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View Full Version : Review: Roku AKA Zipang NW



rage2
04-08-2014, 07:40 PM
Been anxiously waiting for this place to open, the 2nd location for Zipang, conveniently located up in the Royal Oak Plaza. NW have been shafted for good sushi restaurants, with only "emergency" sushi joints such as Sakana Grill or Sushi Boat in Crowfoot. The closest good sushi, Mikis, is way down in Bowness.

I've been watching this place under construction the last few months, and was wondering WTF was going on when nothing was done after framing. Turns out, the contractor is really slow, and the opening was delayed by 4 months. Now that it's open, it's a beautiful place inside, a modern version of Zipang.

The food is excellent, pretty much the same as Zipang. We didn't go crazy on food with so few of us there today, just ordered some basic Sushi, Roll, hand cones, and sashimi. Everything was excellent, fish was soft and tender (especially the Unagi), rice tastes perfect, texture and consistency of rice was perfect, zero complaints.

Service wise, food came out quick, drinks refilled quick, we were in and out in 45 mins.

Ambience: 10/10. I love modern and new places.

Service: 10/10.

Food: 9/10. Best Japanese style sushi in this city IMO.

Pricing: I'll let you rate it, bill is attached.

http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc475/rage2amg/92C8D941-2CC8-416D-9101-162B50C0171D_zpsbzib9clf.jpg

http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc475/rage2amg/55416E90-A92C-46F1-A1BB-0809B18168E4_zps8klifr9a.jpg

http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc475/rage2amg/D94025D5-551E-47EF-9495-894E4C69E2D3_zpsx5eb4wf4.jpg

http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc475/rage2amg/C1165390-C70A-42F3-9732-86435B1B1705_zps1lopibh3.jpg

http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc475/rage2amg/243866B4-AD70-45C5-AD23-6E9995314BDD_zpsjhyvpujo.jpg

http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc475/rage2amg/1D05FA3D-C2A3-4235-A82B-0661612E344D_zpsndlyt0w8.jpg

Benny
04-08-2014, 07:52 PM
Nice! I heard it was open but I've been waiting for some reviews. Will check it out soon!

lilmira
04-08-2014, 08:28 PM
Yay, planning to try it out the next few days, good Japanese within walking distance, suck it inner city folks.

phreezee
04-08-2014, 08:36 PM
This is what's for dinner on Friday! Thanks for the review and heads up. Pricing looks great.:thumbsup:

guessboi
04-08-2014, 08:50 PM
Damn it looks good. prob. a 10 mins drive from my house. :thumbsup:

phreezee
04-08-2014, 09:09 PM
More pics on Urbanspoon, 100% so far.

http://www.urbanspoon.com/rph/15/1788979/calgary-roku-japanese-restaurant-restaurant-photos

cancer man
04-09-2014, 12:09 AM
Did you even tip?
I'll try it out with the wife this weekend.
Price is pretty good.

kenny
04-09-2014, 01:43 AM
If there was a guy serving rage2, he paid $100. If it was a chick, $115.

Wonder how close my guesses are :rofl:

rage2
04-09-2014, 07:58 AM
Not even close. My gf paid. :rofl:

schocker
04-09-2014, 08:08 AM
Kept going to mad rose wondering when it would open!
I will have to give it a try on the weekend. White people would have a much lower bill with only rolls :D
Where is the video though? :(

flipstah
04-09-2014, 08:42 AM
Looking good but sooo far. Worth the drive though methinks.

npham
04-09-2014, 09:07 AM
Hopefully Zipang will be less busier now that this place is open.

schocker
04-09-2014, 10:17 AM
Originally posted by flipstah
Looking good but sooo far. Worth the drive though methinks.
sorry bro, you need permission to come this far NW :D

ercchry
04-09-2014, 10:35 AM
Originally posted by flipstah
Looking good but sooo far. Worth the drive though methinks.

you'd pass right by zipang to go to zipang jr.? :confused:

flipstah
04-09-2014, 10:56 AM
Originally posted by schocker

sorry bro, you need permission to come this far NW :D

STFU. :rofl:


Originally posted by ercchry


you'd pass right by zipang to go to zipang jr.? :confused:

I like Zipang but it's always sooo busy.

