Sushi Koen — Restaurant in Round Rock

Hands down, the most disappointing and shocking sushi experience I have ever had. I must first preface, the service was good, no issue here, but the price combined with the most mediocre quality for $50 a person you can get definitely set me off. Coming into this restaurant, I saw a 4.7 star rating with a sizable amount of reviews and great looking rolls on people's review photos, so I was definitely anticipating a very nice quality meal and probably expensive, which expensive is ok if the quality rewards it. I ordered the 32 piece sashimi chef choice for $58, so I was expecting some pretty sweet and creative selection, but instead just turned out with some semi fresh standard fish. It just really didn't hit the mark here and the sashimi pieces weren't very big either. Following this, we ordered 2 rolls to come with the 32 piece selection, the tiger roll and the eel roll, and both of which were extremely small portion and basically tasted and LOOKED like a $6 roll from HEB across the street. From what I saw in the reviews, I saw beautifully presented rolls that I'm sure were great, but from what I saw myself today, this is no longer the case and I believe that past reviews are not an accurate representation of this restaurant. I find this highly upsetting that either the owner has made drastic portion and quality cuts to add profits, or certain menu items are not to the same standard of ither items. To the owner, I highly recommend lowering the amount of rolls on the menu as I believe you have spread your chef too thin, and quality control seems not effective enough when having to know how to make an excellent version of...

I can confidently say this is the best sushi I’ve ever had. The variety on the menu is impressive, offering so many unique and flavorful options that it’s hard to choose just one!

I started with the Eunice roll, followed by the Ono sashimi special, and ended with the Carrot Top roll. Each dish was an absolute delight. The Ono sashimi was a pleasant surprise since I don’t often see Ono offered at sushi spots in the area. It was incredibly fresh and prepared with precision, making it a standout on the menu. What really stood out was the generous serving of fish—no skimping here!

The Carrot Top roll was my favorite of the night. The fried carrots added a beautiful sweetness that perfectly complemented the roll’s other flavors. My partner ordered the Spider roll and the Texas roll. He was so impressed with the Spider roll that he ordered another one before we left, saying it was the best roll he’d ever had in his life! High praise, and I couldn’t agree more.

Beyond the food, the service was exceptional. The staff were all incredibly friendly and provided excellent recommendations when I asked for suggestions on what to order. I live about an hour away, but Sushi Koen is so worth the drive. I’ll be coming back again and again! If you’re a sushi lover, don’t miss out...

Stopped in Friday night. Seated quickly. The Sunomono salad (pickled cucumber and seafood) - was awesome. Will definitely return to try a few of the other options. Salmon skin roll wasn't great - oddly sickeningly sweet and bitter at the same time. ( Sushi Nini makes a good one) but the April roll was fine and everything looked good.

Unfortunately they were severely understaffed. They had one. Exactly ONE wait staff covering all tables (15-20 tables). On a Friday night. She did her best, and the hostess was picking up some of the slack, but still unnaceptable.

Pricing was ok, about 15% higher than I expected on most options.

Edit 13Dec21 Have been back several times and even brought family. Service has always been excellent since. Clearly they worked out opening jitters. Menu is fun and tasty. Overall I'd say the rolls tend to be a tad too sweet with their sauces but we're in Texas/America. Probably appealing to local preferences.

Don't get the Ramen. Really bad. If it isn't package noodles and stock I'm suprised.

Everything else is good to excellent. Updating rating - long overdue...