05/26/09

No longer in CWE, but still best sushi in St. Louis

by kwbuckley

Hamasan (Hamamura, but he goes by "Hama") has been preparing the best sushi in St. Louis for at least ten years. Although the CWE location is closed, his most recent restaurant at 9983 Manchester Road (314.966.7786) is his best effort so far. Because Hama is a trained Cordon Bleu chef, he also prepares incredible French and Italian dishes and tasty desserts. While you should go for the food, don't miss his ice carving at events throughout the state of Missouri. Hama is an astonishingly talented person.

• Pros: Always fresh fish, often with delicacies upon request
• Cons: 70's muzak in the background

03/07/05

Get a good sushi fix in Saint Louis

by loufeili

I have lived in California, Hawaii and Asia so I have developed a love of sushi and a good sushi staff. So when I moved to Stl I was worried. But to all I say dont worry. You can get a good sushi fix in StL!

This restraunt is a find. The food is great, they have a very large sake menu and a staff with knowlege of what makes sake good, they have a large Japanese menu and a staff with great hospitality.

Parking can be an issue the first tiem but once you learn where to park it is not.

Atmoshere is top notch both for a large group or a romantic couple.

• Pros: Staff, Food, Atmosphere
• Cons: Parking, Not open Sunday

11/22/04

Awful!!

by djpak

We arrived at sansui at 9:28 pm on a Saturday night. They were supposed to close at 10PM that night. They had their closed sign out and everything was dark. We opened the door to see if they were still serving and they said they will only serve sushi. The food was mediocre, I had much better else where. The service was worst of all. They let all of the bus boys, cooks, and waitresses go while we were still there. It was obivious that they wanted us to leave. The couple behind us asked the owner if they had to leave. All I can say... is Rude Rude, Rude!!!! The enviroment was not that great and the food was not impressive. I don't know why they have a high rating at this review site.

08/18/03

The best atmosphere of any Japanese restaurant in the city can be found here.

by Contributor

The Scene
The simple yet inviting decor is very Japanese in its aesthetic. The working waterwheel out front is a sign that you're in place that takes great care in presentation, which is unfortunately unusual among St. Louis' finer sushi restaurants.

The Food
The sushi here doesn't vary much from other spots in the city, but the quality is top-notch. If you're feeling adventurous, ask for the omakase sushi--a collection of the night's best offerings. While sushi is common to Japanese restaurants in the States, it's not an everyday food in Japan. If you really feel like exploring traditional Japanese dishes, opt for the grilled head of sea bream or the monkfish liver. They're not for everyone, but they offer tremendous insight into a cuisine that wastes precious little.

06/02/03

Good... For St. Louis

by jenthai

This is certainly the best sushi St. Louis has to offer. However, if you have eaten sushi in larger cities or coastal locations, St. Louis sushi will probably be disappointing. The service at Sansui is better than any other sushi restaurant in St. Louis. Seating is usually pretty prompt. If you venture off the sushi menu, the food is even better. My favorite thing on the menu is the tempura fried ice cream. It is to die for! Sansui is a local favorite that has held its own even when newer, hipper sushi joints opened.

• Pros: Prompt Seating, Reasonably Priced
• Cons: No Parking, Limited Sushi Menu

03/10/03

true sushi lovers come here!

by abelle79

This place offers the best sushi in st louis. The maki is always fresh and the maki rolls are always well made, and fresh. The service is sufficient, and attentive.

• Pros: fresh, well made, great quality

08/07/02

True sushi afficionados eat here!

by romula

I eat at Sansui for lunch once every week. I look forward to my lunch here all week. While it is true that I have waited sometimes longer for my sushi, the service I have received has been wonderful and I find the ambiance authentic and relaxing. I have read many books about sushi; its history, culture, etc. and one recurring theme I learned was: If there is one type of cuisine that is worth waiting for, it's raw fish. Sushi chefs must go through rigorous 5-7 year training before they can become a sushi chef. They must learn what parts of each different type of fish can safely be eaten uncooked. I for one would rather wait longer for my sushi if it means having a skillful chef prepare delicious, safe cuisine.

• Pros: Ambiance, Sushi Bar, Central location
• Cons: Parking at lunchtime

05/23/02

WHERE IS KENJI-SAN?????

by Candy

We were regulars at Sansui restaurant, because we loved what Kenji-san offered us...warm welcome, witty conversation and GREAT shushi.

But he is no-longer with Sansui!?!?!

Without him, it's not same.....

Where did he go?????

Please let us know if he opens a new restaurant.