Midori's Floating World Cafe

10/24/08

Terrible customer service

by kimotbear

We have eaten at Midori's a number of times in the past, and have enjoyed the food. The customer service has always been lacking, but this last time was deplorable! We arrived at 5:30 for dinner. There were 2 empty tables which we were told were reserved, and that the wait would be 45 minutes. We walked around the neighborhood, and returned about 40 minutes later to find that the tables were still unoccupied. Another group was leaving their table, and a reserved sign was put on that one as well. We were told that the wait would be another 30 minutes. We found out that the 2 empty tables were reserved for 6:30- an hour after we arrived! We commented that we could have ordered and finished our meal before the "reserved" party arrived, to which the response was, "well that's how we do business." We called back to complain about the service and they hung up on us. We don't recommend this place. Go to Tanpopo in St. Paul for far superior noodles, or to Origami (where we eventually dined at) for outstanding sushi.

• Cons: Terrible parking and service

08/25/07

Great local sushi place

by mplsbf

Living within a few blocks of Floating World, I started going to it as a relative newcomer to the delights of sushi. I have become hooked on both the food and this restaurant. True, I miss the sushi chef they used to have, but Midori does a great job preparing the fish, and it is always fresh and tasty. I like to sit at the bar and watch her work. They always have specials, but I usually go with some kind of combination dinner--chef's choice. I haven't been disappointed. Yes, the service can at times be a little slow, but I've never had a horrendous wait. I haven't been to other local sushi places--my other experiences have been in Santa Cruz, CA, and Moscow--but I would recommend Floating World.

• Pros: Good local place (not chain), great food
• Cons: Parking can be at a premium

06/28/07

I am back after 8 years in Japan to experience: The Best Tempura and excellent sushi.

by hashimoto

I have only been home for a couple weeks after living in Japan for 8 years. I was excited to see that there was a Japanese restaurant within walking distance of my house. It is nicely decorated with easy parking. I ate lunch today, the tempura and sushi combination. Both were excellent. The tempura is the best I have had in the States. Light and not at all greasy. The side vegetables, pickles and salad were genuine. The tea is excellent. I had the premium Gyokuro tea. The cook told me they originally were going to just open a tea shop, but the space and location made a restaurant possible. So they are interested in serving premium Japanese and Chinese tea. They also use organic vegetables. Prices are reasonable.

The staff is very friendly and so are the owners. Service was fast. I do not have to be "homesick" for Japanese food, a nice walk from my home.

• Pros: Food, Staff, Owners/cook/cheif
• Cons: I would like to have breakfast there too.

03/27/07

Nice little sushi place close to home

by stackofquarters

I'm happy that a friend took me here about a year ago. They serve good sushi and they are really nice.

• Pros: Friendly service and the sunny seats near the window.

01/05/07

A real disappointment

by stuartbear

We have eaten at Midori's for the third and last time. Although we now live in the suburbs, we really like coming into the city to eat at some of the great smaller, non-chain places. That being said, our last experience at Midori's (with another couple) was so bad is was almost laughable. Our sushi was okay, but our entrees were all cold and one - the curry - was a disgusting gelatinous mess of brown goo. The prices were out-of-line compared to other Japanese restaurants in town when you consider that the atmosphere at Midori's is pretty dumpy and functions partially as a nursery for the owner's daughter. The worst is the service. We waited 20 minutes for our simple drink orders and over an hour for our food - on a Wednesday night. Even our friends, who lived in the neighborhood and have insisted that we try it one more time with them, have now given up. What a shame.

• Pros: None
• Cons: Really bad, slow service.

This Longfellow-Lake neighborhood is clearly thrilled to have its own funky, friendly sushi bar.

by Contributor

In Short
This tiny storefront off Lake Street pulls off a popular sushi experience without attitude. Patrons don't dress up, and the vibe is as good as the food. Sushi chefs work feverishly in the center of the dining room. Deep-fried tofu floating in miso or salted, steamed edamame are great starters. Fresh, artfully arranged little plates are filled with savory temptations, like jack mackerel or eel nigiri. Patrons pair these with noodle soups, and lacy tempura.

06/22/06

It is with regret that I downgrade this once favorite spot

by japhreh

This used to be a great place. Since they no longer have a sushi chef and apparently hire unqualified staff, it has declined. In an almost empty room we waited 45 minutes for a lunch order. The tempura is good, the sushi is OK, but it isn't the wow spot it used to be. Now you feel a little ripped off instead of feeling that you had your money's worth. Sorry, midori.

04/28/06

LOVELY!

by azazel

Minimalist decor with delicious dishes. Professional, hospitable, and quick service. Nostalgic memories of Japan returned to me while dining here. A wonderful addition to the Minneapolis Japanese culinary scene.

• Pros: service, food, value

04/19/06

Used to love this place

by tiggertramp

I loved coming here until their sushi chef left. Now the sushi has taken a dive. I will not return. Too bad really, I used to eat there 2x per month at least.

04/11/06

Bad Experience

by ambirgris

Went once and won't return. Service was very poor. 40 minutes to take our dinner order? The sushi was also poor being tough and smelly. Should have got up and left.