I arrived here at 5pm and explained to the hostess/server that I'm dining alone this evening and immediately she led me to their sushi bar not even asking me where I would prefer to sit down. There was one small group hidden away in a corner enjoying private conversation and the restaurant was completely empty. She seemed concerned when I requested one tiny table meant for one. She said she needed to double check for Reservations and reserved tables. I get it! I hadn't made any reservations. I felt awkward as she made a point of telling me that during weekdays they aren't busy and seating isn't an issue. She said weekends they tend to get busy so I assured her I wouldn't take long to order and leave within the hour. She seemed concerned and said she didn't want me to be rushed but I only wanted maki and wasn't there for alcoholic beverages because I'm not a drinker.
She let me pick the comfortable corner table and asked if I wanted bottled water or tap. I asked for tap because I knew bottled water would obviously be pricey. She seemed disappointed with my answer and I said I'm ready to order. I chose coca cola with Grenadine syrup, a side of white rice 🍚 one order of asparagus maki and one salmon maki.
She asked if I'd like any beverages besides my coke and I declined. I said I'd probably order more maki later so she left the menu on my table.
It didn't take long before my maki came out. Everything tasted extremely delicious and fresh but the portions were miniscule and underwhelming. The asparagus maki was $8 and the salmon similarly priced high but the portion sizes were extremely small. Rice and miso soup are sold separately and not as a maki set here.
I was still hungry so against my better judgment I caved in and ordered a spicy octopus 🐙 maki. I believe this time the owner/manager came to my table with the order and announced that my spicy tuna was ready. I was worried she gave me someone else's order so I told her I had ordered octopus but she stated she meant to say octopus.
My bill was exorbitant...close to $50 not including the tip and the coke doesn't include a refill. My server did ask if I'd like another cola but since it's an additional $5 and consists of a small glass full of ice it didn't seem reasonable.
After I finished paying my bill I overheard another customer ask for green tea. I had no idea it was an option here or I would have loved a cup. I asked the manager for a future date if green tea 🍵 is complimentary and she gave me an angry look and asked me why would it be free?! I wasn't trying to be impolite i was simply inquiring about their policies. In Schaumburg all the authentic style Japanese restaurants served little cups of green tea free of charge to all their customers so naturally I grew accustomed to the tea being offered. She was so mean-spirited to me that I told her she was acting rude just from my inquiry. She called me rude and so I'm simply sharing my dining experience this evening that went sour.
Small portions, extremely expensive food, everything is sold separately from rice to green tea to miso soup. If you come here by yourself on a weekend they will suggest you sit at their sushi bar.
I just wanted a nice self treat this evening 😪 this wasn't a good experience and no need to say more.
I love dining alone but I hate when restaurants treat women dining solo like unwelcomed guests. Not everyone likes to order cocktails with their meals. I'm a foodie; I love the entire dining experience from ambiance, to quality of taste, presentation, good value and the friendliness of the staff. Tonight was extremely unpleasant.
Barbara M.
Sabrina G.
Matthew B.
Satu C.
Albert Therese
