Nestled in a little city just north of Detroit, Sozai brings you the comforts of Grandma’s home cooking alongside the excitement of innovative new dishes. We are delighted to share ingredients from around the globe, but we have a special appreciation for those we source from local farms and fisheries. Sozai is proud to serve sustainable sushi with a close eye on traceability, fish populations, fishing methods, and farming practices.
Reserved a spot here after seeing them win a James Beard award. Was genuinely impressed. The quality of the fish was excellent, the presentation was perfect.
They had a very generous list of omakase options including a veggie option. The options ranged from basic to “very adventurous” and demonstrated some very authentic dishes. I thought it was all very well priced as well. A similar meal in nyc would have been 250+ each.
Totally repeatable and deserving of the award
Visited 5 months ago
Second time dining at Sozai. This time it was for our anniversary and this place does not disappoint! We got the chiso omakase again, last time we had it was 2022 in April and every dish served was different (due to different seasons) so that is something we enjoyed. Loved all the thought that went into creating each dish and you can see the amount of work and pride the chef takes in sourcing the seasonal ingredients. Everything was fresh, we got to try two different types of uni from two different sources within the US and compare it. The chef is always a delight to chat with and we were so full after such an amazing meal. This will always be a very special place for us and we can't wait to come back next time for what we know will be another new experience for the taste buds.
Visited a year ago
Went here on a Wednesday night for my birthday and had an amazing intimate dining experience. The chefs were super knowledgeable and gave us a lot of good information while also emphasizing the sustainability of the food we were enjoying. My husband got the minato and I got the slightly more adventurous nami. We also had some delicious tea and sake recommended by our chef. Will definitely be back here!
Visited 9 months ago
Had the sushi forward omakase meal, forget what it was called on the menu. The food was all very delicious and well presented. Having been lucky enough to have enjoyed high end sushi in much larger cities, I would say Sozai was pretty close in terms of food quality.
The ambiance of the place is pretty lacking, but certainly not to the extent that it interfered with my enjoyment of the food. We sat at the sushi bar and had the owner prepare our food for the evening. His personality might be best described as gruff, but again it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the food.
Overall I would recommend this to people who are looking for an upscale sushi experience in the metro Detroit area.
Visited a year ago
We loved it! My husband and I went for his birthday. It was our first time eating here. I got the omakase minato and he got the omakase nami. The food was incredible. Everything tasted fresh and you can tell there is so much thought put into developing each course. We especially the fried prawn head.
The staff were all incredibly kind and welcoming. They took time to explain what we were eating, how it was prepared, answered any questions we had. They also seemed to enjoy working together which made for a nice atmosphere. 10/10 would recommend.
Visited 10 months ago
Cozy and homey spot for fresh, flavorful, and authentic Japanese food. I really enjoyed the ambiance of the place, the friendly service, and the overall experience. However, I would not return for the food itself as a vegan. I found the vegan options to lack flavor and creativity. I tried basically every vegan option on the menu and the highlights were the seaweed salad, cucumber salad, and fried mochi dessert. The deep forest roll was nice but really lacked a creamy or umami element to bring the flavors together. It somehow felt dry in your mouth. The fried tofu and mushrooms is one of the worst things I’ve ever eaten—it had a goey/slimy texture and absolutely no flavor, so eating it was actively unpleasant. The ume shiso was almost extraordinary. The shiso leaf flavor was surprising and enjoyable, but the roll again lacked a creamy or fatty element to not feel so dry. Overall I left wanting to love this place but also somewhat disappointed at the experience.
Visited a year ago
Sozai exceeds my expectations every time. The service is incredible from the whole house and Chef Hajime continues to demonstrate the depth of his culinary knowledge.
To newcomers looking to step a little out of their comfort zone, I can recommend the Omakase Nami, and for those a little more adventurous, the Chiso.
Visited 9 months ago
Best sushi in Metro Detroit! The Chef is a James Beard Best Chef: Great Lakes winner!
Visited a month ago
Outstanding restaurant in the metro Detroit area. The food was delicious as was the sake. Highly recommend to all sushi lovers.
Visited a month ago
Visited 2 months ago
Visited 2 months ago
Just returned home from my third time there and already planning the fourth.
Hajime and the staff deliver an incredible experience every time.
Visited 2 months ago
This is probably the best sushi I've ever had in my life. Trust Chef and the wonderful waitstaff and you will be well taken care of.
Visited 2 months ago
This establishment abhors its customers. It does not regard anyone as having any knowledge of Japanese cuisine or sake (nihonshu). It serves bycatch and less desirable fish and exalts it as novel and haute cuisine. Sozai is neither.
Visited 2 months ago
Hajime Sato san 🙏🏻
Words can’t even do you , or your beautiful establishment and amazing team, or your one of a kind amazingly balanced and soo delicious .. you don’t know what to say except munch gently and savor the magical taste
So I will let people reserve a place in your masterpiece sushi heaven, unlike any sushi place I have ever experienced in my 50+ life.
Bravo 👏🏻 sir
Visited 3 months ago
The restaurant would not accommodate an allergy and refused to take our reservation. EXTREMELY disappointing for an award winning restaurant. I have been to several Michelin starred restaurants around the country who have all accommodated allergies.
Visited 3 months ago
It was our first time going there and trying Omakase style, everyone was so kind and professional. The food was amazing and fresh and worth the experience! Perfect for a date night.
Visited 4 months ago
Incredible experience. I took my boyfriend here for his birthday. Everyone was friendly and informative. I LOVE the sustainability mission. We cleaned every plate until we were full. Everything was delicious. Can't wait to go back
Visited 4 months ago
Visited 4 months ago
Incredible and can’t wait to go back for another very special experience like this one we had today.
The research put into the fish being sourced sustainably and even locally is impressive, and very unique to Sozai in the Midwest and definitely the US.
My wife and I went here for our 10 yr anniversary and the staff, food, sake pairings and attention to detail at Sozai is amazing.
They take their work seriously but are joyfully accommodating.
They make sure everything is clean, in order and that your preferences are met precisely.
I can’t thank them enough for such a wonderful experience.
Visited 4 months ago
Reserved a spot here after seeing them win a James Beard award. Was genuinely impressed. The quality of the fish was excellent, the presentation was perfect.
They had a very generous list of omakase options including a veggie option. The options ranged from basic to “very adventurous” and demonstrated some very authentic dishes. I thought it was all very well priced as well. A similar meal in nyc would have been 250+ each.
Totally repeatable and deserving of the award
Visited 5 months ago
We had the omakase that was fish based. The preparation was great. Beautiful and flavorful. Sustainability is a big part of their menu. Our chef and host Aaron was attentive and we had some interesting conversations during the meal. It wasn’t like our Miami omakase experience as this restaurant seats more, still worth going for sure. We will go back when we are in the detroit area.
Visited 5 months ago
Very friendly and knowledgeable chefs, service was great- food was fantastic. We enjoyed Omakase for two (Nami), and every course left our minds blown. The fish was fresh, decadent, and each dish was curated so beautifully and artistically. It was our first time here and we will be returning! The entire experience from entering the restaurant to finishing dessert, was highly enjoyable and worth every penny. :)
Visited 5 months ago
Terrible. Probably the worst meal I’ve ever had. The sustainable fish was dry and unseasoned. The owner was also extremely rude and condescending. I can’t believe we paid over $200 a person for the worst sushi I’ve had in my life.
Visited 5 months ago
Chef Hajime & his staff are fantastic. Great recommendations. Food & sake were amazing. Couldn't recommend Sozai more, I would give this
more than 5 stars if I could.
