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Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge Reviews List
Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Koi is located in the right in the heart of charming Evanston’s restaurant row. Koi brings the bold flavors of the eight different regions of authentic Chinese Cuisine and fresh sushi to every dining experience. The new menu brings owner Sandy Chens’ love for traditional Chinese cooking to the forefront, while still offering the menu favorites that our regular customers have come to love.
Recently redesigned, Koi offers a modern, relaxing atmosphere perfect for a night out with friends, dinner for two or private parties. Koi’s express kitchen caters carryout and delivery to a wide range of North Shore residences.
With an incredible menu and exciting drinks, the warm and welcoming atmosphere, complimented by the knowledgeable staff, Koi is one of Evanston's premier dining destinations. Come and see us to enjoy the weekly specials at the bar after work. Be creative, live long, be happy and follow your own path. Let the party begin.
See more Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge details
Recently redesigned, Koi offers a modern, relaxing atmosphere perfect for a night out with friends, dinner for two or private parties. Koi’s express kitchen caters carryout and delivery to a wide range of North Shore residences.
With an incredible menu and exciting drinks, the warm and welcoming atmosphere, complimented by the knowledgeable staff, Koi is one of Evanston's premier dining destinations. Come and see us to enjoy the weekly specials at the bar after work. Be creative, live long, be happy and follow your own path. Let the party begin.
68 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 68 reviews
5 stars
(19)
4 stars
(37)
3 stars
(8)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(36)
- fit for foodies(22)
- good for groups(22)
- special occasion(21)
- romantic(13)
- hot spot(9)
Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge Reviews List
Review 1 for Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Bday dinner!!!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My birthday dinner! We go to koi because my son and I love sushi whereas my wife and daughter like Chinese food, the best place to find both. Our waiter John got everything right and even returned the wine we didnt care for and brought a different one without making it a big deal. (They could have better selection of wine, the only real downside to koi). They even brought a sweet little dessert with happy birthday spelled out in Chinese. Thanks koi"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2010
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 2 for Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Our waiter forgot to put in
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our waiter forgot to put in order but didn't admit to it. Appetizers took a very long time to come to table. Manager gave us a discount and apologized so that was good. Food was very good."
Dined on 04/11/2013
2010
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Review 3 for Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Interesting experience!
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I made reservation for nine people and they put us all the way in the back of the room on the long table that sat five people on one side and four people on the other side. I have to say the foods taste good and fresh. But the service from that waiter is unfortunately on the poor side. All the dishes were carrying out by the kitchen staff. The waiter was never came to check, distributed the dishes evenly, or helped to layout the dishes. Then we asked the waitress from the other table to refill hot water for our tea pots. Never once the waiter would come to refill the water into our glasses. I don't think we are going to go back."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 4 for Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The overall experience was
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The overall experience was a good one. However,there was nothing memorable about the food along with small lapses in service."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2009
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Review 5 for Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Koi, The Best Asian Food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our first dining experience at Koi was outstanding. Our waiter was attentive and delightful. The food was amazing. We ordered the crab wonton appetizer, which were served with a sweet sour dip and a mustard dip. By far, the most fabulous crab wonton we have ever eaten. We asked if it was possible to order the Walnut Shrimp, which was not on the lunch menu, but on the dinner menu. Our waiter said they would be happy to prepare it for us and it was the BEST Walnut Shrimp we have ever experienced. We will be back with more friends!"
Dined on 04/03/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
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Review 6 for Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing food, comfortable
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Amazing food, comfortable setting, service and care for customer s were outstanding."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2005
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 7 for Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Koi no longer the place it once was
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service very slow and then officious when she deigned to show up. Friend ordered a glass of wine-server came back w/ half glass-they were all out of any Pinot Grigio and handed my friend a menu - seems logical sol'n of opening another bottle didn't occur; we ordered a bottle of red - sommelier trots up with an opened bottle telling us it's more expensive but that he's going to give us a deal. We were there for a nice dinner, not a deal. Tacky."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2011
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Review 8 for Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Time, Great service,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great Time, Great service, reasonabe Pricing."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 9 for Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A favorite with our family.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"A favorite with our family. One of the few asian food places of top quality."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 10 for Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambience, service and food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Ambience, service and food were great. The whole red snapper was delicious. We hadn't heard of the restaurant before a friend recommended it and we would definitely go back."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 11 for Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Thoughful Staff and Refreshing Menu
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Incredibly attentive and helpful waiter made our visit splendid. Excellent recommendations for both wine and entrees which pointed us to less familiar but wonderful sushi creations of the house. The blend of Jaapanese and Chinese offerings, all beautifully prepared, made for rich blend of flavors and traditions. We had a great meal and promised to return."
