A very bad experience during my stay in Tokyo. I made a reservation at Hiroo Onogi a month before my trip through the online booking platform. I received an automated email which stated my request had been received BUT my booking was not confirmed until I receive a confirmation from the restaurant itself. I waited for over a week, at which point I emailed the restaurant directly to ask whether my reservation was confirmed or if I should make other arrangements. I received no response, so I understood my reservation was not confirmed.
Fast forward to the day before my reservation when I receive an email at 1:45pm saying I have 15min to confirm my reservation or it will be canceled and my spot given to someone else. Considering I didn’t have internet in Tokyo I only saw this email when I got back to my hotel at night, so I understood that since I did not respond in the very short 15min confirmation period the reservation was canceled and my spot given to someone else, as the email clearly stated.
The next day (the day of the ‚reservation’), I get a phone call from the restaurant to confirm. I say that 1) they never responded to my email and I did not receive a confirmation so I made different plans, 2) they said my spot would be given to someone else if I didn’t respond to the email, which I did not, so no, I would not be coming to the restaurant. They proceeded to tell me that for cancellation on the day I would need to pay the full price of the dinner set menu, which is completely ridiculous. I explained the situation and refused to cover the cost, as the restaurant’s communication was terribly poor and at no point was my reservation confirmed.
At night I received a call from the restaurant saying I was liable for a 100% no show charge. I again said that was absolutely ridiculous and hung up. The restaurant proceeded to harass me with phone calls and then sent me a bill via email and told me that ‚because of people like me the image of foreign guests has deteriorated’ and that they don’t want to host ‚people like me’. Their messages were very rude and they absolutely do not see anything wrong with their conduct.
My reservation was NEVER confirmed. It is common knowledge that it is hard to get reservations in Tokyo, so I had to make other plans when I could not get in touch with Hiroo Onogi about confirming my reservation. Trying to charge me with a no-show fee, when the restaurant was the one who did not get in touch with me to confirm, is ridiculous.
I cannot speak of the quality of the food, but the customer service leaves much...
Read moreHiroo Onogi is a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Tokyo, and each visit feels like a journey into the soul of Japanese gastronomy. My wife and I have had the pleasure of dining here multiple times, and with each omakase experience, we are consistently swept away by the sheer brilliance of Chef Onogi's creations.
From the moment you step into the intimate ambiance of the restaurant, you're enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth and sophistication. Seated at the bar, we've had the privilege of witnessing the culinary magic unfold before our eyes. The chef and his skilled team not only craft exquisite dishes but also engage with diners, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience.
The omakase menu is a masterpiece of culinary artistry, showcasing the freshest ingredients and expert techniques. Each course is a symphony of flavors and textures, meticulously curated to tantalize the taste buds and ignite the senses. From delicate sashimi to perfectly crispy tempura, every bite is a revelation.
But Hiroo Onogi is more than just a restaurant; it's a sanctuary for food enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable dining experience. The attention to detail, the impeccable service, and the genuine passion for food and hospitality elevate it to a league of its own.
Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer to Japanese cuisine, Hiroo Onogi is a must-visit destination in Tokyo. Prepare to be transported on a culinary journey like no other, where every moment is savored, and every dish is a...
Read moreHad dinner here for my family's last meal before our flying out- the food was great and the service was great... if you are Japanese. One of my party fell sick right before dinner and as a lovely opening to our meal, we received a lecture from Onogi-san that having an empty seat on the bar looked bad (never mind if one is legitimately sick). Whatever it was, it clearly upset him as Onogi-san barely made eye contact or mentioned a word to our party throughout the service (he handed our dishes to one of his brigade which was then served to us)- this was probably due to the fact we were seated at the far end of the bar (out of sight, out of mind). We had the potted lobster for our final course which was delicious and asked for the cheque, Onogi-san was very generous and only charged us an additional 10,000 Yen for our party member that could not attend.
All in all, it was a great dinner barring the bitter taste at both the start and end of the meal. The good news is that the cooking almost made up for...
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