Once a favorite, now losing its charm — but still worth a visit

This used to be my go-to spot after a long day. I’d come here for a quiet escape, where the cozy atmosphere and perfectly arranged dumplings felt like a small ritual of comfort. They even had a fantastic loyalty program: spend $20 and you’d get a bottle of refreshing Japanese soda, or two if you spent $35 or more. Sadly, about six months ago, they raised their prices and did away with this little perk.

There was a period recently when the presentation of the dishes fell short — the dumplings would arrive in a haphazard mess, far from the beautiful, perfectly arranged plates they used to serve. Thankfully, they seem to have fixed this issue, and the dumplings are back to looking as good as they taste.

However, some issues persist. The tables can still be sticky, and they only give you two napkins per person, which feels odd — as if napkins are a rare luxury here.

One of the bigger downsides, which has always been an issue for as long as I can remember, is the constant queues. You often find yourself waiting for a table, and that hasn’t changed over time.

Another change is the new ordering and payment system. They replaced the handy tablets with a QR code system that doesn’t always work as smoothly as you’d hope. Ordering through your phone can feel clunky and slow, taking away from what should be an easy and relaxing dining experience.

On the bright side, they’ve introduced adorable robot waiters (not exactly cats, but still cute), which theoretically help speed up food delivery to the tables. It’s a fun addition, especially if you enjoy quirky tech.

Thankfully, the food is still as delicious as ever — that’s one thing that hasn't changed. The atmosphere remains pleasant, with soft Japanese melodies in the background and charming paintings of Japanese macaques on the walls. However, it has become a bit noisier than it used to be, which takes away some of the tranquility that once made this place so special.

The service is decent overall, but there’s a lingering feeling that the place is slowly losing some of the magic it once had. I really hope they take customer feedback seriously because I’d love to see it return to its former glory.