Fadi Elisha
seamlessly combines the elegance of Japan with a dash of modern Detroit charm. Matt, the bartender, elevated our experience with his inventive off-menu cocktails that were nothing short of delicious. The food was exceptional as well. Highly recommend this gem for anyone looking for a unique and flavorful dining experience!
… moreLeonardo D.
Great to see that Detroit’s food and drink diversity keeps expanding. A Japanese-style pub right downtown? Yes, please! Just entering here already feels like it will be a great and chill experience, and it certainly was. From the moment we walked in we were warmly welcomed by the staff. The interior design is very intentional, well executed, and it gives a relaxed, and inviting vibe. The place is small with a few seating options, and a standing bar. We sipped on a few sakes, having our bartender Lamar explaining them and their differences. We could tell he was well versed on this topic. The food is what one would expect as Japanese small bites, or on-the-go kind of food, and very tasty. I would recommend this spot to anyone looking for a unique pub experience, perhaps for pre dinner drinks. Looking forward to coming back.
… moreJohn Gonsalves
I recently visited the hand roll Japanese restaurant located in the newly renovated Book Tower in downtown Detroit.
The standout dish for me was the Sushi Dog—a fried sushi rice roll filled with crab meat. It was not only incredibly tasty but also impressively creative, offering a fun twist on traditional sushi. Another highlight was the sushi balls, which came as a set of four: salmon, tuna, yellowtail, and avocado. Each had its own unique flavor, beautifully presented and perfect for sharing.
The hand rolls were excellent—fresh, flavorful, and made right in front of us. I also enjoyed the Tamago Sando, a Japanese-style egg salad sandwich that was light yet rich in flavor, definitely a must-try.
The only disappointment food-wise was the Yaki Soba; the noodles were overcooked and lacked the depth of flavor found in the other dishes, making it my least favorite.
Unfortunately, the main issue came at the end: we were given a happy hour menu, but when the bill arrived, everything was charged at full price—double what we expected. That mix-up definitely left a sour note on an otherwise enjoyable evening.
Despite that, the quality and creativity of the food were strong enough that I’d still consider returning—just with a little more attention to the bill next time.
… moreSamarth Jadav
Good spot to hang out until you get seated at the main charms(Le supreme/Hirokisan/Kempers) of book tower. Decent selection of food and drinks. Happy hour on Mon-Fri 4-6 is bonus!
… moreHerb & Legend
Excellent spot to grab a drink and bite before a game or before a resy at Le Supreme or Hiroki-San. The cocktails are strong, well made with quality ingredients, and absolutely delicious. The Bento Box was excellent but will definitely have to try the other options next time im in! It has great decor, great whiskey and sake, and a knowledgeable staff with great recommendations.
… moreChris Chamberlain
This place is a gem, albeit a small one. However, if you find yourself in the area it is most definitely worth checking out. Seemingly authentic Japanese brews along with some fusion-y food dishes. All the food we tried was exceptional, but the wagyu hot dogs were imo the best meat in tube form I’ve ever had. Sushi hot dog and balls were also phenomenal.
… moreChesney
Fantastic, delicious food. Very authentic Japanese flavor with an elevated local twist! The Sailor Moon cocktail was so perfect. Great friendly service, super cozy vibes.
… moreA M
Wonderful bar. Great art and decor. The bartenders were very nice and attentive. The drinks were very tasty. My friend said her gimlet was the best she had ever had. Unfortunately we didn’t make it in before the kitchen closed so we didn’t get to try the food. We will have to come back because the menu looked great.
… moreHex
I’ve grown to love sake over the past year, so I was so excited to learn that a sake bar opened up in the recently renovated Book Tower! The vibes are immaculate with dim lighting, retro ads, and mostly 80s music. I can definitely see myself stopping by from time to time. The only slight downside is that it can get a little busy and there’s only 2 bartenders, so please have a bit of patience!
… moreMia Turner
Andrea is the best bartender ever. Also her playlist when she bartends is the absolute best. I love the vibe in there with the music that she puts on.
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