Dined on 03/12/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 12 for Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Yummy as usual
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were glad we made a reservation; Saturday nights are pretty full. Our assigned waitress was MIA so we stopped another waiter, and he kindly took us on. We got our standing order: xiao long bao, wings, spare ribs, and green beans with pork. The spare ribs have gotten smaller over the past year, but otherwise everything was as usual, i.e., very tasty. Koi's menu can be a bit hit or miss, the spare ribs are on the sweet side, and the green beans are on the greasy side, but we like 'em. That's why they're part of our usual order. We also sometimes get the baby bok choy side, which is delicate but lovely."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 13 for Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Koi Fine(?) Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We've been to Koi a few times before and enjoyed it. This time the food and service were both mediocre and the restaurant (in back) was so loud it was difficult to hear each other across the table. If you want to have a conversation, sit in the front section.
We don't expect to return in the foreseeable future."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2009
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Review 14 for Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Second time at Koi and my
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Second time at Koi and my last experience was as good as the first."
Dined on 02/25/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 15 for Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Love the restaurant since
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Love the restaurant since it opened. The food was great and staff were attentive. We went for dinner on Saturday and it was so crowded. It was a bit hard to converse across table as there was too much noise. But still my most favorite restaurant in Evanston!"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 16 for Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Never coming back :(
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
"Long story short:
1. waited for the meals about 45 minutes.
2. Had several menus ,did not get any explanation from our server what was what,
3. had a couple right by us which kept talking like they were in a club, SO LOUD@!!!!!!! that lady was laughing OUT LOUD, simply my ears could not resist. Everybody turned to them looking at them, but seems like no culture, no anything.OMG
4. Spent $80.00 on few rolls of sushi and 2 glasses of Sake.
P.S. Will never return. I think they should have some pictures of the sushi on the menu, and explain to other customers that talking LOUD can disturb people around. Sorry if I was rude.
P.P.S.My server got 20% as she didn't return with the check and we couldn't just resist hearing that lady screami"
1. waited for the meals about 45 minutes.
2. Had several menus ,did not get any explanation from our server what was what,
3. had a couple right by us which kept talking like they were in a club, SO LOUD@!!!!!!! that lady was laughing OUT LOUD, simply my ears could not resist. Everybody turned to them looking at them, but seems like no culture, no anything.OMG
4. Spent $80.00 on few rolls of sushi and 2 glasses of Sake.
P.S. Will never return. I think they should have some pictures of the sushi on the menu, and explain to other customers that talking LOUD can disturb people around. Sorry if I was rude.
P.P.S.My server got 20% as she didn't return with the check and we couldn't just resist hearing that lady screami"
Dined on 02/17/2013
2011
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Review 17 for Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service and food excellent-
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service and food excellent- prices are very reasonable. What moe could you ask of a restaurant?"
Dined on 02/17/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 18 for Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our New Favorite Spot
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Koi has become one of our favorite places to take guests and to visit ourselves whenever we are looking for fine Asian Cuisine. Most notably my wife, who would never choose Chinese or Japanese food, LOVES Koi and chooses it first when deciding where to eat. The food is first rate and service is really special."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 19 for Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food, especially sushi,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food, especially sushi, is amazing. Both the waiter and bartenderewere fantastic, but the maitre d' was rude to us and two other patrons as well. However, Koi is a get restaurant for both sushi and cocktails."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 20 for Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We always enjoy Koi! Good
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We always enjoy Koi! Good food, modern atmosphere, and informed waitstaff. I love the martini and tea options. Just one suggestion...update the menu to reflect changes. The salmon came with green beans rather than bok choy and 2 of the desserts are listed but not available."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2008
Special Features: romantic
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Review 21 for Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food is good, and authentic.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food is good, and authentic. Xiaolong bao (little soup-filled pork dumplings) are a must-try."
Dined on 02/10/2013
2007
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Review 22 for Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great anniversary dinner at Koi!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had a great dinner at Koi. The food seemed the best we've had there yet with quite a variety of dishes being offered. Our server was extremely attentive, answering our questions thoroughly and making excellent suggestions. I had indicated on our Open Table reservation that we were celebrating a special anniversary and without missing a step, the waitress presented us with a lovely ice cream and fried wonton dessert, complete with Happy Anniversary written in chocolate and candle to make the presentation just lovely. We did not feel rushed and were well-attended by the bus boys as well. We will return sooner than later to this great spot!"
Dined on 02/05/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 23 for Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Fair
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was very mediocre. We were disappointed."
Dined on 02/04/2013
2010
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Review 24 for Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Perfect Little Restaurant
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great place to meet with a small group of friends! It has great ambiance and the price is right! The sushi was great, but I have had better Pad Thai at local Thai restaurants, it just needed more flavor. Overall, the service was awesome, management was great with making you feel welcome and comfortable. I will definitely go back and try all the other dishes."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, hot spot
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Review 25 for Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good service, good food and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Good service, good food and the dishes came out quickly. It was fresh and served at the right temperature. All very nice and a good place to meet up with a friend."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2002
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 26 for Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great spot in Evanston for
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great spot in Evanston for Chinese and sushi. They constantly have new menus to keep the food selections fresh."
Dined on 01/18/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge
Based on the average of (42) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
6 out of 6 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic