Seabutter - Westlake Village

Went here because they reportedly had a proper Gluten free menu, which they did. Only problem was, well… actually there was a bunch of issues. When we got there around 4:30 PM, they asked if we had a reservation. We didn’t, so they asked us to sit at the edge of the bar by the front entrance, high traffic. It was a date meal. And by the time we left, many tables were never sat. So, they prefer not to give people tables if they have no reservation, even if it isn’t busy. Portions were small, price was sometimes double for the same menu items at other sushi restaurants in town. Essentially you’re paying twice as much for half the food. GF item modifications is listed as an additional $1-4 per item, I think it was $4 we ended up paying for each item… Salmon & Avo: The fish wasnt good, they somehow seared it so all I could taste was the iron of the pan. And the avocado was a tiny sliver buried under the rice. Polar Bear: Tastiest thing we got. But it’s 75% lettuce. And a small portion. Not worth the price. Rainbow Roll. Closest thing to an actual decent Rainbow roll at other restaurants, not amazing though. Couldn’t taste the crab. And it was about $20. Why? Service was weird. There are not that many tables and it wasn’t busy, but they seemed to be running around but not getting much done. Three employees at one point were standing shoulder to shoulder at attention, waiting for dishes to come out while I was trying to get anybody’s attention to give me tamari sauce so I could start eating. (They gave my partner tamari, but not me). It seems like their staff is not well organized and don’t quite know their designated roles, maybe it’s the training by management? I ordered a fourth roll, but they misheard me, brought the wrong one, then never asked if we wanted something else. In the end, I was glad I didn’t pay for a fourth. Their gratuity starts at 18% unless you take the electronic pad from the server and enter 15%. I felt like I should’ve walked out, but I was so hungry and didn’t want to be rude to my partner so I just paid and left still very, very hungry. Honestly, worst sushi experience I’ve ever had. The three rolls and one small sake cost $85. They got two stars instead of one because of that gluten free menu. But I still would never consider coming here again. I also get the extra effort needed to prevent cross contamination, but when they charge you $4/plate more to eat because you’re celiac, it just feels exploitative. We both left and went to Shake Shack. Don’t go here.