Makoto's Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar
Makoto's Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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+1 828-264-7976+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Mon
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Tue
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wed
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thu
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Fri
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Sat
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
PRICE RANGE
$15.00 – $20.00
CUISINES
Japanese, Sushi, Asian
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
meals, features
Is this a Japanese restaurant?
Details
About
Boone's original Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar since 1981. Makoto's is the Best Tasting Show in Town! Watch our chefs perform their culinary magic tableside or for a more intimate dining experience, dine in our Sushi Bar. Enjoy the views of our Japanese garden from every table.No reservations. Full ABC permits. Visa, MC, Amex, Discover cards accepted. No personal checks. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve Dinner (Open Christmas Eve Lunch 11:00-2:00), Christmas Day.
PRICE RANGE
$15.00 – $20.00
CUISINES
Japanese, Sushi, Asian
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Late Night
FEATURES
Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Table Service
Contribute
4.0
322 reviews
Excellent
151
Very good
88
Average
32
Poor
24
Terrible
27
Ben T
Mobile213 contributions
Jan 2022 • couples
We were somewhat worried about trying this restaurant because of some of the reviews. Truth is that the roads were snow covered and most places were closed so we tried this as it was walking distance to the hotel. The host immediately took us to a table. The server quickly took our order. The chef was quite adept at his twirling and flipping of the utensils. The show by the chef was not as good as these things used to be because with the mask it was hard to create the fun atmosphere. That said the chef did as well as could e expected with the current limitations. They start you with a sipping soup and salad. Both were very good. I got filet steak. The steak was excellent. It came with rice and vegetables. The rice was not as good as other Japanese places I have been to but the vegetables were very good if not a very large portion. The rice portion was huge but I would have much preferred less rice and more vegetables. They also gave a bonus of two grilled shrimp per person. The shrimp were exceptionally good. All staff were properly masked and polite and professional. It was an enjoyable experience. Shows you can’t always go by just the reviews.
Written January 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
egouge
Spruce Pine122 contributions
Jun 2021 • family
We celebrated my sister’s birthday and had a great experience!
Our server could not have been more attentive and made the evening even more enjoyable. The chef was very entertaining and did a wonderful job with our individual meals. The food was delicious and ample enough for more than one serving.
Diners should know that the restaurant does not take reservations.
Written June 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gwen D
Thank you for your awesome feedback.
Written August 10, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Daniel L
Apex791 contributions
Jun 2021 • none
Ordered some steamed rice with the meal, but what we got was definitely not asian rice (was a brown color, but not brown rice). Chicken and shrimp entrees were nothing special, but at the same time quite expensive. The sauce that came with it however, amazing - had to keep that for future use.
If I had a true complaint with the food, it would be with the steamed vegetable extra side, the broccoli and cauliflower had a soaked "burnt" taste to it.
Maybe it's just that I'm jaded because of all the great Japanese places near my home, but Makoto's just didn't seem worth the price.
Written June 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gwen D
Thank you for your feedback.
Written August 10, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
:Charles-anthony:the House of Rogerson.
Camden247 contributions
Sep 2020 • couples
We wanted to go to the Peddler Steak House but they did not open until 5 PM so this place was our second choice.
We walked in and were seated immediately. The hostess took us to a table and laid a placard on the table and told us who our waitress would be and said she’ll be there in just a moment.
I noticed it right off and pointed it out to my wife but the hostess did not catch it.
What was it you might ask?
The entire table was filthy. The surround around the cooktop was filthy. The grill still had rice on it and was filthy.
As we were waiting for our waitress to come out, a man with his three little girls came in and sat down opposite us.
Our little waitress came up and my wife pointed out to her that this entire table was very dirty and I said it’s not dirty, it’s nasty.
Just at this time somebody from the back somewhere came out with plates, forks, and napkins and proceeded to set up the table. He spread out the plates on the grill. The minute he did I could see that the plates were not clean either. They had rice and other food stuck to them. The kid still put a fork on each plate and a napkin on the plate and proceeded to set them in front of all of us. The waitress was still cleaning the table as he was attempting to set the plates on the table.