Visited 5 months ago
Great service and great experience. Can't wait to go back.
Visited 6 months ago
Visited 7 months ago
Visited 7 months ago
After over a month on the waitlist, we were very excited to go to Sozai. The fish was excellent. Extremely fresh. The presentation was average at best. Nothing special, no creativity. The ambiance is average. The sushi chefs are very knowledgeable but could be more friendly. We spent a lot of money and were treated like we did not matter. They are so busy they do not need us to return. And we will not return. I don't care how good the fish was we go out for an experience. Especially when spending hundreds of dollars per person. My wife said they ruined our date night.
Visited 7 months ago
Visited 7 months ago
Some of the best sushi I have had outside Japan. Incredible freshness and variety for the Omakaze. The staff was outstanding. The service top-notch. Worth every penny. I will be back.
Visited 7 months ago
Went back and forth on whether to leave a review but after seeing a couple similar comments I thought I'd add mine.
This was my first ever omakase experience and the food was certainly excellent. I chose the omakase nami. My favorites were the grilled miso lake trout, the creamy tuna tartare and assortments of sashimi and nigiri, especially the shrimp nigiri accompanied with the fried shrimp head. I also really appreciated their focus on serving sustainable seafood and was happy that the chefs were able to share where the fish is sourced from.
However, it's definitely a bit of a snobby and arrogant environment. They are very knowledgable about sake which is great but mentioned that they have two brands that aren't very good and they only keep in stock because they are popular, so they scoff whenever someone orders one. That rubbed me the wrong way a bit. I also had several questions about the food, sake, and overall sourcing of the fish and they were rather condescending in their answers, assuming I would not understand what they were telling me because it would be above my head. Honestly they kinda treated me like an idiot. Of course I'm not an expert by any means and some of the things I ate I had never tried before, but I wanted to be more knowledgeable about what I was eating and the ingredients put into the dishes better. Plus they market their omakase as a learning experience and supposedly encourage dialogue. But the overall vibe was very arrogant and they spoke to not only me but other customers as if they were above us. I'm sure at this price point they expect to attract a clientele who shares their arrogance and/or won't mind this but in my opinion, it's unacceptable and dampers the experience.
Just my impression and unfortunately I don't think this place is for me because of it. I do think the food is excellent but I'm not sure I can recommend the experience. I'm glad I tried it but I won't go back.
Visited 7 months ago
The food is amazing ! We have enjoyed top tier Japanese restaurants from Japan to Singapore to New York to California and Sozai ranks among the best anywhere. I feel like I am in Japan here. Top quality ingredients and love that Sato-san uses only sustainably sourced products. The experience is fantastic and the price is very an affordable compared to equivalent quality on the East or West coast. Please note this is real Japanese food so if you want California rolls try somewhere else. If you understand what I’m talking about because you understand real Japanese food then this is your diamond in the rough right here in Michigan.
Visited 7 months ago
Service was good, no complaints there.
Food options were okay.
All our personal opinion - if you cannot relate, please skip.
We regularly get our Sushi and Sashimi from one world market in Novi and love that.
The food here did not impress us at all.
Miso soup - not good
Tiger eye- did not like
Karage Chicken - could use some more seasoning or side serving of ketchup.
Blooming rice with veggies was recommended instead of plain rice - it was ok
Tuna tataki - was okay
Bowler Roller - didn’t like
Salmon Sashimi Shake - that was ok
Please excuse as I am writing the names of dishes, based on what I remember.
We love Japanese food and have tried various places both in US and Japan.
I will not recommend this place. Kura revolving has more fun and yummy food.
If your taste buds like taste of these places Kira or one world, you may not like the food here.
Kudos to them for giving importance to sustainability in fish farming.
Reservation- I made it almost a month in advance but I think they take walk ins as entire time we were there many were empty. It does show that it does not have any availability online.
Visited 7 months ago
The food is every bit worth it. What a special experience Will go back again!
Visited 7 months ago
An absolutely lovely omakase experience. Can't wait to go back!
Visited 7 months ago
Authentic yet inventive, Sozai offers something to please any sushi lover. Haven't tried the chef's experience yet, but everything from the standard menu has been top notch.
Visited 8 months ago
We have been to Sozai many times and are consistently impressed! Hajime is so friendly and knowledgeable and we love getting the chance to learn about the history of the food and sake. You can tell how much he loves his work! The carry out is also amazing, best chirashi bowl we have ever seen! We feel so lucky to live 10 minutes away from this place and are always planning our next dinner here.
Visited 8 months ago
Great food and service
Visited 8 months ago
Visited 8 months ago
“Subject to $100 reservation cancellation” actually means they will charge you $100 no matter what your emergency circumstances are (illness). We didn’t get to dine but guess they would have rather us come in and get everyone sick too! Now I refuse to give this inflexible place that cares more about money than people anymore money. I read reviews of others and said wasn’t that great anyway. Hope they enjoy my $100 for trying to protect other patrons and not expose them to illness and cancel as early as I could.
Visited 8 months ago
Visited 8 months ago
From beginning to end excellent. Our server was phenomenal. She was polite, friendly, knowledgeable! Honestly can’t ask for much else. Had a lovely and enjoyable evening. Thank you looking forward to doing that again very soon. The food was amazing as well!
Visited 9 months ago
My husband and I went out to Sozai for dinner for our anniversary and it was one of the most amazing experiences I have had at a restaurant in a long time. The service was impeccable, the chefs/owner was attentive, the food incredible...overall a beautiful personalized dinner. We will be returning soon and we look forward to another amazing meal. I urge everyone, whether you are looking for a traditional sushi experience or something out of the box, go try this restaurant.
Visited 9 months ago
I’m generally not a food reviewer. However, Sozai made me feel that I ought to share.
I love food. All kinds. Sozai seems to feel the same about their fare. The food was well presented and delicious. Extremely fresh and uniquely prepared. You MUST enjoy primarily raw Japanese cuisine to dine here. It’s their staple.
The restaurant itself is in a small strip mall, uninviting and sterile. There is a sushi bar and 4 tables, zero intimacy. The place you go specifically for the food, not the “restaurant” experience.
They have an arrogance about what they have here that doesn’t fit. The woman who helped us was rude and cold at best, another reviewer described the owner as “gruff”, I would agree. They make you feel uneducated about the food and that you should feel fortunate to be there.
Prices are high, but seem reasonable for what you are getting, LOTS of sake’, a couple of beer and wine selections. No cocktails, which was fine for the ambience. Cucumber water was nice touch.
If you are a major nigiri/sashimi foodie that doesn’t care about anything other than the food, this is your place. I will not be returning. There has to more to it for me……..
Visited 9 months ago
I celebrated my birthday at Sozai Restaurant, and it was an unforgettable experience! The sushi was phenomenal, and the quality of the food was top-notch. What truly made the evening special was the interactive chef. His passion for his craft is evident in every dish he prepares, and his enthusiasm creates an amazing vibe throughout the restaurant.
The attention to detail and dedication to delivering an exceptional dining experience are unmatched. If you're looking for an extraordinary sushi experience with a chef who truly loves what he does, Sozai Restaurant is the place to be. Highly recommended!
Visited 9 months ago
Sozai exceeds my expectations every time. The service is incredible from the whole house and Chef Hajime continues to demonstrate the depth of his culinary knowledge.
To newcomers looking to step a little out of their comfort zone, I can recommend the Omakase Nami, and for those a little more adventurous, the Chiso.
Visited 9 months ago
Third time visiting Sozai for Omakase, first time for Chiso, and highly recommend this experience.
