West Chester Dish

I can't say anything for the non-sushi items on the menu but the sushi is good restaurant quality stuff. The prices are fine I suppose. Service is usually adequate but not spectacular. The worst thing about Kooma has to be the NOISE! In this restaurant it can be very difficult to have a conversation with the person across the table, so it not a great place to bring a first date for dinner (go for lunch instead). I would go more often if they improved the acoustics.

I have eaten here several times and I love their sushi. It may be a bit pricey but well worth it.

I think that the staff is friendly.

Another thing I want to add is that Iv'e had sushi in Hawaii and Kooma's sushi is just as good. I can't wait to go back again!

I want to start by saying I LOVE KOOMA!!! The atmosphere is great, the food is delicious,and the service is excellent. I was just reading a few reviews and would like to say "Once Again", you have no idea what you are talking about. One of the main reasons I (along with a just a couple other people) love Kooma is because they DO show the UFC bouts. The music was to loud for you? Perhaps you should try a different bar, maybe one that is having bingo night!! I am glad you are trying to give constructive feedback but as someone who has soooo much work experience and is so well traveled, i would think you would understand the business aspect of things. UFC is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, why not have fans(a.k.a. paying customers) come in to watch it? Bye

The service and food are both excellent.

I have always been a fan of Kooma. The food is expensive, but consitently good. I was, however, very upset with the rude behavior of the bartenders this past Friday. My friend and I were in the lounge (not the main bar) and there were 3 people behind the bar and only 3 other customers besides myself and my friend. We sat down and waited for 10 minutes to be served before we got fed up and left. The bartenders wouldn't even look at us. I can't believe how terrible the customer service was.

Once again I went here last night, not my choice, but only for drinks. I am completely dumfounded at Kooma. This place actually has great atmosphere, but then they have a TV on behind the bar with Ultimate Fighting Championship bout playing? In addition, they have a DJ against the back playing music so loud that I could see people leaning over their tables to speak to one another. Oh and to answer your question, Mr. or Mrs. Just Curious. My motives are this; I would think the owner of a restaurant would want to hear the constructive feed back of his patrons. And by the way, I worked for Kirin Beer for 15 years. I’ve done 2 work exchange programs in Japan and I’ve eaten Sushi at some of the best Sushi Restaurants across the US and Japan. I think I know sushi. Funny you didn’t say anything about my water coming out with NO glasses and not offering to pour. What are your motives? I guess you probably work there and instead of trying to improve the place you try to spin the constructive feedback.

The food is really good, but really expensive. I enjoy going here late night on the weekends and sitting at the bar. It's usually a decent crowd. They have some good drink specials and the bartenders are usually friendly and attentive.

Kooma simply does not meet expectations. With the cool atmosphere, my friends and I expected the food to have a unique flare. To our dismay, the sushi was completely disappointing. The spicy tuna was fatty and poorly flavored and the dynamite roll was extremely over priced for its small quantity and poor quality. I have to agree with W Dillon, Kooma simply will not satisfy the sushi expert.

I have to recommend Margaret Kuo’s Mandarin in Frazer, PA. While the ambiance pales in comparison to Kooma’s, the sushi is superb. The specialty rolls never disappoint and the sushi bar service is excellent. When you sit at the bar the chef even prepares a delicious complimentary crab, tuna, and cucumber spicy salad. Kooma could certainly take some lessons from Mandarin!!

We had a very enjoyable dinner this evening. We were greeted and seated immediately. Our server was prompt and helpful without being intrusive.

The sushi was freshly made and quite enjoyable. We also had the seafood pancake as an appetizer along with an udon seafood noodle dish. All were extremely tasty, especially the soup. The broth was miso like with an abundance of seafood. Overall an enjoyable dining experience.

If there was a downfall, it would have to be the noise level. It was difficult to carry on a conversation across the table.

We would, however, be open to trying Kooma again.

I often wonder about the motives that people have when they write reviews. After reading the last 2 reviews, I wonder again, who are these people, and what are their motives.
Let me start off by saying that Kooma has hands down been my favorite place to eat for years, period. Thats right, out of any restaurant, serving any kind of food, still my favorite.

