This place is a complete ripoff in the main tourist area of Asakusa with a poor atmosphere and sub-par service compared to my experience in Japan.
I should have been alarmed when I noticed that they offer sushi but also cuts of Kobe beef in the same restaurant. Also, the blinking lights surrounding the menu should have been a giveaway. But I ignored the red flags against my better instincts since the restaurant had 888x 5-star reviews at my time of visiting. A sushi restaurant does not serve beef and vice versa. This is highly uncommon for Japan since one place usually specializes in one single type of cuisine/ food. Sushi and beef couldn’t be further apart in types of skills needed for preparation.
The staff was more concerned with offering to take pictures than cooking the food or providing the great service that Japan is renown for. Before the staff served or cooked the food, they brought out the uncooked meat on a platter and positioned it next to a golden trophy that certifies the origin and the quality of the meat. They obviously took great pride in that and wanted to make sure to be recognized for providing this type of Kobe beef. The staff then asked me to take a picture of it and offered to take a picture of me with the uncooked meat and the trophy. I declined.
While preparing the meat on the grill in front of me, the chef took out his phone and was typing in translations to communicate with me. In my opinion, he should have been more dedicated or concerned about preparing the meal and offering high class service for that price instead of playing on his phone.
I ordered the lunch set that consists of sirloin Kobe beef, rice, miso soup and a side of veggies. Steak came out before the soup.
The waiter/ chef forgot my drink for which he still wanted to charge me. I complained at the end. The food is OK quality but actually sub-par for Japan. I was very disappointed to be honest. There was some hard/ tough parts included I. The meat that were hard to chew/ swallow.
At the end of the meal, I was presented with a sheet, wrapped in shrink-plastic with a QR code, prompting me to scan it and leave a Google review on the spot. I kinda felt pressured into providing a review under the watchful eyes of the staff.
Prices on the outside do not match the prices on the menu since they advertise smaller portions and without tax. I was drawn into the restaurant since the prices on the outside showed set-menus between ¥2,500 to ¥5,000. I chose a cut of beef that was offered for around ¥13,000. The final bill was around ¥17,000. So I still do not understand how they went from ¥13,000 to over ¥17,000. Even with the add-on of rice and soup that was ¥880, this price is far from it. 0 stars.
Atmosphere is bad too. They play American rap music and pop music. No...
Read moreWe had an amazing dinner for my cousins’ last night in Japan.
First of all, there are 2 locations and we ended up at the location where we didn’t have a reservation. Although they offered to take us at the first location, we were meeting up with our cousins and some want to conflate them going to a different location. The employee at the first location kindly walked us to the one where we had our reservation. Such amazing service off the bat!!!
Ignacio and Gala were the chefs that took care of our table and prepared such a beautiful and delicious meal for us. We felt very welcome and our party had a great time being together and sharing a memorable meal. We appreciate that they took our later reservation and did not rush us out the door despite us finishing up past their closing time, but we were also mindful not to stay way too late so they could...
Read moreFrom the moment I stepped into the restaurant, I was greeted with warm hospitality and an inviting ambiance that set the tone for an unforgettable dining experience.
The beef was tender, succulent, and melted in my mouth, delivering a rich and flavorful taste that was simply unparalleled. Each bite was a testament to the meticulous care and expertise that goes into preparing this world-class meat.
In addition to the outstanding food, the service was exemplary. The staff was knowledgeable and passionate about the cuisine, providing insightful recommendations and ensuring that every aspect of my meal was perfect. Their attention to detail and genuine hospitality enhanced the overall experience, making it truly special.
For anyone seeking the finest in culinary excellence, Halal Kobe Beef is a must-visit...
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