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Ahi Sushi
3631 State St, Santa Barbara
Phone: (805) 687-6942

  • Category: Japanese
  • Hours: Lunch Mon-Sat 11:30am-2:30pm, Dinner Mon-Thu 5:30pm-9:30pm, Dinner Fri-Sat 5:30pm-10pm, Sun 5:30pm-9pm
  • Price: $10 - $20
  • Serving: Lunch, & Dinner
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Reviews by the General Public

What's going on???, 9/12/2009
Reviewer: Andrea from Santa Barbara, CA
Ahi is my go-to place for sushi and sashimi. Usually the fish is fresh, tasty and beautifully presented. Not so on my last visit. The slicing of the fish was sloppy and the sashimi combination was noticeably skimpier... at the very least, the usual scallops weren't on the plate. We received an incorrect roll but declined to send it back as the service was starting to slide at that point. We waited 15 minutes in front of empty dishes before flagging our server down for the check. I hope it was an off night because Ahi has always been a great place to eat.
Forgot half the order, 5/23/2009
Reviewer: J from Santa Barbara, CA
Um, please don't forget half my order, people. No sauce, no roll, no tuna in my tuna roll. Not cool, guys, not cool.
Happy Mother's Day to me......., 5/13/2009
Reviewer: Natalie from Santa Barbara, CA
My sister and I made our husbands take us to Ahi for Mother's day and as usual it was fabulous. The service tends to be slow but not Sunday, we got our food right away and our server was great. I eat here at least once a week and the fish is always fresh and the people are always nice!!! Thanks for a great end to another Mother's Day!!

Worst dining experience in years, 4/22/2009
Reviewer: brett from Santa Barbara, CA
So, to start I'd like to say that I eat here more than any other sushi place in town. However, this time was the worst dining experience I can remember, anywhere. Sunday night - about 3 tables total - pretty empty restaurant. We were seated, in the back corner and not approached for 30 minutes, even after trying to flag down the servers. Once we finally ordered it was another 40 minutes before we saw our server again - except something was missing, THE FOOD. When we asked her to check on the order she walked away. We thought this meant she was checking. Well, we were wrong. I pretty much had to force her to actually check on our food. All the time, the new tables seated long after us were enjoying their food. Once the food came it was pretty obvious that Sunday is not a good day to eat at Ahi. The rolls were all missing key components. The mama mia roll was missing the sauce and the green jalapeno bubbles (lacking technical term). Long story short, I finally sent the last roll back because it was pretty dispicable. It was the AHI roll which has ripe mango pieces on a normal basis. Except this time, the Mango was rock solid and white. That should be a pretty good indication that it is not ripe and therefore should not be served. My normal bill is $100, this one was cut short at $40, no tip. It was amazing how bad our experience was. I will eat here again, but a note to the owners. I understand you are trying open your new restaurant. Please don't forget about this one. The Sunday night staff, wait staff and chef's obviously don't jive with the normal staff. Please don't fall into the mold of Sushi on only specific nights of the week. If you can't provide quality, close your doors for that specific night.

Don't waste your time, 4/1/2009
Reviewer: Bob from Santa Barbara, CA
Went there last night (a Tuesday) and it is hands down the worst sushi experience I've ever had. I went to the grand opening of this place and remember enjoying it, so I thought I would try it again. We were seated and then not approached for our drink order for at least 10 minutes. After drinks, the waitress didn't come back for another 20 minutes. We ordered 4 rolls - Kamikaze, Mama Mia, Crunchy Spicy Ahi, and Crazy Crab. All of them were horrible. It seemed like the spicy tuna and the crab meat came straight out of a can. The sauces added nothing to do the roll (other than mildly disguising the horrible fish), other than the Chipotle sauce. I'd skip Ahi Sushi next time. You're better off just going to Sushi Teri if you want the same quality of rolls for a cheaper price. I still think Arigato is hands down the best in Santa Barbara, just rather pricey.