Notice how I used the term, "my favorite" because I am also entitled to my own opinion, not an expert.
I have been to countless sushi restaurants in LA, South Beach, NYC, Philadelphia and many other cities, but Kooma is still my favorite. The food is fresh, tastes very good, and is of high quality.

So just look at two quotes from the ass clowns below me and be your own judge.

"For much higher quality food, service, good decor and ambiance, go to Nectar in Berwyn. Even though the two are not in the same league."

Hmmm...... I wonder if he has anything to do with Nectar....

"The sushi was bad and the rolls are over sauced."

"Anyone who really knows sushi will tell you the food here is terrible. (for those of you thinking this place has great sushi, you don’t know sushi)"

These two sure sound like sushi experts to me. Seriously wtf is their real motives for posting on here?

What a waste of money. Poor / non-responsive service. We went in there for dinner this evening and the wait staff kind of just stared at us for a while before seating us. Even though the place was half empty. As for food, I can't believe anyone would want to eat here. The sushi was bad and the rolls are over sauced. The non-sushi items weren't that much better either. I could've probably microwaved better items out of Trader Joes.

The Philly area has much better sushi than those served here and much much cheaper! There's not alot to show for decor and ambiance either. Seemed like it wanted to be a trendy pan-Asian restaurant that just fails to deliver on many levels. It is very dark, bad lighting, and the juvenile local college kids crowd. Not exactly the young professionals scene that we've heard about. Maybe we should've come on a different night...but I doubt it. For much higher quality food, service, good decor and ambiance, go to Nectar in Berwyn. Even though the two are not in the same league.

Anyone who really knows sushi will tell you the food here is terrible. (for those of you thinking this place has great sushi, you don't know sushi) The service? Even worse! I ordered a bottle of water. Not only did the waitress not open it, I had to ask her for glasses. I know everyone has a bad night so I given this place several chances, not better. Too bad, wasted space on Gay Street if you ask me.

I was not so concerned with the fact that they did not have the high chair, but more so how rude the hostess was... I still visit kid free, or take him in for lunch in his stroller.

re: high chairs - the seating is tight already, and i would think high chairs would pose a fire hazard - it might not be their choice, but just following regulation. plus, the lack of babies and children, while totally adorable and the cutest things ever, is a plus for a lot of patrons. oh well - to each their own!

So very unhappy. I was told that they did not have high chairs, my VERY well behaved son was with me. I was disappointed because I have eaten there for years, and wanted to enjoy a dinner with my friends. And not only was the hostess rude, but condescending. I hate to think that they have a thing against children, or the young parents that come in with them, as we are the bulk of their business. We went to Pietro's instead, and enjoyed a very nice, and enjoyable evening.

Although we had a wonderful dinner last night we probably won't go back for a while, at least on a Saturday night. At 7:30 P.M. it was very crowded and you couldn't speak to the person across the table from you without shouting. Also, only two bathrooms just isn't enough. That being said, the sushi was fresh and delicious. The eel and tuna are outstanding. My sushi hating sister was even able to find something on the menu that she loved. Next time, I will either go much earlier in the evening or during the week.

I never write on these things but I must tell this story. I went out for dinner, sat outside, was waiting for my food, and suddenly was told by a young asian man (whom I assume was the manager) that my party needed to leave because he had a waiting list for the outside patio. We had not been sitting there long, and were waiting for our food that we had just ordered. Even though he discounted our bill - I find that his behavior was unacceptable. Becareful eating at Kooma - you might get yelled by the manager.

I have had sushi in Asia, Vancouver, Paris, Soutern Cal and New York and i am delighted to say that the finest iv'e had is at Kooma in West Chester - Arigato!

The food at Kooma is excellent. After spending six weeks in Okinawa last year, I thought that nothing in West Chester would be comparable. However, Kooma does a great job. The best dish at Kooma is actually a manager named Dennis Youn. Dennis is friendly, warm, genuine and a great host. He is very proud of the restaurant and makes it known to the customers. Dennis always remembers me even though I do not frequent the restaurant on a regular basis. He always remembers my beverage of choice,offers good advice on menu items and he is a good conversationalist. He is extremely attentive to the customers. Delicious food and excellent service!

