SUSHI KOI — Restaurant in St. Louis

My 7 year old mentioned that she wanted to try bubble tea while we were at home. We were excited to see the sign outside the restaurant when we walked by. She picked the flavor she wanted and we walked in.

A middle aged man was at the door, and he barely acknowledged us. There was one couple in the whole place, sitting at a table enjoying their meal. The welcome we were greeted with immediately made me feel uncomfortable and unwelcome. There was no smile, no kindness, no consideration, no warmth, but a simple, quick, "can I help you?". He barely made eye contact with us, pointed at the menu, and practically threw my card and receipt back at me as if he was in a tremendous hurry. A lovely elderly Asian couple came in as we waited. He greeted them with a smile, asked them how they were doing, and asked them if they were dining in. They said yes, and he proceeded to get them menus, telling them how they would be served. The difference in treatment was like night and day.

My daughter was still so excited to be there. All I wanted was for her to enjoy her, experience. She did, but was oblivious that she was being treated with such disdain. She wanted sushi, and so did I, but I couldn't bring myself to buy anything else. I wished there was another place within walking distance because I wanted to go anywhere else but there.

If you go, the Strawberry Lavender flavor is absolutely delicious. But if you're a black American, I would'nt expect to be treated with respect. I'll never spend another dime in that place.

update 6.29.22: The response to my review proves my point regarding the service. I am a business owner. It is tremendoisly unprofessional to answer a review like mine with a reply beginning with the phrase "first of all...". I have had insanely busy times working with customers, and they all receive the exact level of treatment regardless of my business. As mentioned above, there was no sign of the management being "happy" to serve us at all, and the couple who walked in behind us, still receiver a completely different service than we had. I have no reason to waste my valuable time mentioning this only to lie. Do better, or...

While passing through St. Louis, we wanted to eat some lighter food, so sushi sounded good. A few places showed up via a Google search and this place had great ratings and seemed to have a nice variety of food. We found parking nearby and walked over to the restaurant.

Right when we entered there was a weird atmosphere. Immediately we were told to scan a QR code and use their website to order our food, which was really weird to me. It didn't even allow Google Pay or PayPal, requiring me to enter all of my credit card info. Plus you have to pay and give a tip BEFORE you even get your food, which is also weird for a sit down, especially when some of the plates are pretty expensive (~$18 for a sushi roll).

The miso soup and appetizer (takoyaki) came pretty quickly and hot - tasted good as well... And the sushi came soon after and tasted pretty good. But everything came in and on to-go plastic containers and plates. And it seems like they don't even recycle them, as the single waiter/host just threw away our empty and used plates and containers in a nearby trashcan throughout the time we were there.

Overall it seems like a good takeout spot, but the weird atmosphere and overuse of disposable cutlery and to-go containers makes me not want to recommend it as a...

Go here. This was my 3rd time and it is PHENOMENAL. Quaint yet very cool comfortable vibe. I’ve gone in my sweats every time. Most important the food is delicious. Creative. Slight twist with beautiful presentation. Whitney the chef and owner just knocks it out of the park. A sight little twist on every piece of nigiri. Attention to taste and presentation. Large pieces where the flavor just really comes through and worth the time to savor. Service is the best most genuine and attentive you’ll get. They want you to have an experience. Each piece and or dish is going to be a little experience in itself and if you appreciate food and the entire experience you’ll be smiling when you leave. Can’t say enough good things.. 10 out of 5 every time. Prices are good especially for what you get but I’ve splurged every time so my bill doesn’t reflect what yours would be this was a treat so I went all in and will again every chance I get. They know their customers. They’ll remember you, it’s personal and just a really wonderful experience and reprieve....