Let me preface this review by saying how much I adore Danny Meyers. He can (almost always) do no wrong in my book, and I deeply respect him as an entrepreneur, especially as one who has had his kind of longevity and success in the restaurant business. Not an easy feat by any means and if you visit any of his establishments in NYC, you will see why. Maybe my expectations were inflated, maybe it was just an off day for the restaurant, but I was underwhelmed by this particular Tokyo location. The food was not bad but not remarkable, so that was a huge bummer (unlike his NYC restaurants, all excellent).
I was most disappointed in the service. Now, the waiters were excellent and very attentive, many kudos to them. My issue was with the maitre d. We waited for about 20 minutes on a Friday night without a reservation (party of three), so the assistant maitre'd kindly offered a table on the terrace, thanking us for waiting. Apparently the terrace seats are the most coveted, especially on a nice late spring/early summer evening. As we were being led through the restaurant, the maitre d rushed over and blocked us from heading out to the terrace and redirected us to a table inside. To be frank, I would not have cared either way, but it felt odd that suddenly this table on the terrace was unavailable. I think the explanation given to us at the time by the assistant maitre d was that there was a reservation for the table that she was unaware of. A weak excuse, yes, but I gave her the benefit of the doubt, as it seemed like she was already being chastised by the maitre d so I didn't want to give her any more trouble. However, that turned out to be untrue (the unavailable table part). There were at least a couple vacancies on the terrace throughout our meal and it was half cleared out by the time we left. I don't know what happened exactly, but it definitely looked like the maitre d was screening us. Even if this were not true, he gave off a very bad vibe and something about him felt insincere. He apologized as were were leaving, but it felt half-assed and feigned. Even my brother who is usually not really sensitive to this kind of stuff was put off by him.
For a restaurant with a decent wine list, the wine glasses were really cheap. Moreover, the table cloth was not the standard cotton or linen, but the waterproof polyester kind. The kind that doesn't need to be replaced, just wiped off. Felt cheap and didn't match the ambience (not to mention the price point.)
Wish I could give it a better rating, but having visited Danny Meyers's other establishments and as a true fan (even read his book Setting the Table), I...
Read moreIf you're searching for a dining experience that combines exquisite cuisine with a high-class atmosphere, look no further than Union Square Tokyo. From the moment you step inside, you're enveloped in an elegant ambiance that perfectly sets the stage for a memorable evening.
One of the standout features of Union Square Tokyo is undoubtedly their mojitos. I can confidently say that they serve some of the best mojitos in Japan! Each cocktail is expertly crafted, striking the perfect balance between refreshingly minty and delightfully tangy. The presentation is equally impressive, with fresh mint and lime artfully garnishing each glass, making it a true feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
The culinary offerings at Union Square are equally exceptional. Each dish is beautifully plated, showcasing not only the chef's talent but also the fresh, high-quality ingredients used in every creation. I was particularly impressed by [insert specific dish], which was not only delicious but also a visual masterpiece. The colors, textures, and attention to detail in the presentation elevate the dining experience to a whole new level.
The service at Union Square Tokyo matches the high standards set by the food and drink. The staff is attentive and knowledgeable, ready to guide you through the menu and recommend the perfect pairings for your meal. Their professionalism and genuine enthusiasm for the offerings enhance the overall experience, making you feel like a valued guest.
In summary, Union Square Tokyo is a culinary gem that offers an extraordinary dining experience with the best mojitos in Japan, exquisite plating, and a sophisticated atmosphere. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to indulge in fine dining, this restaurant is a must-visit. I can’t wait to return for another round of those fabulous mojitos and to explore more of their...
Read moreSpent last Sunday dinner having a miserable experience having ordered crispy corn ribs to start and a squid ink pasta as a main. The corn ribs had no corn in them whatsoever (front of house alleged it was just crushed baby sweetcorn tips but...) a salty gooey mash vaguely shaped like a baby sweetcorn tip but largely potato mash vaguely fried and the squid ink pasta itself was black but had NO sauce or flavour, 3 small pieces of squid and 3 large pieces of randomly sliced onion. Dry as a bone! Needless to say I went home hungry after dining with friends and only having had a few forkfuls of the vaguely tolerable mixed salad....I will never go again. I do wonder how these places survive...Waiting staff were OK but the Front of House tried to argue he still had to charge me for the useless corn rib starter although in the end, it was...
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