THEKOI Japanese Cuisine — Restaurant in Tacoma

This WAS our favorite restaurant to go to, but last night, July 13, was the WORST experience and food we’ve ever had there and in general. DONT RESERVE anything after 8pm even though it’s an option. They will treat you so poorly! They even made our waiters job hard. He was great!

We booked an 8:30 PM appointment and got there five minutes before. Our waiter got to us as quickly as he could, and then came back 10 minutes before 9 PM to let us know about last call for food and drinks. So he had us order all the food and drinks that we wanted. He was super great and getting it out and making sure we had a great experience.

A woman coming around filling up glass of water intentionally went next to us to pettily turn around and not fill up our waters. The first time we’re like “oh maybe she was needed elsewhere”. BUT THE SECOND TIME?! Our great waiter was the one who ended up having to replenish our water.

It was five minutes before 9:30, our waiter asked if we wanted boxes and said no rush and to enjoy the rest of our your food and drinks. Which sadly, for the first time we didn’t enjoy the sushi. It was fishy. The appetizer that we normally get also did not taste very well and like a hotdog but still ok. I got the boxes to pretend that we liked him and just were taking them home.

A different woman, came by and passively aggressively asked if we needed a box (because she didn’t talk to our awesome waiter), and then said with a mean fake smile, “well our cleaning crew is coming by and we’re closed.” At this point it was 9:30, I felt rushed and was unaware they wanted us out immediately. Then our waiter came by, and reassured us that we can take our time and that there was no rush. However, we felt very rushed from the other employees and atmosphere. The same woman had (what felt intentional) loud conversations with the people cleaning up and leaving for the day. I felt like such a problem that I just ended up giving my overpriced drink to my partner so we could get out there quicker.

I felt like a burden and not welcomed. We’ve never had a restaurant, not let us stay after they “close” or stop making food without a warning that they want us out. The whole awkward situation could’ve been avoided by not allowing such late reservations and communicating that they wanted us out at 9:30. But it seems like she wasn’t even communicating with the other staff members because our waiter was telling us differently. I can’t imagine how they treat other later reservations with larger number of people. Highly don’t recommend.

Drove an hour and a half with sooooo much excitement after a long day of work for the most disappointing time. We never get a date night because our schedules don’t align and then this is what happens at our once favorite place. It truly...

An Exquisite Fusion of Culinary Theater and Delightful Tastes at The Koi Tacoma

If you're seeking an unforgettable culinary experience that tantalizes your taste buds while delighting your senses, look no further than The Koi Tacoma. This jewel of the Pacific Northwest offers an incredible fusion of authentic Japanese culinary traditions with modern influences, resulting in a spectacular symphony of flavors.

Situated in the heart of Tacoma, The Koi presents a beautifully designed, minimalist yet cozy interior that embodies the essence of traditional Japanese aesthetics. The warm ambiance is the perfect backdrop for what is to come: a culinary spectacle that becomes the highlight of your evening.

Watching the skilled sushi chefs at work is truly mesmerizing. Stationed behind a sleek, polished counter, they engage in a dance of precision, craftsmanship, and artistry as they prepare your meal right before your eyes. It is nothing short of a live culinary performance, and the experience feels genuinely interactive. The chefs share insights about their art, detail the fresh ingredients, and occasionally even tailor the sushi to your preferences. It's akin to a chef's table experience that deepens your appreciation for the meticulous art of sushi-making.

The cuisine itself is a testament to the unparalleled quality that The Koi is renowned for. The sushi selection is wide-ranging, with offerings from traditional staples to creative, contemporary rolls. The chefs' masterful preparation results in sushi pieces that are aesthetically appealing, impeccably balanced in flavor, and extraordinarily fresh. Each bite melts in your mouth, offering a delightful harmony of textures and tastes.

But sushi is only the start of your gastronomic journey at The Koi. From the tantalizing appetizers to the comforting bowls of ramen and the artistically presented sashimi platters, every dish is a unique culinary revelation.

Service at The Koi Tacoma is impeccably attentive, polite, and welcoming. The staff is not only knowledgeable about the menu but also proactive in making suggestions tailored to your palate and dietary preferences.

In conclusion, The Koi Tacoma is not just a dining experience; it is a celebration of Japanese culinary artistry and innovation. Whether you are a sushi connoisseur or an adventurous foodie, you're in for a mesmerizing spectacle of flavors, sights, and experiences that will leave you eagerly anticipating your next visit. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a unique sushi...

Here's a TIP: If you see a mom and two young kids come in, take their order ASAP. Don't give them more time, don't leave and get busy elsewhere. That's a recipe for a meltdown. Chances are, if a parent comes in here with kids, then they want sushi and they want it NOW and are willing to pay your high prices for it. What young families don't do is sit around socializing and enjoying the ambiance. We want to order, eat, and get out. We want to patronize your business, but NOT AGAIN!

Please, management, see this. I've been to the Tacoma location 3 times. 2 out of those 3 times, I've come over with my kids (from the Children's Museum and TAM right across the street), been seated with water promptly, then forgotten entirely. Parents are ready to order NOW, not in 15-20 minutes. The longer we wait, the longer our kids get to meltdown and fight and disturb your other guests.

Yesterday 5/4/25, I was there with my kids before 4 PM. I walked all the way from my car at the children's museum cause my son wanted sushi and I said we could try this Koi place again. We were seated promptly, then the minutes went by waiting for a water with a top for my youngest. Then longer. I was agitated, my kids were acting up and hungry, I looked around over and over again for anyone to just take our order, the servers at the front desk were just talking and ignoring our increasingly noisy family literally right next to them. No other servers in sight. My order was ready and had been since we got water, but the server left and never returned. Eventually my 2yo started screaming, and I literally stood directly in front of the front desk with the servers talking to themselves, and they STILL didn't notice we were there. I had to get their attention tell them that we had been ready but we were now leaving, as no one bothered to take our order.

All three visits, we were sat at the small table at the front of the restaurant. But the last two times, with my kids, we were ignored until we left. I doubt the server even...