Roppongi Robataya — Restaurant in Tokyo

Last night, we dined at Robataya Roppongi, expecting an authentic Japanese experience, but what we encountered was nothing short of a disaster. We were a group of four adults and three children (aged 7 and 9). Upon arrival, we were taken aback by how rundown the place looked – not the inviting atmosphere we were hoping for. We settled in and immediately asked the manager for a menu, especially since all the signage above the chefs was in Japanese, and none of us could read it.

The manager’s response was bizarre. He informed us that they didn’t have a menu or any prices available. This was perplexing, so we pressed him on how we were supposed to order. His answer? “Just pick from the display in front of you, and we’ll cook it.” Feeling uneasy but giving it a shot, we went ahead with his instructions. Shortly after, an appetizer arrived that we hadn’t ordered, and we assumed it was complimentary. Only later did we find out it was 700 yen per person! Charging for something we didn’t even request was, to put it mildly, an unwelcome surprise.

We continued ordering, opting for beef skewers, potatoes, shrimp, fish, rice cakes, and a sashimi platter for four. While the beef skewers were flavorful and the sashimi tasted fresh, the portions were absolutely laughable. For the whopping 10,000 yen we were charged, we received approximately 15 thin, almost see-through slices of sashimi. It felt like an outright rip-off.

Throughout the meal, the manager’s attitude only worsened the experience. His demeanor could best be described as worse than the Grinch’s. He seemed openly irritated by the presence of our children, making no effort to hide his disapproval. Basic service protocols were completely neglected – he removed our plates but never replaced them before the next course arrived. This created a clumsy and disjointed dining experience, which was even more shocking considering that there were 10 staff members and only 13 diners present, including us. With so many staff on hand, you’d expect at least decent service, but it was abysmal.

When the bill finally arrived, we were left in shock. The total came to a staggering 123,000 yen – equivalent to roughly $1,230 AUD. For a meal lacking both menu transparency and basic courtesy, this price was beyond outrageous. Not once were we informed of the cost of our selections, and we felt blatantly manipulated, as though the pricing was simply concocted on the spot.

I would strongly advise against dining at this establishment. It’s not only terrible but also exploitative. I feel deeply for the young chefs who seemed to genuinely try to provide a positive experience, but the manager’s behavior completely ruined the evening. He shouldn’t be in hospitality if his approach is to manipulate customers and decide pricing after the fact. Save yourself the disappointment – there are countless other restaurants in Tokyo where you can experience exceptional food without being taken advantage of. Avoid Robataya Roppongi...

Funny how I saw people giving this a one star because of the price. If you don't do your research and are dumb enough to walk into a random Japanese restaurant in this prestigious district and end up with a high bill it's your responsibility. This restaurant is not designed for narcissists who expect an English menu scrawled in crayon for them, nor is it for westerners whose palettes have been spoiled by refined oils, additives and trash ingredients who couldn't tell the difference between a ¥100 sushi and a Jiro Ginza sushi; nor does it adhere to American standards where you get an overload of food that is the culinary equivalent of a three-hour Marvel movie.

This place is high end. It's all about the freshest ingredients Japan has to offer, served in simple, minimalist Japanese style. This could be too refined and subtle for spoiled western palettes expecting explosive carb-laden extravaganzas.

Asparagus served as is with a little Mayo. Shrimp served as is with a slice of lemon. Best shrimp I ever tasted. It is plucked from a tank in front of you. Didn't need the lemon. And so on.

They serve you with a giant wooden shovel enabling the chef to stay at the grill, which is novel.

They make mochi in the restaurant in front of you, pounding it with giant staffs, one of a few interactive showy performances they do. You can join in.

They have a range of sake -- one was what seemed to be a 330-500 ml (bottle) at about $70. It was amazing. But probably not worth it unless you have cash to burn. I won't forget the taste though.

Beef skewers were great. Sashimi was next level -- can't remember having better salmon than that; it redefined it for me.

If you have the dough this is a good spot...

This is the biggest scam restaurant I have ever been to in my life.

Their motive here is to rip you off anyway they can.

We arrived and asked for a sake and pointed to our neighbours bottle (a well known sake about $30-$50 a bottle). The waiter said it was sold out and said he’d get us an equivalent bottle. We asked for a menu. He laughed and shouted to the other staff that we had requested a menu. They all laughed at us. He said they don’t have menus. I asked again and he said there are no menus. If that doesn’t ring alarm bells, I don’t know what does.

He bought over a bottle but before opening I asked him the price. He finally owned up - $500!!!! I declined the bottle and we had local bottled beer which was $15 (usually $5 in Japan).

The food is unbelievably average and overpriced. And once again no menu or disclosure of price until the cheque arrives at the end of the meal. A single prawn? $49. One piece of asparagus? $8. Of course you don’t find this out until the cheque arrives and you get the fright of your life.

We had two beers each and about five items from the menu - $200 a head.

We left starving and went to a local restaurant for a proper meal - $25 including drinks.

Avoid This tourist trap.

There are incredible restaurants in Tokyo where you can eat and drink until your hearts content for less than $100....