I told my wife at that point, if those plates are actually dirty, I’m out of here and we’re going somewhere else.
Sure enough, my plate had rice stuck to it and there was food stuck on my wife’s plate as well. A couple of the other plates were also dirty.
The kid that set the table and the waitress were still at the table when we stood up to leave and I told them exactly why we were leaving.
This is a Japanese steakhouse and for what you pay to eat here nothing should be dirty like this. Not only were your plates dirty and your entire table dirty and your grill dirty and the grill surround dirty, but the backs of the chairs are sticky.
I then proceeded to tell them if this is how dirty it is in the dining room, how dirty is the kitchen and the food prep area?
As we were leaving we found out that the hostess was also the manager.
SURPRISE!!
I told her she needs to pay more attention managing her house than trying to be a hostess.
She’s the very one that seated us at a dirty table and didn’t even pay attention to that fact.
It’s not like they’re busy right now because they’re only going to 50% capacity. It should be easy to keep things clean.
I guess not here.
Diners beware...
I will never go back to that location again!
Written September 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gwendhing
Thank you for your awesome feedback. I will be in touch with all my staff regarding your experience. Makoto’s an independent restaurant that has been in business since 1981. Since the pandemic we are training new employees and will make sure to share your review as a reminder of how important their job is. For further inquiries, contact gwen@makotos-boone.com.
Written September 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mattie
Hollywood21 contributions
Aug 2021 • friends
We were always pleased with the food at Makoto’s for the past 13 years, however, this visit was a real disappointment. The sushi was tasteless and the presentation was sloppy. Not what it used to be. We were told that their regular sushi chef was not working this evening. Bad business not to have your other chefs keep up the standards.
Written August 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gwen D
Thank you for your review.
Written August 10, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brian B
Mouth of Wilson186 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Came here for lunch on New Year's Day. Came at 1:45 to catch the last of lunch and avoid the crowds. Only three other tables were being served. We were put at our own table (just 3 of us), so we thought we would have the undivided attention of our chef. Wrong! He was in such a hurry to get out of there that we had not even begun to try our soup, much less get our salads and he was already cooking. No showmanship, no entertainment. Just cook and leave. We timed it and he was there and gone in only 11 minutes. Now, I have to say the food was good, and he gave us generous portions, but there was no show and no personality. We go to Makoto's for the entertainment factor, it's the only way to justify their exorbitant prices. Without that, it's not worth what they charge. I hope they shape up and realize that people are there for not only the food but the show as well if not more so.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gwendhing
Thank you for taking the time to review your visit. Please contact me at gwen@makotos-boone.com so we can make it right for you.
Written January 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Allen D
Granite Falls20 contributions
Nov 2020 • family
Went to Makoto’s for our granddaughter birthday. Food was ok but salty and a little burnt. My wife and I ordered shrimp and chicken combos. We received our shrimp but when our turn for the chicken the server had about three bites for me and two for my wife . The food wasn’t flavorful or worth the sixty dollars for the two of us. They did put on a good show .Can’t recommend this place for the food .
Written November 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brett S
7 contributions
Apr 2021 • couples
We had lunch their yesterday after having good memories from a previous year. Sadly, it was not the same experience. First, they used carrots instead of zucchini as a vegetable and they looked and tasted as being canned. The rice did not have any egg and was loaded with soys sauce. My jumbo shrimp was good, but the marinated teriyaki beef was cooked in sauce. The chicken cutlets were fine. The salad was drowning in ginger dressing. I am a healthy eater so over use of sauces and soy sauce is not to my liking. Lastly, when we got our bill, no one mentioned that they would add 15% tip. I normally tip 20%, but almost added this amount to the 15% already added. Thankfully I questioned that disparity and added an additional tip to move up to 20%. They should be more forthcoming.
