Kawaii Sushi and Asian Cuisine - Peoria — Restaurant in Peoria

With family in town this week we were looking to try a new sushi place we hadn’t visited yet. After looking at quotes a few we decided to try Kawaii. I saw they had two different locations and both had great reviews. Located in an unassuming parking lot I’ve actually been nearby and didn’t even notice it until today, when we walked in we were greeted right away and told we could sit wherever we’d like. They had just opened and there was already a few people ahead of us. They took our drink order, and left us some menus to look over. I was surprised to see such a large menu, they also had a great lunch special menu. The price range varied but for the specialty rolls you’re looking at about $17 roughly, but they also have their basics for $9. I decided on the spicy crab roll and an Arizona Roll. Our table also ordered wonton soup, cucumber salad, sashimi, wet n wild roll, miso soup and another beef dish but I can’t remember off the top of my head. Everything came out fairly quick with multiple people working the sushi station. The Arizona Roll was quickly my favorite. It had a bit of a kick with the jalepeno and sriracha. The portion was huge and I was full pretty quick. The wet n wild roll was okay, definitely spicy but too much sauce for me and a bit soggy and harder to pick up the roll without it braking. The wonton soup was the perfect size and so good! The cucumber salad was more sweet than I was used to. I don’t think I’d order it again. The sashimi was good for the most part, but one overly fishy with an odd texture. Not sure what type and didn’t ask, but I should’ve as to not get it again. All in all I’d come gain of nearby. Service was attentive and location good size with a bar as well to...

Ordered for pickup 2-3 times, from the 83rd Ave location, usually ordering the Chinese food dishes, and they've been on point. Food always tastes fresh and as described. They're (sadly) possibly tops in the NW Peoria area which gives you an idea of Chinese food options up here.

Today, I ordered a Mu Shu entree. Got my boxes to the car, checked, and no crepes. The nice female working the desk said they're in the box. Checked again...nope.

I went in, and this time, it was a young male who said to bring in the entire order, which is pretty silly and excessive for missing crepes. I offered him to come to the car and check to his heart's content, which he did. No crepes found, of course, but then he tells me the menu says that it does not come with crepes. I thought that was like ordering a taco, and you get it with no shell because of fine print.

I told him i never heard of a Chinese restaurant doing that (but, oops, it's not a Chinese restaurant) apologized, and he gave me an expression and walks off like I had inconvenienced him. Which, hey, maybe I did, but, again...tacos, no shell...so to speak.

I got home and pulled up their website's online order menu, and it said no such thing. The only reason I'm not blasting him for lying is because I can't speak to their in-store menu, which may or may not have the warning, but that's not what they posted on their ordering menu.

I'll probably order again (except crepe-less Mu Shu) when the Vistancia location opens, but, Kawaii, you might want to update your online ordering menu.

4 for the food with Mu Shu bowl. 5 if traditionally made. 1 for the service hassle as if I was trying to swindle 4 crepes after...

There are better options for less. The order of orange chicken came out with no rice, and the meat itself was, not really hot yet overcooked, tough and inedible. We left over 90% of that on the plate. No one (servers) asked what was wrong or even if we'd have liked it to go.. Dumplings were ok.. Then the Sushi order started coming out.. the advertised "special" roll (AK something?) was fresh, and presented well. Only gripe there is way too much sauces over the top. Eel/Avocado roll was teeny, again covered in eel sc and I couldn't see if there was eel even in there. CALI roll should be a no brainer, but when I pay prices for food like this, I expect some modicum of expertise to be shown. There was (for instance) one plank of cucumber running through the roll. It's just lazy to not further process the vegetable down to a more ornamental display. A small gripe but a common theme I found here. The baked mussels I will say were delicious and cooked perfectly. Yellow Submarine sashimi was a nice presentation and just the right touch of heat. Samurai roll was tasty too. Hats off to the young fella (busboy) who brought out most of our meal, declaring their names (Our server didnt know what Hamachi Kama was. I had to point to it on the menu.) and offering refills on water, napkins. etc. I guess if you live out north and west enough of the valley, this could be an option. I'd return to YEN* on 43rd Ave and Bell Rd before coming back for more Kawaii. The rolls are quite a bit less expensive, just as (if not more) tasty, and prepared well every time, entrees included. *Sushi Style7th st /Bell...