Chef Sato and company tailored the dishes toward our palate as the menu evolved, which led to us having some more traditional Japanese flavors, and the sake recommendations paired beautifully with the food. Just a wonderful experience overall!! Loved it.
Visited 9 months ago
Fantastic dinner at the sushi bar. Amazing food and drinks. Great service.
Visited 9 months ago
Visited 9 months ago
Food was all absolutely excellent (and we tried a LOT of different stuff). Very cool that everything is sustainable—even cooler that it didn’t feel like we were paying much more for that. Best of all (for me): there were multiple vegan options! My carnivore friends say the fish was all great as well.
Visited 9 months ago
Went here on a Wednesday night for my birthday and had an amazing intimate dining experience. The chefs were super knowledgeable and gave us a lot of good information while also emphasizing the sustainability of the food we were enjoying. My husband got the minato and I got the slightly more adventurous nami. We also had some delicious tea and sake recommended by our chef. Will definitely be back here!
Visited 9 months ago
what an awesome experience! super good food and incredibly nice staff. they are happy to go through the menu with you and provide recommendations. will definitely be going again
Visited 9 months ago
Visited 9 months ago
My husband and I tried the Omakase Nami, and were blown away. The level of care that goes into each dish makes the already small restaurant feel so much more itnimate. We enjoyed conversing with the chef and asking questions about how he would recommend each dish be eaten, what ingredients were included, etc. The staff was so knowledgeable and friendly, and the food was absoltuely incredible. Our dishes were regularly cleared away and our drinks (waters) were kept topped off. We were blown away by the experience as a whole, as well as the quality of the dishes.
Visited 10 months ago
We loved it! My husband and I went for his birthday. It was our first time eating here. I got the omakase minato and he got the omakase nami. The food was incredible. Everything tasted fresh and you can tell there is so much thought put into developing each course. We especially the fried prawn head.
The staff were all incredibly kind and welcoming. They took time to explain what we were eating, how it was prepared, answered any questions we had. They also seemed to enjoy working together which made for a nice atmosphere. 10/10 would recommend.
Visited 10 months ago
As an Asian, it has a nice atmosphere and looks authentic. But the food is not worth the price and the marinated fish is not tasty. Service was very good. Will not be back.
Visited 10 months ago
Visited 10 months ago
Was exposed to omakase dining 20 years ago while working in Japan. In ensuing years Sozai is the only restaurant that has matched my Japanese experience. First rate
Visited 10 months ago
Visited 10 months ago
Visited a year ago
Absolutely incredible. It was all so good I couldn't cope. Delightful sake, wonerfully paired. I got the Nami option and every bit of fish was flavored and paired with the perfect vegetable. I think I only didn't finish a couple pieces of cabbage. I left absolutely stuffed and in the best mood ever. Didn't even mind the hour drive home, I was so happy.
Visited a year ago
The food is 10/10. The people are not.
Visited a year ago
Had an amazing first Omakase experience here. We had the Nami option and three beautifully paired sake tastings. All the staff were very knowledgeable and passionate about their craft. It was an incredible experience from beginning to end with so many delightful fresh flavors. They have an extensive sake selection. The pairings and background information on each one was very thorough too. Well worth every cent for this experience. It is clear that there is no lack of enthusiasm for providing high quality, sustainable, and above all delicious dishes. My boyfriend and I had moments of speechless glee, with each new dish exceeding the former, which we already thought couldn't be beat. I even had to close my eyes in order to fully appreciate the flavors erupting in my mouth at times. Absolutely blown away and looking forward to coming back! Thank you to the whole Sozai team for an outstanding experience.
Visited a year ago
Had the sushi forward omakase meal, forget what it was called on the menu. The food was all very delicious and well presented. Having been lucky enough to have enjoyed high end sushi in much larger cities, I would say Sozai was pretty close in terms of food quality.
The ambiance of the place is pretty lacking, but certainly not to the extent that it interfered with my enjoyment of the food. We sat at the sushi bar and had the owner prepare our food for the evening. His personality might be best described as gruff, but again it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the food.
Overall I would recommend this to people who are looking for an upscale sushi experience in the metro Detroit area.
Visited a year ago
Outstanding omakase! Chef Hajime and his staff delivered a two hour experience that we will be talking about for a long time. An absolute joy from start to finish!
Visited a year ago
Cozy and homey spot for fresh, flavorful, and authentic Japanese food. I really enjoyed the ambiance of the place, the friendly service, and the overall experience. However, I would not return for the food itself as a vegan. I found the vegan options to lack flavor and creativity. I tried basically every vegan option on the menu and the highlights were the seaweed salad, cucumber salad, and fried mochi dessert. The deep forest roll was nice but really lacked a creamy or umami element to bring the flavors together. It somehow felt dry in your mouth. The fried tofu and mushrooms is one of the worst things I’ve ever eaten—it had a goey/slimy texture and absolutely no flavor, so eating it was actively unpleasant. The ume shiso was almost extraordinary. The shiso leaf flavor was surprising and enjoyable, but the roll again lacked a creamy or fatty element to not feel so dry. Overall I left wanting to love this place but also somewhat disappointed at the experience.
Visited a year ago
Wonderful Japanese cooking/sushi experience. Dishes are innovative and creative, showcasing a diversity of flavors, textures and artistry. The Sake selection is the best in the state and the Sake Master is a wizard with pairings and knowledge.
Visited a year ago
Visited a year ago
This was out first experience at Sozai and it lived up to all the hype. The Omakase option we selected was beautifully curated, showcasing fresh fish from around the globe with a focus on sustainability. Every course was exquisite and unique. The sake recommendations paired wonderfully with each course, adding another layer to the dining experience. Finally, the staff was great, guiding us through each course. The pride and passion for what they do was apparent through the whole experience. We will definitely be returning to dine at Sozai!
Visited a year ago
Amazing Vegetarian food choices. Awesome service and atmosphere. I definitely recommend dining here.
Visited a year ago
Visited a year ago
This is probably the best meal I’ve ever had at a restaurant in the Metro Detroit area. Now I know what it’s like to be a judge on Iron Chef — just amazing world class quality, creativity and passion with every dish that came out of our Nami omakase order. If you really like Japanese cuisine — you owe it to yourself to experience Sozai.
Visited a year ago
Visited a year ago
We had an amazing experience at the sushi bar not to long ago. First of all, if you are a total noob about sake, the chef will help find the perfect sake for you without judgement. Speaking of the chef, our conversations were really great and he taught our group a lot about how to drink sake and eat sushi respectfully. Turns out I've been eating nigiri correctly thanks to watching a couple of sushi documentaries over the years. When he pointed it out, it caught me off guard but made me happy to hear. Food and service was great. We'll be back again.
Visited a year ago
This is a small place with amazing food and service. Awesome chefs that prepare your meal right in front of you and explain everything they put on your plate. They have the freshest ingredients you can get and flavors that delight your palette.
Visited a year ago
Second time dining at Sozai. This time it was for our anniversary and this place does not disappoint! We got the chiso omakase again, last time we had it was 2022 in April and every dish served was different (due to different seasons) so that is something we enjoyed. Loved all the thought that went into creating each dish and you can see the amount of work and pride the chef takes in sourcing the seasonal ingredients. Everything was fresh, we got to try two different types of uni from two different sources within the US and compare it. The chef is always a delight to chat with and we were so full after such an amazing meal. This will always be a very special place for us and we can't wait to come back next time for what we know will be another new experience for the taste buds.
Visited a year ago
Both the Nami and Minato omikase were delicious, and I got to try Japanese food like I've never had it before. It was the best meal I've had in years. I'd recommend the Minato if you're open to trying new things.
