Bonsai Sushi & Asian Cuisine

American style Asian dishes, the service was okay at most, waiter didn’t bring us a soy sauce bowl. The sushi was bland, pricey, and too Americanized, will not be visiting again. If you are looking for authentic sushi this is not the place.

Not sure what has happened here but in the last year the sushi has gotten progressively worse. Bad cuts, more rice, over sauced and slow service. This was our favorite sushi place in Green Bay for the longest time but, unfortunately, its quality has steadily gotten worse.

We ended up here the other night after being turned away by another local sushi place due to a broken rice cooker (*ahem* Island Sushi *ahem*). This place really is a hidden gem – it’s in the basement of a very nondescript building that I’d driven by numerous times without a second thought. The restaurant and bar area are both very spacious and although I usually detest low-​lighting in restaurants, it worked well in the chilly, blue-​toned rooms of Bonsai. I ordered the miso soup, spider roll, and spicy salmon roll. The miso soup was good – nothing out of the ordinary, but in a good way. I also enjoyed the spicy salmon roll and appreciated that the chef used a decent amount of sauce so it was actually spicy rather than bland. I less impressed with the spider roll – the pieces were far bigger than usual and it was almost impossible to eat it without the contents falling out. The balance of the roll’s «contents» vs. rice was also very skewed towards rice. Overall, I liked to see the amount of rice cut back for both of the rolls and I’d be down with hitting Bonsai up again the next time I’m craving sushi.

Absolutely great sushi. Loved it. Only one we got we didn’t like was the wrecking ball we just didn’t care for the sauce it was good but like I said we didn’t care for the sauce. We got it to go but I think next time we are in town we will stay and eat. Will definitely be back.

OK. Got seated, server showed up 3 minutes later, took our drink order. 8 minutes later got our drinks, ordered dinner. 46 minutes later, server asked if we needed more drinks. 50 minutes, no food yet. Have not seen any food from kitchen coming by yet. My rating, minus. I own a small business, service is most important. Am not impressed with the service. Will not be back. Would not allow me to post a non– starred rsting.

I went there a few times. The sushi is amazing! I have purchased the groupon. Taste is delicious! But plan on waiting at least an hour and a half to get it! We had a few drinks there too and I tried to find the bathroom and I was told that the men’s and women’s were «out of order, but you can go next door» in the middle of a blizzard. Not very well organized, but great food!

Boy what a huge disappointment. My wife and I visited this evening after a long afternoon of ponderous tasks and were looking forward to trying out a new (to us) local restaurant. I can safely say we won’t be returning.
First off it was too cold in the restaurant. I almost never feel cold, but the poorly heated lower level location froze me out. My wife had to put her winter coat back on to stay moderately warm. Being the hearty type I roughed it out. I figured I could take it for a limited amount of time. However our simple dinner took over two hours and for no good reason.
We ordered fairly simply. A chicken dish for my wife and two rolls for myself. That was the easy part. A half and hour later and nothing. After 45 minutes our server came to apologize and ask if he could bring us anything to hold us over. Apparently they only had three rollers. What they also had was a half full restaurant and several tables in the same predicament we were experiencing. After 65 minutes our meal arrived. Really it took 65 minutes to prepare two rolls for me and a simple chicken dish for my wife? Utterly ridiculous.
This is where they lose. I overheard the server at the table next to us tel them one of their sashimi would be comped as they waited a touch longer than us. We received no such offer, and frankly I don’t think I should have had to ask or even mention it. It should have been offered and it wasn’t though we did get another cursory apology before we left. It’s call SERVICE RECOVERY and it was not even attempted. I paid the bill and didn’t stiff the server as it really wasn’t his fault.
As for the food. It certainly wasn’t anything that should have taken 65 minutes to prepare. My unagi roll was just OK. The crabby (softshell crab) roll was pretty good. My wife’s chicken was so hot (with heat not spice) it was impossible to enjoy.
We won’t be returning and we won’t be recommending this spot to anyone. I have heard mixed reviews and now I can see why. While the service and foot were adequate it isn’t my problem if the place isn’t properly staffed on a Wednesday night.

My sister and I went here recently. She has been there before but it was my first time. Overall, I really liked the place. The food was good and reasonably priced. We split 3 rolls — the Bottle Rocket, the Wrecking ball and another one I can’t recall. Wrecking ball was delicious. The wait staff was very friendly and informative.
The only thing I really wasn’t a fan of was the atmosphere. The lighting and color. It was very dark. Would have liked to see some more color.

