"0"^^ . . "2017-11-30T00:00:00"^^ . . "After eating at almost every sushi spot in Cleveland, it is awesome to have one that is local to me. The chef started out in New Orleans and has been making sushi for ten years. He really does an excellent job with the rice, which, believe it or not, is the true backbone to good sushi. It is not too sweet or too sour and is cooked with just the right amount of \"bite\" so that you can actually taste the texture of the grains. They use high quality rice. \n\nWas pressed for time so had take out. Regular sushi dinner and chicken pad thai along with a rainbow roll. All the sushi was spot on. As I watched the chef, we chatted, and I could tell he was not only skilled, but paid attention to detail in forming the rice and placing the fish. The rice to fish ratio was ideal in the rolls and the sushi. Nothing worse than getting a big honking mound of rice with a tiny piece of fish. The sushi dinner came with miso soup or clear soup (mushrooms and fried onions) and salad. I had the miso. Nicely done. Not too salty. The salad was iceberg (fresh and crispy), but the standard dressing was really good. Nicely in balance. Not sure if they offer a japanese salad. The pad thai was very good. Not drowning in sauce or with a funky color that can just ruin it. Nice balance of fish sauce, sweetness and citrus. Rice noodles where not overcooked and still had some texture too them even though I did not eat until I got home. All the takeout packaging was secure and neatly packaged. Noticed that the menu had hibachi (cooked in the kitchen, not table top), based on my experience with the pad thai, I would try it next time. \n\nThe place is small (six or seven tables? and a small sushi bar, five or six seats?) but nicely decorated and clean. The staff really went out of their way to make me comfortable, answer my questions and point out unique items based on my preferences. All despite the fact that I was just getting take out. And the best part, highly reasonable prices for the quality. The menu is not overwhelming, but they do have a unique selection of rolls and a fair amount of hot food. I would have to assume that if business booms the sushi offerings would expand (they do have almost all the standards plus a few more options for the adventurous). If I could critique one thing, it would be the wasabi. Feel like it could have been firmer and hotter. It was serviceable though. Pickled ginger was pink, not yellow. Standard, but not amazing. I prefer the yellow. \n\nMy take away, Zuki is legit. If my subsequent experiences are as good as my initial one, I will be a regular. I was hesitant to write this review because this place appears to be a hidden gem and it is small. I want to keep it all to myself (and just roll in on a Friday night and actually get a seat), but the food was just too good not to give them the props they deserve. On a price to quality ratio, this place is off the chart."^^ . "0"^^ . . "5"^^ . "3"^^ .