Visited a year ago
Visited a year ago
This review is an average of the two times I’ve dined here. Both times we got chiso ($160 tasting menu). The first time was amazing. We had a great conversation with the chef and the food was amazing. I liked the place so much I wanted to bring my family.
The second time was a disappointment. We had to book two separate reservations (max 4 per reservation) and they sat us on opposite ends of the sushi bar. The lady at the front had the nerve to tell us that she would’ve told us to cancel our reservation if she knew about that sooner. Food was also subpar the second time. They gave us mackerel and other cheap cuts of fish. The swordfish was burnt and very tough. The other part of our party that sat at the opposite end got an extra dessert that we didn’t get, even though we ordered the same tasting menu. Not worth almost $824 after tax and tip for 4 people.
This was my favorite restaurant in Michigan, but sadly will not be coming back after the more recent experience. Not worth the money for the quality of food and pretentious attitude of the lady at the front.
Visited a year ago
My boyfriend and I came here for dinner today and had the best experience! From the moment you walk in, everyone was so welcoming and kind. The place was clean and the food was delicious! We can’t wait to come back!
Visited a year ago
Do you know what it is like to recognize you are consuming the best bite of your life, while you are eating it? I hope that soon you do.
A year ago today I met a man who became my love, my husband, and my forever future. So to celebrate the anniversary of our first date, him and I went to Sozai to experience Hajime Sato’s Omakase. We ate mackerel, scallops, octopus, uni (my first experience of sea urchin after years of desiring it), prawns topped with sturgeon caviar, and even more. My favorite, however, was the dessert. I fear that may sound childish, but I can’t refuse the joy of that bouncy, Q texture of the mochi, and the refreshing, uplifting, bright, and green taste of the ginger wasabi sorbet. That was my favorite. I savored every pea-sized amount I carefully scooped, being sure to make the best thing last and linger.
But I must say it, that wasn’t all.
It wasn’t just the lovely, delicious food. There was our wonderful chef, who has been working with food for many more years than he has not. He explained every offering on our plates, of course. He expertly paired sake for each dish, of course. AND he educated us. From sake making, to his tasting experience of sake from the only sake completely developed in the US (from Oregon, surprisingly). To details of how their ingredients are sourced. For example, the octopus they serve is from cod fisherman who accidentally catch them in their nets. Hajime built a personal relationship with them to rescue what would have been discarded and wasted.
And again, that’s not all.
The thing that made this dinner into a dining experience was Chef Sato himself. Because we inquired into his sustainability practices, he delved into conversation that revealed his personality, passion, and purpose. He was an inspiration to do better for the Earth and better for its people. Better for us. When I ignorantly echoed an inquiry he has heard before about what his plans are to expand his method and grow such sustainability, his question was this, “what are YOU doing?” What are you doing to change the course of our planet’s deterioration? What are you doing to eat more sustainably? To inspire others to do so? To live environmentally responsible and help mitigate the effects of our current actions that are changing the climate the world over?
I don’t have all my answers to this such question yet. But I am trying. I am striving. And I hope you will too.
Visited a year ago
We went here for our tenth anniversary. The staff expressed being honored that we spent such an occasion with them which was the smallest part why we love this place as much as we do. Our chef, Aaron, was not only friendly, but extremely knowledgeable. He asked relevant questions about our tastes and provided recommendations that led to a magnificent experience. It was genuinely one of the best and most intimate dining experiences we've ever had. The owner, Hajime, was there (also a chef I believe) and made us feel like honored guests in his home. He shared his tastes with us (he likes Jazz ❤️) and by the end of the night we felt like we had more than just a nice dinner, but a truly unique experience that we will remember for a very long time. We can't wait to come back, as we hope to partake in the Kappo dining experience.
All this to say nothing about the food which words cannot adequately describe the food. Even calling it "food" feels too uncivilized. It was not only gorgeous but it was like no other experience we've ever had. To give you a small idea of this, we had a ginger wasabi frozen sorbet. The flavors were absolutely phenomenal especially when one considers that the aforementioned flavors are never associated with dessert.
I cannot recommend this establishment enough as it truly is an exquisite experience.
Visited a year ago
I'm very disappointed with omakase. We tried the Nami, and there were only two pieces that I liked, not two dishes. First, the soup was bland. The second one was the steamed octopus with daikon, which wasn't good at all. The smashed tuna with egg yolk wasn't mixed well, so my dish was really salty, and my companion's dish was tasteless. A major problem that I had with all the dishes was that there was water from the vegetable that ruined the taste of the fish. It is a common sense that you remove most of the water from the vegetable when you pair it with raw fish. I understand that is how you keep them fresh, but you don't have to add that water to the dish. There was a pond of water from all the vegetables in the middle of the plate. Towards the end, I could taste other vegetables on a piece of nigiri where that vegetable wasn't paired with. Also, do not wipe the plate with the towel you use to clean the knife and the cutting board while creating all the dishes. If there is dust or any other residue, just clean it with a dry paper towel or get a different plate, please. For the deep fried shrimp head, I recommend removing the intestines because it is a bitter cold liquid that pops and makes a mess everywhere. I can go on about the other dishes, but I am tired of typing. The two pieces that I liked were sea urchin and the tuna liver nigiri. It was one of the worst restaurants that I have ever tried. I was so excited to try this place, and all it left me was disappointments.
Visited a year ago
Reservations are required and necessary for this jewel of a restaurant situated in a nondescript storefront in Clawson. We opted for the Omakase (Minato: $90/person) experience, which can only be accessed if seated at the sushi bar. The good-natured and playful Chef / Owner himself, Hajime Sato regales guests with the origin stories of the often creative and circuitous ways in which he must secure ingredients ethically and sustainably. For example, since unagi (eel) is endangered and often sourced unethically, Chef has adapted by using an invasive blue catfish (namagi), which was absolutely delicious.
Although not cheap, the Omakase experience was very, very special. A hearty miso soup started the seven courses, which ended with ginger shaved ice. In between were dishes that I do not remember by name but will long be remembered by taste. The black cod nearly brought me to tears as it was so delicate yet yielded so much flavor and seemed to melt on the tongue.
Don't miss the incredible sake pairings - Chef offers sake classes - there are more than 20 varietals that don't even appear on the menu. I recommend closing the menu and asking Chef to choose for you. As he shared with us, he makes recommendations based on the feeling he gets from each diner.
Also not to be missed is the tea service. We had a roasted rice tea, which was made from a nearly extinct type of rice that the farmer is in the process of reviving and which the restaurant sources directly from the farm itself.
If you want an incredibly personal experience eating sustainable and ethically sourced seafood, I highly recommend Sozai.
Visited a year ago
My wife and I arrived a half hour early for our reservation at 7 pm on a Thursday, we had nowhere else to go so we went in happy to wait for our reservation time but the woman who met us at the door seemed quite unhappy that we arrived early, however willing to seat us, there were several open tables. I was very apologetic about being early several times, and asked permission to order anything when she visited our table, she told us we could, so we ordered, after ordering we received our initial drinks and food promptly, but after that we were seemingly intentionally ignored by the woman who seated us, I was ready to order more, yet felt ignored and begrudged against for arriving early so I finally flagged her down for our bill. The sushi is the best I have ever had, and I would love to return, please be nicer to people. PS the chefs were nice, no problem there. Very nice ceramics.
Visited a year ago
Some friends and I did Omakase with the Chiso option. The experience was out of the this world. Would 1000% recommend making a trip to Clawson for something that would be hard to come by even in NY, LA, etc!