rage2
04-09-2014, 10:56 AM
Originally posted by ercchry
you'd pass right by zipang to go to zipang jr.? :confused:
To be fair, Zipang is probably going to turn into Zipang Jr. The owner lives in Arbour Lake, hence the location.

lilmira
04-09-2014, 10:57 AM
In other news, the Rock is shut down for renovation it says. I think it took them longer to build that place than staying in business. Some negative comments from previous employees on their FB page. That explains the grumpy faces from my experience.

npham
04-09-2014, 11:25 AM
Now they just need to a Zipang Jr Jr to go in the Currie Barracks.

lilmira
04-10-2014, 07:43 PM
:thumbsup: I concur. Unagi was yumi. Sashimi tasted fresh. No colourful rolls here but you would know that if you are familiar with Zipang. Will go back.

Not a big place though so it can get filled up quick.

schocker
04-11-2014, 10:05 AM
I am going to go try it tonight, do you need a reservation if it is that small at dinner time I am guessing, or do not many people know it is open yet.

lilmira
04-11-2014, 10:38 AM
I asked the girl there about reservation since I couldn't find their number. She gave me their card. 403-718-9077

The wait may not be that bad but it doesn't hurt to give them a call in advance.

schocker
04-11-2014, 10:42 AM
Great thanks :thumbsup:

BigDL
04-11-2014, 11:35 AM
Where in the mall is the resturant? I just tried Pho Hoan Pasteur yesterday but I didn't see this place. I might be blind and missed it while driving around.

rage2
04-11-2014, 11:38 AM
-------------------------
| Walmart |
------Front Door---------



----------
| Roku |
----------

:)

lilmira
04-11-2014, 02:58 PM
Wow, I have never seen a map better than that lol. It's around the corner from egg oasis, sort of facing walmart/shell.

Lex350
04-11-2014, 03:19 PM
Originally posted by lilmira
In other news, the Rock is shut down for renovation it says. I think it took them longer to build that place than staying in business. Some negative comments from previous employees on their FB page. That explains the grumpy faces from my experience.


The rumor is that the ownership are splitting away from The Rock franchise. Probably because the place was making no money and they need to reduce costs. They say that they want to hire back the old staff when they get going again. Stupid move. The biggest problem with that place was the service or lack there of. They never seemed to hire experienced people and most of them couldn't be bothered to serve you because they were too busy having gab sessions.

Sorath
04-11-2014, 07:04 PM
It was good. I think zipang is still better IMO

phreezee
04-11-2014, 07:28 PM
Ambience: 8/10.
Service: 7/10.
Food: 9/10.

Overall score of 8/10.

My one complaint was that service was slow. No water refills, had to ask for a new teapot, empty plates weren't cleared away fast enough, it took long to get the bill, got 4 chocolate mints with the bill for a table of 6. What was with the dollar store teapots?!? It stuck out like a sore thumb when they put it on the table.

The place was small and reservations are a must IMO. You can tell they had poor contractors as I could see a drywall joint bulge. No wonder they were 4 months late.

Food was really good though, and I ordered a wide variety of stuff just to sample.

Overall bill was $190 with 15% tip for 6 people.

lilmira
04-11-2014, 07:34 PM
What do you guys think about the big rock? lol

schocker
04-11-2014, 08:10 PM
Originally posted by lilmira
What do you guys think about the big rock? lol
I am here right now, could have used another table :rofl:
Just waiting as my table got snaked by some jerk faces.

Edit:

I liked it overall. Just had a few rolls and some yam tempura. White person seal of approval. Got some ice cream because of the jerk faces etc. Didn't get charged for tea though. Totally should have more tables though....maybe they didn't know what to do with all the space compared to zipang :rofl:

phreezee
04-15-2014, 07:24 PM
I'm hoping the Chinese and Indian place are decent. Chinese place looks like it is ready to open as I drove by today.

bignerd
04-16-2014, 11:38 PM
Originally posted by phreezee
Ambience: 8/10.
Service: 7/10.
Food: 9/10.

Overall score of 8/10.

My one complaint was that service was slow. No water refills, had to ask for a new teapot, empty plates weren't cleared away fast enough, it took long to get the bill, got 4 chocolate mints with the bill for a table of 6. What was with the dollar store teapots?!? It stuck out like a sore thumb when they put it on the table.

