Best Friends Sushi Bar in Dortmund

I recently visited Best Friends at Phoenix Lake and had a very disappointing experience. I was denied access to the restroom even though I desperately needed one. I understand that restaurants can restrict their restrooms to customers, but the way this was handled was very rude and unaccommodating. It would be helpful if the restaurant posted clearer notices for guests or was more flexible in responding to emergencies. One option would be to charge a small fee for using the restroom when someone isn't a customer. Other than that, the ambiance was pleasant and the food seemed good, but this experience greatly diminished my visit.

A restaurant with a modern interior. The waiters are rather impersonal. No contact with the customer, neither nice nor nasty. Everything is nicely served on plates. Unfortunately, there is no taste. Under-seasoned dishes, and yet Asian cuisine is famous for its taste. It's a pity, because the dishes looked very nice. We didn't go there again.

Dear Sir or Madam, I would like to complain about an incident that occurred on May 18, 2025, at approximately 1:00 PM in your restaurant, Best Friends Sushi Bar, on the quayside in Dortmund. I was passing through and urgently needed a restroom. Despite my polite request and the explicit offer to pay for use of the restroom facilities, your staff refused me access to the restrooms. I believe this is unacceptable behavior. Restaurants that offer food and beverages have a certain duty of service to the public, and denying access to restrooms, even for a fee, is particularly rude and not customer-friendly. In many cases, this also raises legal concerns, especially if no alternative public restrooms are available nearby. Such behavior leaves a very negative impression and certainly does not meet the standards one would expect from a reputable business. I ask you to take this incident seriously and take appropriate measures to ensure that it does not happen again in the future. Sincerely, Peter Standke

The sushi is okay, but there are better options, but it's okay. The atmosphere is nice. The service is very good.

The ambience and location are really nice. Directly on Phoenix Lake. Opportunities to sit outside as well as plenty of indoor space. The store is extremely modern and clean. The tables are spaced far enough apart so that you don't hear all of the neighbors' conversations. The service was very good, we were served within 5 minutes. The food also came in a pleasant time. What was ordered: Edamame (for the price - a huge portion) Sakan Soup (incredibly tasty, perfectly seasoned and good quantity) Salmon with vegetables and rice + sidedish (kimchi) - 10/10 Maki Sushi Mix, Special Roll & CrunchyRoll - the sushi was presented very attractively, unfortunately the taste didn't blow our minds away. The interaction of all the components was not harmonious, the rice tasted bland and tasteless, but the quality of the fresh ingredients was good. Unfortunately, we had to ask for the bill twice at the end, even though the store wasn't full. Solid 3 out of 5 stars

Don't understand the good reviews. I go out for sushi often. That was really bad. Didn't taste like anything. Very simply rolled. The sauce with coconut milk was totally watery. We were really disappointed. 4 people only one was OK.

We used to enjoy going to this restaurant. Unfortunately, the food as well as the prices and the cleanliness have completely deteriorated. Unfortunately the service was very inattentive. Empty glasses were not cleared away despite a new drink order, as were used cutlery. Unfortunately, the Thai curry with salmon was inedible. Sauce that separated, vegetables cut way too big, too much undrained eggplant, salmon with skin that was completely limp and squishy because it was completely soaked in this sauce. We ate better Thai curry in a number of fast food restaurants. We sent the curry back and received neither a discount nor a reasonable apology. No Go!!! We won't be coming back...

I used to eat at Best Friends regularly. Now I was there again after a long time: the food is still good, but the service has deteriorated extremely or was even non-existent. We had to draw attention to ourselves for the first order. During our stay we were not asked for a drink once (again). The service staff preferred to talk together behind the counter. Was cleared away while I was still eating - a no-go for me. All in all, quite disappointing. Too bad!