Our favorite sushi place in de Pere. The atmosphere is laid back, the drinks menu is good. The husband usually gets a Moscow mule and loves it. They sometimes have drink specials, cocktails that aren’t featured on the regular menu, that are pretty good. And they always seem to have a special sushi of the night that is not on the regular menu, the husband usually orders the special and loves it. I tend more towards my favorites, the tantalizing tilapia, some tamago, some kappamaki, the Ron Swanson, the Mimi maki — all sooo good. Sometimes there is a bit of a wait, if they have a large group or are just really busy. We probably go at least once a month. Would definitely recommend.

I was skeptical but I enjoyed Bonsai. First the food, it is sushi that is filling. Obviously it depends on what you get but we tried 3 rolls and could not even finish. The best way to describe the sushi is «Wisconsin-​ized». Take a nice light food add heavy sauces /​fried stuff, etc. You know what I mean. And don’t get me wrong — it tastes great! They have a fun and different approach, great roll names, definitely worth trying!
Second the atmosphere, boooo hisss! Solid gray walls, carpet, bar, solid gray everything. Adding a touch of black is not helpful or appetizing. Your food is fun — get some fun art on the walls, color on the tables. Also the music was some fun indie-​rock channel and it was loud (for dining standards) but again, fun!
Third, the mystery of the entrance door. Drum roll please… It is actually in back of the building! You enter the back and to your right is the glass door with stairs going to the lounge, then the bar and continue forward to the hostess if you want to be seated immediately. This basement location was a rockin’ bar called the Rathskeller many many years ago. It was in the basement and it was the scene in De Pere after dark. You can go in from Broadway too, just thought everyone should be able to bring it like a local.
My usual sushi place is also on Broadway but in Green Bay.
Arigato!

I really enjoy trying different types of sushi and am happy to see different places opening in our area. I was at Bonsai last night with my Dad and 16 month son. Normally, I am very hesitant to bring him to a sushi place. However, Bonsai has a lovely children’s menu with kid friendly rolls. My little guy loved them.
My Dad and I had soft shell crab roll, Jedi, Wrecking Ball and Crabby Tuna. All of the rolls were delicious. The service was excellent as well.
The only reason I gave 4 stars was because i wished there was a better selection of dry white wine by the glass. However, this is certainly not a deal breaker for me.
Looking forward to returned again!

Pretty average, I didn’t expect much in the Green Bay Area so I was surprised it was good. Service was stellar, definitely top notch in this regard. Prices a bit high for what you get, way more than what you pay in Milwaukee. I had sashimi, it was nice that they let you select what types of fish you want (or you can let the chef choose). The salmon was not very fresh, the white tuna was excellent. My issue with this place is for the portions and price this is definitely $$$ not the $$ it shows.

King of the Bay for sushi.
Wisconsin may not be the sushi capital of the world, but I will tell you that I LOVE Bonsai. Awesome atmosphere, fun little bar, and outstanding rolls/​sashimi.
I personally favor the John McEnroll with some hot saki.
They will always make sure to get you in for dinner, unlike other places I have been to. They want your business and I have never had bad service.
Also love that they are extremely timely on take-​out.

I drove by a couple times during my search for the restaurant. The entrance actually an entrance to a clothing store that is closed and dark. The clothing store has a large neon OPEN sign in the window that is of course turned off indicating that at this address the business is closed.
After looking inside through the window, I saw a staircase going down, so I tried the street glass door, and to my surprise it opened. I walked down the steps and I was still questioning myself because the bottom of the steps there were two doors, on one sign said, «no smoking». Nothing indicating that there is a restaurant behind the door. I opened it and there it was, I huge restaurant with a giant sushi bar with 3 – 4 chefs behind it.
Food was quite good, prices are generally average. Staff is extremely friendly, food preparation is a bit slow with all the people in kitchen and we only had 5 patrons in the restaurant, it took about 15 – 20 minutes to get my two rolls.
The number of different rolls, sashimi-​s are fantastic, very interesting combinations.
Rice fish ratio is a bit on the rice side, but not unacceptable