The place was small and reservations are a must IMO. You can tell they had poor contractors as I could see a drywall joint bulge. No wonder they were 4 months late.

Food was really good though, and I ordered a wide variety of stuff just to sample.

Overall bill was $190 with 15% tip for 6 people.


Service is crappy and slow at Zipang in bridgeland too, always has been so not surprised. Only reason we go is the food is good.

schocker
04-17-2014, 10:49 AM
Originally posted by bubbley
Meh..I'd rather goto the Mad Rose, that place is amazing.
I love it there also, their calamari is great along with their pizza and fish and chips.






why is my post first, I posted after.......

bubbley
04-17-2014, 10:50 AM
Originally posted by rotten42



The rumor is that the ownership are splitting away from The Rock franchise. Probably because the place was making no money and they need to reduce costs. They say that they want to hire back the old staff when they get going again. Stupid move. The biggest problem with that place was the service or lack there of. They never seemed to hire experienced people and most of them couldn't be bothered to serve you because they were too busy having gab sessions.

Meh..I'd rather goto the Mad Rose, that place is amazing.

flipstah
04-17-2014, 10:52 AM
Yeah, you don't go to Zipang for quick food. They are slow but worth it.

I can see people getting impatient though.

taemo
04-19-2014, 08:46 PM
never been a fan of the toro in zipang but that toro that rage posted looks good. looks like i know where are we going for our next sushi trip!

clem24
05-05-2014, 11:24 AM
Tried Roku last week and all I can say is that yes it is exactly just like Zipang, right down to the chopsticks that they use. Sushi is basically the same and so is (most of) the menu. I can't help but feel that it is slightly pricier (like the black cod my wife got was pricier). One thing I did notice was that the creme caramel (which BTW is a PERFECT ending for sushi) was smaller at Roku vs. Zipang.

Otherwise I am stoked about this place and it will be my new go to place since it's so close to home.

We went on Wednesday and got there at 5, which was obviously very quiet, but started filling up quickly, so definitely RSVP. Good news is that it's probably double the size of Zipang.

GQBalla
01-17-2015, 06:06 PM
Went yesterday night. Quite pleased. They had blue fin tuna as a special. Tried the oh toro from blue fin tuna. Pretty damn good. So fatty it melts in your mouth.

Price wise. It's up there but it's good sushi. Fresh. Clean. Service was pretty good. I'll give zipang a try. I never really eat too much when I go for sushi unless it's AYCE.

rage2
01-17-2015, 08:57 PM
They have a yearly Christmas AYCE event. I missed out this year. :(

flipstah
01-17-2015, 09:01 PM
Originally posted by rage2
They have a yearly Christmas AYCE event. I missed out this year. :(

Frealz? Damn it! :banghead:

Haven't had sushi in a while. Might head there again soon. Maybe I'll see you there since you practically live in Roku.

A2VR6
01-18-2015, 12:35 AM
Originally posted by rage2
They have a yearly Christmas AYCE event. I missed out this year. :(

Seriously?!?! gotta check this out next year.

GQBalla
01-18-2015, 01:03 AM
Originally posted by rage2
They have a yearly Christmas AYCE event. I missed out this year. :(

Really? I'll have to ask next time. It's the GFs new favourite place for sushi.

Mibz
01-18-2015, 11:07 AM
Did the AYCE this (last?) year. Was delicious and well portioned. No bullshit giant rice balls with tiny piece of fish. It's a limited menu, but it's still varied enough that you can fill up easily without getting sick of something. Free miso soup and ice cream as well.

natty54
01-18-2015, 07:36 PM
Ill have to go check out this place!

tfong
01-19-2015, 12:57 AM
Not sure if anyone else has some background info on this but I recently spoke to the Zipang manager Nao and he told me that Roku is not affiliated with Zipang. Though I thought it was general knowledge that they were owned by the same person, does anyone actually have confirmation on this now?

[GaGe]
01-19-2015, 10:05 AM
Originally posted by tfong
Not sure if anyone else has some background info on this but I recently spoke to the Zipang manager Nao and he told me that Roku is not affiliated with Zipang. Though I thought it was general knowledge that they were owned by the same person, does anyone actually have confirmation on this now?

