Mori Sushi & Grill by Aji — Restaurant in Renton

I’ve been here many times before, food is always amazing. Sake is delicious. Price is also reasonable. Great atmosphere for a date night or girls night out. However, the recent time I went, I was extremely disappointed with the host service. I walked in with my 3 girlfriends and was told there was a wait, which was understandable. The host took my name and phone number down on a post it, which I thought was odd, but whatever. We walked right next door to get a drink to pass the 25 min wait as we were told. At close to an hour, I called to see how much longer the wait would be. The host told me the table is ready NOW and the whole party has to be there in the next few minutes or the table would go to someone else. Weird that the host didn’t call me to tell me the table is ready but okay…I told the host we will be there in a minute as we were waiting right next door. Then the host tells me that the table actually isn’t ready since they are cleaning it up so to be there in the next 10 minutes. We walk over and immediately the host acts as if he hates his job. Does not greet anyone in, was not apologetic and had the biggest attitude. I told him my name and that I had just called for the table for 4 and he doesn’t say a word, walks away to check on the table that was being cleaned. Then he returns and says to follow him. When asked why he didn’t call, he said he must have dialed the number wrong. It’s not that hard to dial a 10 digit number but I guess mistakes happen. Our server was amazing, the food is delicious as always. However, this most recent experience left me disappointed and made me not...

I came here for the first time today for a late lunch. They quickly accommodated us with a larger table when we had two more added to our party. I ordered the Kyoto Yuzu Pale Ale, Japanese Ceviche, Three Times Lady Roll, and Agedashi Tofu. The Japanese Ceviche was a stand out with 4 types of thinly cut fish, chopped jalapenos, chilis, cilantro and a citrusy ponzu sauce. It was delicious! Three Times Lady had a lot of different fish wrapped in rice paper that most of us enjoyed. I tried my friend's Jackbox roll that was topped with salmon and had imitation crab layered in the center. It was fresh and really good with the added lemon slice on top. Agedashi Tofu was average and got soggy quick. At our new table there was water dripping from the ceiling. Not sure if there was a leak in the roof or if it was from an AC unit but it dropped on me and my roll (before I was able to finish it) a few times. The server quickly and kindly replaced it with a new roll. When the check came most of the servers were inattentive because they were having a meal before closing down for their dinner rush. I didn't mind at all but it was a good 15 minutes before they took the bill. All in all, I would definitely go back for that Japanese Ceviche and try other items off their extensive menu if I'm ever craving sushi in the...

The Landing has been in need of more restaurants, and Mori is a huge addition. We've been notably impressed by the presentation as well as quality of the dishes. Menu items do have a high cost, so this isn't necessarily a casual place to eat, but the comfort of the environment and kindness of the waitresses does offer a welcoming vibe.

We were particularly happy with the sushi rolls including the I'm on Fire and Spider Roll, as well as the sushi omakase. Skip the Manhattan, though. We tried the hot tofu soup and it was average (Exit 5 across the street does this dish better). For appetizers, I would recommend skipping the sunomono and getting ageodashi tofu or fried soft shell crab instead. All the plating and garnishments were a cut above most restaurants in Renton, and could hold their own against Bellevue downtown's noteworthy sushi restaurants.

In summary, Mori is probably the best sushi experience in Renton and is remarkable enough for even those with high expectations to be happy with their time here.

Update: We've revisited twice, once for dine-in and oteice for pickup. In all cases we had outstanding experiences and we noticed there's no longer a service charge. Bumping up my...