Toyo — Restaurant in Osaka

Overrated and Rude! A Complete Tourist Trap and a Total Waste of Money.

We arrived at the restaurant around 3 pm, and while the line wasn’t too long, the entire experience quickly turned sour. The wait to be seated was about 15 minutes, which seemed reasonable at first, but the entire ordeal quickly went downhill from there. The owner, who apparently prides himself on putting on a show for everyone to watch, seemed more interested in theatrics than the actual quality of the food. Yes, it’s entertaining for a brief moment, but once the food arrived, it was obvious that the "show" was the only thing they put effort into.

The food itself was incredibly disappointing. It tasted as though it had been pulled straight from the freezer, with barely any freshness. The worst offender was the so-called grilled tuna, which had an overpowering taste of gas, as if it had been cooked over a poorly maintained grill or soaked in lighter fluid. It was honestly one of the most unpleasant meals we’ve had. For a place that markets itself as an authentic dining experience, the food quality was horrendous.

What really left a bad taste in our mouths, however, was the rude and disrespectful behavior of both the staff and the owner. While waiting for our food, some of us stood near the store, trying to get a glimpse of the cooking process and enjoy the performance, as many other customers were doing. But instead of welcoming this, the staff rudely shooed us away, treating us as if we were nuisances. The way they handled this was unnecessarily harsh, almost as though they forgot we were paying customers.

There were a lot of gaijin (foreigners) in the crowd, and while some may not have fully understood the specific rules or customs, there was no need for the staff to be so dismissive and rude. There is no need to be hostile and condescending. It was completely out of line. Just because some of the guests were tourists doesn’t give the restaurant an excuse to treat them with such blatant disrespect.

Unfortunately, this restaurant alone managed to completely sour our view of what we expected to be Japanese hospitality. The stereotypical warmth and politeness that Japan is known for was entirely absent here. We were appalled by how we were treated, and it’s shocking that this kind of behavior is tolerated.

All in all, it’s nothing but a tourist trap. The food was awful, the staff was rude, and the whole experience was a waste of time and money. If you're looking for good food and an enjoyable dining experience, I would recommend steering clear of this place. There are far better options to experience real Japanese food and...

Uni, ikura, fatty tuna in one meal—¥3200. If this is not cheap for you, I do not know what kind of meals are you use to paying. That is pretty DECENT price for what he offers. In some places, I have tried ikura/salmon roe sushi—1 piece for 800-1000yen. And you think 3200yen is “crazy expensive”?! Do you have any idea have much fatty tuna sushi costs sometimes? ¥320-700 per piece depending on the quality!!! I see many slices there and you kept complaining. What kind of food do you eat—instant noodle’s everyday? Also you are in Japan, please remember this. Some of you are just terrible who are only used to paying for very cheap food it seems and also have zero manners and respect for other people’s effort. In Tokyo, eating at Den will make you pay 50,000yennfor two people and very much mediocre and not creative and not as friendly as this guy. They won’t even care, and bother to use their hands on fire just so you will have a better cooked, tuna meat. So ungrateful people. He doesn’t deserve any of you or any these bad reviews. Why would you complain about him not having a proper, “legal” place when in the first place you decided to go here? Don’t even bother to go if you’re going to complain about laughable things. Some people here have so much against someone who is just doing his best to live. What’s wrong with him smoking while cooking? He has always lived differently, accept that or go somewhere else. I myself don’t smoke but I understand and accept that there are many kinds of people. If that makes him happy, HE HAS WORK SO HARD all his life. Give him a break. It’s his place, not happy? Go eat somewhere else. If you have nothing good to say, please go somewhere else that’s a “proper” restaurant to your opinion. People complaining that there are many “cringey” foreigners, some they are foreigners themselves. Can you be more baka and racists? Stop being horrible and complaining about...

A Flaming Culinary Experience, in the middle of a japanese backstreet.

I recently dined at Izakaya Toyo in Japan and was treated to a remarkable culinary adventure. The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the flamed tuna cheeks, prepared right before my eyes on an open fire grill by the owner and chef himself.

The experience was not just a meal; it was a captivating performance. Sitting in the front row, I had the privilege of witnessing the chef's skill and expertise up close. The flames danced around the succulent tuna cheeks, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that heightened my anticipation for the dish.

When it finally arrived at my shared table, the tuna cheeks exceeded my already high expectations. Despite the casual street food setting, the taste was nothing short of extraordinary. Each bite was a burst of flavor, perfectly balanced between smoky char and the natural sweetness of the tuna.

The owner's dedication to his craft was evident in every aspect of the meal. From the meticulous preparation to the theatrical presentation, it was clear that he poured his heart and soul into each dish. This level of passion truly elevated the dining experience.

In addition to the exceptional food, the atmosphere at Izakaya Toyo was lively and inviting. The unpretentious setting created a different type of space, to savor the meal and connect with the friendly girls we shared the table with. The staff were attentive but don't expect them to be fast, the place will be crowded but this adds up to to the overall enjoyment of the evening.

In summary, Izakaya Toyo offers a culinary journey that engages all the senses. The flamed tuna cheeks were a highlight, and the chef's mastery of the open fire grill was a testament to his skill. If you're seeking an unforgettable dining experience in Japan, Izakaya Toyo is a must-visit...