Nagomi Sushi and Korean BBQ — Restaurant in Ann Arbor

I've never felt the need to go online and leave a review for bad service ever before, but my experience tonight was so incredibly aggravating that here I am. I'm not even upset that the non-cooking staff (4-5 teenagers) didn't really know how to deal with a customer and made my experience extremely awkward. It's one thing to be new to the job, another to be so unbelievably, openly rude to the customers.

To start, I had to ask the person taking my order if I could resume ordering, since she seemed to have forgotten about me after her coworkers tactlessly interrupted my order to involve her in their conversation, which was a mixture of gossip and hashing out their own dinner plans (yes, seriously).

In the fifteen minutes or so of waiting, the staff proceeded to surround me on three sides (one was at a table behind me as I sat at the bar) and loudly talk past me about a variety of topics I won't get into except to say it involved everything from their paychecks and bosses, to family gossip, to so-and-so's drug and alcohol usage, to the customers in the restaurant, finally including me, right there, waiting quietly, browsing on my phone.

That is to say, their loud conversation at one point seems to have drifted to me and another customer at the bar, and the employee behind me pointed his finger at me, a few inches from my shoulder, and asked if the other person meant "THIS guy?" or the other customer, as if we were pieces of furniture and not, you know, their customers. I chose not to respond to the rude gesture, and the other employees took that as a cue to start asking:

"Hey, is he asleep?" "I don't know..." "Hey, you should ask him if he wants soup or salad!" "Huh, you ask him."

After surprising them by responding to their question like an actual human being, I got my sushi and left. It was mediocre. I don't know what this place is like when there are adults around, but I'm...

My experience needs to be noted. Last night I dined here with about 25 other people. We come every Thursday around 8:30 after a meeting. There are 15 to 25 of usually and that would be quite an undertaking for most establishments but the staff at this restaurant is exquisite and exceptional in their service. There is no delay with being waited upon and greeted and served what we order. Because of the nature of our group we have separate checks. I always feel so bad about that but the staff is not bothered. I am posting this review not only for what I have said but also for a heartfelt reason. When we left last night I did not realize until I got home I had left my credit card. They were closed when I discovered this. I went back to the establishment this morning when they opened at 11:00. It was as if they were expecting me as they were unbelievably gracious. Theey had taken my card and put it in an envelope with safekeeping. I was so grateful and they would not let me leave the material or any type of a reward. They simply told me I am a good customer. I lived most of my life in Boston. The reaction there would not have been as it was here. Boston can tend to be aggressive. I have been here 5 weeks and I find Ann Arbor to be the most hospitable community. And my story here is very much a testament to these people who provide the community with with prideful welcome. Thank you all including the kitchen staff who are usually the least thanked people in the hospitality...

Went there for lunch. I ordered California shrimp and tempura shrimp rolls.

First we got the miso soup. Now, mind you, I have been eating miso soup since I was a teenager, which was more than 40 years ago. (I fell in love with Japanese cuisine long before sushi became a household word!). Anyway, I think nagomi's miso broth is the best I have ever had. And I am not saying that lightly. There was a depth and richness to the broth that was wonderful.

Then came the sushi. Perfect little rolls. The tempura shrimp was delicious. Crispy and tasty. I will definitely order both of these items again.

My friend tried the black mushroom sushi. I swiped one and it was delicious albeit a bit saltier than the California rolls.

Even though this restaurant is by UofM's north campus, it was fairly busy for 2pm. And more than 40% of its clientel was Asian.

This is a casual restaurant and the staff was very efficient and welcoming.

Here's the kicker. This meal only cost $8.00. Total. Think about that the next time you pay $8 or more bucks for 6 rubbery pieces of sushi of a questionable age at a grocery store. I got soup and 12 pieces of sushi for $8. And it was good.

I checked the dinner menu. There were many complete dinners in the $10 range including poke and udon just to name a few selections.

In short, this place is a minor miracle. My only regret is that I live more than 40 miles away. But at last I have found a restaurant that is worthy...