Great job Kooma - we've tried a few non-sushi menu items (which were all very tasty and nicely presented); but the sushi is so great that it's pretty much all we order any more. The West Chester Roll is a favorite for us but we are always trying out other things with the help of the friendly sushi chefs. The wait staff is professional and always on their toes. The bar is a nice place to wait for a table but we love how quickly spots open up at the sushi bar too. We are quick to snap them up to watch the sushi chefs.

Overall, this is a favorite place for us and we are thankful it's here to show off to our friends and family from out of town.

Keep up the good work.

I was at Kooma last Saturday night. I am from Florida and I have to say that Kooma was a refreshing break from the Tampa bar scene. I didn't try the food but the music and martini's were great. Not to mention the hot bartender! I will definately stop by the next time I'm in West Chester.

I don't know what everyone's problem is...! I've been coming to Kooma for a long time and my experiences has always been great. The staff is always courteous and respectful and the food is always prepared great. I always see the new male manager trying to help others and is always been courteous to me and other customers, and always remembers what I had and even takes the time to make small talk no matter now busy it is. Just the other day I saw him come over to a table that had a problem to make sure everything was ok and to mend the situation. Even the new female manager seems to know everyone and has a cheerful demeanor. Kooma is and has always been great. Keep up the great work!

Recently went to Kooma for the first time in months, wow what a disappointment. I use to really enjoy the atmosphere, staff, and of course the food...but things seem to have change. I do not recognize any servers, the place looks dirty, and well the food was just ok...I even over heard the new male manager talking about inappropriate things - to a table!!! Change can be a good thing, but not in this case.

I despise this place. I have attempted to give Kooma chance after chance, but I always end up disappointed. On the very rare occasion I end up at Kooma, I usually have one drink and leave after being reminded of why I can't stand the place. The staff is rude and demeaning (should they even acknowldge you). The female staff is incompetant and snobby and the male staff ignores you unless you have big tits. However if you do happen to be a hot chick, go by all means. Your service will be great and some of the drinks will even be free, I guess it must be the fish smell in the air that gets them worked up. Goodbye forever Kooma, you and your oversexed staff. Get some class.

The past few times I have been to Kooma have been a horrible disappointment. The atmosphere in Kooma has dramatically changed. The servers are all new and not friendly; the management, who I loved interacting with have been replaced with a miserable looking young man who needs to how to talk to people. It a such a shame that this once vibrant restuarant has been taken over by incompetent 18 year olds. A lesson to the owners - listen to your customers... Bring back the old managment or at least someone with a personality.

I am so glad that Kooma is open once again for lunch...as I will be there all the time! Our waitress was just great, very efficient, attentive and friendly. But yum....how awesome is the sushi??!!

The rolls are perfection...and not too big that I waste sushi that I'd rather be eating! WOW!

I took a friend for her birthday and she had the chicken teriyaki that you would think could possibly be run-of-the-mill, but NO! Terrific dish, too! Thanks Kooma! As a Mom of 3 who gets out more for lunch than dinners, I'm so glad you've rethought your options for us locals! Love it!

Went to Kooma the other night for some sushi. Definitely the best sushi out there. Loved the atmosphere, the ambiance, had an overall amazing time. I think the female staff fit the place perfectly-very attractive, friendly, attentive. Some people are just insecure and jealous of attractive women. Anyway, highly recommend this place to everyone. Large menu selection that would suit anyone from vegetarian to plain things for kids.

I absolutely love everything on the menu at Kooma. No doubt the chefs are excellent! The atmosphere is unique and cozy.
However, I much rather find other options for now, at least until Kooma decides to revamp their female wait staff. It's like paying to go to a sorority every time. They just don't match up to what Kooma has to offer.

Thanks. No my experience didn't sour my over take on Kooma. I spoke to my coworkers here about this and one of them is a bouncer at his friend's bar and he said the same thing, that they do reject out of state IDs. I suspected as much that the bartender was just covering his behind, but I'm confused as to why, if this is such an issue, bars wouldn't have a better way to determine the validity of the ID.

