Matsu

I realize there are a couple good reviews of this restaurant so perhaps we hit them at a bad time, but my wife and I were sorely dissappointed. We got there 8:30 pm, there were a couple other tables occupied, we asked for one near the back, the staff seemed friendly. We started with Miso soup, worst I've ever had and I've tried alot of Japanese restaurants, off to a bad start, tempura and gyoza were adequate, then the assorted maki rolls we had, some were ok, while some had little flavour. All that aside, I was most annoyed with the service, after a very short time the staff kept watching us and coming back, at 1st it seemed extra attentive but after awhile I got the feeling of being rushed, sure enough, as we neared the end one of the gents came over and said we're closing so could I pay now, if that wasn't a hurry up and out I don't know what was... I don't even know when your closing time is but if you're not going to give your customer time to eat then close earlier because once you let someone in its just ignorant to rush them, I'll never go there again.

Matsu is the best quality sushi in Hamilton

When I walked in I was impressed with the quaint restaurant size the authentic Japanese decor and the friendliness of the staff. When you arrive you are greeted pleasantly in Japanese.

The seating offers a sushi bar as well as separate tables for those who want to eat in privacy while giving opportunity to talk to the chef if you like.

The menu offers diverse cuisine, but it is clear that sushi is the specialty. I ordered the Geisha platter which comes with a mixture of rolls and nigri sushi. The fish is incredibly fresh and practically melts in your mouth. In my experience I find the yellow tail and the butterfish outstanding. My wife enjoys sushi but is very picky about the quality and won't eat at a place where it smells to fishy. For her Matsu sushi is her favorite place.

The dinner menu tends to be more expensive than the lunch, and I find the lunch special quite affordable filling and full of flavour.

The only negative would be that the waitresses, being authentic Japanese immigrants, sometimes struggle with English and if you are new to sushi the options and language barrier may be intimidating. If you are experienced with sushi I can guarantee you will no be disappointed.

Delightful - delicious foods and wonderful hosts. This tiny, unassuming restaurant bosts an experienced sushi chef, great menu and charming staff. A bento box for dinner satisfies a good appetite and the presentation is quite nice. The only negative was the scented candles on the table which did interfere with the lovely aroma of the food. Otherwise, we have thoroughly enjoyed two visits so far to this cozy and unexpectedly charming little restaurant.