Torigo — Restaurant in Town of Hempstead

I had a terrible experience at this restaurant and will never dine here again. Tipping is optional, and after the service I received, I didn’t feel it was deserved. The server didn’t show basic courtesy—no “How’s your day?” or any effort to make me feel welcomed. When I mentioned that my cup was dirty, she had an attitude instead of addressing the issue professionally.

As I was getting up to leave, she came over to my table, opened the check folder, and said, “No tip?” At first, I didn’t hear her because I had my headphones on. When I took them off, she repeated, “You didn’t leave a tip?” I told her, “No, I am not.” She then threw the folder down and walked away. I was stunned and thought, “What the hell?”

I calmly said, “You don’t have to be rude.” I didn’t raise my voice, but her coworkers overheard me. One of them said, “Thank you for dining and have a good night,” which felt awkward and insincere. I didn’t respond because, honestly, I was shocked by the whole situation. This server did the bare minimum—couldn’t even pretend to care about providing decent service—and then had the nerve to ask for a tip after acting so unprofessional.

I paid for my meal, and that’s all I owe. I thought about whether I should’ve tipped, but no—why reward someone who can’t show basic decency? I got dressed up and came out to enjoy myself and clear my mind, and instead, I was met with rude and...

I tried Torigo for the first time a few days ago, and found it very good - fresh, great service, and excellent attention to detail - just maybe not as wide a selection as I am accustomed to...then I went there again tonight, and this visit solidified my suspicions that you don't make as many options when you're focused on being fantastic at the options you do offer. First, my edamame was perfectly steamed - just a little pop to get through the surface an soft inside. My service was excellent, especially considering the weather. An impending snow storm had caused the place I was going to eat to close their kitchen early, but Torigo's service was attentive but laid back and patient. The highlights though were the two rolls I chose: the Fire Island (a lightly fried crab and shrimp roll) and the Awesome Tuna roll, which is among the best rolls I have ever eaten. I finished it off with a green tea creme brulee which was light and complimented the dinner wonderfully. It wasn't the least expensive sushi I have ever eaten, but far from the more expensive places. The place isn't a visual showcase, so perhaps not where you go to wow someone with the atmoshpere, but the food (oh, the food!) more than makes up for it. Highly...

I’ve been coming to Torigo for over 12 years, took my wife on dates and bringing my kids since they were babies. The sushi has always been fresh and high quality, and that part hasn’t changed, even if prices have gone up a bit. We usually go early to avoid the evening rush and always enjoy the food.

What has changed, unfortunately, is the service. It used to be excellent, but lately it feels like it’s gone downhill. On our last visit, our server forgot water completely, brought kids apple juice in a large glass with ice and then had to go back for a kids cup, and barely cleared plates and trash (chopstick papers, straw tops, empty bottles etc.) from the table. When we asked for takeout, it felt like an inconvenience. When we got home, the sushi was tossed into Styrofoam containers, falling apart and mixed together. I was hoping they'd be more careful.

I don’t expect fine dining treatment, but after so many years as a loyal customer, I do expect a little care. There is one server who’s always good (she’s usually at the front), but overall the service just doesn’t match the quality of the food anymore. I'll still go because it's a good sushi place right near us, but it's disaapointing it's gone downhill in...