Anyway, I'd go back, but I'm wretched sick today and so I'm gonna go to bed.

By the way, my fish from last night tasted fine, and so perhaps it's the bug you mention - I dunno.

ID... The bartender is just protecting himself. If your ID was questionable because it was out of state that is the bartenders choice to serve you. The legal issue that bartenders face in PA are very serious if they serve someone underage or someone with a false ID. You should feel safe that you were in an establishment that takes this issue very serious. I am sure it was nothing personal and when you go back or if you go back there will not be an issue.

Although I can't speak for Kooma, I do know that most restaurants take checking ID's very seriously, as the penalty for serving an underage patron can be severe (at the minimum paying a high fine, sometimes even resulting in a suspended liquor license). They're even more vigilant in college towns. I don't know the exact legality of photocopying your information, but I'm sure the bartender was doing so to cover themselves in case the worst happened. If you get arrested for an alcohol-related offense, the establishment that served you can be held liable.

As far as your stomach issues, I've been a sushi eater for about 15 years and have had bad sushi about 3 times. You almost always know as soon as you eat it or within a few hours. There is a very wicked stomach bug going around the area right now that lasts about 24 hours; it's possible you had it.

I hope your experience didn't sour your opinion of Kooma too much. It's one of the better places in West Chester!

I've been to Kooma three times. The first two times were just fine. The Sushi was good, as was the crowd. The third time, I had the most absurd experience.

I sat at the bar and ordered a wine, and the bartender asked me for ID, which I provided. I'm not from Pennsylvania or this part of the country. The bartender asked for additional ID. I don't carry additional ID and so I offered my credit card which has my name on it, and he rejected my ID and said that he couldn't serve me. This was perplexing, and so I proceeded to speak to the manager, who deferred to the bartender's decision. Feeling dejected, I went to my car and retrieved my passport which I happened to have. The bartender took my passport and other ID cards to the back office, presumably to copy them.

I then got service, the food was apparently good. I say apparently because I didn't eat anything else after that, and then I woke up the next morning with severe stomach cramps and other bathroom related unhappiness, that's persisted through out the day.

This incident makes it tough for me to decide - I like this place and food, and yet, the treatment I received as narrated above was significantly out of character, and borderline illegal (photocopying immigration documents can be a federal offense, depending on who is copying it).

I'm trying to decide if I should make a big deal of it or not. I certainly like their sushi, but I don't like to be made to feel like I did something wrong when I go to have a relaxing dinner.

Let me know what you think.

I think I'll sleep on this a week and if I still feel bad about it, I'll write a letter to the DHS regarding the bartender presumably copying my passport and other immigration related information.

since day one of opening, i have yet to have a bad experience. staff is great - servers everywhere can be if you treat them with the respect everyone deserves. don't fret, kooma.

All I have to say is....
I mostly goto Kooma to get takeout or have a few drinks. I have eaten there a few times and the staff did not come off as snobby to me at all. They are there to provide a service and let people enjoy themselves and it's gets a little busy in there on Fridays and Saturdays so the staff is constantly moving about with plates and trays. Now if you're the type that likes people constantly in your face wondering if "everything is okay"?, then this probably is not the place for you. This is NOT the Friday's or Olive Garden of Sushi houses and they don't sing birthday songs at Kooma! Scott has done a wonderful job of building the atmosphere in this resturant. It's trendy, sheik, and very intimate. Overall, a place to definately visit. I personally was never a fan of Sushi until I moved to WC. I tried Kooma and now I'm hooked! If you like dim lighting, warm atmosphere, chilled out lounge/acid jazz music, and awesome sushi, visit Kooma! You'll probably run into the owner(s) every now and then because they're always on the prowl making sure that everyone has a top-rated experience. They(the staff)definately know what people want and how the want it delivered. You can get that "big city vibe" in the tiny little town of West Chester by visiting this spot. I have to admit that the best part is all the eye candy. This is probably one of the more upsclae places in WC for the mid 20 something to early 40 something crowd. My advice to the single guys out there: Bring your wallet and bring your "A" game!! And to the single ladies, keep doin what you do. Especially at the Koo!! :)

Kooma has some of the best sushi I have ever tasted. I dine there often and their food is always well prepared and served in a timely fashion. I have always had a good experience there and I can tell you first hand the wait staff is friendly. They are hard working people who are typically trying their best to ensure you have a good experience there. Remember to treat people the way you would want to be treated. As a server in town I can tell you people sometimes forget to do this. When you come into a restaurant, you are entering our office; have some respect and be courteous as you would want the same.

