Isogin Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in George Town

Our first visit here....misled by the many positive reviews posted by others about the food taste, quality and ambience.

Really? Our experience.was quite different.

We were met by the lady Manager who proceeded immediately to instruct us to: a. Register using QR code or write our details b. Observe social distancing at all times c. Sit across from each other at the table and not face each other, "otherwise you and the restaurant will be fined MYR1,000.00 !"

and, finally...

d. We were simply handed two plastic envelopes with nothing said. We deduced they were meant for us to insert our mask into.

What happened to "hello, good evening" for a start, or a good heartfelt "Irashaimasu!!" upon our entry. Customer welcome does not begin by the staff reciting the list of do's and don'ts even before we are seated!!

Oddly, with all the above-emphasis on the do's and don'ts to prevent Corona Virus infection, the Manager herself was speaking to us - at close range - without her mask on. This was immediately pointed out to her, and she showed her displeasure by sulking.

We ordered a variety of usual Japanese food and I have to candidly say that they were ALL completely unremarkable...in taste and presentation. In fact, the fish on the sushi looked rather tired.

It was also at the tip of my tongue to tell the surly and sulky sushi chef that he should put his mask on at all times, since he is working on and breathing over raw food. But, by then, we had enough of the unfriendly and cold atmosphere in this restaurant already. And so, I paid up and left....never to return again.

Thumbs down for service attitude and...

Food: Fresh, tasty and nice presentation. Vibes: Cozy and air-conditioned. Service: Pleasant and prompt. Price: Worth it. Verdict: Highly Recommended.

A very cozy husband and wife run Japanese restaurant that served very authentic and fresh Japanese food, including special air-flown seasonal sashimi. The husband, a very experienced Japanese Chef, prepares the dishes while the wife serves the dishes and ensuring a very pleasant dining experience! Perfect combination!

This is a sushi and sashimi restaurant that serves sashimi, sushi, makimono (rolled sushi), yakimono (grilled or pan fried food), nimono (simmered food), nabemono (hotpot), udon and soba. In addition, they also serve Omakase for those who want to pamper themselves. However, they don't serve tempura or ramen.

It is certainly the best Japanese restaurant in Penang for me and I frequent it regularly for fresh air-flown seasonal sashimi. My favorites are nouten toro tataki, hokkigai sashimi, tobiuo (flying fish) sashimi, uni sushi and aji sashimi.

The restaurant accepts customers with RESERVATION ONLY ! Therefore, make sure you make a reservation first before you head there!

Additions. Today Sun 22 June 2025, had one seasonal fish, Houbou Sashimi, Sushi & Soup 3-in-1 Combo. Excellent!

Today Fri 4 Sep 2025, had Sanma Sashimi.. very...

Very obvious this restaurant only serving their regular customers...my first time here. We make reservation and we were late bcos there's a car blocked the carpark to enter the building to the restaurant. Upon reached we were told the late and their rules only hold for 20 minutes (we were not told during reservation time on this terms) afterall not we purposely to be late but incident happened.

Next, we over looked the lunch menu set as we were first time here, the lady boss answered rudely as if we can't afford to pay for it or we just came here for set meal🙄🙄🙄

I asked on a page of an ala carte...she just say this is special ALA carte menu and then no explanation as all. It's in Japanese words..how could we know how to read!

Then she served drinks and food, 4 of us there and she totally treat me and my partner transparents and only served my the other 2 frens with smile😅😅😅

It's my birthday Eve and I tot I could enjoy my meal but unfortunately with this kind of serving we only ordered very less item to eat. Really spoilt mood to eat.

I hv visited many restaurant with good business and never been served so badly before. Will never visit again...