Tengu

I went there tonight for dinner, and I have heard really good things about it, but also read mixed reviews about it on here. So I was skeptical. The place is absolutely beautiful. We were seated promptly, right when our reservations were, the restaurant was fairly crowded too. The waitress was SO knowledgeable and very attentive, super friendly too, without invading personal space. She made some great suggestions on a large menu and they were spot on. The tuna/crispy rice thing, could have been spicier, it lacked flavor, but other than that every thing was perfect. And the raspberry/white chocolate mochi for dessert was A-Mazing! I would definitely go back again and again and again! Pros: service, ambiance, food, large drink menu Cons: parking? more

Five of us went in for a business lunch around 12:30p. We walked in the door and were very impressed with the decor. After being seated we noticed the restaurant was EMPTY we were the only people in there!!! Not a good sign in SM on a Friday. We frequent the Westwood location quite regularly and were really excited to experience SM. We ordered a special hand roll (spicy scallops & blue crab a MUST have) that we ALWAYS order in Westwood. Even though this item is not on the regular menu we are accomodated EVERY TIME in Westwood. We were told "the sushi chef REFUSES to make that he says absolutely no substitutions from what is on the menu" our mouths literally fell open what happened to wanting to make the customer happy? After adamant complaints we were going to leave when our server said he would "go over the sushi chef's head and have someone MAKE him prepare them" who does that in business?? He came back with the hand rolls. By 3:30p only 5 other people had stepped in and out the door. To "cap off" our lunch we asked for another one of our favorite hand rolls. I asked if the sushi chef would get upset that we were asking for another one and our server said he would try. When the rolls came to the table we bit into them and discovered that there was enough spicy sauce mixed with the scallops to choke us!!! Our mouths were on fire and our server came running with water...apparently the sushi chef gave us the special "f-u sauce". For the amount of money we spent we didn't deserve that! NEVER, NEVER, NEVER again will we patronize Tengu SM it's simply not worth it, crappy, pompous, arrogant attitudes! They have a very long way to go in understanding and APPRECIATING those who patronize them...wouldn't be surprised if they don't last. Pros: Ambience Cons: Tempermental sushi chef, lack of customer appreciation more

I cannot believe the hype around this place. I went with my friend during the week at around 6pm. Here is the joke, when she called to make reservations for 6pm the night before, they told her they were completely booked until 6:30pm. We went at 6pm anyways, just in case we could get in. We were two of the ONLY four people in the entire restaurant. Why do restaurants do that? It is so stupid and um, we can kind of figure out that they were full of it when we get there. The food was just okay to be honest. My citrus cod was pretty decent. My sushi handroll was fine, but way overpriced for what I got. Both of my friend's disher were not good. Her special sushi roll was awful and was not cheap. Based on business and food, I don't think this place is going to be around for long. I was really diappointed because I was hoping for some good food close to my house. Oh well, onto the next restaurant. Pros: beautiful restaurant, nicer server Cons: food was just average and we were almost the only ones in the restaurant more

we love this place .It 's so fun and the sushi is really good .great for party and meeting people. The bar is really busy Pros: sushi and bar scene more

I went to this restaurant recently with friends after finding out that a friend of mine who worked at another establishment became a manager here. I had been to Tengu in Westwood and although Tengu Westwood is good, Santa Monica is better. The location is excellent, the decor is beautiful, the quality of food is amazing (especially the tuna tostada, and the rolls with the dried carrots and ginger on top; I can't remember the name). Our server Michelle was great, very helpful and attentive. I would definitely recommend this place and will be back - especially since I found out they have Sake Sundays!! more