Kumori Sushi & Teppanyaki North Park

In the time following the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become apparent that Kumori has experienced a notable decline in both the quality of its food and its dining experience. A once-revered establishment for its exceptional culinary standards and ambiance, Kumori now seems to grapple with consistency across its various locations. The absence of a uniform approach to plating is a glaring issue, suggesting a lack of effective management and oversight. Each chef appears to follow their own preferences, leading to a disjointed dining experience that undermines the restaurant's reputation for finesse and attention to detail. Moreover, the deterioration in the quality of ingredients and dishes is disappointing for patrons who have come to expect high standards from Kumori. This decline is not just confined to the food; the interiors of the restaurants, once inviting and meticulously designed, now leave much to be desired. The ambiance and aesthetic appeal that added to the overall dining experience seem to have been neglected, detracting further from the allure of dining at Kumori. A particularly telling sign of the restaurant's current struggles is the repurposing of bar tops, traditionally the vibrant sushi stations where diners could watch sushi chefs at work. These areas have been converted into pickup stations for to-go orders, indicating a shift in focus that may not align with the expectations of traditional dine-in customers. While adapting to the increase in takeaway orders is understandable in the post-pandemic landscape, this change should not come at the expense of the dine-in experience, especially in a setting that prized the artistry and interactive aspect of sushi preparation. Kumori's expansion efforts, while ambitious, seem premature given the evident need for significant improvements in existing locations. The management's priority should be to restore the high standards that once defined Kumori's dining experience. This includes investing in training and quality control to ensure consistency across all locations, revisiting the design and functionality of the restaurant interiors to enhance the dining atmosphere, and balancing the demand for to-go orders with the unique dining experience that made Kumori a favorite among sushi enthusiasts. In summary, while Kumori has the potential to reclaim its status as a premier dining destination, it requires immediate and focused efforts to address the current shortcomings. Elevating the consistency of food presentation, improving the quality of dishes, and enhancing the overall dining environment are critical steps toward revitalizing Kumori's reputation and ensuring its success in the future.

First time at this l9cation, and it was wonderful!

Had a great time, great service, great experience with Ernest as our server definitely will come again .

You can never go wrong with Kumori! Special thanks to our server Ernest, who made our evening great by ensuring we had great food and goooood drinks!

The place is beautiful and staff are super friendly and the food is delicious.

Shout out to Ernest! Thank you for the warm welcome, great food and fun ambiance!