Ootoya - Coffs Harbour

We actually couldn’t choose between the sushi and the place next door Creasia. So we ordered off the menu here and next door and they brought it out the table for us. They were so polite about having food from the place next door, I had the grilled salmon sushi roll and it was delicious. The portions are generous and the service was friendly and fast. I’d happily return for lunch or dinner again.

Funny that a few years back there were no Japanese food offerings in Coffs Harbour and now there are a six or so. We were here for lunch and the place has opened recently.The tofu agedashi as part of the vegetarian Bento box was the best I have ever had!!! My wife said the same and the non tofu eater at the table with us, said it was amazing and would have that next time! Ha, a convert!The rolled sushi whilst very nice was rolled a little loosely and was also big so it made it hard to eat " delicately'. So be warned if contemplating going there on a first date! But it is an observation. not a complaint.Miso soup was very pleasant but luke warm. The restaurant is new and yes, there were a few minor issues of service and the rice cooker was giving problems, but when they hit their straps this place will go off.The staff we found found to be helpful, enthusiastic, happy, but a little tentative and untrained/ unrefined??? Not sure of the best adjective because they were so well meaning.. I don't like people leaning over the table and me to serve someone on the other side of the table...maybe it is just me...small thing but shows inexperience.But, cannot wait to go back another day.As I said no negatives, just observations and the tofu agedashi...sublime!

I have now been to Ootoya twice. On both occasions I have received very poor treatment from staff. The first occasion they missed a meal, did not identify that the meal was missing and when we let them know we were waiting for another meal, they were not quick with their response/provision of the meal. Despite this, I returned as we enjoyed the food and was disappointed even further. We were aware that the staff were quiet busy and did allow for generous time periods for service. However, three of our meals were provided and the fourth did not arrive. We had already waited an extensive period. When we asked if the meal was coming we were advised it had been given to another patron and we were offered their meal! Despite the meal being declined it was still brought to the table. When raised with the a member of staff at the end of the meal she abruptly informed us that we should have raised the matter with her and blamed us for attempting to communicate with other staff. She was very rude throughout the encounter. It is a shame that another potential good food experience is ruined by very poor staff service.

Stopped into Coffs to pick up supplies before heading out to Bellingen, stumbled on this place and it was teriffic. Hubby had prawn gyoza type dumpling soup and noodles which was special of the day. They had many different sushis to choose at the counter but I noticed they did a bento so asked if they could do me a seafood one and it did not disappoint, lovely garlicky shrimps, prawn sushi,seaweed,rice and Tofu, delicious. We shared a pot of tea. We will be back next time we visit Coffs in fact I can't wait and wish we had a cafe like that here in Byron that made fresh sushi and so many different varieties. You could see all the lucky locals loving it too. And the ladies working there were charming and helpful.

Casual lunch while shopping comprised soft shell crab, pork gyozas, tempura king prawns and terriyaki chicken. All were very good. Service was friendly and efficient.