Regardless if you haven't been you are missing out on one of West Chester's hidden treasures.

For being in the restaurant industry, I feel that my experience at kooma was flawless. As for the unfortunate situation, that involved a women complaining about a waitress who she claimed to be confrontational, it is nonsense. I work in town and I know exactly who this lady is and let me tell you that she has this reputation all over town for being a "B". Unfortunately people are miserable with their own lives, and have nothing better to do then write mean things about others. Please do not listen to some of the nasty things people write on these reviews. Do not go by other people's nasty behaviors that influence your decision to visit kooma.

Tell these people that complain about the service at Kooma to get a life! They probably have never worked a day in there life in the service industry!

Thank you

I'm shocked to hear anything bad about Kooma! I have been going there for years and have loved the food, atmosphere, and staff each and every time! I'm saddened to hear that others have had a bad time there, to each his own. But from being a server when I was in college, there are many types of people. Those who complain are usual unhappy in their own lives.
But this is not the point. Kooma is a wonderful restaurant and bar. The food is AMAZING!! The staff has always been friendly and very helpful. I've recommended many friends and family there - and they have all raved about the place. So try it out - it's some of the best sushi I've had in the world!

I agree!!! Kooma is wonderful- and we are in West Chester where people all think there better than everybody-sad but true... Though there staff is attractive, along with there food and service(that I've got) its always a good experience....I recommend some of my family and friends favortes- "H" short bob, funny and personalble,"D" tall, very witty,knowlegable about the food and really just does a great job with everything, "T" alittle off key but is really cute and honest about everything. Theses are people that I and others close to me have dealt with and never had any problems, so go have a good time with them. Keep your head up Kooma, we love you!!

I have read the previous reviews for Kooma and I have to say that its sad that things get like this. People in WC really do need to get over themselves and think about who they are and what they bring to the table-with this I mean the customers. Serving is a very hard and demanding job where even if ur a "happy" person, people u wait on forget that ur a person to and not a servant-not s happy... I have been a server, many years ago, but I know its hard to deal with people everyday to. Kooma does have a great staff from the times Ive been in,not to say people cant have bad experiences, but Im also understanding that sushi takes awhile, or that if the place is busy things take longer-can others say the same?? People are people, and everyone has feelings-if your nice I find it hard to believe that someone is going to be down right rude. Stop taking it out on the staff and making it personal. Kooma is great and doesnt need to change being people, everyone just needs alittle understanding of others. There food is great, the service is great and very attractive..

Came in with my family the other day and it certainly exceeded my expectations. I'm a huge fan of Morimoto's in Philly and this is as good if not better.

The atmosphere and decor is trendy yet cozy and the service was outstanding. Our server (short blond girl, can't remember her name) was very helpful in giving us recommendations and was very courteous.

Speaking of the food I would highly recommend the "Hung" Roll and the "007" roll. These are chef specialty rolls that were suggested by our waitress and were amazing. 4 Stars!!!

This place is great, I go on a regular basis and the food is always fantastic. I'll have the agree with the rest of the reviewers and say that the staff isn't the friendliest/ warmest/ or the most helpful but I can't help but still go back cause i love the atmosphere and food is great. Although I wish the staff would get over themselves, I still dig their sushi...I'm a fan! Definately check this place out!

We deeply apologize for the bad experiences that people have recently had at our restaurant because of our staff. We take pride in our food and try to ensure that we have a nice friendly waitstaff. New staff will be hired and new guidelines will be strictly enforced to ensure that these problems will not occur again. Again we are very sorry to those who have not felt welcome and do hope that you will return.

