Kimu Sushi — Restaurant in Long Beach

I have been to this place maybe 7 or 8 times. It thought it was great at first.

This review is based on my last few experiences. The host can be rude. Once, I walked in and was sat down by the waiting staff at the sushi bar. About 3 minutes later, the host came up to me and scolded me claiming that I sat myself down. I explained to him that I did not and that I was sat by the staff. He was clearly angry at me and felt disrespected as he raised his voice and told me to get up and leave. He told me there is a 45 minute wait right now and that I can't just sit myself down. I explained to him again that I was sat down by the waiting staff and pointed out the man who sat me down. He began yelling at that employee right there in front of everyone. It was gross to watch. I went next door to Sushi Mafia instead and they were very pleasant.

I came back again another day and was sat by the host. After ordering a few appetizers he wanted to take my menu away from me because he said he needed them for other guests. I had to hold on to it because I hadn't ordered any mains yet. He didn't seem to like that. The food came out and the rice was not fresh and was not seasoned right for sushi rice. The Nigiri sushi had fish on it that was not a cool enough temperature, which was disturbing. The cut of yellowtail belly was not cut in a fashion that allowed the fish to be tender, so it was tough, which is weird for belly as it should have been tender. The "crab meat" as listed on their menu is imitation crab. I have a big problem with restaurants mislabeling their food. Crab meat needs to come from a crab. Imitation crab meat should be labeled as such. The FDA agrees with this opinion. The wasabi was not strong and tasted low quality. The mayo seemed to be a basic Hellman's or something. Typically a good sushi spot uses Kewpi mayo. The difference is clear. The "yuzu mayo" seemed like it was just Hellman's squirted on top of the roll with a pool of yuzu sauce underneath the roll. Again, very misleading. One of my rolls just fell apart every time it was picked up. I'm not a fan of this place...

This place was very quaint and had quality fish. My parents were craving sushi and specifically wanted a lobster roll so we saw this spot and stopped. The 1st thing that gave this spot a leg up from the competition was that it had its own parking lot. We parked easily and were sat right away. We ordered the edamame, Gyoza, hamachi crudo, veggie tempura, crispy rice with spicy tuna, and the baked lobster roll. The edamame was perfectly steamed and salted. The Gyoza was extra crispy on the outside and flavorful and steamed on the inside. I love a crispy rice tuna appetizer this one did not disappoint. It has a tasty siracha mayo bed and sliced avocado on top. An amazing balance of flavors and textures. The tempura had big pieces of veggies in a light batter and it tasted fresh and all the veggies were firm. Nothing was mushy and the oil didn't taste old, big plus for tempura! The hamachi was delicious light and very fresh! Loved the ponzu and roe that it came with. The baked lobster was definitely the star. The whole restaurant was ooing and ahhing when the server walked by with it. A flaming heap of lobster on top of a simple roll. So delicious! The lobster was not over cooked. The sauce on top was not overwhelming or overdone. This place is definitely a must try for a family dinner or date night. It is small so just keep that in mind as it was a little difficult to hear at times. But not due to music. It was mainly due to the...

Kimu Sushi is an absolute gem, and they are deserving of every 5-star review. Some of the best sushi I've had -- fresh, flavorful, and every dish was served with beautiful presentation. There was nothing ordered that I didn't enjoy.

I loved their unique rolls. The Sensual Pleasure special roll in particular is a must-have: spicy scallop and spicy tuna. I can't wait to go back and explore more of their menu, especially the Korean items. I was creeping on everyone's orders around me, and there were many other dishes I wanted to try.

The ambiance of the restaurant was very lively, and colorful. I appreciated that you could sit at a table or at the sushi counter where the action is. It feels like Kimu Sushi is a versatile spot that is perfect for everyday dining, as well celebrating an occasion.

And above all, the customer service was exceptional. Everyone was friendly and attentive -- even on a busy Friday night. Thank you you to Kyle, Geon, and Jane for being so welcoming, and for making me (and every other guest) feel special and appreciated. You've created a perfect experience from start to finish.

I was visiting from out-of-town but will be planning to come here as a regular every time I'm...