Fudo Japanese Restaurant - Victoria

There is no critical press in Victoria, no pointers to excellence, and bewildered local diners demonstrate a certain desperation in their zeal for newness. Such is the case with the greatly overrated Fudo, the experience like tumbling down a flight of stairs, each step more painful than the last.So, at lunch, the opening salvo is water served in a dirty glass, and in its absence of concern, the service proves consistent throughout. The omnipresent sashimi special is the standard assortment of previously frozen raw fish, only in Japan--I've visited nine times as a travel and food writer--it might urge the chef to commit seppuku, suicide by ritual disembowelment and a quick beheading. Here, in addition to some decent tuna, we're served a chunk of sockeye salmon with the look and texture of orange Popsicle (years in the freezer?) and flavour-free squid, octopus and clam. Tempura? A generous serving of shrimp and veg oozing grease, later prompting a revolution in the tummy (Gas-X might be included with lunch, like after-dinner mints)At the end, the careless server presents a bill meant for another table. We could expect nothing less, and the tab--$45 for lunch for two, with no alcohol--is higher than at comparable Japanese eateries.. .

We dined here for an early dinner. The place is unassuming but the quality is high. The sashimi options were varied and reasonably priced. All the usual fresh fish is there with some interesting additions: scallops from Hokaido, three tuna options, good clams, fine sockeye, etc. A succulent sable fish was one of the tastiest morsels we've ever had. There is pride in finishes including decoration of the plate. Lots of explanation is available from chef Singo, who keeps a running commentary about what everyone is having and what is particularly noteworthy on his quite extensive menu. His background includes training in Vancouver and stints in a number of American cities including New York. He knows value and delivers; prices are fair and servings are generous. This is a 4.5.

Four of us went for dinner on a Monday evening. One of us had been for lunch several times and loved it so it was surprising how terrible the experience was for dinner. We each ordered an appetizer and a main course. Two of us got appetizers delivered but no sign of the rest. 10 minutes later still no appetizers but one main course was delivered instead. We asked them to take it away and to bring our appetizers. Finally the two appetizers arrive but at the same time they bring two main courses for the people who have by now finished their appetizers. This chaotic service continued through the evening and included a waitress knocking over a full glass of wine soaking two of us from head to toe. Thankfully it was white wine. They were apologetic but that was the extent of their attempt to compensate for a disaster of a dinner. We couldn't wait to leave and will surely not return. This is a casual lunch place. Do not recommend for dinner.

While shopping at the Broadmead shopping centre we decided to check out the menu of Fudo, I am always looking for a good sushi restaurant. I had read the reviews but after spending about 4 months in Tokyo a number of years ago I am always suspicious of local reviews.We decided to book for diinner and try out the restaurant.I started with a special Baked Oysters Motoyaki which were excellent while my wife had a Sunomono salad with crab also very good.My wife followed up with a Spder Roll while I opted for a selection of Nigiri including Uni and Bluefin Tuna. All very fresh and with a minimum of rice compared to many sushi restaurants.Although not inexpensive, this is the best sushi place in Victoria and on a par with some in Vancouver and San Francisco.

I was waiting for someone, I was hungry. So I thought I would try this place. The food very good, the staff very nice, all in all a good spot. One thing though, could be just me but...twenty bucks for 2 cans of ice tea, a small bowl of rice and six Tampura prawn? Seems to be a bit high priced. Oh well, it was good