Kiku Japanese Restaurant

Reviews 4

NI

Nicole Ga

Everything about this place I feel is just okay. I wont make a point to go back, but at the same time, if Im in the area and would like some sushi Ill stop in. The service - the waitresses were friendly & tried, but seemed new. They didnt do anything wrong, but you just know when you get exceptional service too; this was just in the middle, like they were new. The food - first off, the menu is huge and offers a little bit of just about anything. I was there for sushi, particularly sashimi. My date and I each ordered a speciality roll & some sashimi to split (and some drinks, they do offer a good drink menu). With their prices slightly higher than Izumi, Japanica, and Kyoto - prices closer to what Nanakusa was and Sake Tumi is, I was expecting some REALLY good sushi. The sushi was okay. It was less flavorful (especially the sashimi) than the other aforementioned places, but not bad. They have many different maki rolls that you dont get other places, but once again the fish is just blan, but in a maki roll the other items can make up for that. (oh, and I usually order the same types of fish, so its not like I tried a new fish and didnt know what to expect for flavor) Ive been there twice now, both of which I experienced the same okay dining experience. (feb 2011 & June 2011) As stated, if Im in the area and in the mood - Ill stop. But if I want to make a date of a sushi dinner - Ill go elsewhere. Update: Went back twice in the summer of 2012. I felt the service had improved, but was not exceptional. However, I felt that sushi was worse. The fish did not taste fresh at all, Id liken it grocery store (PickNSave) sushi for flavor; although I think grocery store may be slightly better. Also, dont know if its always been there or if I just noticed it, but theres a bus stop right outside. Both times over the summer had someone that was waiting for the bus standing right in front of the window from us, just starring at us. And I mean right in front of us. Made for very awkward dining. Given the bad fish and awkward dining, i think Id only go back now again if it was free.

A

A Private User

This was the RUDEST host/waiter/manager i have ever encountered!!! The sushi was decent. The portions were large which ALMOST justified the high prices. However, the food was far overshadowed by the demeanor of our server. There were only two other tables when my friend and i arrived, yet it took nearly 15 minutes to place our drink order and even longer to receive our drinks. The host who seated us was gruff and short. He turned out to be our waiter as well. While trying to order, my friend placed asked for individual sushi by using its proper Japanese name (as it was also listed on the menu). The waiter barked "Sir, youre gonna have to speak english." We were shocked. When my miso soup hit the table, my friend asked, "Whats that?" The waiter retorted, "Thats what he ordered." If we hadnt been faint with hunger we wouldve walked out at this point. We stuck around for more abuse. When the portions arrived, I remarked at how large they were. The waiter replied, "You get what you pay for" and slammed the plates on the table and walked off. At this point, we were about to ask to speak to the manager, when i overheard the waiter speaking to a customer on the phone saying "I am the manager." He then returned to the table and apologized for the wait by saying "Ive had other tables to wait on (2) and customers keep calling with ignorant questions." After exercising much restraint, my friend and i got even when it came time to settle the bill. A $0.01 tip on a $75 bill seemed fair. I would NEVER recommend this restaurant to anyone, nor would i ever return myself. I would also echo a previous comment about the skanky-dressed hostesses (that appeared to be just hanging around off-duty). One got the feeling that perhaps the Sushi is just a front for some other kind of clandestine "business". To the owner - Why would you hire a manager that insists on running off your patrons!?!?

CA

cam white

Terrible experience. I have been a long time customer of their failing business, and after my experience tonight, I will NEVER go back. First of all, the customer service was terrible, it took 30 minutes to even get my drink that I ordered and the waitress was extremely unprofessional. Within an hour of eating my overly priced and not very good sushi, both my boyfriend and myself became violently ill. We were both up the entire night in the bathroom, but now it has been almost 18 hours since I was there and I am still feeling sick. When I called Kiku today I spoke with the manager Peter, who answered the phone when I called by saying hello, unprofessional? I think so. Then, he proceeded to tell me I must go to the hospital if I am sick, and that the only way I can get my money back ($80) is by suing the company. He then began yelling at me and telling me that its my problem I am sick, and that since no one else has complained it cannot be from their restaurant. He then proceeded to tell me to call back later. Basically, I would NEVER recommend that anyone eats here because clearly they do not care about customer service, nor about the well-being of the people eating there. I am so disappointed because I used to be a regular customer, but now I am making a point to tell others about my negative experience because for the prices they charge, they should be serving food that is twice as good, and have customer service that at least makes you feel you are a valued customer.

MA

Mark Persaud

I love Asian food, especially Japanese food, so I was quite excited to try Kiku’s because it so close to my office. Wow, to put it politely, that was the WORST Japanese restaurant I have ever been to EVER. I mean REALLY REALLY bad ! The main “host”, looked and smelt like he was an extra cast member for the “Hangover”. Maybe it is just me, but if you are working with food you should look clean and neat. Soap and water are obviously foreign concepts for the staff at Kiku. Fittingly, the décor of Kiku matched the staff members’ appearances. The place reminded me of an old frat house the day after a big party. Worst of all, it smelt like it too. I was even afraid of handling the menu, because there are something’s that soap and hot water won’t protect you from. From floor to ceiling the place was completely filthy! The carpet had more “stains” and “stuff” on it, than an adult book store carpet. I am talking filthy, and “gross”! How about the food? Well, the food quality was bad, but not awful. The rice was over cooked, the sushi looked “not so fresh”, the salad was “brown”, and the sauces were store bought and stale. I will say, my fork was clean, but my chop sticks looked a little chewed up. Look, if you looking for a good Japanese food experience, then Kiku is NOT the place for you. However, if you are looking for a place to vomit and pee in the middle of the floor after/during a night of downtown drinking, well then, Kiku’s is your place!