IN SUM: 2-stars because of the kind service
RATING: 4-stars for service. 1-star based on food. 2-star based on ambiance.
SERVICE: I'd really love to give this place 1-stars based only on the food, but the service by the female hostess was especially considerate and kind. The service by the other male hostess was rather the quick and hurried. We felt rushed. However, when it came time for the bill and we needed to leave the waiter was slow.
FOOD:
SUSHI- We ordered the midi maki and sushi maki (5 maki, 5 sushi) and tempura. The sushi rice was under seasoned. The seaweed was dry. The sushi was mildly warm. The rolls were randomly given. The most I remember from my roll was the strong taste characteristic of tuna and the dry slightly old taste of the imitation crab meat. As an avid sushi eater who can down 30 pieces at an all-you-can-eat buffet, I was unable to even finish 10 pieces. It wasn't particularly bad, but it wasn't particularly good. My mother with zero experience in sushi making made better rolls her first time than this restaurant that specializes in sushi. The rice was also not sushi rice - larger and thicker grain. I'm surprised this place lays claims to being a sushi bar.
TEMPURA- I did not eat the tempura but my table mate who frequently eats fried food - from Southern fried chicken to Beijing fried street stall buns - said the tempura was undercooked and from a pan that reused the oil.
SOUP- The miso soup was too salty as well.
My table mate said the best part of the meal was the water.
AMBIANCE- It's unfortunate that this key location is this restaurant. The high-vaulted ceilings are wasted on a cheap-looking silver ceiling. The centerpiece chandelier is a cheap silver-sprayed Christmas light spherical decoration. The gold columns are unevenly sprayed. The window columns are chipped. The windows are dirty. The only nice elements of the atmosphere is the painting of the woman in a blue dress and the art pieces above the sushi bar. Finally, the sushi bar chairs need to be repainted.
The layout was also especially awkward. There were two main doors and I got confused which one was the entrance. Next, the hostess stand was not by the entrance and I was especially lost where to stand to be seated.