"Review written on 7 October 2021: I have been a loyal customer of AtariYa in Kingston for many years since it first opened, but my recent visit with a friend left me extremely disappointed. In fact, we were so appalled that we decided to leave. Both my friend and I wore masks during our visit. With my deep connection to Japanese culture through my family and years of experience living, working, and traveling in Japan, I have a refined palate for authentic Japanese cuisine. Unfortunately, on this visit, I was disappointed to find a limited selection of sushi Bento boxes that lacked the quality and freshness I had come to expect from AtariYa. In addition, I noticed that some items in the shop were not actually made in Japan, which was misleading. When I inquired about this to a non-Japanese staff member behind the counter, I received no clear explanation. Furthermore, I was concerned about the hygiene practices of the staff as I observed them not properly wearing their masks, especially while handling raw fish during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. This, coupled with a smaller selection of fish at the sashimi counter and the lack of adherence to proper hygiene practices by both staff and customers, left me deeply disappointed. I have raised similar concerns in the past with AtariYa and received an apology, but it seems that the issue persists. As a patron with high expectations for Japanese cuisine, I find it crucial for establishments claiming to serve authentic Japanese food to uphold the standards of quality and hygiene. Unfortunately, my recent experience at AtariYa fell short of these expectations, and I will not be returning, nor will I recommend it to others."
Kingston upon Thames
