This place figured it OUT. No need to write any good reviews here, all the other reviewers states the obvious with 5 stars and never ending positive highlights. This review is assessing how a true successful restaurant should run. Aside from the frills of the decor, train-conveyer belt sushi, extraordinary wait service and exemplary fresh dishes - this location has found the key formula. So restauranteurs or soon-to-be startups: take notes! The level of detail and well-thought out implementation of additions and services that has gone into this place- is un.friggin.believable. It is not fancy in terms of fine dining but it has the aura and functionality that the operations was set up by someone or a team that knew exactly what to do. That skillset and conceptualization is not something people will know out of nowhere. It takes years of experience and exposure at top spots to gain these types of attributes under the belt. First off- the decor was exceptional in color choices from general areas down to furniture pairings. The bathroom even had the toilet paper holder as a cute animal. Who normally would do that? As mentioned by other reviewers, the toiler has an auto machine for the toilet covers, as they have in Japan. So if the bathroom was part of their "concept" and planning - that speaks volumes. Bathrooms are generally one huge aspect of the "customer overall experience.". Bathrooms do not have to have bells and whistles but it is SUPER essential that it is clean and tidy. Usually a sterile looking restroom facility is acceptable and that comes with constant upkeep. (explains why fine dining places would have a dedicated attendee sitting inside the bathroom accepting tips.). This place just does its clean magic on their own! Meanwhile, this place receives raving feedback but wanted to highlight its significance in their method to operating an exceptional food service business. Bravo!!!
From the moment I came in to sit down from the moment I left they were super attentive and served superb fresh seafood. I can't wait to have some more next week. Would claim this as my new sushi spot! So delicious!
Incredible little gem of yumminess and fun! Owners Justin and Min are delightful hosts. Great fun decor with the Choo Choo Train counter and mini-houses as "booth" sections. Awesome presentation and equally delicious dishes.
Had saw one of my friends go to this spot and its creative flair immediately caught my eye. Trying it for real got me to say that Choo Choo Train sushi is a spot to keep coming back to. We were very hungry and luckily got seated at the bar by the friendly staff. The train came by as if we got lucky at the stop we were waiting at to serve some of the usual appetizer and sushi bites on the train. We really liked the nigiri plates and especially the eel avocado special roll on the train. Special rolls are also unique here where there's many different combinations we hadn't had before. Additionally the artistry and plating were all well done. For the Say Good Bye roll, I was not expecting it to come out Jaws themed and all with a shark display. I appreciated that the staff also warned us of the spice level and even offered a lower than normal spice level when I wasn't sure. They offered 0.5 spice level and let's just say that was enough for me! It was still the perfect balance of spice and deliciousness with also quality seared salmon on time. Proceed with caution or like the roll name says, you'll say goodbye. My husband really enjoyed the waikiki roll for its freshness. With so many rolls we know we need to come back. Choo choo train is a great spot for groups and kids (many of them we saw loved the train, may or may not have seen them cause piles of plates at their parents' tables). All aboard because you know you'll love this ride!
What a fun experience - from the outside to inside, this restaurant is committed to the train theme and the decorations inside are so fun and fanciful! We noticed a lot more families with younger children dining here but would be also fun for a date spot! The plates on the train are $4.95 each but you can order other menu items a la carte - we got the yellowtail with scallion which was very fresh and the spicy tuna roll which was indeed very spicy! We also ordered a tempura udon to finish our meal. While they don't have many sashimi options, the sushi is quite fresh and made to order so this is a great deal. Plus, you get your own thermos of hot tea so no worries about refills! Another add on, they have a cotton candy machine for kids to snack on afterwards. The staff was very friendly and enthusiastic, making our dining experience even more memorable.
I'd previously had take out from here but decided to see what it was like dining in the restaurant. Seemed like a fun place when we walked in! A staff member was making cotton candy for a bunch of kids. Definitely a kid friendly place! We were asked if we wanted to sit at the bar, table or a house. We sat in a house which gives you a bit of privacy. We started with a house salad and avocado salad because I love ginger dressing. Standard fare. For sushi we ordered the LOL roll, Last Samurai roll and an eel and avocado roll. I had to remove the jalapeño sliver on the LOL roll because it made it too spicy so this wasn't my favorite. I loved the Last Samurai roll because the seared white tuna on top gave it a bit of a grilled flavor. We only picked up one plate off the train. We got 4 pieces of a specialty roll. All train plates are $4.99. Total bill about $60 w/o tip. Pay with CASH. They have one of the highest credit card fees I've come across at almost 5%.
A really cute, local spot in Leonia. The inside is really cute and super kid friendly. The first time my nieces said that they had fun at dinner. The place is fun and bright. The train with the sushi is a good touch, The sushi was really good and had a good variety. The highlight was the cotton candy for sure. It's an interactive and great for kids.
This place earned its fifth star. The staff is very friendly and attentive. They greeted us upon arrival and asked us where we wanted to sit. We sat at the conveyor belt since it was my first time. The sushi chefs make the sushi rolls and place the rolls on the conveyor belt which is a train that travels around the large middle table allowing the people seated to grab whatever they would like. My one critique is I wish they would have some sort of label letting you know what is in the sushi roll on the train. Nonetheless it is a great concept and we had a great time. We grabbed a few off of the train and ordered a few from the menu. The place is byob. Also, this is random but the bathroom is one of the cleanest public bathrooms I have entered. It is also decorated, has fragrance and is nice and neat. The level of cleanliness in the bathroom made me feel confident in the cleanliness of the staff while also handling food. I will definitely return.
This unique sushi spot attracts all ages. With a kid like feel, the choo-choo train setup, cotton candy machine will have your kids coming back for more. As for the adults, the food and service is phenomenal. I enjoyed every bite and the flavors were there... plus, the food was well proportioned. FYI: Street parking is your best option, but it does not seem to be tough to find a spot.
Cool and very unique concept. This restaurant is like revolving sushi bar with train conveyor belt. It's family-friendly spot, especially if you have children. The decor is very cute, and the service is great. I ordered three rolls which had great quality and delicious. But, yakitori was so-so. MF Roll (5/5): very fresh and great combination Kiss Me Roll (4/4): very fresh but not my favorite Ooo La La Roll (5/5): very fresh Yakitori (3/5)