I got a sushi boat of varying sushi and sashimi. The salmon and tuna sashimi were good. The sushi roll had a good fish to rice ratio but rice couldve been seasoned a bit better. Sushi felt relatively fresh. I wasn't blown away by the sushi, but it was still enjoyable. Staff was friendly and good a good job with the service. Overall a good experience that I would come back if in the area. Food(50%): 6.7 Staff/service(25%): 7.7 Value(25%):6.5 Overall: 6.9/10 read more

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BEST SURPRISE !! This my new SPOT !! I tell you it was delicious ! look at the presentation! salad had tons of SAUCE which I love ! it is LENT and I was like what can I eat ... so happy the LORD made me stumble upon this place 10 outta 10 Even the music was good And it's CLEAN AS A WHISTLE HERE !! read more

Mai Japanese Express - Sushi and the Shrimp Hibachi - Japanese Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Stopped here for a quick bite while out running errands. I got the spicy sushi rolls. Boy was I surprised at how big it was when it came out. I was gladly surprised as a big hungry man. It was absolutely delish. Like I will remember and crave this dish. So good! I would try the hibachi next time I am in town! The restaurant ambience is calm and quite great to be able to enjoy your meal. Service was immediate attentive and friendly. read more

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They will serve you bad food and then make you pay for it. The steak was not fresh. The gyoza are frozen. No seasoning. Bland rice. They won't let you substitute any vegetables. The sweet tea had a strange, bitter flavor... bad js bad. The girl was very sweet tho. read more

This was some of the best sushi I have had and the service was really fast and very friendly. Nice atmosphere inside and very quiet/intimate. I am going to come back for sure. The portions were great as well. Very surprised by the tuna tataki and squid salad, that was delicious! Highly recommend coming here. The prices were very reasonable here as well. read more

Mai Japanese Express - Tuna tataki, squid salad - Japanese Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Order: Hurricane roll Grabbed some to-go sushi after the gym. The Hurricane roll is an 8 piece roll with smoked salmon, eel topped with crab, avocado and eel sauce. The roll was okay, I probably wouldn't order it again. The roll was a little fishy. Couldn't pinpoint if it was the salmon or the eel or both. My go-to sushi rolls at most sushi places are spicy crab roll or eel avocado roll, or smoke salmon skin roll. I've never eaten fishy eel before but the taste was a little off putting; I couldn't finish the roll. If I return safe bet to go with the California roll. read more

Go to staple in Arysley with great Japanese food. Service is ok and they can work on the ambiance a little bit to be more inviting. Typically get food to go but it's fine to eat inside also. read more

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Customer service was good sushi was sub par at best, rolls were loose and falling apart, the Sashimi was warm and the sushi chefs were eating behind the bar and couldn't recommend anything most rolls are basically the same nothing special. The only good thing was the waiter who was really nice and genuine. read more

Look, this is no high dollar fancy pants sushi bistro but I was pleasantly surprised today giving Mai a shot for dinner. Food was fresh, the service good and prompt and it was clean and didn't smell like fish and cleaning chemicals which tends to be the case so often with places like this. I ordered 3 rolls: California roll, Ocean Roll & Hot lava roll. My only complaint is that there's cheaper imitation crab in many of the rolls which seems to be used as a filler. I'm glad I went--while not overly fancy, Mai scratches the sushi itch. read more

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great experience every time, wide variety of sushi options as well as hibachi and fried rice.

Chicken hibachi takeout was dry and unseasoned, and the broccoli was old. The rice also had no seasoning.

Yes, the restaurant is at a convenient location with plenty of parkings and seemingly clean. The staffs were attentive and service was quick but only 2 stars for me. The sashimi and sushi rolls i ordered were not fresh. The salmon was lack of the fresh texture and the color was more like a faded orange. Very disappointed. The tempura was very greasy. Their known habachi was ok. read more

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I went here for lunch and ordered take out. The staff was friendly and the service was quick. There was plenty of parking at this location. There prices are reasonable. I ordered some sushi and some dumplings and they were good. I will be returning to try some other things on there menus. read more

Mai Japanese Express - Dumplings - Japanese Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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The staff is nice, restaurant is never full so it's easy to get a seat. The food is okay for the price you pay. My shrimp today tasted very old unfortunately. Hoping next time is better read more

Mai Japanese Express - Salmon & Shrimp 6oz - Japanese Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Food was ok. Sushi was fresh-sort of. It's kind of weird tho. It's like the place has no soul in it. I quite figure it out. Oh yeah. GIVE MORE RICE ON YOUR HIBACHI PLATES!!! I had the kids chicken and my boo had the adult size, but the rice proportion was the same. They used imitation crab on the sushi tho. Oh well. read more

Mai Japanese Express - My receipt. ‍‍ - Japanese Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

What a nice place. The kitchen uses see through walls. So you can see what and how they prepare your food. This place is roomy with tables and booths. They only have one small tv but it is showing kids shows. I ordered a lot of sushi but nothing remarkable. When I left I was full but I dropped $35 in the place. This place is very homey and a place I would frequent if I were in the neighborhood. But it's not special or has anything out of the ordinary. It is a good place for a good meal. read more

