Kaji Sushi and Lounge — Restaurant in Town of Hempstead

I would not have expected the quality of sushi that I received from a restaurant with such a high general rating. Especially because there are some very good local sushi options, so it's always surprising when restaurants let such a bad order through. Maybe I caught them on a bad day, and don't know how interested I'll be in giving this place another shot just given local competition, but did want to post this review so that others can be aware.

Included in our order was a sashimi set and 3 separate rolls. There was huge variance in color between individual pieces in the rolls, and in the sashimi. This in itself can be ok and not always a sign of freshness, but unfortunately the taste proved the deciding factor as certain pieces were definitely fishy/rancid. Tuna had black/grey splotches, which I have never seen before. As stated, while visual cues aren't a definitive sign of freshness, they are a sign to be on your guard. I was lucky in that the taste immediately came through as not right, and was further confirmed through other slices of fish.

Edit: Added pictures of the tuna. The camera does not capture the grey splotches as well as I hope, but you can see more clear grey coloring along...

Went here today (5-5-16) with my cousin for lunch. We went around 12:40pm. There were few occupied tables. The food was fresh, almost too fresh. The sushi still had bones inside it and made some of my bites unpleasant (hence the 3 stars).

The miso soup was brought out luke warm -- I guess, so as, not to burn one's palate. But I would have preferred to see the steam from a hot dish exposed.

The service was very good and attentive. Great wa(i)ter service too!

There was a table of 6 in the front corner and they were celebrating a birthday. They overly blasted music to go with the theme and they did it twice because they messed up the first round so the party of 6 asked them to replay it again. The really should think about toning it down so that people who are not there for a birthday can hear themselves speak and continue to speak to one another.

Ambiance is dark yet calming. The room temperature was more warm than cold, which was a huge plus for me.

I would go back again, but I'll have to remember to...

Brought my Mom (for her bday dinner) and my aunt. Our experience was amazing. The food was all very fresh , delicious , and flavorful. I even pulled our waiter aside to set up dessert / singing happy birthday to her, I told him she likes green tea ice cream, he then asked for her name and assured me he will take care of it, which he kept to his word where after our clean plates were collected they came out with a nice green tea ice scream with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a candle, and we all sang! Great personal touch with the name. :) I got the lamb chops that were in a teriyaki glaze so delicious, opted to add the hibachi fried rice and glad I did no exaggeration which is now the best I’ve had! My aunt got the seasonal soft shell crab special and my mom got the steak teriyaki bento box. Also to note the miso soup was so good! Well done, tasty food and solid service. Wish I got the guys name who helped me, we will be back,...