Kenzo Ramen — Restaurant in Oshawa

The ramen bowls we got were great every time we came in but there is one individual in specific who easily affects the representation of this restaurant. Everyone else was friendly and kind so I am not complaining about everyone, except one individual in specific.

The first time I came in with my partner, I asked the male server about the spice level and what do their customers find ideal in terms of the spice level; specifically, I wanted to know how people of oriental origin, especially their customers, who enjoy this food, like their spice level to be, so I can get an idea of what to expect and try it out. It is not even an offensive question. I have asked this question everywhere and usually I'm easily told that majority of their customers prefer this spice level. If he did not know, he could have simply said "I'm not sure" or "sorry, I don't know the answer but maybe you can try this...". Instead, he gave me the most visibly confusing and offended facial expression, making me feel super super awkward and ruining the excitement I came in with. He has zero communication skills.

The second time we came was on New Year's Eve. As soon as we walked in, the same male server (bun/ponytail with glasses) was standing at the front and didn't acknowledge us. He just looked at us for a second and looked away, not caring at all. We had to get his attention. After we told him we need a table for two, he purposely pointed towards the table between two groups of people while the ENTIRE REST of the restaurant was empty and the tables were not occupied, nor were they expecting anyone. I asked him nicely if we could get another table as we didn't feel comfortable feeling isolated between groups and the space in that section already feels less. However, he sternly shook his head twice, didn't care once again and restricted us. The other server who is a female was actually nice and knows customer service. Additionally, before we came in we were told about the closing time and we easily still had time while eating, but the same rude male server came and said you have to pay now in a careless and dismissive manner. Not even a thank you, hi, sorry about that but we have to close soon, trying tapping your card again, etc. Just took the payment, walked away and ended his shift by leaving quickly. This has happened TWICE. Hence, I have two questions. 1. Why have that big of a restaurant with so many tables if you are not going to allow customers to be seated there? 2. Why have servers who do not have communication skills, want to head home early and who decide themselves that they will not allow you to sit where you want to? Besides your menu and its quality, your servers also represent your restaurant and so far, that man is doing a...

The food was good but the service needs serious work. The male server with the bun, glasses and tattoos needs to learn more about how to serve customers with the right manners. The guy isn't polite enough to say Thank you, Happy New Year or welcome and always has a mean mug on his face (never smiles) ever as if he's forever offended by customers entering the shop. The rest of the staff is polite and kind, so I'm pointing him out in specific.

First, as soon as we entered, we were refused a table of our choice even though the restaurant was empty with only 2 tables occupied. We were told by him to sit between the 2 occupied tables for god knows what reason. When we asked if there was a separate table available, he refused. He wanted to end his shift so he came to settle the check before we were done eating at 7:50 and told us that the shop closed half an hour ago even though we were told the last seating will be 8:15-8:30 on the phone. It feels like the restaurant just wants to kick customers out to close down.

Edit: I appreciate and respect that the owner taking responsibility for his team and promising to do better. But after going through your reviews for the past few years it seems to be a recurring problem for that same male waiter. I don't know why after having a full year to correct his actions, he's still making the same mistakes from 1-2 years ago. I'd ask the owner to count the total number of complaints against the guy. I'm sorry to say but his sloppy rude unfriendly service is dragging the...

Kenzo Ramen: