Minato Sushi Japanese Restaurant
This was hands-down the best sushi experience I’ve ever had. I’ve been to basically all the local sushi restaurants (save a few) and although most were great, none compared to Minato.
My favorite before Minato was of course Hamachi House on Morris St. But my opinion was quickly swayed.
To comment on some of the things mentioned below. My boy and I have gone a few times, and it was during slow hours, so we did not sit upstairs, so I have no experience with the cold there haha. We also only ordered Japanese dishes (Miso soup, tempura and mostly sashimi or nigiri instead of maki rolls)
Each time we went I was thoroughly impressed with the freshness and quality of the fish, it was fantastic.
The most amazing thing about this place is the service. Now this may only be because we got the same lovely waitress each time we were there, but she was beyond words. She was just the sweetest thing I’ve never met, she lit the room with her smile and was the perfect server overall. I wish I had gotten her name so I could give her the mention she deserves.
I would definitely recommend this place to all sushi lovers in the halifax area. Just make sure you go during the slower hours and you should be good as gold. I also hope for your sake that you get the same marvelous lady that we did.
Side note:
I hear this a lot from people complaining here and there. The water is supposed to be served warm as cold water hinders digestion, so if you want iced water, ask for it.
Traditionally, meals are served with either hot tea or a fermented beverage which aid digestion. So try for a pot of tea or a beer (can’t really complain about that right?)
Source: Bungie01
Google Reviews
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I wish I could rate this restaurant more than once. Every visit is perfect. Every dish is delicious. It feels like your in a spot only you are lucky enough to know about, but you're right off Spring Garden.
Quite, peaceful, table for one or among friends, this is perfect sushi zen bliss. 
- Its genuinely the best food and warm welcoming service. Great for a date or family dinner and even really fab for dining alone. Try it. I recommend everything!
- Great spot in downtown Halifax! Delicious food and friendly service.
- Been to Japan many times and this is the closest I've found in Halifax - nice and cozy- traditional authentic food- and the owner was setting up Japanese cuisine in Halifax before anyone else.
- My passion is sushi/sashimi but my partner is what I'd call a 'tonkatsu tourist'. Minato has hands down the best tonkatsu we've ever had, and I'm surprised more people aren't singing its praises. Perfect, big juicy cutlets and delicious sides for a great price. Also, don't sleep on the sashimi salad (Hae dup bap), it's excellent and the spicy sauce is delicious, so refreshing in the summer.
- A lovely off street family restaurant, excellent Japanese cuisine. Charming space too.
- The best sushi in Halfax--bar none. James and his wife run the entire show and are bith sweet/shy but talented. The place isn't fancy but we don't care. It is clean and the food is the best!!
- A quaint mom n pop operation with an authentic feel. I was really pleased with the polite service, delicious sushi and it was great to watch the sushi being crafted right in front of me. Definitely the best no-fuss sushi in Halifax.
- This restaurant was recommended to us by Japanese friend of ours. We love it and I think it's definitely the best bang for your buck.
- Love the rolls and nigiri here. As an unfortunate person with sesame and peanut allergy, and a boyfriend with celiac, I can say minato is great at safely handling allergens. Never had a problem there, very genuine staff and always go when in town.