Were there yesterday, it's a restaurant that specializes in sushi. Main courses are not their strength, so they need to be worked on a bit. Currys are too thick and the duck has too little sauce and is very dry. Sushi and spring rolls are great for that :)

Very very good food! Especially the warm dishes, the salmon was perfectly done. Service very nice and friendly. Absolute recommendation

The food is excellent, but the noise inside is already high. Small but fine selection of good wines

Highly recommended, great service, food freshly prepared and very tasty

The food is miserable. The duck meat was more boiled than fried. Some of the vegetables were mushy. Appears to be frozen.

Everything fine. Service, food and everything around it was only good. A lovely evening.

very very tasty, the best in Dortmund ☝🏻

Top service, top food, everything super fast! We'd love to come back!

The summer rolls were delicious and fairly priced. Unfortunately, the red curry with duck didn't convince us - the sauce was very light, tasted more like cornstarch than coconut and had no real heat or spice. Also, the rice was a bit mushy and not much. Overall, we found the price-performance ratio to be rather high.

I've been enjoying eating there for years and I can always recommend it!

Always delicious, whether sushi or wok dishes :-) Nice staff and nice view...

Yes, we would eat there again at any time!!! Awesome!!!

We were there yesterday and this time unfortunately very disappointed. Compared to our last visit (almost a year ago), the prices have increased significantly. The portions, on the other hand, have become significantly smaller and of poorer quality. I ordered sushi alone for over 40 euros and wasn't really full afterwards. The makis were averagely thick at best and were filled with so much rice that you couldn't taste any of the actual filling. It's a real shame, but when I spend over 100 euros on a dinner for two, I expect more.

The best sushi in the area – always fresh, incredibly tasty and perfectly prepared! The staff is warm and attentive, and even dogs are welcome here. An all around great restaurant that we would recommend to everyone! We always enjoy coming here.

Very high quality, but I only had 4 small shrimps in my wok dish.🍤 Sushi is top 👍🏻

Best friends should first hire German employees or send the current employees to a German course. The food tastes great, but it's impossible to place an order over the phone because you can't be understood terribly

We were greeted warmly, the service was very friendly, sushi 🍣, summer roll, spicy wok, everything was very tasty 😋 would be happy to come back 🙋🏻‍♀️ 💥 🌻 UPDATE Had dinner with six people today, absolutely recommended, still great quality, good value for money and super friendly staff, we would be happy to come back

Highly recommended! Fresh and delicious dishes! Sushi, bowls and specialties!

Simply delicious and very friendly

Shop refuses to allow child to go to the toilet on the grounds that it is “for guests only”.

The food is okay, nothing exceptional, the service staff is very wrong, unfriendly and not service-oriented. Too bad, it was my first and last visit.

Best sushi! Have eaten here several times and never been disappointed. Service was super nice and accommodating! We didn't have to wait long for the food to come. Everything was delicious, sushi, bowl, soup or edamame. Only recommended :)

Service was super friendly, sushi was super tasty and of the best quality. It was only 4 stars, that's just because of the choice of food, it could be a little more. But that is always in the eye of the beholder. Personally, I would go there again at any time 😀

We were there for lunch. The staff was very friendly. The rooms are modernly furnished. We ate very well from starter to dessert, and everything was already served. Price/performance is absolutely top. You also have a beautiful view of Lake Phoenix

Very nice staff, great food, nicely presented, a little expensive. It's normal for sushi, but we often get around 50 euros per person.

The fish is fresh. And you can taste it. Great service and a fair price.

Great located restaurant. Cozy, modern, polite staff, delicious bowls. Highly recommended.

Great quality, good atmosphere too. Price is justified.

Everything's fine. Food super good

I recently had dinner here with my husband and not the first time. You will receive a friendly welcome and will always be noticed promptly if you have a concern. The dishes come to the table at exactly the right time. If you expect to spend a little more money, you can spend a wonderful culinary evening at the Best Friends restaurant. We'd love to come back.

Are here at least twice a year and the food is always very good! We only eat vegetarian sushi and the awareness of this, as well as restrictions e.g. due to pregnancy, is very good! Special requests are accommodated without any problems! It can sometimes be a bit noisy at peak times. I'm looking forward to the next visit!

