I find it challenging to write negative reviews for Japanese establishments since people are so polite here. But I'm thoroughly confused about the high reviews of this Izakaya and I want to give my honest review of the food and our experience. The 2 stars are solely for the atmosphere and service as the servers were all quite friendly and helpful. The open kitchen was nice conceptually, but I felt like it was curse for this place. We saw all the slip-ups and blunders that were huge turnoffs. First off, the food here is mediocre at best and leans more towards below average imo. The dishes sounded innovative on paper, but failed to deliver in most aspects. Flavour profiles were more on the salty side, which is understandable for an izakaya, but the dishes lacked complexity, balance and depth. The complimentary soup served at the beginning was lukewarm. For their special set menu, the ingredients used seemed good, but execution was poor. The truffle potato salad was served in a monaka shell, which was cute, but it didn't elevate the flavours nor textures. The salted duck meatball was overseasoned and I could not tell it was duck meat at all. The cocao powder did cut the saltiness of the meatball, but the flavours were not memorable, almost felt like something I could get at a convenience store. The one shot sukiyaki beef rib roast was just salty, with a piece of lukewarm tofu. Out of everything, I found the beef rib roast sushi with uni to be the most decent dish, but still nothing to write home about. In general, we found the training of the chefs questionable. I was seated in front of the chef who managed the sashimi. The fish was not properly treated as there were still tendons in the tuna. He also touched his face several times without washing his hands and went straight to touching and plating the raw fish, this was a huge turnoff and made me lose a bit of my appetite. Another server was using his hands to cover his mouth while coughing and went straight to serving customers dishes without washing his hands. This happened several times and we were glad he wasn't the one serving our food. We also saw the chef manning the hot food station blow off steam from a pot/pan. The treatment of food felt extremely unhygienic and it made us wonder if the chefs were professionally trained. I regretted ordering the set meal and just wanted to finish the meal and leave. Our stomachs didn't feel 100% after the meal and my husband got food poisoning the next evening. We weren't sure if the cause of food poisoning was from this restaurant since we had several other meals in between, but given the food treatment here, we didn't rule out the possibility. Stellar google reviews, recommendations from YouTubers and the Michelin guide led us to this restaurant. I'm not sure where the disconnect is but personally, I would save previous belly space for other much more delicious options...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of dining at a unique izakaya in Fukuoka that comes highly recommended by the Michelin Guide. This establishment offers a fresh take on the traditional concept of an izakaya, providing a memorable dining experience. Allow me to share my thoughts on this remarkable place.
Upon entering the izakaya, I was immediately drawn to its cozy and inviting atmosphere. The tasteful decor and warm lighting created a comfortable and relaxed ambiance. The friendly staff welcomed me with genuine hospitality, and one particular waiter with long hair stood out for his excellent service. He was attentive, helpful, and demonstrated a good command of English, making communication effortless.
Now, let's talk about the most important aspect: the taste of the food. The dishes I tried were enjoyable, although they didn't quite reach the level of exceptional. The flavors were satisfactory, and while they didn't leave me completely blown away, they were still satisfying. It's worth noting that the izakaya offers a diverse menu, catering to various preferences and dietary restrictions.
One highlight of my experience was the extensive selection of local sake. For sake enthusiasts or those looking to explore the rich flavors of Fukuoka, this izakaya is a paradise. The knowledgeable staff can provide recommendations and guide you through the different options available, enhancing the overall experience.
In summary, the Michelin-recommended izakaya in Fukuoka is definitely worth a visit. While the taste of the dishes may not have been extraordinary, the attentive service provided by the long-haired waiter and their ability to communicate in English added to the overall positive experience. Moreover, the wide range of local sake options is a definite plus for those seeking a taste of the region's culture.
I encourage you to give this unique izakaya a try. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and explore the diverse selection of local sake. It promises to be an enjoyable and memorable dining...
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