I have eaten at De Mae twice now. I will return when I feel like eating sushi that is cheap and tasty in a very casual setting . The food is suprisingly really good, given the price. The restaurant is popular among college students and a crowd of hip young Provo locals (I don't know the term exactly but there is definitely a group of people that embrace a certain "fashion"-- maybe emo or skater?).
Tuesday nights sushi is 3 dollars a roll (2 dollars a nigiri) and this is an amazing deal but the restaurant is typically full (but not beyond full) and less organized on a Tuesday. Normal prices are another dollar or two more per roll, depending on the roll.
The waiters seem friendly and eager to help, but completely unorganized (and a little oblivious). You will need to be assertive with them to get drinks refilled, and they may need a gentle reminder if your food hasn't shown up after a few minutes. Order everything you want, right from first, because the staff might not return for a while unless you get their attention. Both times I've been there, we were served by at least 3 different people, which i found odd, but not necessarily unacceptable. It doesn't seem they assign a watier to the table. I'll admit that one couple came in last time and wasn't attended at all (besides being seated) for about 10 minutes, and finally got up and left, visibly frustrated. Due to this service, I typically tip significantly less than I would at a more service-oriented place.
I've enjoyed the sushi. The chef and owner (a native Japanese gentlemen) does a great job, given the price. Miso soup is up to par but nothing special, same with salad. Haven't tried their terayaki or other dishes.
If you want similar prices and quality in a more organized, intimate, quiet, authentic Japanese setting, try Osaka, on the same block. I like the food slightly better at De Mae. My favorite Japanese in Provo is Asuka. Unless I have an huge pile of cash to drop at Happy Sumo.
Pros: Good food, really good value!
Cons: Must be assertive with servers! Gets a little loud.
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