Chaya Japanese - Plano

Chaya had quickly become my favorite neighborhood sushi spot- the interior is casual and low key, also not a very big space, maybe 5-6 tables and a small sushi bar counter, but where they shine is the food quality and selection, it's nice to finally see an authentic menu in North Dallas, where normally full of Americanized sushi restaurants, Chaya offers items harder to come by such as akimo, tako wasabi, salmon skin skewers, sea eel etc. I am quite picky with sushi, uni and toro's are my go to when available, every visit so far i've been impressed and leave with a full and satisfied tummy. The chef/owner is inviting and clearly passionate for what he does, seems like just him behind the food prep, which is surprising how he's able to accommodate the whole restaurant at the same time decorating each plates to perfection, 5/5, am now a happy regular!

Such an exceptional experience this evening. We sat down to a very quiet dining room at 7 PM and were determined not to let that sway our a good vibes about this place. We had heard about this little mom and pop shop and couldn’t wait to try out their humble omakaze tasting menu.Mary explained to us that they do not often do omakaze because it is difficult to manage that along with multiple other tables’ orders. After a moment of her checking in with Ken, the sushi chef/owner, she brought us the good news that he was willing, “but only tonight.“Our first course consisted of two very large, meaty Virginia oysters with a special briny sauce, followed by a impressive tray of sashimi which included Japanese sardine and sardine egg, ahi, yellowtail, baby squid, squid rolls, and fresh salmon with a mild wasabi sauce (which was outstanding). Next, Mary laid before us two very special rolls, one was my favorite thing of the night— the smoked salmon roll— which was accompanied by a mango roll topped with mango sauce (which doubled as a palate cleanser half of the way through our dinner service). Freshwater eel with a very light sauce drizzled over top was served next, followed by sautéed octopus (which was flown in from Spain) served with a miso snow pea purée.We then had fresh uni from Japan. I must say I am not an uni fan but it had been a very long time since I tried it. I gave it another go and decided that I’m still not an uni fan. My friend had never had it and thoroughly enjoyed the special (limited time) treat. We then had Japanese sardine sushi prepared different than how it was served on the sashimi tray with eggs, and it was fantastic—“amazing!” said my friend. I must say that about this time we were getting pretty darn full but that didn’t stop Mary and Ken from sending out a couple more things. They finished the night off with some king salmon sushi and foie gras sushi. I am a huge foie gras fan, but had never had it on rice before. What a treat!At the very end we enjoyed some fresh cantaloupe and small cubes of egg (not sure what it’s called). I could barely move after all of that food! I was so impressed by the service, the attention to detail on each plate (see my pictures) and by the quality of the ingredients. I really can’t believe this place is near our home. We will be back! And back again for sure.

Three major things that is a delightful surprise at this restaurant 1. Freshness of fish (fish was definitely hand picked by the chef) 2. Portions (many restaurants skimp on portions, they are generous here) 3. Quality (the ingredients were of very high quality that rivals expensive restaurants).This place is down the street from Mitsuwa in Plano. If you are not looking for it, you may pass it not knowing that it even existed. But don't pass this place up!!. This mom and pop shop is a gem for sure.Also, they serve REAL wasabi at no extra charge!!They offer other Japanese dishes as well. They had this unique Uni Udon that is out of this world!Even the cantaloupe was way above average.The chef, Ken, really cares about the food and it shows!Chaya Japanese Restaurant6900 Alma Dr Ste. 150, Plano, TX 75023Down the street from Mitsuwa!

The sushi chef was extremely nice. I gave it two stars because of nice service. The food was disappointing. I didn’t want it to be.. but it was :

WOW! IT WAS SURPRISINGLY DELICIOUS! I wasn’t expecting much with only 11 reviews, but I was pleasantly surprised! I ordered The sushi Specialty Roll “Shaggy Dog” with shrimp tempura, crab with spicy mayo and eel sauce. They even have FRESH WASABI! I AM DEFINITELY COMING BACK PUTTING IN MY FAVORITES. I would have liked a larger roll, but for $12 it was quite reasonable.