Mai Japanese Express - Japanese Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

My experience wasn't good at all. Of course you all know I am a fried rice lover. This place was not it. The quality was off. There was like 3 shrimp that they cut each one by 3's. The rice was hard and had alot of lumps of rice stuck together. The workers all was at the counter eating food. I do not recommend this place from my experience. Was a waste of money read more

Mai Japanese Express - Shrimp fried rice - Japanese Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

I went in on a Monday afternoon and it was super slow so the waitress was super attentive and the food came out very fresh and quick. The dragon roll was good and the sushi prices are relatively cheap. I really liked the soft-shell crab, it was super crispy and freshly fried. It didn't taste too oily either. I wish I could try the other rolls so I would definitely come back again if I'm in the area! Not sure how the restaurant runs when it's busy but I would definitely recommend this place for a quick lunch. read more

Mai Japanese Express - Soft-shell crab - Japanese Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Food it terrible now I used to come all the time years ago and I would have gave them a five star NOW ‍zero stars no seasoning, cook raw food and cook food together and customer service sucks now... DO NOT RECOMMEND!!!!! read more

This is the second time in a week I've had Japanese hibachi. Lol ! My husband and I had a craving for steak. We initially tried to go to the restaurant inside Embassy Suites, but it was ridiculous. They had closed their restaurant and were trying to run it from their bar/lounge area. So, we wanted to stay nearby and chose Mai. This place has been here FOREVER and is right around the corner from me, but I've never been there. I'm glad we checked it out. I started out with the salmon avocado roll ($6). It was good and a decent size. We both got the steak and shrimp hibachi (large size $16). The portion size was perfect. They asked my husband and I how we wanted our steak cooked, but not sure why they even bothered to ask. I asked for mine medium; he asked for his medium-well done but what they gave us both was well-done. Not a hint of pink anywhere and the meat was a bit dry and firm as a result. I really disliked the shrimp sauce. They gave us a pool of it in a dish and it was the consistency of Campbell's soup out of a can before you add liquid. It looked like it had come straight out of a jar. I put just a bit into the rice and it was just ok. I guess after having absolutely phenomenal sushi and hibachi earlier this week, I got a bit spoiled. This place will work in a pinch and the parking is easy in front of the restaurant. Our waitress was fine, but pretty much left us alone other than ordering food. I got a plum wine and it was good. This is a cheaper option if you want to forego the entertainment of one of those restaurants that give hibachi performances and would rather not socialize around a grill. This was just a sit at your own table and order. There are 2 entrances to the restaurant. One facing the street you come into Arsley on, and one facing a common plaza area with other restaurants. We'll likely come back for the cheaper hibachi pricing. It satisfied our shrimp and steak craving, so that's what is important. read more

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Terrible food and terrible customer service. Their miso soup tastes like it's made out of instant package. Also server refused to take off a charge for a returned item that was tasting sour and not fresh. I couldn't believe that was even an issue. Keep the food fresh and nobody will send food back. I wouldn't return here. read more

Yeah part of the frustrating part on Yelp and wish they would allow half stars. Really this restaurant isn't that bad but it really doesn't stand out much. Overall the Hibachi food is pretty good but the vegetables were very sweet. But the Steaks, Chicken, and Shrimp were really good. That being said the service is mediocre just thought it was weird that I order Hibachi and only bring out Shrimp Sauce until I had to ask for the Ginger Sauce which was cold because it was in the refrigerator. The servers though are very nice. Overall Yeah I'd go back in a severe Japanese craving and its location. But nothing too memorable. read more

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Still great sushi, come all the time. But this time they gave me a special roll menu which I've never seen before. We tried the panther roll which was really good. The sumo was also great read more

The food is decent, but they take a tip out even if you don't tip. I'm usually a great tipper or I tip in cash, so if I put a 0 for tip, it's for a reason. I put no tip one time, and they still took out a tip that I did not authorize! That is bad business. Don't do stuff like that. It's not honest and horrible. Reflect on why you didn't get a tip for that service instead of stealing. I don't like thieves. read more

Oh man. So I knew it was not going to be good when we were in there on a Saturday night and it was like empty at 8pm. So our waiter comes to the table to take the order an drool comes out of his mouth and he excuse's himself to go *literally* throw up in the hand sink behind the counter. We see him cough, spit something out wipe his mouth and throw the napkin out towards the alley trashcan. Another girl came to take out order but i was DONE I asked the girl if the throw up guy was ok and she acted like she didn't know anything was wrong with him. My brave friends ordered Japanese hibatchi and sushi. My friend said the sushi was meh. My other friends chicken looked dry. I ordered a side of friend rice ( i had no intention of eating it after the waiter barfed)i just wanted something in from of Me lol. The rice looked dry and had no veggies at all. The place doesn't look great and I would not have stepped foot in there if my friend had not suggested it. If the waitstaff work sick you know that's probably just the beginning of the what lies behind that counter or in that kitchen . Also the window blinds were filthy. Ugh ! I will NEVER go back. read more