Sorry to say, we haven't had good experiences there. Staff is rude, non friendly, sushi was moderate at best.

Now we LOVE SUSHI, and i'll drive down to Morimoto's and get some great sushi, so we where saddened that Kooma didn't cut it.

We stopped even trying to go (maybe next year we can try again..)

I was at Kooma last Sunday evening, and planned on eating and having a few cocktails at the bar..the bartender was absolutely horrible!!! She was very unattentive, and was pre-occupied with the 3 drunk guys that came in that seemed to be giving her attention. I eat at Kooma pretty often, but this last time I was there had to top the worst experience I've had there. The food is always fabulous, but there has to be good service to go along with it. The(short blonde) bartender needs to learn manners, and how to serve people that are used to a great time at Kooma.

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flippin sweet

Kooma waitress gone Crazazy!!!

March 8, 2008

A Kooma watron lost her cool this evening and started calling customers foul names in a dining room full of patrons during the Saturday night rush! Forget about snobby, the staff has seemed to have gone confrontational. The waitress was seen throwing customers change on the floor and confronting patrons as they attempted to leave the premises. Perhaps she consumed some tainted Fugu (doubtful because the food here is quite well done) or forgot to take a pill or something today - neither of which would excuse her behavior which bordered on hysteria.


I'm sorry to say that the staff has struck another blow to it's once faithful customer base. I will seek alternatives rather than subject myself to the wrath of the bipolar, immature, unprofessional wait staff at this once promising establishment. Let the buyer beware...enter this establishment at your own risk...

Kooma has amazing food, but their staff is so snobby. I refuse to go to Kooma just to avoid their staff. i have found other sushi places to go to in west chester that actually are very good, cheaper, and way nicer staff.

definitely the best sushi I've ever had out of the several restaurants I've ever been to that specialize in it. only complaint is the seemingly unorganized host staff on busy nights, and the lack of any comfortable place to wait for a table to be ready. all that aside, as soon as you're seated and greeted by a nice waitress and an amazing selection of food, those problems disappear!

recommendations: definitely the negimaki appetizer, and if you're out for a special occasion, the lobster tempura full-roll is a treat you do NOT want to miss!

Kooma is amazing! The sushi is wonderful, the atmosphere is cozy and the staff is always friendly! I eat there on a daily basis! I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone! ;)

I miss West Chester!!!! You never know how much to appreciate good dinning options until you move to a town with 2 fine dining options, fast food mania and not a cute trendy anything in site. I especially miss Kooma and SPRAZZO, and can't wait to xmas to come back and get my fill in PA. At least we have some good wines and microbrews here in WA (and a cute little wine bar with brie and marionberry sauce...mmmmmm....) its been teh saving grace of this place.

Keep up the good work WC Dish

If you like sushi you must try Kooma. We had a sushi platter combo. It easily served four people, was reasonably priced, and delicious. I also enjoyed seeing the food that other patrons ordered. It was like going to a show! I can't wait to go back again and try some of the more interesting dishes that were being served.

Haven't had the urge to go sushi restaurant hunting anymore since eating at Kooma. I can't tell you what the regular food is like since I can't help but order 4 - 5 rolls everytime I go, but I have heard people eating giving very good reviews.

Kooma has DJ's come on the popular nights to provide a dance environment after dining hours. Cool Philly type atmosphere, and Scott the owner is often there making sure everything is being handled professionally.

Looking for awesome sushi, look no further. I have been to just about every sushi place in the tri-state including Morimotos in Philly which for the price should be the best - this place is it!

Hands down some of the best sushi and food I have ever had. Nothing bad to say. Staff is nice and friendly, atmosphere is cool, and it is a nice departure from the crowded college bar scene.

Has been, and will be, close to my heart. I used to live above the kitchen and I miss the dull thumping music and opportunity to run downstairs and grab a drink and sushi at one am.

Shakin' sake cocktails. Fresh sashimi! Fun sushi roulette (see article)! Trendy decor. Chill music. Tasty TANG rimmed sweet 16 martini!