Great Food, Mediocre Service, 3/3/2009
Reviewer: Ryan from Santa Barbara, CA
Awesome rolls, great dipping sauces. Service is always sub par, but we keep going back just in hopes that we will have better service. Rarely get asked if we needed anything, or refilled on the water. Service needs a little TLC, but food is great.
Used to be great..., 2/19/2009
Reviewer: Bruce from Santa Barbara, CA
We went there on a Wednesday -- I've heard rumors that Wednesday is a bad day for this place; I suspect every day is. We waited to be seated, not long, we were three. They put us at a table for 2. Fine. Then 3 tables for 4 immediately opened up – we weren’t moved or even asked if we’d like to move. We weren’t waited on very quickly either… at least 15 minutes passed before someone asks what we’d like to drink. We ordered beer and were told they were out of that beer; and that they are often out of it – then why have it on the menu? We ordered something else. We ordered our food when the beer arrived. The food was ok; did I mention the prices have gone up? The beef I ordered was oily, and the sushi wasn’t as colorful and bright as I’ve seen it in the past. Ok food at higher prices isn’t what I’m looking for here. I’m looking for great food, something that makes a statement when it arrives on your table – it was that the first and 2nd time I was there. The time before this one, things were noticeably off; but I figured it was a one time thing. Now I’m suspecting it is a trend in a downward direction. No one came by to ask if everything was good. They did come by to clear our plates – even as we were still eating off them. I had to save some food before it was lost. Then we get the bill, what happened to asking if there was anything more we’d like, coffee, tea, more food? I guess we looked done, and off we went, thinking we’d not soon return. Then in the middle of the night I awoke to the aching feeling that the food wasn’t as ok as I’d first thought. I’ll spare you the details of just how off it was. No, it wasn’t my lunch – a cooked bagel and banana, nor was it my breakfast, some fresh squeezed grapefruit juice. It suffices to say: this is one place I don’t need to go back to ever again.
Food/Service Good, Teriyaki Bowl portion too small, 1/28/2009
Reviewer: Glenn from Buellton
I guess they have to make money. One way is to make portions small. The presentation was nice along with service though. I do not understand how the businesses in "Ontare Plaza" make it with the horrendous parking there. This has to be one of the worst parking strips in all of SB with Jeanine's one way and this another way meeting in the middle. Very hard to visit these places during lunch(Spudnuts/Subway/Rudys included).
Very accommodating
Reviewer: Colleen from Santa Barbara, CA
I was really pleased with not only the food at Ahi Sushi, but the service. My boyfriend has a food allergy to gluten and the waitress and sushi chef were very understanding and did all they could to make sure his order was gluten-free. The prices are reasonable and the menu is extensive. The sushi chef was really cheerful and helpful. We will be happily returning to Ahi Sushi.
Very innovating and cutting edge Japanese
Reviewer: David from Goleta, CA
I dine here all the time and was sad to overhear the tall head waiter was leaving (a few months ago). He knew how to run a tight ship and the service was always excellent with him around. Now, the service seriously sucks. However, the food is amazing. We ordered a massive amount of food and everything was on point. I didn't have a single complaint or criticism. What's more, Ahi is really venturing out there and trying new things while keeping things fresh (fish, literally). For example, they had akimo (monkfish liver, aka foie gras of the sea) on the menu. We had to order it. They also just do great things with sauces and accouterments to their dishes like the mango salsa on top of the raw oysters. Best dish by far is the yakiniku beef. I have never gone without ordering it. Your food rocks, fix the service.
Portions are WAY too small
Reviewer: Christina from Santa Barbara, CA
I ordered to-go from here a couple of months ago,and the service was great and everything. The thing was that the portions were so small! I ordered a $7 salad and it was like, nothing. They couldn't give me more lettuce! Now I know that's not expensive! And the roll was pretty puny too. After looking at it, I almost wanted to return it. My guess is to ask how big the portions are before your order it and see if it's worth the price.
small place with awesome food and service
Reviewer: jennifer from Santa barbara ca
I have been here a handful of times only but I am soon becoming a regular. The chef is very friendly and entertaining. I will always laugh when I remember what the chef said, "all I'm doing here is hacking fish and slinging rice!" the food is very decently priced. Fish is good quality. The oysters we had were amazing!

Best Sushi in SB
Reviewer: JCV from Santa Barbara, CA
The first time I ever tried sushi was at Ahi. I was lucky enough to go there with a Japanese friend (which should tell you something), who promised me I would love sushi. She was right, and I'm glad she took me there. The sushi is always fantastic, and the chef(s) are friendly and talented. If you have a chance, eat at the sushi bar and watch the preparation. Great food, great service, and a fun place to eat.
Getting better with age...
Reviewer: Nicholle from Santa Barbara
Ahi has been graciously serving stellar sushi in Santa Barbara for about three years now, and every aspect gets better and better with each passing day. I will admit that the service used to leave a bit to be desired, but I am so glad we kept going back. The food is magnificent, and the fact that Henson and Ken take the time to get to know their customers personally makes the experience that much more memorable. They make their customers feel like family. (Ever watch 'Cheers?' Same idea.) The service has improved 200% in the past year - especially in the past 6 months. The servers are much more organized and confident, even with a full house. Some of the servers even know us by name and order. Henson and Ken are both extremely knowledgable, not only in the art form of preparing sushi, but in the fish itself. Ask them anything about any fish, and you will be astonished with the answer. You will not be disappointed in Ahi. If there happens to be a wait for a table, don't hesitate. It is well worth the wait.
Yes! Yes! Yes!
Reviewer: Connie from down the street SB
My husband and I are sushi addicts and we Love. Love. LOVE Ahi Sushi. We were hesitant to try it in the first place, as the location is somewhat of a "hole in the wall." This, once you actually eat the sushi, is actually a blessing when compared to the fickle trendiness of Arigato and Sakana. Here you can take your time and enjoy incredibly good sushi and a positive atmosphere instead of stressing yourself out trying to look good for others. Tips: Sit at the bar if possible (great service) and eat in rather than take-out. We had one mediocre experience with take-out here - so just spend the time and enjoy yourself. Since discovering Ahi, we've been at least once per week, often twice per week, and we are always so satisfied. The rolls are good but the sushi itself is insanely delicious. SO fresh. Melts in your mouth. Whoever prepares the stuff must be a sorcerer, because it simply can't be possible that yellowtail can REALLY BE THIS GOOD. Decent prices and serious quality. More for your money than other spots. There's no need to pose at Arigato. Eat at Ahi!

The number one sushi bar
Reviewer: Dan Hann from San Francisco
Everything is top notch at this restaurant. I just recently went to Arigato, and let me say, Ahi is much more superb in both the quality of the fish, and in terms of price. While the atmosphere is nice at Arigato, the experience Ken and Henson provide is one of an adventure. I was also very impressed with the two new young chefs. Many people complain about the service of this restaurant, but I found the service to be of extreme quality. The tall waiter really steps it up in a restaurant with a limited staff. A tip to customers, theres no need to rush a sushi experience. Just relax, enjoy your company, and let the taste of the food be the the judge. The chefs work hard to prepare the many rolls, in addition to the attention the customers at the bar demand. Any who, Ahi is the best restaurant hands down in Santa Barbara.

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