I would have to say that I can’t sing and dance about this restaurant but nor can I moan about it. I ordered one of the Bento boxes which came as a very generous portion, well presented and although the meat was a little stringy, I would have to say that I really enjoyed it. We did not have to wait long for our food. The service was adequate (and there were about 10 of us) not overbearing but in opposition to one of the other reviews our plates were cleared while people were still eating. Actually this is a pet hate of mine (having been a waitress myself) but the staff were very friendly and were happy to accommodate any requests. I would definitely go back…..at some point.

Worse Restaurant I have ever been to.Two of us arrived at 5.30pm and sat down at a table.No other customers there but us.After looking over the menu,our orders were taken.We waited for 40 Min’s before our food arrived.Very slow considering there was still nobody there but us.The entree and main came out together which is not what we wanted.The meal was OK but nothing great.Nobody cleared our dirty dishes away and no one came back to ask us if we would like a dessert menu or even drinks for the rest of the night.We got so fed up with being ignored and putting up with poor service,we decided to pay up and get dessert elsewhere.When we left the restaurant,there were approx 10 other people in there.Hardly busy considering how slow,inattentive and neglectful the staff were.This is the only restaurant I have ever been to where our dirty dishes were still sitting at our table as we walked out,nearly an hour after we had finished eating.The dishes sat there in front of us not getting cleared away all night.There were 3 waiting staff on duty and several cooking out the back.The woman(Owner I think)stood at the door all night welcoming people and taking your money when you left,but she never once helped clear any plates away at all after people had left or even between courses,including ours.She and the other staff saw the dishes there but did nothing about it. Absolutely appalling.I will never set foot in this place again.Worst service I have ever experienced.The Japanese are known for their fast efficient service,but certainly not at Ezumi.

Hi I’m Rose H Pirini and I was living in whangarei until about 3months ago,I would visit every week, not to dine but passing through and i always ordered from there little window on the side. Since i have left i haven’t been able to enjoy my favourite japanese food I was wondering do you have the recipes for these special delights, i can only recall a few, which are fish egg, sweet&sour pork or chicken, shitake mushroom, seaweed, crabmeat,anyway that is all I can recall, if there is any chances i could get these couriered weekly, or you could send me recipes to make them myself would be most appreciated, otherwise could you reccommend a restaurant or place that makes these delights your way, pls tell me. Thanks Rose H Pirini

Lost count of how many times we’ve eaten at Ezumi,never had a bad meal.Staff are delightful,service can be a little slow but who cares with food like this. Good Chefs shouldn’t be hurried!

This is a little gem of a restaurant. From the moment you walk in the door you feel like your patronage is appreciated. The decor has a very authentic Japanese feel to it which for me adds to the dining experience. I had the tempura bento and it was extremely tasty and a very generous serving. The tempura was particularly good. I broke from the Japanese theme and had a special coffee for dessert and it really was special (and more dessert than coffee). I had one niggle and this is a purely personal one but I was disappointed that rather than have Japanese music playing in the background (which I happen to enjoy) they had a selection of Rod Stewart, Dolly Parton and Eagles (which I loathe with an intensity that is difficult to articulate in polite company without causing offense). This one complaint wasn’t enough to stop me giving this restaurant a well deserved 5 stars and I’ll definitely seek it out for a return visit next time I’m in Whangarei (with my Ipod at the ready).

We eat here regularly, it is excellent value for money and food is always great.
We have eaten in many Japanese restaurants and this has the best Beef Tataki and Tempura we have had. If you like green tea you must try it here. You may need to wave the wait staff over if you want a second drink but they are always friendly and wanting to please.