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| - I went here for lunch with some co-workers and had mixed feelings.
Let's get this out of the way: I actually like the novelty of all-you-can-eat sushi buffets. I like seeing all the food and just picking out what I want. I appreciate being able to get in and out of these buffets way faster than the "made-to-order" places (and a positive side effect is that others will be faster too, so it's less likely you'll show up spontaneously one night and have to figure out Plan B because there's a 45-minute line out the door).
A big positive for Makino is the variety. There is a huge selection of hot food (including made-to-order ramen), 10 or so types of nigiri, assorted temaki, and 14+ different rolls - and that's at lunch. I like their desserts as well, which tend to be small bites with pleasant, subtle flavors.
Unfortunately, where Makino really suffers is the fish quality. The fish there is just mediocre. I would actually avoid the nigiri here except to fulfill a particular craving. The fish-to-rice ratio is not good anyway (not much rice, but very thin fish). Stick to the hot food and the maki. If your desire is to stuff your face with nigiri, I'd definitely go somewhere else.
Service was very good. Waitress managed to keep all our drinks topped up and was very friendly. Don't think my water ever got below half full, which is often a challenge at these types of busy restaurants.
Ultimately, I think Makino is one of those places where if you're into the positives they have to offer, you'll really like it. If you aren't, it's going to wind up a suspect value proposition.
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