Uni Sushi and Ramen Lansing — Restaurant in Meridian Charter Township

There's a favorable update to this review at the bottom. I initially gave 2 stars overall & 2 stars on service and this was why:

"I got takeout for the 1st time yesterday and liked it so much that I did again today. The food is good and the price is great, but I have a serious food safety concern.

I was recently diagnosed with actual allergies to many foods, including gluten and sesame seeds, and was told to avoid them. Sushi is something I can still eat as long as I make some modifications. I was initially impressed that I could input my allergies so easily when ordering online. You just check off which ones you have on a list, and if you have any others, there's a note field where you can write them in.

Yesterday, I used this system and input all of my allergies. When I opened my food, it appeared that it was prepared correctly, but then they offered me soy sauce and put some in my bag when I agreed. Later, I saw on the label that it contained gluten. No big deal, easy mistake, I wasn't worried about it. I just threw it away.

Today, however, they made my sushi with sesame seeds on it. Luckily, this was an allergen I could see, so I took it back and asked them to remake it. They first verified that I'd ordered it correctly, and then they happily remade it. When I opened it, I saw that it had sesame seeds on it AGAIN. I took it back once more, and it turned out that she'd just put the wrong one back in my bag. Another simple mistake, right? Well this time, I was angry, and this is why:

While I can see how allergy restrictions could be perceived as an annoyance, it can literally mean life and death to some people. I know someone personally who died a horrific, slow death after a restaurant cooked her food in peanut oil even though she told them she was very allergic to it when she ordered.

Fortunately, I was able to notice the allergens they served me because they were visible; however, I have anaphylactic reactions to shrimp, for example, and there's no way that I can see whether or not they prepared my food with uncontaminated utensils or on a clean surface. I have to trust them for that. The same way my friend trusted that her food wasn't cooked in the wrong oil. The same way that you trust every restaurant to make food that won't make you sick from pathogens you can't see.

Uni Sushi makes it clear that they cater to dietary restrictions, but if they can't do it right EVERY SINGLE TIME, they shouldn't offer it, because their carelessness could kill someone.

I'm not sure I will go back."

UPDATE: I received a prompt response from the manager, who stated that she took my concern seriously and would address it with the staff. Two weeks later, I returned (like I said, it's great sushi at a great price!) I figured they also deserved one more chance.

This time, the staff was SIGNIFICANTLY more careful. Fortunately, when I ordered miso soup and eel sauce, they told me right away that they had gluten in them. Unfortunately, they gave me those same two items on my first visit, and I ate them (remember what I said about invisible allergens?) Luckily for all of us, though, I didn't have a noticeable reaction that time.

While that reinforces my warning about allergens we can't see, I'm so very happy that this problem seems to have been taken care of. They also offered me their gluten-free menu and gluten-free soy sauce this time.

If they can keep this up as they get new staff and not get complacent over time, I'll be happy to go back again...

Just an FYI for this restaurant—TIP IS NOT MANDATORY!!!! I was forced to give them a tip for service that was not even good! The server was rushing and trying to make my friends and me leave quickly! While I was paying my bill, they stated that the tip is supposed to be mandatory and the minimum is 18%. When I tried to customize my tip, they said, “I can’t do that,” in an annoyed manner. All four of us had to tip even though the bill was separate. It was so annoying, making me feel like I had to tip for service that was not even good. DON’T GO TO THIS PLACE. THIS IS THE WORST PLACE TO DINE. GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. THE STORE OWNER NEEDS TO LEARN MANNERS AND NOT BE DISRESPECTFUL AND ENTITLED!

Update: This response is completely inaccurate and frankly condescending. We did not leave a $1 tip on a $100+ bill — this is only mine my friends were paid force to pay 18% tip for all of their own bill which was never $100. To suggest otherwise is gaslighting and completely dismissive of our experience.

Tipping is never mandatory, and it is not your customers’ responsibility to “make up” wages for your employees. That is a business responsibility, not ours. Framing the situation as if we somehow wronged your staff is both manipulative and insulting.

Your statement that you “stand with your staff” reads as nothing more than a defensive excuse for trying to coerce customers into paying extra. If your staff are hardworking, pay them appropriately — that is your job as the business owner, not something to pass on to diners under the guise of “mandatory” tipping/the lowest option being 18%.

Your reply is disappointing and shows a complete lack of accountability. We will continue to stand by our experience and hope future patrons are not subjected to this type of condescending response. Also be authentic and genuine instead of writing...

Im an avid sushi lover. Its my first time ordering at this place. STEER AWAY. theres a lot of other sushi places nearby which better service. Better services at Sushiya, Omi Sushi, Sansu, Maru, etc. UNI SUSHI simply dont care about customers and will look for ways to choke money out of you.

The red flags:

1. A guy first picked up my call and confirmed it was free delivery (within 3 miles). Then i called back to confirm my order, but a lady picked up but said there is a delivery fee as she CHECKED ON HER PHONE that my address is 3.1mi away (0.1mi beyond 3mi free delivery). I confirmed on google maps that im only 2.5mi away. She insisted its 3.1mi. I had no way of arguing with such ignorant tone of response.

2. Plus if i order via the phone, she will charge me $2 for her to key in the order and she said its cumbersome. Absurd. Might as well put a robot if you dont want to take orders. I placed order via website anyway since theyre the only place open on Christmas night.

3. I assumed it comes with soup and salad (like every other sushi place in the world would). Noted that in my order. but she called back and said soup isnt included, i said 'ok', but i informed her its weird because all other sushi places would usually come with miso/soup.- but i want to proceed with my order anyway. Then she replied, in her words: i am "mistaken as there is no other sushi place elsewhere that offers complimentary soup". She dared me to go to other sushi places to check- as if this is my first time ordering sushi.

I would have not have second guessed to cancel my order for the dismal service, if its not on Christmas (or if i had other sushi options open).

But i'll give credits where its due. It took them only 20mins from order confirmation to reach my door. It doesnt seem like 3.1mi...