Visited a year ago
Just tried Sozai for the first time. An excellent meal top to bottom. A bit of a splurge, but well worth it. The diversity of fish, the quality and ease of service, and the sake pairings..10/10. Highly recommended.
Visited a year ago
Tried to go here when it first opened and they pretty much laughed us out without a reservation. Planned in advance and went as a group of four decided to try things all over the menu. We all enjoyed every item we got! Interesting flavors that mix local ethically sourced fish with the techniques of the east. Very knowledgeable staff! Worth the wait and the price.
Visited a year ago
Visited a year ago
I can’t say enough about this restaurant. The food was exceptional. The service was even better. Owner/Chef Hajime Sato is absolutely delightful. He curated a uniquely delicious dinner for me and my girlfriend on a casual Thursday date night. Sustainably sourced food, a creative culinary experience, and extremely kind and personable service.
Visited a year ago
I never felt so unwelcome on a place on my entire life. The waiter was very rude, making "faces" for every question that we were making about the food or the menu. I am assuming that she is part of the restaurant's ownership, otherwise I cannot understand why someone would keep an employee like that.
My friend left his table to ask for a change on his order and he was asked "rudely" to came back to his table and sit down and wait and she would come there. Very arrogant and unpolite. My friend wanted to leave the restaurant right away.
Not sure why our party was treated so poorly. We felt that they were doing us a favor to serve us. I felt very bad because I was the one suggesting the restaurant to my friends
If the chef is reading this note, my advice is that he start looking to the overall service provided by the restaurant and not only the food. People do not go to places only for the food, they want to receive a fair treatment on a nice environment. It is the whole experience that counts, not only the food.
We definitely will never come back to this place
Visited a year ago
My fiancé and I just dined in at Sozai for my birthday, and it was an incredible experience. We love Japanese cuisine and trying new things so we opted for the Nami Omakase. It was amazing! Every course was packed with intense flavor and great presentation!
The service was beyond a 10/10 and Mike was so informative and warm. We loved learning about the different kinds of sake and the fish in each dish and where it came from.
We can’t wait to go back!
Visited a year ago
Visited a year ago
Absolutely life-changing meal. Sustainable seafood and unparalleled service. I wish I could give 100 stars. Can't wait to go back! 😩 I'm sad that I'm not at the sushi bar right NOW, I never wanted to leave!! Will be thinking about this food for a long time. Thank you to Mike and Chef Hajime for a truly flawless experience!! I want to marry the shiso ginger sorbet and warm mochi we had for dessert.
Visited a year ago
They remembered us from 6 months ago. The food was phenomenal and the service was even better. We got the 7 course with 3 pairings of sake. All chef's choice!! Not sure how the experience could be topped!
Visited a year ago
Overall experience at Sozai was quite disappointing. We ordered Chiso and felt the food quality was less than what we had expected from this price point. Sushi rice was somewhat cold and hard. The seafood was disappointing — 2-3 dishes that we liked, 1-2 that we didn’t like, the rest were just okay, but overall not really worth the $160++ per person, which came out to near $200 each. The fermented tuna was a miss for its unpleasant, sour smell. The chefs who served us were welcoming and friendly, however, the Japanese head chef gave out a cold and unfriendly attitude. Not sure what’s going on with the head chef since he seemed to be friendly towards the group of customers seated at the center of the bar but then quickly turned cold when our group entered the restaurant and when one of our group talked to him. We’ve been to several omakase and sushi restaurants in USA and Asia and would say that, overall, it’s not really worth the effort to book weeks in advance and drive out here.
Visited a year ago
Visited a year ago
Incredible experience. Thoughtful, unique, guided one-on-one journey through amazing food. Lives up to all the hype. Best food in Michigan hands down.
Visited a year ago
Amazing food. I tasted flavors that I didn't know existed. Never disappointing.
Visited a year ago
Best sushi you'll find in the Midwest. High quality fresh sashimi, unique and authentic cooked dishes, excellent sake selection. The sustainability aspect just makes it even more ethical and shows the true passion of the chef. Definitely worth the high price point.
Visited a year ago
I’ve been dying to come here for awhile now. The hype about Sozai is warranted. The everything was extremely fresh, even the Karaage chicken. It is such a cozy environment. There are many options on the menu.
My fiancé typically likes americanized sushi, but very much enjoyed Sozai. This is definitely upscale, quality sushi compared to the sushi places in the surrounding area. It’s a simple, straightforward restaurant that serves high quality food. Would love to come back and try more items!
Visited a year ago
Service was great, food was just ok and overpriced.
Visited a year ago
Staff is really knowledgeable on what they are serving and they want to share that knowledge with you! It was a great and delicious experience. The omakase was fantastic, haven't had such a luxurious experience since visiting Japan!
Visited a year ago
What an absolute treat!! The service was amazing - everyone was incredibly friendly and engaging. The food blew away all expectations. I eat sushi all the time and all over the world and this place was one of the best I've had. His sashimi combinations are wonderfully complex and utterly delicious - monkfish liver and full scallop were great. The nigiri was equally as stunning - the scallop, black cod, and mackerel were my faves!! I live in cincinnati and I will come back to Detroit just to eat here.
Visited a year ago
Sozai is a revelation in central Michigan, 20 min north of Detroit. Elegant flavor combinations, perfect cuts on the fish, top notch service, and the owner is just a wonderful, spirited guy. His passion for the food shines thru his flavors.
- the sashimi had some of the most inventive flavors I’ve ever had. Period.
- nigiri was spectacular, and the rice preparation created an elevated sensory experience that allowed the flavors to hit and echo.
- the hot dishes were all excellent
- the price was exceptionally reasonable for the quality.
Could not recommend more. We will plan to make trips back to Michigan just for Soazai.
Zach
Visited a year ago
All I can say is that Sozai is the sushi experience we have been waiting for in Michigan. We had the pleasure of dining at the sushi bar in front of Chef Hajime Soto. He was very kind and welcoming, explaining every dish for us and stressing the importance of using sustainably delicious fish. He also gave excellent sake pairings as we worked through the seven courses.
Overall the food was wonderful with a great variety of fish and pairings of marinades and accompaniments. It ended up being just the right amount of food and we enjoyed every bite!
We already look forward to returning!
Visited a year ago
Really amazing food. Especially eating at the chefs table. Vegan option available
Visited a year ago
Visited a year ago
Never felt so unwelcome by the waiter and chef. Who would have thought a question about bamboo nigiri would be so offensive. Not sure why our party was treated so poorly. Beautiful food tainted by an ugly attitude.
Visited 2 years ago
Visited 2 years ago
Absolutely delicious and lovely experience. It’s quite expensive but you’re getting quality, sustainable fish. There are different omakase options and I absolutely recommend you do a reservation. It’s a small, quaint space. It was a bit warm when we went. The chefs were nice, explained everything well, and kept the service moving at a nice pace.
Visited 2 years ago
Best nigiri traditional style sushi in Michigan. He is best known for a Japanese cuisine with small plates alternating with sushi (name of which I cannot remember), but my review is for the nigiri. He uses sustainable fish, so you will not find overfished items here. For example, no bluefin tuna was there tonight. His knowledge on many topics is phenomenal. I not only want to try more of his other dishes, but would like to get to know him better. The alcohol selection alone looks impressive. I have never tried wild salmon sushi previously due to parasite risk. He claims the deep freezing of his wild king and wild coho kill the parasite, and I trust him. Not many sushi restaurants in Michigan do I want to return again soon... This one, my first impression was, I wish I could go again next week.
