This is far from being an outstanding or authentic Japanese restaurant, and the food does not justify its price. In January 2025, I spent âŹ150 on one Deluxe Omakase menu and an total âŹ295 to try five different wines and five types of sake and 10% tips. Honestly, it was not worth the money.
If youâre from East Asia, youâll immediately notice that the Japanese cuisine offered here is very mediocre. From the menu combinations and the quality of ingredients to the taste of the food, everything is just passable at best. In cities like Shanghai or Tokyo, you could enjoy similarly uninspiring dishes for a fraction of the price. However, it seems Germans are easily impressed by such superficial offerings.
The chef tonight was Korean. While I donât think Koreans are incapable of making great food, tonightâs experience failed to leave any lasting impression. That said, the chef is multilingual and interacts well with German patrons, who clearly enjoyed the atmosphere here.
Now letâs talk about the food: The steamed egg custard served first was completely underwhelming. The assorted appetizer platterâincluding tofu salad, oysters, and marinated black beansâwas nothing special. The sashimi and rice featured very basic salmon, just one or two slices of tuna of poor quality, and mediocre white fish. A few slices of veal steak were served, but the texture and flavor were ordinary. A large portion of noodles was included, but it tasted bitter and was unappetizing. The dessert of fruits and ice cream was very basic.
Iâm not sure if the Deluxe Omakase is always limited to just these dishes, but it didnât include any nigiri sushi. I even confirmed with the chef that all courses had been served. These dishes were clearly very ordinary and not worth âŹ150 at all. Additionally, the Korean chef seemed flustered throughout the evening. The pacing of the dishes was chaoticâhe would bring out the next course before Iâd finished the previous one. This applied to the drinks as well; he would urge me to finish them quickly. In the end, I waited nearly an hour just for my dessert. It felt like he was unable to deliver high-quality service to multiple guests simultaneously and appeared to prefer engaging with the German diners.
This was truly a wasted evening. If youâre German and havenât experienced much exceptional food, you might enjoy this place, feeling delighted by the chefâs flattery and the novelty of unfamiliar dishes. However, if youâre from East Asia, âŹ295 could easily buy you countless better options.
Situation Updateďź26.01.2025ďź: After seeing my feedback, the Korean chef contacted me multiple times to apologize and admitted that he did not serve me the dishes consistent with the deluxe omakase menu I had reserved that evening. Instead, he provided me with dishes from the semi-omakase menu. However, I still do not understand why this happened. I even reminded him during checkout that I had reserved the deluxe omakase, to which he confidently replied that all my dishes had been served and that my menu included nigiri sushi.
I received a partial refund from him, including the price difference between the two menus (âŹ55) and the full amount of the tip. In total, I was refunded âŹ81.40. As a gesture of apology, the chef invited me to dine at the restaurant for free (excluding Friday and...
   Read moreReview for Tokyoya
Nestled in the heart of the city, Tokyoya is a captivating Japanese restaurant that offers an unparalleled dining experience. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by a serene atmosphere that perfectly balances tradition with contemporary elegance. The meticulous attention to detail in the decor sets the stage for what is sure to be an unforgettable meal.
The culinary journey at Tokyoya begins with an extensive menu that showcases the richness and variety of Japanese cuisine. Each dish is a masterpiece, crafted with the freshest ingredients and presented with an artistry that is almost too beautiful to eat. The sushi and sashimi are particularly noteworthy, with flavors that burst in your mouth, leaving you craving more. The chef's creativity shines through in every dish, offering innovative takes on classic recipes while maintaining authenticity.
Equally impressive is the impeccable service. The staff are attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about the menu, and always ready to guide you through your culinary journey. Their genuine warmth and hospitality make you feel like a valued guest, enhancing the overall dining experience.
The host, a true connoisseur, adds a personal touch to the evening. Their passion for Japanese culture and cuisine is evident, as they take the time to engage with each table, ensuring that every detail is perfect. This personal connection elevates the dining experience to another level, making you feel like part of the Tokyoya family.
The ambiance at Tokyoya is both inviting and sophisticated. Soft lighting, traditional Japanese elements, and a calming color palette create an atmosphere that encourages relaxation and enjoyment. Whether you're dining with friends, family, or a special someone, the restaurant provides the perfect backdrop for any occasion.
In conclusion, Tokyoya is more than just a place to eat; it's a destination for those seeking a genuine and memorable Japanese dining experience. From the exquisite food to the exemplary service and enchanting atmosphere, Tokyoya stands as one of the best places I've had the pleasure of visiting. If you are a lover of fine Japanese cuisine or simply in search of a remarkable dining experience, this restaurant should be at the top...
   Read moreI had a unique experience. First, when I made a reservation I had to pay upfront. âŹ95/person. The payment webpage was broken so I had to contact the restaurant. When I went to the restaurant, it was quite full. The owner(?) is Korean and he told us chefs are Japanese. He seated us and told us "options". There was no menu so everyone was confused. Later I found out that the option was to replace wasabi on Chirashi to Japanese wasabi and upgrade steak to Japanese beef. There was no menu for drinks. On their website, there is a menu. The first course was supposed to be Chawanmushi but we never got that. We received assorted appetizers then Chirashi. After that steak then soba noodle. The dessert at the end. It was very strange for Japanese to have rice dish at the beginning of the course. In Japan, it will be served at the end or after main course. I received almost well done steak but my colleague received rare or almost raw steak. The amount of soba was not consistent from bowl to bowl. They use dried bonito for the broth but unfortunately it was a bit sweet for my taste due to the other seasoning. One person received different item for the dessert. In the middle of the dinner, the restaurant ran out of cold beer. The owner was nice enough to offer us free room temp beer. They also ran out of ice. It seems to be that the owner was trying to everything by himself. It would be better if he delegate some of his responsibilities to his staff. The owner was kind and unique. I appreciate his hospitality. Even if this is a high end Japanese restaurant, do not expect high end service. I regret taking our valuable customers to this restaurant. Photos on the website is different from what you get....
   Read more