Kiku Sushi & Grill (Osprey) — Restaurant in Venice

All sushi is NOT created equal. My daughter and I recently tried the new sushi restaurant and we have to agree with the other one star rating on Google. Maybe other people are just excited for a new restaurant to come to Osprey that they believed it should get a 5 star rating.

We dine out at sushi restaurants enough to know that 1) Publix $5 sushi days is fresher 2) this restaurant lacks attention to detail that other restaurants have.

We were able to seat ourselves , the girl flopped our menus down a few napkins and chop sticks. Catherine was our server . She brought our drinks and walked away rather quickly . We knew what we wanted . As she walked around aimlessly, we finally got her attention to place our order. Ordered cheese fried wonton n miso soup as appetizers.

Sat there about 10 minutes waiting . She happened to walk by and I asked would we be getting our soup and appetizer before our dinner? I could see the sushi chef pretty much done with our order. She says “ oh sorry”. Thinking she forgot to put in the soup and app order. She brings them out . They look good but the cream cheese in all 6 were cold inside . It was hard to get her attention. Wasnt even that busy .

Our sushi order quickly arrived . She dropped it off amd quickly walked away . Other restaurants will point to each of the sushi and let you know what you ordered . They didnt have the usual tiny bowls to put your soy sauce in . There was no presentation at all . And it looked very sloppy . We were unable to pick up with chopsticks and dip without it crumbling in a bunch of pieces . The rice didnt even fully coat the shrimp . Smelled fishy and all tasted the same . Nornally we wont have leftovers at restaurants because its good and fresh . But took it home and threw it out . Thought at maybe it was just us but we shared our thoughts with each other and it was the food we didnt care. Told the server about wontons. She didnt offer to heat them up and it was left on our bill. Ambience is good . Thats the only 5 star i can give . Slow service . No attention to detail and...

I often go to different Japanese restaurants, and try out different places, rarely am I compelled to write a review. I usually try to same things with slight variations. I'm practically an expert when it comes to the western versions of Japanese cuisine. It is rare to find a place that is as delicious, delightful, attentive, and atmospheric.

I ordered hot sake at the bar and was frequently checked in with while I ordered. I made a face when I noticed joe hisashi (the pianist who is featured in each studio ghibli movie) was playing, and the sushi chef asked me what was wrong, I was actually very happy.

The plates were beautiful, the dishes were balanced, and the service was attentive. Adding to the ambiance was workers, very cute kids hanging out on a slow summer day before school.

The moment I received my thick cut sashimi, I knew I was about to be impressed, and I wasn't wrong. The chicken katsu was both perfectly thick, and perfectly moist, while still being crispy on the exterior, the sauce served with it was well balanced flavor wise and not as offensive as other places, and the serving was absolutely HUGE.

I would be happy to bring my family here, I would be blessed to come each day to imbibe. And it would be a Supreme pleasure to see it and it's staff thrive.

Thank you...

Wow! I have been looking for a good Japanese place near me and could not find one and then Kiku opened just down the street!

The food is next level. I got the chicken teriyaki that came with miso soup, ginger dressing salad, rice, and was served on a sizzling platter with onions. I also ordered a veggie tempura appetizer and green tea. Everything was delicious and the portions were huge! I was sure I would have left overs... I ate it all. Prices are super reasonable. There are literally appetizers in the $5-$7 range.

The staff is the friendliest I have seen in Florida. Everyone is smiling, kind, and cares. Very attentive and the whole experience was just so warm and positive. I am going to be a regular here.

The decorations and vibe are very beautiful. My only recommendation to the establishment would be to remove the paper towels and paper plates from the display racks behind the sushi counter. It ruins the aesthetic that was meticulously put together.

A hidden gem at the moment and not too many people yet. I recommend you try this place before the...