Visited 2 years ago
So seeing the 5 star reviews on here… I’m wondering if we had a bad batch of fish or what else it could be. I’m writing a review not to slander the restaurant (whose staff were lovely and knowledgeable) but instead to warn that the quality of fish for the price… makes absolutely no sense. My fiancé and I are always seeking out omakase experiences given our love of nigiri but this was by far the most disappointing in terms of quality. Granted, we have been spoiled with omakase experiences in Chicago and San Francisco… but New Zealand salmon… really? The “house miso” had zero flavor. The “aged” tuna was… very off putting and we are by all means adventurous eaters. It becomes clear to me that quality is not taken seriously when I’m more impressed by the shrimp than the tuna or salmon. The rice was cold and whoever thought it would be a good idea to pair cold unseasoned broccolini with the entree, please offer something else. We left underwhelmed feeling like we could have easily gone to TigerLily in Ferndale and paid the same for much much much better quality fish. With a grand total of $300 for the both of us, we were hugely disappointed. I will say, their house mochi with red bean, fantastic! But that was about all that was memorable. Try it out for yourself, but be willing to pay the price if you do so.
Visited 2 years ago
It's awesome to have such a talented chef in our neighborhood. We love the Nami omakase experience.
Visited 2 years ago
Visited 2 years ago
I don't know that I can do this place justice with words.
This is some of the most amazing food you'll ever eat, the most amazing service you'll ever receive, and one of those moments you won't ever forget.
Visited 2 years ago
Unexpected gem in the heart of Clawson. Various tastings menu experiences and delicious Japanese style food. This is not the average sushi restaurant so expect to pay more for the quality of food prepared by Chef Sato and his staff. Truly a journey of taste along with sustainable-oriented food items. Very friendly staff and you’ll enjoy having a chat with Chef Sato to learn about his story and culinary journey. Highly recommend the Omakase tasting menu experience. A+
Visited 2 years ago
Great food and super friendly staff.
Visited 2 years ago
Visited 2 years ago
This was my first time here. It is hands down the absolute best Japanese Cuisine I have ever had (this includes when I was in Japan). The service is impeccable and the atmosphere is intimate! This hidden gem has far exceeded my expectations and I will be coming back regularly!! We had the chiso omakase and it is well worth every cent! Thank you!
Visited 2 years ago
ABSOLUTELY EXTRAORDINARY!!
Visited 2 years ago
The Chiso was very good but not worth the hype nor the price. As a person who loves omakase and sashimi, the flavors were not creative - plain but good I guess..One of the better omakases I’ve had, just not worth the $140pp bill compared to the amt of interesting/creative flavors you might get at another omakase for 140. It’s original $75 made more sense..inflation sucks lol
Visited 2 years ago
The sushi was so good it made me blush.
This place is not messing around, this is the real deal. The Hikari was absolutely incredible... Everything was incredible...
Visited 2 years ago
We had the Omakase Chiso experience. I say experience, because that's what it was. Mike was our guide this evening. His explanations of every ingredient and every preparation showed the amount of pride and attention in making our dishes. The staff from the kitchen also explained every dish with pride. Subtle yet elegant flavors and textures, with an emphasis on what's in season. From the abalone to the toasted Boston mackerel with yuzu, we enjoyed each dish that was prepared. He also nailed it with the sake pairings for our tastes. If you're looking to eat a California or Philadelphia roll, this isn't your place. The staff are all very welcoming and friendly. Chef Sato is also engaging and takes pride in his dishes and providing new experiences (such as our first taste of natto). This place is special and a surprising gem in a small strip mall in Clawson. We will definitely return and do the Omakase again.
Visited 2 years ago
Visited 2 years ago
This place is Amazing!! From the good service to the fresh seafood that we had. The chef is so experienced with his art form at making his beautifully designed dishes from start to finish. I can’t say enough about this place. I’m from California and Hawaii and know fresh when I taste it. Will definitely be back.
Visited 2 years ago
Overall the food was pretty good and the experience was enjoyable. Chefs were knowledgeable, and the dishes were very well prepared.
I’ve been to other authentic omakase places before, this one was definitely a bit different though. I was disappointed they didn’t serve traditional delicacies like otoro, uni, crab, or a5 wagyu, but I get it because the sustainability aspect of this restaurant (although I feel being sustainable kind of conflicts with receiving a true omakase experience).
I also thought the order and portion size of each course could benefit from a bit more attention to detail, such as reserving heavier courses for later in the meal for pacing your appetite, and spacing out sushi dishes/pieces instead of serving them at once on a large platter. Lastly I was a bit surprised they didn’t offer public wifi there since there was no cell reception within the restaurant and considering the length of the meal.
Overall it was a positive experience, but still doesn’t come close higher tier omakase.
Visited 2 years ago
Located almost in the shadow of a towering retirement home next to a Hungry Howie's, this unassuming single-room restaurant doesn't inherently feel like anything impressive. And that's part of the amazement. Hajime and his staff transform this understated storefront into an almost magical place if you are patient enough to let them inspire you with their food and conversation.
While everything was wonderful, my favorite dish was a sanma (mackerel pike) kind of tartare with a quail egg featuring a deep fried rib bone snack on the side that I can't stop thinking about. I almost couldn't take the last bite because that meant the dish would be over with. If this all sounds over the top, good. My experience was over the top. The sheer amount of soy, dashi, and other liquids used to prepare each individual ingredient was overwhelming (in a good way). The sake recommendations were first rate as well and any curious questions were met with knowledgeable answers and a genuine friendliness earned merely by being interested in what they were doing.
It is also worth noting that we had great conversations ranging from their sustainability practices, to Hajime making many of the clay serving platters in his home kiln, to how he decided to set up shop in the often forgotten town of Clawson. And while we paid accordingly for the Chiso omakase, it was the best meal I've had in my almost 37 years on earth. This birthday dinner was unparalleled, I woke up thinking about it, and cannot wait to go back.
Go to Sozai, let them serve you what they think is best, and enjoy their both subtle and bold craftsmanship.
Visited 2 years ago
Visited 2 years ago
Visited 2 years ago
Visited 2 years ago
Visited 2 years ago
Picked the Chiso Omakase meal, and it was well worth it for the experience. I highly recommend this for anyone that just LOVES food.
Visited 2 years ago
that Japanese chef from Settle is so rude and arrongant
Visited 2 years ago
Sozai was absolutely incredible. It blew my socks off and the chefs probably knew over the faces I was making during dinner haha. I've never had seafood that tasted like this before, it was amazing. It was my first time having omakase and they made it such an enjoyable and warm experience. It's been a few days since I went and I'm still thinking about our meal. Easily one of my top ten favorite restaurants now. You guys are 11/10!
Visited 2 years ago
Visited 2 years ago
I took my teenager daughter here for a mom daughter date night. We both loved it! The food was amazing and the owner was very informative and friendly while creating delicious options behind the sushi bar. It is quaint and relaxing.
Visited 2 years ago
Visited 2 years ago
The omakase is a good experience if you have the budget for it. The kind you might pay double for in a different part of the country. More like a special night kind of thing than a random Tuesday.
Not everything will be a hit for your palate probably but everything will be quality.
Personally appreciated the mixture of warm kitchen items with the cold sushi bar items. Helped my stomach settle better than going cool after cool after cool.
Visited 2 years ago
Not your typical Japanese place and that's a good thing. So glad to see a place that thinks outside the box. It's not cheap, but quality food isn't cheap. You pay for the quality, the experience and the atmosphere which adds up to the total package.
