"Chinoise has an atlas-like menu spanning much of Asia, with the last two pages dedicated to sushi and sashimi.
Though other restaurants have tried making this ambitious Pan-Asian voyage, Chinoise manages to serve up fresh,
bright sushi and vibrant Pan-Asian cuisine with few missteps."
reviewed by Allison Austin for Citysearch.com, April 2000

"Secure a seat at the sushi bar at Chinoise on Madison and get to know chef and part owner Jae Ahrens.
Oh, and if you're in need of some artfully prepared nouveau pan-Asian cuisine, you can get that too.
Ahrens is as happy to set you up with some exotic shellfish as he is the perfect California roll. And considering his good looks,
charming sense of humor, and the meticulous attention he pays to his craft,
it's also no wonder that his Madison Beach neighbors linger at his raw bar at night"
reviewed by Seattle Weekly Dining Show Case 2003

"The atmosphere immediately pleases with its warm, rich colors, comfortable spacing of tables and romantic lighting.
Our server was funny, friendly and efficient, happily obliging our special request and questions.
We tried a delicious "Spider roll" filled with cooked fresh soft-shell crab, avocado, cucumber and radish sprouts,.
It is hared to pass on sushi here no matter what you are celebrating because they do it well. Very well."
reviewed by Nora West from EvergreenMonthly Magazine March 2004

"For me, Chinoise's sushi is the place's raison d'etre; the rest of the Asian-fusion menu is like pop music - a little less refined.
Jae Ahrens has a top sushi chef's swift fingers and stern demand for the freshest fish,
but he breaks from the tradition in his bar side manner - affable, chatty, witty,
more like a bartender or party host than a lean, mean fish-slicing machine"
reviewed by Tim Appelo from Seattle Weekly, April 2004