Syringa Japanese Cafe and Sushi Bar

I moved here from Portland, Oregon last year and have been craving sushi pretty badly the last couple of months - sadly there didn't seem to be any sushi places up here (I've eaten sushi/sashimi at many places along I-5 - from San Diego to Seattle). My family and I make a habit of supporting small, family-owned businesses (I was one, not that long ago) so we jump on any chance to eat at smaller ""mom and pop"" places. Anyway, I read all the reviews about Syrnga on multiple sites and figured I'd give them a try (my daughter was also craving sushi so I took her there for her birthday). Here's my opinion based on a scale of 0 (it sucked) to 5 (it rocked): Service: a 4. Our server was polite but was slow in getting drinks to the table, didn't check in on us during our meal. Other than that, the staff was very friendly and professional. Food Quality: a 3. Was only okay. Personally, I felt the food quality needed to be exceptional to justify the high prices - the salmon in my roll had an ""off"" odor/flavor which should never occur when the fish is fresh. Food Presentation: a 3. Was okay. . . not bad, but not great. Ambiance: a 3. It looks like a typical small, family-owned sushi place - not classy, not trashy. . . just a ""cute little place"", IMHO. Food Value (Cost): a 1. I find it abysmal that a basic Philly roll w/ 6 small pieces would cost $7 - (and $13 for a Vegas Roll). I'd expect prices like that in Seattle or SanFran. . . The bento boxes were more reasonably priced but didn't come w/ much. I'm kinda bummed about this. . . I don't wanna make negative comments here because I really want to love this place. But I can't. I can't justify the high prices for the tiny portions and less-than-stellar quality. I don't plan on returning to Syringa - I'll probably just make my own sushi when the cravings get big (or until I find a really good sushi place). Like I said, I really wanna love this place - but it's not worth my money. . . This can't possibly be the best sushi in town. . . more

Being from the Gulf Coast, we weren't sure about sushi in ID. But we asked around looking for a place the locals love. We wanted a great dinner for our anniversary. Syringa was highly recommended so we went. This place was even better than our favorite sushi restaurant at home! The scallops were perfectly cooked and the Rainbow roll was fresh and delicious! The tuna and salmon melted in our mouths. Service was exceptional and friendly. Obviously proud to be there. Thank you for a wonderful evening! more

I love Syringa! They're definitely the best in Cd'A; they have fantastic, creative rolls as well as the traditional rolls, not to mention other delicious entrees for those who aren't sushi fans yet. :) If you love sushi, and don't feel like driving to Spokane, this is comparable to Raw - not overpriced, and great food! (The Vegas and the Godzilla rolls are my fave!) The staff is very friendly, and the location is decent - the only downside being that it's a smaller restaurant and it gets crowded around the dinner hours. Pros: fresh, inventive, delicious, friendly service Cons: small restaurant, crowded more

This is by far the best sushi in Coeur d'Alene. Try a google search and you will see over and over again... more

This is by far the best sushi in Coeur d'Alene. Try a google search and you will see over and over again that this is the place to go. I eat here o... more

I have become a regular at this quaint little restaurant. The food is excellent across the entire menu. I would definitely recommend the Chilean Sea Bass, and for sushi try the poke and the Dragon or Vegas roll. You will not find a better Chirashi bowl anywhere........I've looked! It's usually busy (good sign of a good restaurant) so a reservation is recommended. I have never had a bad meal here. more