Chunmi Sushi — Restaurant in Ballwin

We are always looking for sushi restaurants in the greater St Louis area to try. We love unique combination rolls with fish that is hopefully reasonably fresh. Chumni Sushi was recommended via Google's "For You" notifications and reviews looked promising.

We arrived without a reservation on a Saturday evening and had no issue getting a table right away. The beer and wine menu is very limited, but they do serve alcohol.

We ordered three rolls off the menu and an additional "nightly special" roll listed on a marker board above the chef's station. If you like fried shrimp in your rolls, it seems to be a predominant ingredient on the menu. However, we went with steamed lobster roll, a combination spicy tuna/salmon with eel sauce (Valentines Roll), the special with more spicy tuna, and a California roll as a hedge dish.

The portions were outstanding and the rolls were the right size. Big enough to get a good bite but not so big you couldn't fit it in your mouth. Also, the rolls were tight and not falling apart. The spicy tuna actually had some spice to it and wasn't just generic. The hostess/waitress was incredibly nice and hospitable.

Unfortunately, the Valentines Roll had a slimy texture to it. Slimy and fish throw up red flags. Although the waitress was very pleasant, the restaurant was under staffed. We were seated promptly but there were 2 total employees working: the waitress and the chef. This slowed their whole operation down. Also, it didn't allow anyone to be available answer the phone ringing at the front desk. Normally, this wouldn't be noticed by patrons, but the volume on the ringer and their answering machine was excessively loud.

I would have loved to see some selections on the menu with more flavor highlighting accessories (e.g. caviar, smelt eggs, scallions, etc.). It's totally possible that our "slimy roll" was poor timing on our part. I don't know how often they receive fish, but not many places have deliveries during the weekends unless it's a high end spot. If you're going to short staff your service, provide automated ways to order either online so people don't need to call in carry out orders, or electronic ordering at the tables.

Overall, the experience wasn't the best sushi option we've visited recently, but it also wasn't nearly the worst. It definitely is better than picking up sushi rolls in the local...

On a recent Friday evening, my sushi cravings took me beyond the familiar confines of St. Louis, leading me to a delightful family-owned establishment that I had yet to discover. With its charming ambiance, this cozy restaurant transports diners to a serene Japanese setting reminiscent of the intimate sushi spots in Kyoto.

Upon entering, I was immediately struck by the thoughtfully designed decor, which combined traditional elements with a modern touch. The soft lighting and warm wood accents created a welcoming atmosphere that set the stage for an enjoyable dining experience.

I started my meal with a crisp, refreshing bottle of Sapporo, a classic pairing for sushi that complemented the dishes to come.

I ordered the spider roll, tuna sashimi, and a classic tuna roll for my meal. The spider roll was a standout, perfectly balancing the crunch of soft-shell crab with the rich creaminess of avocado and a hint of spicy mayo, creating an exquisite harmony of flavors and textures. The tuna sashimi was nothing short of exceptional; each slice was artfully presented, its vibrant color promising freshness, which it certainly delivered. The melt-in-your-mouth quality of the tuna was a testament to the chef’s commitment to quality.

Finally, the tuna roll brought a delightful simplicity to the table—a reminder of the beauty in fresh ingredients prepared with skill and care. Each bite celebrated the tuna’s natural flavor, enhanced by a dab of soy sauce.

Overall, this little gem exceeded my expectations in every way, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore authentic Japanese cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned sushi lover or a newcomer to this culinary realm, this restaurant is a must-visit destination that promises an unforgettable...

UPDATE: We can honestly say that this place is THEE closest thing to eating sushi in Japan. We only come to Chunmi now and especially since we returned home from Japan... we won't go anywhere else!

This was the second time coming here. The first time was so darn good that we had to come back. The second time, it was just so darn good again. This has definitely become our favorite sushi restaurant. The miso soup and ginger salad are great too! The staff is super friendly and they even taught us a couple things that we didnt know about sushi and eel sauce ;-) we will return and we...