Visited 2 years ago
What an amazing experience. This restaurant is for true food lovers. The fish is all sustainably sourced and mindful. The chef/ owner has such an amazing concept and dedication to his craft. If you are looking for rainbow rolls and California rolls, please do NOT go here unless you're ready to try better food. His nigiri showcases the beautiful flavors of the fish, not condiments thrown on top. The sake menu is expansive and showcases sake you can not get everywhere. If you're unfamiliar with sake, don't worry, Hajime can help you find the perfect pairing or one at your comfort level. We are beyond lucky to have such an amazing place in metro Detroit. Places like this are why I am so proud to be a Michigander.
Visited 2 years ago
Had my 1st ever Omakase Experience.
One of the best Meal I have ever eaten and I am 59.
We made reservations 1 month ago.
The Hostess was cheerful, welcoming and seated us.
We chose Nami for Omakase.
The owner Hajime Sato was present and along with two other chefs. They created all the dishes in front of us patrons.
The 7 course meal was thoughtfully sequenced.
The Sashimi, Nigiri and other dishes had a fresh taste and lots of Flavor.
The Scallops were fresh, sweet tasting and smooth as butter.
The Chefs explained the ingredients and sustainability of the fish as they served us.
Omakase means – Chef's Choice.
We were served - Miso Soup with Fish.
Scallops in Sea Urchin sauce,
Tuna Tartar with Fresh Wasabi and Quail Egg Yolk.
Tuna Sashimi.
Uni
Shrimp with Caviar.
Scallops
Tuna
Shrimp Tempura
Oysters
Black Cod - Seared
Shrimp with Seaweed
The Desert was Jasmine Creme Brulee. Lightly Sweet and the top has a nice, light crackle to it.
Visited 2 years ago
The omakase was incredible. I went with the nami and sake pairings, and it was one of the best meals I've ever had. I got to try a lot of things I hadn't had before, and it was well worth the money. Plan ahead though, you need to make reservations way ahead of time.
Visited 2 years ago
One star for the awful experience.
Passing by here with our toddler 22 months old on a Tue night, we walked in to see if there were seats. It was kinda empty, although booking is required normally, the waitress was flexible enough to find a table for us.
The food was fine considering good Japanese restaurants are rare around this area. You can see they tried hard to make a difference in the menu. Maybe it’s amazing for people who hasn’t travelled much in Asia. It seems this place does it’s job to impress and educate in Clawson. Apparently people made reservations one month ago for special occasions.
However, this kinda restaurant is pretty average for people who lived in Asia.
The service is NOT great. No baby seat in this place. We already had to have the baby sitting on our laps entire time when we were eating. For a min we put down the baby, she went to play with the bamboo curtain near the door right behind us. The Japanese chef shouted out “ don’t do that. it’s fragile” when we were just about to stop the baby. He came immediately checked his curtain, of course the curtain was completely fine.
The rest of the night, the chef had a stinky eye on us and serving us without any smile. And we had to walk the baby everywhere in case she broke some “fragile decorations”. In the end, we just wanted to finish this dinner asap.
When the chef came to clean the table, I said “thank you” to him, but he was incredibly rude - having a long face and purposely not responding a word.
It’s disappointing to see such a “celebrity”chef who in social media claims himself caring about environment and making a positive change to the world doesn’t even have a big heart and compassion for people in real life. How pretentious and fake.
Unfortunately I read too late other review mentioned the owner tried to keep the 100$ cancellation fee no matter what.
If I knew earlier, I would have never come to support such a business. The chef should understand his attitude to customer does help him spread his culture too. I have never experienced such a bad service in Japan or anywhere in the world. It’s a shame.
Visited 2 years ago
Visited 2 years ago
Amazing food and great experience. The best Japanese restaurant I've ever been to. Since the moment you enter the place, its minimalist design let's you know that what you're here for is the food. We chose the Omakase experience in which you sit at the bar and the food you're served is up to the chef's choosing. Be assured that it will be all seasonal specialties that are sustainably procured and prepared. They have 4 different kinds of Omakase, including a vegan option. I definitely recommend a seafood based one. Ours (Nami) had 7 courses; including soup, veggies, sashimi, nigiri and dessert. All so fresh, all so good! The only item that I thought wasn't great was the Japanese cheesecake, but I wasn't here for the dessert so this aspect wasn't enough for me to not give it 5 stars. Omakase ranges from $70 to $150 depending on the type you choose, so although not necessarily cheap, it's definitely worth the money. For me this makes it not an every weekend kind of place, but certainly one for a special occasion. Of course, they also have à la carte options, so you can build your own meal. This is probably the option I'll go for next time I come. All in all, a great place to check out for very good, sustainable, fresh, carefully prepared food.
Visited 2 years ago
It was an amazing experience. If you go, go for one of the omakase options. We just went for a second time and it was somehow even better than the first time.
Visited 2 years ago
An amazing dining experience from start to finish. I've been a few times now and each time, I'm already looking to book the next one. Incredible fish quality and beautiful flavors throughout each dish. I highly recommend the sake pairing for your dinner as they have some stock that you won't find anywhere else and they really, honestly know their stuff. 10/10 would recommend and will be back!
Visited 2 years ago
A rare taste of Japan in Michigan. The sushi is of the highest quality but it's the Japanese cuisine that really elevates the experience. You get what you pay for, but expect to pay for it. Staff is incredibly knowledgeable and personable making this an amazing dining experience.
If you opt in for the Kappo don't eat for a few days in advance and be prepared for an onslaught of courses over 3-4 hours but it's an awesome experience.
Visited 2 years ago
We visited here last night and my goodness, every dish we received was some of the most delicious food I ever ate.
If you want quality sushi from someone who has an appreciation of enhancing the taste of vegetables themselves, you NEED to go here and get a reservation for the Mori Omakase!
They even have real wasabi root 😱
I loved the soup, poke salad, and fried onion roll the most. It's not pictured, but they also offer vegan dessert options of Kanten agar custard and mochi 😋
Visited 2 years ago
We had Omakase with a Sake pairing.
Mike was our sushi chef and was very attentive and engaging.
If I had to give a critique it would be with the owner, Hajime. He was servicing another couple. The conversation was basically how Detroit sushi is subpar and how most here clearly don’t know better. I won’t go into detail, but I found it snarky, borderline pretentious. For one, if you are offering something that is different and maybe even superior, perhaps a bit of humility and warmth with the customer would be a more inviting way to show us local folk what we are missing. Our bill was over $400 and we gladly paid it for the experience we had. Again, Mike was awesome! He made excellent choices for me (a little less adventurous) and my partner who is experienced and loves Omakase style. I’m giving 5 stars because the food and presentation were spectacular, along with the other staff we met throughout the course of the evening. AND, we all have off nights, or maybe that is just his personality, so I’m willing to go on a little faith here. I have no doubts Sozai will continue to be successful.
Visited 2 years ago
It was a bit intimidating at first but our chef (we were sitting at the bar) talked us through our order and explained as we went. This place is not for everybody in that your preference might not be delicately and subtly prepared fresh sustainable seafood. Don’t forget, that is okay. I’ll be back for sure- even one dinner at Sozai expanded my palate and knowledge.
Visited 2 years ago
Enjoyed our food
Visited 2 years ago
Their Omasake experience was just mindblowing! I'm a vegetarian and it's rare that such upscale restaurants have anything even remotely satisfactory for the amount of money we spend. But their veggie Omasake was also so flavorful and absolutely worth the visit! Everybody should experience it at least once. The visit made for an amazing first wedding anniversary celebration!
Visited 2 years ago
Make reservations, or try your luck to get in. Great food and staff. Not a generic sushi restaurant, with unique roles.
Visited 2 years ago
Was here on Friday, 1/6/23, and it was a very good experience!
