So I was super excited to see the signs going up for this place because despite the fact it's the AYCE Japanese food mecca, there is not a single 'seafood' only restaurant nearby.
Not only are they open, but they're giving out free samples out front - alas, no seafood, but broccoli and I think some sliced sausages. It's 20% off until Sunday, so extra bonus!
The decor is good, comfortable without feeling too cheap-y, lights are neat, benches nice. My only complaint is that the chairs are super uncomfortable - hard (need cushions) and a bit low, so a cushion would help raise the guest (and I'm pretty tall, so it'd likely be a bigger problem for someone shorter than me). Otherwise, one extra sign for the bathroom (you go through the door next to the sink, then through another door, across an interesting hallway, and then through another door (don't let your kids go to the washroom alone - unless you want to send out a search party). But it's worth it when you open the door and see the cool entrances for both the men's and women's washrooms as well as the super cool, lit up shell fish under glass (laid into the floor). Also the door to each bathroom is like a captain's steering wheel on a boat (you know what I mean)! The sink is a cool copper sink sitting on a wooden barrel. Very fun washroom!
Anyway, back to the food. You are given plastic bibs and gloves and the food arrives steamed (with whichever seasonings you'd ordered on it) in a clear plastic bag. Think "Shellfish Viking"! We ordered the "Combo" which comes with half a pound of shrimp, half a pound of mussels and half a pound of clams. We also ordered the seafood rice, and fries. My favourite flavouring is the Kraken Sauce (which is their signature sauce). I don't like the lemon garlic as I feel I can taste citric acid, but my friend liked it just fine. The mixed seafood rice was okay, but super bland. Our (very helpful and bubbly) server had mentioned that putting the extra sauce from the bag onto it would help. It did, but I'd like to get it with some spices/less bland next time for sure. The fries (and I'm not a big french fry person) were really really good (I know). Didn't have enough room for more, but will definitely be back (probably tomorrow).
It's fun to order using the Ipad, so it's easy to see what you're ordering and the total price beforehand, which is a bonus.
Everyone who works here is friendly, helpful and efficient. I can happily feed my shellfish habit here and expect to do so a lot in the future!