Amanda L.
Yelp
A second Kura location in metro Detroit - at last! Even though this one is located further from me than the Troy location, it works out well for me given that this will draw part of the local crowd away from the Troy one, meaning less crazy wait times, which I've already seen enacted! Now, the crazy wait times are at this Novi location, so please give yourself plenty of time to wait in line (and download the app if you haven't already so you can join the waitlist virtually).
Everything in terms of the food quality and deliciousness is consistent with the Troy location! So this review will primarily focus on the differences between the two, so if you want specifics about the food items and whatnot, check out my Kura - Troy location review! For the most part, everything is the same, which we appreciate in a chain restaurant. But with Kura, it's extra impressive given how all their ingredients are so fresh and given how you'd think a larger scale operation with sushi would naturally diminish the quality of the fish and other ingredients, but it really doesn't here. Everything is so fresh, so flavorful, and genuinely some of the best sushi around - especially in Michigan - and with a really fun experience paired with it all!
I've come to the Novi location twice and that was where they debuted the robot "waiter," which is truly my highlight every time I go. Happy to report the Troy location also has a robot waiter now as well, so you'll get the delight at either location. The robot will deliver your drinks and any side dishes you might want (wasabi, ginger, spicy mayo, etc.) to your table and it's just the cutest thing! The first time we went, shortly after they opened this summer, we were waiting in the parking lot (which doesn't have a lot of space to wait in, people were spilling out off the sidewalk and standing in the handicap parking spots directly in front of the restaurant/strip mall) and could see the robot bustling back and forth right by the door. They had a rug just inside the door for people to wipe their feet on and at one point the rug became crimped and the robot tripped over it and went tumbling!!!! The waters it was carrying splashed onto the legs of some of the people sitting by the door, but other than that everything was fine. Sadly the robot was put into time out for a bit - even though it wasn't his fault!! - before they brought him back out onto the floor again. (I'm mostly kidding about this last part, I know they were just rebooting/recalibrating his system, it was just hilarious because we were seating not too long after the tumble and saw the robot basically in the corner and it looked like he was adorably in time out haha!)
The only main difference between the Troy and Novi locations for Kura is the space. The Novi one has very low ceilings and all around feels smaller and more cramped. They have those three booths right by the front door, where I think the bar area is sort of situated at the Troy location, and I feel bad for whoever has to sit there, especially once the weather gets colder. There is no hiding from that front door opening and closing as people walk in and out and truly these first row of booths are 3 steps in from the front door. It's a very slim walkway (it's a wonder the robot can navigate this area at all) and so far I've been lucky not to have been seated here. The bar (non-table) area of the Novi Kura is situated at the opposite end of the conveyor belt furthest in from the front door.
But all in all, everything else is consistent. Prices, items/options, quality, and experience! I absolutely love it here! It's great for friends and family and everyone to experience together, such a fun time and worth the pricey nature if you get a bit carried away with eating! Have fun!