12/29/07

Extremely cheap customer service

by mercedesreel

I forgot to sign the check and I left my credit card in it. The same night I checked my bank account, and they charged me for the dinner without tip. I went the day after to pick up my card and ready to add the tip, and I found out that they already wrote the tip, and they were ready to charge me for it without my consent. That was not acceptable and I changed the tip for an inferior amount to show my discontent with this way to handle a customer's check. Three days later I found out that I have been charged, no the amount I signed for, but the amount they initially wrote. Obviously my complaint is not about the amount itself, which is $4 up, is about the inappropriate way to handle a customer's credit card. Just in case somebody from Sumi reads these reviews, this is for you, making extra $4 means that you have lost two costumers, and I will make sure all my friends and coworkers (and they are a lot), are aware of the way Sumi mishandle customer's money with a collective e-mail.

• Cons: Customer service

10/24/07

Don't bother

by jjarratt

I would have given zero stars, but it seems one is the minimum ...

Having just moved steps away from Sumi, my husband and I were eager to try it out - it always looked so cozy and romantic every time we walked by. Unfortunately we were not given the chance to eat there and will never go back. Last night, we walked in at around 8:45 for a late dinner. A nice gentleman said he would set a table for us - the cute, intimate window table. Seconds later, another couple showed up - obviously regulars or VIPs. To our horror, the other couple were seated at the window table - the one that had been prepared for us - with the host/owner's approval!! We were then offered a much smaller table (about two inches from the other couple), which we declined. We were then offered a table that was currently occupied (but "they were just finishing desert"), at which time, we decided to leave. For good. We felt like we were in an episode of Seinfeld - maybe Bizarro World!! In addition to the whole situation being weird, it was just plain rude ... no matter if that couple was Hollywood A-listers or the King and Queen, it was totally wrong for the restaurant to shove us aside.

We are local and we spend A LOT of money eating out ... sorry Sumi, in Julia Roberts's words from Pretty Woman, "BIG mistake!!"

12/21/06

Extra tip?

by eatsanfran

I had dinner last November at Sumi, balancing my credit card account I found out that they add extra tip without my permission! Call them and request copy of receipt, got a different receipt from original one, add numbers and they even overcharge sales tax! Not returning to a restaurant that overcharges credit cards. The owner very rude over the phone. I order the calamari, in the menu is described as "Calamari" but it arrived with shrimps and I am super allergic to shrimps! They didn't even warned or mentioned that "small" detail. Thanks to my friends that noticed it.

• Pros: Fast seating
• Cons: They rush you to eat

11/16/06

Castro neighborhood gem

by jenyang

I've walked by a million times and because of it's nondescript front and location in a neighborhood not exactly known for culinary excellence, took months to try it. What a suprise, with warm service and delicious food that takes what is familiar, does it much better than average, and puts a twist on it. The bread is to die for, as are the short ribs.

• Pros: Delicous food, small cozy yet stylish

11/11/06

great pre-fixed menu!

by aznlawyer

This is a really cool place to bring a date especially for those of you that are on a budget. I really enjoyed the service and the food here. It's small so you will definitely want to make reservations before you come here. The people that work here are very very nice.

• Pros: great pre-fixed menu, service
• Cons: very small space

06/19/06

Mouthwatering bread

by forkster

Overall restaurant atmosphere was cute and cozy. Everyone including the hostess and waiters were welcoming and friendly. The best part of the entire meal mustve been the hot bread and butter. The butter literally melted in the steaming hot bread and melted in our mouths. Parking was a bit difficult given the area, but definitely worth it for the food.

• Pros: Mouthwatering bread
• Cons: Parking

04/01/06

Passable food & rushed service.

by petrovsky

Cozy in a squeeze behind the bar to get to your table fashion, I believe this place is over rated. Food was very passable although the deserts were very good. Worse still, we were actually asked to leave before finishing our desert because the place was clearly over booked for the night. Getting out wasn't easy either because people waiting for a table were blocking the door! I certainly would not go back there.

• Pros: Good deserts
• Cons: Rushed Service, Pedestrian food, cramped atmosphere

02/27/06

I love Sumi's !

by todhetzer

That last review was just plain mean.

I have been a customer for 15 + years and the food has always been wonderful. The best food in the Castro by far. Some people forget that every once in a while, the Chef (being human and all), could have a bad day. Yes, it happens to all of us.

The service is great and Sumi is the comsummate host!

I will return time and time again!

• Pros: Sumi, Food, Service

12/09/05

Everything was great... except the food!

by piella

We went for a romantic birthday dinner. The restaurant atmosphere is beautiful, cozy and romantic. Our server couldn't have been any nicer. He was SO GREAT and even bought us each a glass of champagne to help us celebrate. BUT... the food was not good. The petrale sole was way too salty and the flavors combatted each other instead of blending. The scallops were not cooked well, being raw rather than rare or seared. The butternut squash puree was overly sweet and the texture was a bit paste-like! The food was presented beautifully and the calamari/rock shrimp appetizer was quite good. I don't think we'll return because we don't trust the chef's pallette now.

• Pros: atmosphere, friendly service
• Cons: the food!!

Sweet, stylish little Castro restaurant offers California cuisine with Japanese touches.

by Joanna Currier

In Short
This intimate dining room boasts more than 20 years of neighborhood history, with consistently lauded service, ambience and fusion cuisine. Menu favorites include an appetizer of duck breast confit and miso-roasted chicken with smashed potatoes. Comforting fish and meat dishes often feature Asian components such as soy, wasabi or ginger. Regulars swear the house-made creme brulee is the best in town.