The owners of Roku are the previous owners of Zipang... They sold Zipang a while back due to health issues.

taemo
01-19-2015, 11:00 AM
pretty good restaurant, if coming from the mountains we'll stop here for lunch or dinner but otherwise we'll stick with Shikiji, Zipang or that Sushi restaurant beside Bubblemania since these are closer to us

so far though, best Toro I've had in Calgary is in Shikiji

lilmira
04-07-2016, 07:00 PM
2nd anniversary fresh cut tuna, toro so fat and so good, time to go to bed now. The big rock is gone by the way. I'll be back for some grilled tuna cheek in two days.

taemo
04-08-2016, 07:25 AM
just wanted to confirm but does Roku still serve Uni?

flipstah
04-08-2016, 07:27 AM
:drool:How about I go to find out, and taunt you if there are?

lilmira
04-08-2016, 08:05 AM
Originally posted by taemo
just wanted to confirm but does Roku still serve Uni?

Had some yesterday. They had it on the special menu so limited supply until new shipment arrives I assume.

taemo
04-08-2016, 08:25 AM
Originally posted by flipstah
:drool:How about I go to find out, and taunt you if there are?

please post some IG pic too while at it :drool:


might stop by tomorrow coming back from the mountains, having some uni withdrawal :rofl:

Cooked Rice
05-10-2016, 12:50 AM
Can you do Omakase (chefs choice) at the sushi bar here?

I remember I sold my AE86 to the owner of Zipang a few years ago.

phreezee
02-20-2021, 01:36 PM
Breaks my heart, Roku has closed :(
97622

rage2
02-21-2021, 03:21 PM
The last 2 weeks of takeout orders was insane. Call 100+ times at 330pm when orders open. Cross fingers that you get connected, and there’s a pickup slot open. Order for whatever timeslot is left. Could be eating dinner at 5, or 9 haha.

npham
02-21-2021, 05:25 PM
I guess this means Zipang is going to be even busier now that Roku is gone.

LilDrunkenSmurf
02-21-2021, 07:15 PM
The last 2 weeks of takeout orders was insane. Call 100+ times at 330pm when orders open. Cross fingers that you get connected, and there’s a pickup slot open. Order for whatever timeslot is left. Could be eating dinner at 5, or 9 haha.

I tried. I called something like 120 times in a day, and gave up.

phreezee
03-06-2021, 10:25 AM
Already being converted to a Korean Noodle restaurant.

lilmira
03-07-2021, 06:26 PM
I tried ChunJang today. The food is not offensive by all means. The best description is that everything reminds me of instant noodle flavours. I much prefer Sudam across the street.
Let's see who's taking over egg oasis, I see construction going on.

phreezee
03-13-2021, 12:31 PM
I think it was a Wow Bakery. Quickly becoming Korea Town.

Thanks for the review, I was at Sudam yesterday :D

Illusive 4-2
03-13-2021, 01:27 PM
Chunjang is a Korean Chinese restaurant; comparables are San Dong Banjeom in Killarney and Jjamppong on Mcleod near Chinook. Their stuff tastes a little different from the other established spots: tangsuyuk (sweet & sour pork) is a bit sweeter, jjajangmyun (black bean noodles) have some additional herb taste to it (not offensive, just slightly different) and their jjamppong (spicy seafood noodle soup) was a bit watered down when we tried it. Granted it was their first week opened when we went, so hopefully it'll get better with time, but still prefer San Dong despite Chunjang being 5 mins from my house. Still much better than Lu Chai, that place is horrible.

Sudam is a traditional Korean restaurant, definitely prefer it to most places in the city.

A Mart really kicked things into high gear, in this complex; WoW Bakery will be a nice upgrade from Eggs Oasis.

BigDL
03-20-2021, 01:33 AM
WoW Bakery will be a nice upgrade from Eggs Oasis.

Oh shit that will be nice, I love WoW Bakery.

phreezee
10-27-2023, 05:16 PM
Sudam is a traditional Korean restaurant, definitely prefer it to most places in the city.



Sudam also closed last month :(

suntan
10-27-2023, 05:25 PM
New AYCE Korean BBQ opening up by the 7-11.