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Asheville › Asheville › Miyako House
Miyako HouseBWorth Trying
122 College St # B, Asheville, NC 28801
· Japanese restaurant, Japanese curry restaurant, Sushi restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (572 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Affordable Japanese spot downtown with generous portions and wide menu; sushi and hibachi please most, but raw fish quality and delivery consistency draw mixed reviews.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Miyako House delivers solid neighborhood dining with reliable sushi and hibachi execution and genuinely friendly service, supported by exceptional value and generous portions that make it a practical downtown choice. However, quality varies noticeably between dine-in and takeout, and occasional concerns about raw fish freshness prevent grade A-level standing. Best experienced as a casual, value-forward spot rather than a destination restaurant.
Restaurant Summary
Set just off the bustle of downtown, Miyako House reads as casual and welcoming with quick seating and warm service. Portions are famously large—one diner said their hibachi bowl "easily fed two"—and prices land gently for the area. Expect a steady local-meets-tourist mix thanks to the central location and online ordering. The cooking leans familiar Japanese comfort—sushi rolls, hibachi, teriyaki—with a few playful touches rather than theatrics. Rolls and hibachi earn most praise, while a minority cite mushy rice or uneven raw fish on off nights; wok and Thai-style items draw mixed notes. If you like value-forward plates and straightforward flavors, this is an easy downtown pick. Families do well here: kids size lo mein, hibachi chicken, miso soup, edamame, and simple veggie rolls are approachable. Given the menu breadth, it is friendly for picky eaters; just note that adventurous raw items vary in appeal and may not suit everyone.
At a Glance
- Great value with generous portions and solid lunch specials
- Friendly staff and quick service during off-peak hours
- Occasional raw fish freshness and rice texture complaints
- Takeout/delivery consistency and wait times can vary
- Escolar sometimes labeled as white tuna; sensitive diners should ask explicitly
What Sets It Apart
- generous_portions
- broad_menu_with_sushi_and_hibachi
- strong_lunch_value
What People Love
- Feeling of getting a deal for downtown
- Variety of rolls and hibachi combos
- Staff who fix mistakes proactively
- Online ordering that is simple and fast
- Leftovers from big portions
Points of Concern
- Inconsistent delivery and takeout timing; occasional missing items
- A few reports of raw fish quality issues and mushy sushi rice
- Some Thai/wok dishes taste overly sweet or bland to certain diners
- Parking can be frustrating during peak downtown hours
- Adventurous raw items may not suit conservative palates; ask about fish types such as escolar
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$28-44 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Lean on lunch sushi combos for value
- Choose hibachi or teriyaki mains for consistency
- Vegetarians: Green Machine and vegetable tempura are safe picks
- Confirm fish types on specialty rolls if sensitive to escolar
Perfect For
- Budget-friendly sushi lunch downtown
- Casual group meals with sushi boats
- Quick pre-show or market bite
- Families seeking approachable Japanese dishes
Location Insights
Area: Busy downtown district with eclectic dining and arts crowd; mixes locals and tourists.
Safety: Generally safe, active foot traffic; typical downtown caution late night.
Nearby: Near courthouse and weekend market; shops, bars, galleries within short walk.
Downtown AshevilleThe dining scene in Downtown Asheville is dynamic and diverse, featuring everything from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. The area is known for its emphasis on local ingredients, craft beverages, and innovative cuisine, making it a popular destination for food enthusiasts and social gatherings.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday10:30–21:30
Tuesday10:30–21:30
Wednesday10:30–21:30
Thursday10:30–21:30
Friday10:30–22:30
Saturday10:30–22:30
Sunday11:30–21:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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