It was our first omakase ever and chef/owner Sato served us that night. He was awesome!
Very friendly and knowledgeable. The sushi was the best I've ever had. The sake was also really good, huge selection to choose from.
I got the Nami.
Visited 2 years ago
What a delightful experience! The highest compliment paid in our family is if a dish is celestial. If one dish is celestial, than the omekase last night was galactic. Would and will recommend far and wide.
Visited 2 years ago
Food and service were amazing. The owner and his co-chef were short one chef but they still hussled and got everything done. The co-chef served us and he was excellent: knowledgeable and exceptionally calm and constantly jumping to assist the owner whenever possible. The waitresses we're also all excellent and helpful.
Visited 2 years ago
Completely inflexible and rude when it comes to the $100 cancellation fee. Both my fiancé and I had car issues unexpectedly and ended up towing a car to the mechanic on the day of our reservation time. I left a voice message and wrote an email to the restaurant letting them know of the situation and work things out. They called me back and were completely inflexible and rude when I offered to compromise. The owner has a complete lack of human understanding. This place only cares about money, so take your money somewhere else.
Visited 2 years ago
Visited 2 years ago
Top notch spot. I dont even like sushi but this place is more than that. Unfortunately I wasnt able to get the 7-course meals, but the shiroto was A+. The poke bowl and cervice messed me up nice 😵. Meal cost me like $80 lol
Visited 2 years ago
Recently named to Bon Appétit’s 50 Best New Restaurants 2022 list, so I had to try Sozai out. Perhaps the best sushi I’ve ever had. Customer service was impeccable and the atmosphere was calm and serene. I can’t wait to go back and try more of the menu.
Visited 2 years ago
Incredible experience, will definitely be back. Highly recommend the Hama Omakase if you've never tried this type of meal before. The preparation and quality of fish was perfection.
Visited 2 years ago
Visited 2 years ago
I can’t say enough good things about my experience at sozai. Our party of four had a fantastic time trying all of the different omakase dishes and talking to our friendly and super knowledgeable sushi chef, Mike, as well as the owner, Hajime. My favorite bites were the tuna tartare with quail egg, the mackerel nigiri, the fried shrimp head, and the chocolate mousse bar for dessert. Also, I highly recommend ordering sake pairings to go with your meal; it really takes everything to the the next level. I can’t wait to come back and try more dishes!
Visited 2 years ago
The omakase was unique and delicious! Awesome service at the sushi bar.
Visited 2 years ago
So very good. Great sushi!
Visited 2 years ago
Having grown up in Asia and spent years living in Japan, i gotta tell you this is a SCAM. The food looks “interesting” and “different” in photos, but the quality of the fish (the most important thing in Japanese food!) is not even on par with the average sushi restaurant you’d expect in Detroit. Sushi rice is cold; the salmon is very dry and not fatty at all. These are really the basics, and it’s shocking that they can miss these.
As another reviewer pointed out, the owner is warm and friendly to groups of white people but oddly cold and negligent to Asians. Makes you wonder: is that good ole internalized racism? Or is he afraid that Asian people can see through the scam?
PS: They make a big deal out of sustainability, but really that is just a ruse to substitute premium ingredients with cheap ones (e.g. substituting eels with catfish due to sustainability, you kidding me?)
Visited 2 years ago
This is some of the freshest most unique sushi around. I have done both omakase and regular service. The chefs handle everything with care. The food is amazing and full of flavor. It is one of the few places that is not overcrowded with people or booming with music. You can truly enjoy the experience and your company.
Visited 2 years ago
Absolutely fantastic and authentic. The owner took time to talk to us and made us feel comfortable and welcome as out of state guests. Can't recommend enough for a truly unique and exquisite meal. From someone who travels extensively, this is a Clawson gem!
Visited 2 years ago
One of the best dining experiences of my life. Definitely some of the best seafood ever had, sushi included. The emphasis on sustainability is very appreciated. Excellent and friendly service, unassuming yet precise.
it will definitely be coming back.
The only minor complaint I have is the seats are kind of uncomfortable and the lighting is a little harsh.
For some of the best food ever had though, I stopped noticing after the third course. The sake and tea selection is also fantastic. I cannot recommend this place enough.
Seriously, why are you still reading this? A reservation and treat your palate to something truly unique that is also healthy for the planet.
Visited 2 years ago
Food is always great but the last time I ate there showing a friend from Detroit we were treated second rate. The chefs were not friendly to us but super nice to the people next to us. The waitstaff kept asking me to straighten out my chair like I was some little kid. My chair was fine. I kept being told someone was going to come in soon to sit beside me and no one ever did. Probably the last time I eat there due to the fact I was treated second rate and I am no slouch off the street.
Visited 2 years ago
Visited 2 years ago
Amazing experience delicious food great saki pairings very kind staff
Visited 2 years ago
Visited 2 years ago
We came to celebrate our birthday.
As a huge food enthusiast, this is the best, most fresh seafood we’ve had in Michigan.
We’ve tried the Nami Omakase and Mike served us fantastically. From very fresh, unique miso soup to variety of rarest fresh Nigiri, everything was phenomenal.
Will definitely come again and try different Omakase next.
Visited 2 years ago
I’ve been waiting almost 30 years for a Japanese restaurant this good to come to the Detroit area. What a special and amazing place. If you like real Japanese food (not caterpillar rolls) it’s an awesome experience. Everything about this place is 5 stars. The size, the food, the experience, the sake selection. Last night was our first time. But we will be back a lot.
Visited 2 years ago
This is the best Japanese restaurant in Michigan hands down. I’m from Japan and had been waiting for a restaurant like this for 27 years.
Visited 2 years ago
Visited 2 years ago
Best Sushi place I know of in the Detroit- Birmingham area.
Visited 2 years ago
Visited 2 years ago
Visited 2 years ago
Visited 2 years ago
Great service and some of the best food I have had anywhere!
Visited 3 years ago
Went for an Omakase (Chiso) experience and it was amazing. Worth the money. Unique ingredients, superb quality seafood, gorgeous presentation, and a great dining atmosphere.
Visited 3 years ago
Great experience, high quality sushi, knowledgeable staff
Visited 3 years ago
- 14 sushi photos
- 200 sushi reviews
- 4.6 Sushi Rating
- Reservations: +1 248-677-3232
- Menu Website: https://www.sozairestaurant.com/
- Sushi Address: 449 W 14 Mile Rd, Clawson, MI 48017, United States
- Sushi Map: 42.5328966, -83.1534885
- Japanese restaurant
- Sushi restaurant
- Sunday: Closed
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 5:03–8:15 PM
- Thursday: 5:03–8:15 PM
- Friday: 5:03–8:15 PM
- Saturday: 5:03–8:15 PM
- Dine-in: Available
- Delivery: Available
- Dinner: Available
- Solo dining: Available
- Wheelchair-accessible car park: Available
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance: Available
- Wheelchair-accessible seating: Available
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet: Available
- Alcohol: Available
- Beer: Available
- Healthy options: Available
- Small plates: Available
- Spirits: Available
- Vegan options: Available
- Vegetarian options: Available
- Wine: Available
- Dinner: Available
- Dessert: Available
- Seating: Available
- Gender-neutral toilets: Available
- Toilets: Available
- Cosy: Available
- Trendy: Available
- LGBTQ+ friendly: Available
- Transgender safe space: Available
- Reservations required: Available
- Dinner reservations recommended: Available
- Accepts reservations: Available
- Credit cards: Available
- Debit cards: Available
- NFC mobile payments: Available
- Credit cards: Available
- Free of charge street parking: Available
- Free parking lot: Available
- Parking: Available