I often come here with friends. The sushi is always of good quality. there is a large selection of sushi and fusion cuisine. You can sit nicely in the restaurant. The outdoor area with a view of Lake Phoenix is ​​also very beautiful.

I was there with my friends. The atmosphere is very cool, you can clearly see the lake. But I gave it a 3 for the food, since the sushi was crooked and a little sour. I really liked the presentation from the waiter. Thanks a lot! Next time I will only order soups and saki maki.

Very tastier food. Gladly again.

I'm shocked that it has such good reviews, it was our first and last time there. I didn't like the sushi at all, so the people who think it's delicious probably don't know much about sushi. I recommend Ong bui 100% because it has really delicious sushi

High volume level - but also normal for many guests ☺️

We have been to Best Friends many times and we always enjoyed it. The atmosphere is very inviting and nice, the food is always delicious. The employees are all super friendly and nice. Unfortunately, after we placed the first order, we were "forgotten". We were not asked any further questions about drinks or other food. We always had to wait and search for a long time before we could get an employee to notice us. That was a shame and actually a shame for best friends, because we would definitely have ordered more drinks... Otherwise, it's really always worth a visit.

I definitely recommend for everyone 👍 I forgot my cell phone, luckily I got it back. Very nice and tidy staff. Full respect from me 👍 Thank you very much 🙏💐🤠

Food was very tasty. We'd love to come back.

We've been here several times and it's great every time! The sushi is absolutely fresh and very tasty and the service is always super friendly, absolutely recommended!

I can't recommend the service at all!

Very bad service, they won't let you go to the toilet even in the biggest emergency. Although 5 euros were offered for use. Simply inhumane!

Very tasty sushi, the prices are very good for the good quality and the large quantity (usually 2 nigiri or 6-8 maki). We made a reservation, but we didn't have to. Due to the good weather, the tables outside were also well occupied. If the tables outside are no longer available in bad weather, a reservation must be made. We didn't find the atmosphere that nice. That seemed rather cold and not very cordial.

Best sushi in Dortmund and the surrounding area! By far it's just top 👌🏼Price performance is also good. The service is always friendly :) Sushi with a lake view, what more could you want?

The location of the restaurant is nice, right on the lake promenade. The surroundings are all very nice, the ambience of the restaurant is a bit cool. The service is very friendly. The portions are generous, so the price is justified. In terms of taste, the food is quite good, but the recipe from some other providers is a little more refined in taste. Unfortunately, homemade iced teas could not be ordered without cane sugar/syrup. Other providers prepare homemade iced teas after ordering and can offer a low-sugar preparation. That's why I deducted one star for the meal. Basically, I can recommend a visit with a clear conscience.

Good sushi, nice location and fair prices

I just like eating sushi! The staff are very friendly, the food is always good! I like sitting outside where you can look out over the lake!

Very good sushi with a view of Lake Phoenix. Nice, courteous staff. Prices are absolutely reasonable.

We ate here for the first time today with a friend and we were really impressed. The waitresses were consistently friendly and attentive and the outside seating was clean and well-kept. The food was then awesome. Top price-performance ratio. Ate No. 42: spicy wok vegetables with chicken and beef. Since neither of us eats extremely spicy food, we also received a milder version. So I will definitely come here again.

The food is delicious. The portions are rather small for the price. But the view is nice

Wow, the sushi was to die for. The best we have eaten so far. A culinary delight. Will only eat sushi here. 12/10 🍣

I was here for the first time today and I'm thrilled. Have rarely eaten such good sushi. Wasn't here the last time.

Very nice service and delicious food.

