2 /5 Anas Slassi: We recently dined at Uchi Plano in Legacy West on New Year’s Eve, and unfortunately, the experience was very underwhelming for what is marketed as a high-end, $100+ per person sushi restaurant.
To start, the ambiance and interior were disappointing. For a restaurant of this caliber and price point, the atmosphere felt average at best and lacked the refinement or warmth one would expect for a special New Year’s Eve dining experience.
We decided to try the Osaka experience, which we were told would be “really good” and consist of items available only that night. In addition, we ordered three sushi rolls off the menu. While the presentation, effort, and plating were visually appealing, the taste was subpar. The rolls were extremely small, overly spicy, dry, and lacked depth of flavor. Having had sushi all over the world, we were genuinely surprised by how underwhelming the flavors were for such a highly rated establishment.
Throughout the Osaka experience, the service delivery was lackluster. Servers would briefly stop by to explain each course, but they spoke very quietly and rushed through the descriptions, making it difficult to hear or appreciate what we were being served. The wait times between courses were excessive, which felt intentional—almost as if to make guests feel fuller over time despite the extremely small portions.
The final price for the Osaka experience (just food) turned out to be $445 for three people, and you can see the entrees below in the photos. For that price, the portion sizes were shockingly small—what was served for three people looked more appropriate for two people. While we understand that premium ingredients are expensive, the overall value simply did not match the cost.
Another major issue was that we were brought a palate cleanser containing champagne without being informed beforehand. As non-drinkers, this was uncomfortable and concerning. We had to question the staff ourselves to confirm the contents, and they ultimately had to remake the cleanser.
At the end of the Osaka experience, we were presented with what was described as a “gift”: a spoon, some salt, and a $50 gift card. We were not there for a cheap gift. This did not feel like a genuine gesture, but rather an attempt to make people return and spend more money. Additionally, during our meal, we noticed another couple who had ordered the omakase and were visibly unhappy with their experience as well.
To be fair, the staff was polite and kind, and it’s clear that Uchi puts effort into presentation and service. However, effort alone does not justify the price. The food quality, portion sizes, and overall value fell far short of expectations.
We were fully prepared to pay top dollar (we paid 600 dollars for three people with the Osaka experience and 3 extra rolls from the menu, we did not order any drinks, just food) for a memorable New Year’s Eve experience, but instead, we left feeling disappointed, unsatisfied, and frankly, robbed. The Osaka/Omakase experience was one of the worst values we’ve encountered, especially for a restaurant with Uchi’s reputation. Wishing you all the best, and we hope you take this review into consideration for future guests :).