I tried this place the first time and did not have a great experience. I felt like the sushi lacked freshness and a bit to be desired. However, in lieu of positive reviews from others, I decided to give Mai another try. I ordered the hot lava roll which includes a salmon and cream cheese roll with a warm seafood salad on top. It seems to be a customer favorite. I also ordered the sweet shrimp Nigiri. The hot lava was just okay. The nigiri was not fresh. Thus, ending relationship with Mai. read more

Stopped here for lunch with some colleagues. Let me just get straight to the point. The service and food was absolute TRASH. The service most of all! I cannot express enough how disturbing it is when a restaurant is incapable of managing a lunch rush! It should be expected! We orders appetizers and entrees. The fried gyoza was the only item that out a smile on our face after that it was down hill. Would I visit here again. Probably not, but check them out for yourself!! Your experience may be better than mine was! read more

I'm giving 1 star because the staff stole money! They changed their tip after we left. Please make sure that you get a receipt if you eat here read more

Food was terrible. Service was fine. Ambiance was old and outdated. I will never be back. read more

Cheap sushi but good sushi. Annoying they are closed on Sunday but still have their hours saying they are open :-/ multiple times I have called with no one picking up the phone but then when I go there and ask if they change their number they said just keep calling, but it just rings and rings and rings. read more

Service was not enjoyable. Table was dirty. When paying the bill, the minimum tip amount on their machine was 18%. They felt they deserved more that 15%. Food was very mediocre. Japanese/Asian salad doesn't have croutons or dried cranberries. read more

Got to them right as they closed and they were nice about it. I preferred hibachi steak and shrimp which was very good, I also had a side of sweet tea and was very impressed. The staff was super friendly. I will definitely return. read more

Just passing thru! In town for business and found this place on Yelp. Nice atmosphere with some Christmas music playing in the background. The service was good. Timely and got exactly what I asked for. No delays. The beer was cold and they serve the large beers. The appetizers were ok. Did not care for the fried vegetables, to much batter on them. The sushi was off the hook. Everything tasted yummy and fresh. The style and presentation of the sushi was pretty unique for each selection of sushi. Enjoy. read more

Mai Japanese Express - Yum yum sushi. - Japanese Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Decent food but they always fail to answer the phone for to go orders. Called 3 times. 100 rings. Went inside. Called while I was ordering and watched the two dudes in the back sit and watch it ring. read more

Walked in at 8:26 and was told I could only do a Togo order. Called before hand to make sure my 20 minute drive here was going to be good. Disappointed! read more

Solid 4 stars. I love it when a place has really gotten their gears greased and knows how to do their food in the most efficient manner. Mai is located in the Ayrsley shopping center - hang your first right after turning in off of Tryon. The parking lot has a weird flow to it, but it's one way and it seems to have a good amount of traffic in it. I went on a weekend afternoon so people were out and about. Promptly greeted and seated... the dining room has a lot of tables and booths in the perimeter. We didn't go at 'peak' hours, but it was nice to have a quiet dining space and attentive service, but something tells me they can move people in and out of here pretty quickly. I was craving sushi that evening and went that route, but my friend ordered a meal (salad and drink). Pretty impressed that the sushi didn't take that long to come out along with my friend's entree. One pound of wasabi and a lot of soy sauce later... I was a happy camper. I ordered the Sumo Roll, Spicy Tuna, and a Salmon roll... yeah I was a little greedy that night. Overall, I will definitely come back and try there other offerings... judging by the extensive menu (it will take a couple visits) they have a lot going for them. read more

My first ever Yelp review. I live a few blocks from here and I really wanted to love this place as it is so close to home. If you know me I dont complain ever and I smile everything off. As I sit here in this restaurant I ponder how you can get my order wrong twice with only two other tables. I literally watch my poor squid salad get handed off helplessly with puppy dogs eyes to another table.. of course they took it without hesitation, I wouldn't blame them. While the food was ok, the service can absolutely use some work. I won't be back as it was already hard to get my girlfriend to come out for dinner and for our order to be wrong twice it's not worth a return trip. Cheers read more

Loved! Came in Monday afternoon, my first time here and was amazed. Didn't expect much as it looks simple from the outside but had lovely service and great food. The waitress was super kind and patient also the sushi was fresh and delicious. I will definitely be coming back. Couldn't recommend this place enough! read more

Ordered take out and picked it up close to closing time so I cannot say how busy this place is on a weeknight or provide review about the service. The take out consisted of shrimp fried rice and three rolls. She misheard one of the rolls so we ended up with a veggie roll instead of spicy salmon. She offered to make it for me but the sushi bar looked to be cleaned up so I passed on that offer and was charged about five dollars for the veggie roll that had avocado, cucumber, lettuce and carrots (probably could have made three at home for that price). The food was packed up nicely, sushi rolls with fish were decent for the price. Fried rice was disappointing, won't be ordering that again. Not bad as a neighborhood sushi fix, will be back. read more

Mai Japanese Express - Shrimp fried rice $8 - Japanese Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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We have been to this restaurant 3 weeks in a row. It is the best lunch deal around. You can have the soup, salad, fried rice, veggies, and chicken for $7!!!!! They have sushi and other things too but have not had them. Give this place a try- it is fantastic! read more