Written April 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gwen D
Thank you for your feedback. Makoto’s an independent restaurant that has been in business since 1981. Let us know how we can make it a 5 star. gwen@makotos-boone.com
Written April 18, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
S_inNC
59 contributions
Sep 2020 • none
We have been eating here for years and it never disappoints. Lately, I have mostly gotten Sushi, however, on a recent cool day, I wanted Hibachi. We were seated and the other group at our table also only had 2 people, so we were distanced very well. The food was so good, just as I had remembered as a child. The soup was delicious, the rice perfect, the mushrooms not overcooked and scallops hit the spot. Although I am giving 5 stars, I would like to see the Sanitation grade higher for such a nice restaurant.
Written October 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gwendhing
Thank you for your awesome feedback.
Written October 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DonPevsner
Vilas19 contributions
Oct 2022 • solo
Overpriced and mediocre swill, with my plate over 2/3 full of cheap fried rice. Beef was overcooked and dried-out. At a price of about $23, or about 50% more than the mediocre Chinese food at Taste Grill, I thought that I would finally find good Oriental food in small-town, boondocks Boone, NC. Was I ever wrong! Avoid this restaurant unless you enjoy paying top-dollar for cheap garbage.
Written October 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M Coffey
1 contribution
Mar 2021 • none
Took my 90 year old mom to Makoto's Saturday night. We were excited to take her to her favorite restaurant because she had been quarantined for a year. While the chef successfully flipped the first couple shrimp into the mouths of the customers, he could not hit my mom's mouth so he started flipping balls of rice at her. He continued to flip the balls, getting rice all in her hair and all over her clothes while laughing about it (one or two balls would have been ok, but not to the extreme that he continued to do it). My mom tried to be a good sport about it but had rice all in her hair and all over her clothes (she is soon to be 91) by the time he was finished. I ordered the vegetable plate (knowing that Japanese food tends to be salty) but the vegetables were so salty and so charred that after they were dumped on my rice, my whole plate became unedible. So disappointed in this trip because it has been so good in the past. Not a happy customer this time though.
Written March 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brooke Hester
Strasburg2 contributions
Sep 2020 • family
I can’t believe I just paid so much for that trash. Rice was burnt. I said no carrots and they piled carrots on the plate. Wrong refills. Soup was literally chicken broth from a packet. I got no zucchini. Steak way overcooked. Prices are way too high for this many mistakes.
Written September 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
S_inNC
59 contributions
Oct 2021 • none
We love their Sushi! It is the best around, bar none. I am usually not a person that likes tempura or cooked Sushi, but the Goodpoint Roll and Crispy Goat Cheese bites are amazing. Very friendly and professional service starting at Host stand, then to Steven (our server on 10/18 was extremely kind - something often lacking nowadays) and Michael behind Sushi bar as well. Very nice to see respectful young folks and that should be rewarded. Keep up the great work, I will be back!
Written October 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gwen D
Thank you so much for your rave review.
Written October 24, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bubaloid
9 contributions
Mar 2021 • none
As a European living in NY City, i have to admit that my food expectations substantially decline as soon as i leave the city.
Well , this establishment managed to disappoint even further. Food all over the floor, dirty tables and peeling walls were the tell-tale signs of what was about to follow- salty, greasy and overcooked food which gave me a heartburn later that night...
Written April 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Navigate269395
Banner Elk1 contribution
Jan 2023 • none
I used to love this place. The food is great. Tonight I went there for the first time in about 10 years because a friend of mine really wanted to go there. I'm 70 years old and have bad eyesight. When we were taken to our table, we were given a "thing" to scan to get the menu on a phone. I don't do that. I can't do internet on the phone because, if I zoom in enough to read it, It would take me a week to do so. I requested a printed menu and was told they didn't do that. Finally someone brought me a gigantic three ring binder with the kitchen's copy of the menu. Everyone at the table had a great laugh at my expense. Never again.
Written January 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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