Shogun Buffet Hibachi Grill & Sushi

Shogun Buffet Hibachi Grill & Sushi, located at 1000 Brevard Rd in Asheville, NC, presents itself as a large-scale Asian buffet restaurant offering a variety of cuisines, including Chinese, Japanese (sushi), and hibachi grill options. Operating within the Chinese Restaurant category, Shogun Buffet aims to provide a diverse dining experience for its customers. Based on the available online reviews, the restaurant elicits a range of opinions regarding its quality and overall experience.

Several reviewers have highlighted positive aspects of Shogun Buffet. One customer praised the restaurant for its cleanliness, large variety of food choices, good service, and beautiful setting. They specifically mentioned the cleanliness of the bathrooms, a detail often overlooked but appreciated by diners. This reviewer found the buffet to be comparable to Asiana, another local establishment, and deemed the average buffet pricing "worth every penny," even justifying a 22-mile drive over other options in a nearby town. This suggests that some patrons find the quality and overall experience at Shogun Buffet to be superior to other similar establishments in the region.

Another recurring positive comment revolves around the attentiveness of the service. Customers have noted that the staff is quick to clear dirty dishes from tables, preventing them from piling up, which contributes to a more pleasant dining environment. Furthermore, the proactive refilling of drinks without the need for prompting is seen as a significant advantage over many other buffet-style restaurants. The fact that the restaurant reportedly answers the phone promptly for inquiries is also a testament to their customer service approach.

The quality of certain aspects of the food has also been commended. One reviewer specifically mentioned that the sweet tea is "perfect," noting that it is neither too sweet nor too sour. This attention to detail in even seemingly minor offerings can contribute to a positive overall impression for some diners.

For those considering different dining times, one reviewer recommended the dinner buffet over the lunch buffet, suggesting that the slightly higher cost is justified by the improved quality of the food offered during dinner service. They also provided a tip for customers who might want to sample dinner items during lunch hours, advising them to ensure their receipt accurately reflects their choices to avoid any confusion.

However, it is crucial to present a balanced perspective, as other reviews paint a significantly less favorable picture of Shogun Buffet. One particularly critical review described the food as "disgusting," noting that this negative impression was formed despite arriving 1.5 hours before closing time. This reviewer raised serious concerns about food safety, citing cloudy cucumbers, entirely brown lettuce, and rotting grape tomatoes in the salad bar. They also reported experiencing gastrointestinal issues shortly after leaving the restaurant, with their dining companion suffering similar, more severe symptoms.

This negative review further mentioned that even the fried food, which might typically be considered a safer option at buffets, was viewed with suspicion. Disturbingly, the same reviewer referenced a recent Google Review from someone who claimed to "love the place" but reported seeing cockroaches on the wall. This is a severe allegation that raises significant health and safety concerns and prompted the reviewer to urge health inspectors to shut the establishment down.

Despite the extremely negative feedback regarding the food quality and potential hygiene issues, the critical reviewer did acknowledge that the owners who greeted them upon departure seemed "very nice," and their server was also described as "kind." This highlights a potential disconnect between the front-of-house staff's demeanor and the quality of the food being served. The reviewer felt compelled to strongly advise others against eating at Shogun Buffet, stating that most of the buffet offerings were "literally garbage" and that the restaurant's high Google star rating was "grossly misleading."

Given the conflicting nature of these reviews, it is challenging to form a definitive objective assessment of Shogun Buffet Hibachi Grill & Sushi. While some customers report a clean environment, a wide selection of food, good service, and reasonable pricing, others have had severely negative experiences, citing issues with food quality, freshness, and even potential pest problems. The stark contrast in these opinions suggests a possible inconsistency in the restaurant's standards or varying expectations and sensitivities among diners.

For local users in Asheville considering dining at Shogun Buffet, it would be prudent to weigh these contrasting experiences carefully. The positive reviews emphasize the variety and service, while the negative review raises serious red flags regarding food safety and hygiene. Potential customers might want to consider the timing of their visit, as one reviewer suggested the dinner buffet is superior. However, the allegations of food spoilage and pest sightings should not be taken lightly and warrant careful consideration.

In conclusion, Shogun Buffet Hibachi Grill & Sushi offers a diverse menu and has received praise for its cleanliness, service, and pricing by some patrons. However, significant concerns have been raised by others regarding the quality and freshness of the food, as well as potential hygiene issues. Local users are advised to consider all available feedback and potentially exercise caution when making a decision about dining at this establishment.