a regular, no. I might be if I lived closer. Also I would like to add, that the establishment itself is clean. I have to say that on each occasion that I and my family have visited it is fairly well maintained.

Love sushi? I’m willing to bet you’ll love Misato too!
My wife and I have been eating at Misato for a few years now. We love it.
The sushi is amazing. Sashimi — amazing. I think there’s other food on the menu but to be honest I’ve never even looked. Bring the sushi and keep it coming!
I really don’t known what else to say.
Oh… I know what else, great variety of rolls and a healthy portion size too. None of this teeny weeny bit of tuna surrounded by a thimble of rice and some sea weed. No no no… portions sizes are generous.
My brother-​in-​law was visiting from Vancouver and we took him and his wife to Misato.
«What do you think Rob… how does it compare to your Vancouver sushi?»
Rob, «Wow, that’s pretty good. It’s better than a lot of places I’ve ate at in Vancouver!»
I’m sure it’s simple logistics. Catch a salmon. Kill it. put it on ice, Fed/​Ex it to Calgary same day and serve it up that night… from ocean to belling in 48 hours max. Works for me.
So, what are you waiting for. Looking for a great sushi? Try Misato! You better make a reservation though because I’ve never been able to just show up and get a table. They take reservations on a Friday and Saturday night too — a lot of places don’t… eg: the Keg Steakhouse.
The staff are very good and you can see the sushi cheff’s prepare it too. Kind of cool.
They do take-​out as well — give them about 45 minutes to an hour to be ready for pick up so call before you head home and pick it up on the way.
Cost? My wife and I will polish off $ 40-​$ 50 in sushi and we’re stuffed to the gills!
So why not four stars?
It’s a bit small and in the winter, it gets a little chilly due to one door opening all the time, not an inner & outer door.
They charge a .50 cent service fee to use your debit card. It’s not a big deal financially, it’s just the principle of it all. It’s the cost of doing business (for them — not me)
These really aren’t deal breakers for me — my wife gets a chill easy and I would rather not be charged a service fee to use my debit card — that’s just me though.
Enjoy the Rocky Roll! I bet you can eat just one!

The first time I ever went to order sushi on my own, I went to Misato since I lived closeby. Let’s face it, sushi can be a little intimidating for a newbie! But the service was so friendly and accomodating — I was just getting take-​out and the server helped me with my choices and welcomed me to sit down.
The sushi was great! This is where I first fell in love with yam tempura rolls. The California rolls were a nice twist on the typical kind; they were more of a minced crab salad then a chunk of crab wrapped with cucumber/​avacado. The ingredients are fresh and you can watch them make the sushi, which is always nice right? No hidden happenings.
I’ve since moved and haven’t been to Misato in a few months but I can’t wait to go back and explore other sushi options!