Sushi must be hard to do well. Bonsai was not up to the challenge. They did have a number of other items on the menu and even a kids menu, but I probably wouldn’t eat sushi here again. They have hopped on the Americanized sushi bandwagon, putting lots of toppings and sauces on the rolls (it’s probably sushi blasphemy, but usually it tastes good), and the combos they have come up with sound great.
As far a locale, it’s in a basement. Which is fine, but to enter, you feel like you’re entering a secret Japanese speakeasy. The doors aren’t marked and you’re not really sure what you’ll be met with when you open the door.
The service was pretty good. Very good in fact. The hosts seated us quickly and with a high chair. Our server was friendly, happy, and engaged with the wee one that was with us, even bringing kid-​accommodating water with a straw and lid without us asking. In addition, she brought over some crayons and coloring books after we had a nice chat about sparkly shoes on sale for 4 year olds.
The food however, was not very good, and at least one roll was kinda gross. While eating that particular roll, I got that feeling you can only get while eating sushi or seafood of any kind, where you just know that it will come back to haunt you within the next couple hours.
I wish I could remember what all we had. The only two items on their online menu that I’m sure we ordered was the Wrecking Ball and the Ron Swanson. The Wrecking Ball was pretty good, and the Ron Swanson was fun. The other 4 specialty rolls we had were… meh. One of them was very slimy. None of the raw fish tasted fresh, but the ones that involved the deep fryer were fine! The Philly Roll was even a little sorry. It may have been a temperature thing for me.
To be fair, my prediction about it coming back to haunt me did not come to fruition. We had a great experience there, but the food left me wanting… wanting to go get sushi from a better spot.

Exceeded my expectations, mainly because I didn’t know what to expect. I don’t even know what used to be in this space, but the atmosphere, décor, music, colors, simplicity were surprisingly comfortable and fits this location. The service (Martin, in particular) was great. We took his suggestions for most things and we were not disappointed. The Bottlerocket and the Resolution roll (NYE special) were spicy and delicious. The sake, wine & beer choices were plentiful. Finally, the green tea cheesecake, I’ve never had anything like it and I enjoyed each bite. I can’t wait for my next visit. Especially in the spring, summer and fall when we can enjoy a walk along the Fox River Trail. Everyone should try Bonsai at least once. You’ll be back!

Sushi perfection — and in De Pere! Rumor has it that the chef is formerly of Koko’s, which may explain the fact that last time I was at Koko the quality seemed to had slipped a notch while Bonsai really stands out. I’ve had several different rolls, including Seared Tuna, Mimi Maki, and my favorite, Wrecking Ball. The wine list is decent. My husband had a sake cocktail which he found light and smooth.
Others have mentioned the downstairs location which is a little hard to find, but they have a new sign which helps. There is parking in the back too which may not be obvious to the uninitiated. But definitely worth the trouble.

Watch out Kokos, this place is fantastic!
We went early on Friday night, it wasn’t very busy, but it was 5:20. Anyway, but 5:30, it was super busy! They had a wait by the time we left.
The sushi was fantastic! We had The Jedi, Mimi Maki and the Seared Tuna. All we very good!!! We also had an order of edamame that came out hot and perfectly salted.
The drinks were also good!
Prices are similar to Koko and Phin.
I will definitely recommend Bonzai Sushi to anyone!

Wow. Wow. Wow.
Pros
Great service, speedy service, great variety of rolls, cocktails
Cons
The rice isn’t very sticky. Falls apart easily.
Jedi
I shared the Jedi, mcenroll (mock of Godzilla if you are familiar with Kokos), ungai supreme, wrecking ball (my personal favorite) pokey tuna. Oh! The jalapeño poppers! (Bacon, cream cheese and a jalapeño!!! Can’t say enough)
The Jedi has the least flavor. Maybe because everything else had so much flavor?
Ill be back, I hope to try new rolls but I know the old ones will suck back in.

Summary: I’ll give it 4.5 stars. Food was great, place is really cool inside. Type of Food is very needed for the area, I really hope it lasts. Excited to go again. Service was really nice.
Food: Was delicious. I had two appetizers, chicken pot stickers and the fish tacos, both were very tasty.
Tacos, had Tilapia, a bell pepper salsa, cabbage slaw, and this cheese sauce. Tilapia was fresh, the tacos had a great flavor, especially the red pepper salsa. Only gripe I had was I thought the cheese sauce was a little runny.
Pot stickers. They nailed the pot stickers, they were delicious and came with this superflavorful soy sauce.
Prices very very very reasonable. The inside was really cool and hip and modern, they clearly put a lot of money decorating the space.
I’m a big fan.