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| - My most recently (and first) visit to Kiku in Markham was for lunch on a weekend. Upon arriving I was immediately presented with an interactive iPad menu that I perused while awaiting the arrival of my friend. My first impressions of the iPad was that it was significantly easier to manage compared to other all-you-can-eat sushi bars where you must use a paper and pencil. Having eaten at another well-known sushi bar with iPad-based ordering I was familiar with the concept of selecting the item, viewing a photo of it, indicating how many you wanted, and adding it to an order list to be submitted to the kitchen. In my opinion, Kiku's system was by far the best for ordering as you still have the ability to view which items you have ordered previously. Not only does this help you keep track of what you have tried, it also allows you to see what you have not yet received. Being able to order on-demand means there is no need to flag down or wait for staff to attend to your table. Everything can be taken care of from the iPad meaning no language barriers, long waits, and best of all, the ability to see the item along with a brief description of it.
What really stood out to me was the selection offered at Kiku. Despite it being lunch, I was very impressed with the wide array of choices available including several types of soup salads, signature rolls, fried rice/noodles, grilled items, and sushi pizzas to name a few. Surprisingly, Kiku offers three types of Japanese savoury pancakes (Okonomiyaki) at lunch. Dessert selection was also very good and significantly larger than other AYCE sushi bars I've visited. Drinks (alcoholic or non) are extra. Between my friend and myself, we tried at least one dish from each category. Items arrived quickly after ordering ensuring that we enjoyed the items at optimum temperature. All of the choices we had were fresh and tasted as if they were made to order (very important for grilled/fried items). My top 5 suggestions off the menu include the Las Vegas Roll, Spicy White Tuna Tempura Roll, Seafood Fried Ramen, BBQ Eel Pizza, and the Ginger Milk dessert (very strong, perfect for ginger lovers). Bonus points for the Mackerel sushi that (to me) was the perfect texture/taste.
As far as decor goes, Kiku is quite pleasing to the eye thanks to the interesting glass-balls-on-strings which adorn the dining area. The restaurant has a very modern feel and is inviting. I felt very relaxed while eating (thanks in part to not having to worry or think about if our orders will arrive). Interesting to note, there is at least one 6-8 person "Japanese-style" table where guests take off their shoes and sit on a carpeted floor. This seems like it would be a fun experience, however you most likely have to reserve this spot for your dining group. Cleanliness in the dining area appeared good. The washrooms on the other hand could use some work. The men's chrome bathroom fixtures (taps, urinal flushers) were very dirty with dust/waterspots. It appeared as if they had not been cleaned properly in some time.
My overall impression of Kiku was very good and I most certainly will be returning. Pricing is on par with other AYCE sushi bars at $15 for lunch and $24 for dinner. Friday/Weekend/Holiday prices are $1 more for lunch and $2 more for dinner.
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