The waiter is very rude, he has to first learn how to deal with the customers and act 👎🏼

Leckeres Sushi und Sashimi plus einige andere asiatische Spezialitäten. Lockere Atmosphäre, schöne Außenterrasse mit Seeblick. Essen kam sehr schnell, freundliches Personal und angemessenes Preis-/Leistungsverhältnis

My 3 year old daughter had to go to the toilet for a moment. However, we were not let. I can understand that you don't let everyone who wanders into the customer toilet, but I lacked empathy when it comes to small children. I even said I would pay but was refused. Thanks for nothing and good business

It would be great if the set menus were arranged more preferably and in pieces. Other than that, everything was fine.

Reasonably priced lunch, friendly service

Very nice restaurant, which is more than okay in terms of price. The toilets were very clean and we had a very good lunch

Relaxed location, very nice staff and good food!

Always delicious and fresh sushi.

Fast service, great cost/quality Also the Ebi Wok dish is a recommendation! Gave 4 stars -- Update 9.6 24 Took them 15 minutrs to bring me a card, an extra 20 minutes to take my order. It wasnt full. Waiters that bring stuff dont looj around if others would like their attention. Sad how much this place changed.

Extremely bad service, part of the order is forgotten. Staff unfriendly and incompetent. Extremely loud and crowded. Food not good for the price. Extreme waiting times. Generally a bad experience and a bad stay.

Eating really bad, only eating with sauce, no meat, nothing

Food very good, value for money good!

In terms of taste, it’s one of the best sushi in Dortmund. Overall, very good cuisine.

Best Friends Sushi always offers fresh and delicious food that my children also love. The location on Lake Phoenix and the quality of the food make every visit a pleasure.

Good Vietnamese cuisine, quick service, unfortunately a bit Germanized. The inventory is in need of renovation, especially the seating furniture is worn out. The atmosphere is quite loud and lively.

You don't order on fancy iPads here. In return you get really good food from nice people.

Thanh was very friendly and accommodating. We'd love to come back.

Way too expensive and kebab tastes better 😋

The food tastes excellent and is very nicely prepared. Very nice staff.

Very tasty sushi and normal prices. The staff was nice. Atmosphere pleasant and relaxed. The location is great.

I was here for dinner with my friends. We liked it, but unfortunately the sushi fell apart a bit. Friendly staff and quick service. The prices are not cheap. A bit loud.

Super fresh and delicious sushi! We'd love to come back!

Very tasty food. Very friendly staff and quick preparation

Very tasty food and good service. We'll definitely be back.

Everything fine. The food was great

Delicious Asian food. Quick cuisine for a good lunch. Wine overpriced. Food at a reasonable price.

Nice service and great location. Warm food (wok dish curry with shrimps) tasty but nothing special. The tails were still attached to the prawns, which was a bit annoying for a dish like this. But decent portion size.

Very beautiful presentation of rolls.. basically cozy.. Danke

Super tasty food and location was also nice, service was good and could be even better

Very tasty food. A bit noisy, but it was also well attended. Always my pleasure.

I've known the restaurant for a long time, but the last time I was there was about 8 years ago. Because we were in Dortmund on Sunday, I suggested Best Friends and we were not disappointed. Starting with the Thai soup, which I love, to various curry and papaya salad, everything was very good. I can also recommend the Best Friends Roll. The ambience is pleasant. We'd love to come back.

We had a plentiful and very good lunch 👍! The record in the picture below only cost 12 euros, great! The 5 stars for the ambience also come about because of the great lake view of Lake Phoenix

We've always been there for lunch so far. The dish is our favorite. Hot curry with roasted duck. As a starter I always take the Tai soup, simply delicious🤤. We've also taken sushi home with us. We can only recommend it.

Very tasty and the lunch menu was also perfectly priced. Thank you.

Great location with a super tasty menu. Attentive service and nice atmosphere. I'm already looking forward to the next visit.

Gutes Sushi 🍣, freundliches Team

Delicious food, great service and a nice ambience. Whether sushi, soup, salad or wok dish, we have been absolutely satisfied so far. We really enjoy going to Best Friends and definitely recommend the restaurant.👍🏼

War nicht schlecht essen war ok

Sehr nettes Personal. Das Essen war sehr gut, frisch zubereitet und lecker