Kyu Izakaya — Restaurant in Johor

Dear Management

I am writing to express my deep dissatisfaction with the poor service I received at your establishment on 13 June 2023. I believe it is crucial to bring to your attention the unfortunate experience I had, particularly due to the judgmental behavior and overall lack of professionalism displayed by one of your waitstaff.

Upon entering your restaurant, I had high expectations based on the positive reviews and recommendations from friends. However, from the moment I was seated, it became apparent that the service would not meet these expectations. The waiter assigned to my table, whose name I regretfully did not catch, exhibited a dismissive and judgmental attitude towards me and my dining companion throughout the entire evening.

Firstly, our waiter seemed disinterested and unengaged. It took an excessive amount of time for him to approach our table, leaving us waiting impatiently for his attention. When he finally arrived, he made no effort to make us feel welcome or valued as customers. His lack of enthusiasm was palpable, and it made us feel like an inconvenience rather than paying guests.

What was even more distressing was the waiter's judgmental behavior towards our food choices. As we perused the menu, he made unwarranted comments and raised his eyebrows disapprovingly when we ordered items that he apparently deemed unconventional or not up to his standards. This blatant display of judgment was not only unprofessional but also completely unwarranted. As paying customers, we should be able to choose our meals without feeling scrutinized or judged.

Furthermore, the service itself was subpar. Our drinks were not promptly refilled, and we had to repeatedly wave down our waiter to request basic condiments that should have been provided with our meals. The overall attentiveness and efficiency of the waitstaff were severely lacking, leaving us with a sense of frustration and disappointment.

As a customer, I believe it is essential for a restaurant to provide an enjoyable dining experience, which includes professional and courteous service. Unfortunately, my experience at your establishment fell far short of these expectations. The waiter's judgmental demeanor and lackluster service not only marred our evening but also left a lasting negative impression of your restaurant.

I sincerely hope that you take my feedback seriously and address these issues promptly. Training your staff to be more customer-focused, respectful, and professional would greatly enhance the overall dining experience at your establishment. I strongly believe that improving these aspects will not only benefit your customers but also your business, as word-of-mouth plays a significant role in attracting and retaining loyal patrons.

I expect a swift and satisfactory resolution to this matter. I trust that you will take the necessary steps to rectify the issues highlighted in this letter and ensure that no other customer has to endure such a disappointing experience in the future.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing from you regarding the actions taken to address...

Proper japanese establishment with unique dishes. Refined, unpretentious, quality cuisine.

Appetizers 'Hizunamasu' Marinated Salmon Cartilage : Marinated in rice vinegar, a little tang, right amount of saltiness, no need for soy sauce. Ask for a small side of freshly grated wasabi to complete the dish. Perfect appetizer to start the meal. Chewy mouthfeel, like jellyfish but with a little extra crunch.

Tori Karaage: Crispy, juicy, served with a side of mayo. Good standard dish.

A5 Wagyu Bone Marrow served hot in bone with bread buns: Properly salted, foie gras like experience but better. Seriously. Viscous beefy marrow + butter toasted bread bun. It's indulgent.

'Sake Toro' Salmon Belly Nigiri: You can tell the sushi chefs are well trained ,thick slice of salmon belly, scored beautifully, wrapped around the right amount of vinegared rice, dab of wasabi, dab of soy sauce. Don't mess with it, just put it in your mouth and enjoy chef's work.

Kappa Maki: if you like cucumber maki like me just get it and enjoy. Simple, add wasabi and abit of soy.

Mains Kani Miso Rice: Copious amount of sweet crab meat and mini roe on rice in a stone bowl. Crab shell full of it's egg topped with lightly crisped ginger strips. Side of miso broth for mixing. No need to put too much of the broth in. Rice and crab plus the roe alone is a delight for seafood lovers. Mix in the crab eggs and ginger for a different experience. Unique dish, enjoyable.

Premium Chirashi Don: Airflown seasonal sashimi topped on a bed of vinegared rice. Highlights are the uni and a fresh prawn.

Chirashi Don: Airflown seasonal sashimi topped on a bed of vinegared rice. No uni and prawn on this one but it's also a 1/3 of the price of the premium don. Still a very good pick. Value for money, fresh and thick slices of sashimi.

Dessert:

Japanese Yuzu Sorbet: Tangy, sweet, fine ice cream with flesh of the citrus within. Refreshing and enjoyable way to end the meal.

Matcha Mochi: Soft, warm, light and not overbearingly sweet.

Japanese Matcha Ice cream: Very fine, not overpowering, well balanced.

Quality over quantity here. Perfect for date nights, anniversaries, and quality family time.

Having eaten a ton of japanese food in Singapore, this place beats out many joints in Singapore in terms of quality, value and price.

There is attention to detail, taste and presentation in the food served here.

Until I find a better place for japanese food in...

Kyu Izakaya is a delightful destination for Japanese cuisine, known for its fresh ingredients and inviting ambiance. During our lunch visit, we were seated at the sushi display table, which provided a fascinating view of the chefs meticulously preparing sashimi—a moment that felt reminiscent of an omakase experience. Stepping out of our usual preference for salmon sashimi, we tried a platter of five sashimi varieties. Each piece was impressively fresh, generously thick-cut, and absolutely satisfying. The soft shell crab was equally remarkable, perfectly fried to achieve a crispy exterior and tender, succulent meat, showcasing excellent control over the cooking process. Coupled with attentive service and a cozy setting, Kyu Izakaya is ideal for celebrations or family gatherings.

While the prices lean toward the higher range, the superior quality of the dishes justifies the cost. The sea urchin was a highlight, free of any unpleasant fishy odor and elevated by the luxurious touch of caviar. The staff were highly attentive, often anticipating our needs before we even had to ask. Although the fried salmon skin may be an acquired taste, its unique texture added an intriguing element to the meal. Every detail, from the exquisite plating to the carefully brewed hot green tea, reflected the restaurant's commitment to quality. It’s worth mentioning that the restaurant's abundance of positive reviews might partly be due to a promotion offering free Tori Karaage for five-star ratings. Nevertheless, the food truly shines, setting Kyu Izakaya a level above the average Japanese eatery. For anyone seeking authentic flavors and a memorable dining experience, this restaurant is a...