I recently dined at Hosokawa and while the food, especially the wagyu, lived up to expectations, the overall experience was ruined by a number of service-related issues.
To begin with, the service provided by the Asian male server was nothing short of disappointing. His demeanor was consistently rude, failing to offer even a basic greeting or acknowledgment. This was particularly evident when I informed him of my lactose intolerance, to which he responded with indifference and walked away. Right from the beginning of the night, when we just settled in out seats, he forcefully placed the menu in front of my face without a word of greeting. Even a simple request, like changing my boyfriend's chopsticks, was met with silence and a lack of courtesy. Furthermore, when another server made an error by omitting a "slide of fresh passion fruit" from my drink, it was the same server who returned with a half a passion fruit, dropping it into my glass without a word, still maintaining his unpleasant attitude. His behavior was the most frustrating aspect of our evening.
Furthermore, there was a notable lack of explanation of the dishes from the staff. This left us feeling somewhat uninformed and disconnected from the dining experience. However, I must commend another staff member who noticed the issue with my drink and offered to make a replacement, which was a nice gesture.
Additionally, the appetizer, tuna, was served cold, dry, and tough, which significantly impacted our overall dining experience. The disappointment extended to the dessert as well. Waiting 20 minutes for a bowl of sour sorbet with underwhelming fruit cuts and irrelevant juice floating at the bottom left much to be desired. While I understand the limitations due to my lactose intolerance, a proactive approach to inform me of the dessert change and offer alternatives would have been appreciated. Unfortunately, this was not the case.
The overall impression left by the waiting staff was one of unprofessionalism, unwelcoming behavior, and frankly, disrespect. In light of these service-related issues, I hope the management takes steps to rectify these...
Read moreI recently had the unfortunate experience of dining at this restaurant and I must say, it was a complete waste of money. My girlfriend and I were celebrating her birthday and the overall experience fell far short of our expectations.
To start with, the bill for two people came to a staggering 320 euros, with a menu of 120 euros per person. Despite the exorbitant prices, the food served was not on par with what we expected. The starter was a uninspired miso soup, the third course was nothing more than an iceberg lettuce salad, and the dessert was forgettable. We have dined at other Japanese restaurants at this price point and have had a far more refined and satisfying experience.
The service at the restaurant was also incredibly rushed and not up to the standard one would expect for this level of dining. The staff did not explain the condiments to us and it felt like everything was done in a hurry. To make matters worse, we found it strange that other guests were wearing training suits and were quite loud, which did not contribute to the overall refined atmosphere one would expect at a restaurant that serves menus at a 120-130 euro price point.
Given the high cost of the meal and the overall disappointment, we gave the restaurant feedback by mail and requested some kind of solution, but unfortunately they still did not answer. Therefore I am posting this review.
I strongly recommend that you avoid this restaurant at all costs and do not waste your money on this subpar dining experience. It is clear that the restaurant needs to take customer feedback into consideration and make significant improvements in order to offer a worthwhile dining experience for...
Read moreRestaurant Review: Hosokawa, Amsterdam
Tucked away in the heart of Amsterdam, Hosokawa offers an undeniably authentic slice of Japan. I recently had the chance to experience it on a business dinner, and while this isn’t the kind of place I’d typically seek out, it left an impression that’s hard to ignore.
At EUR 210 per person (excluding drinks), it’s certainly on the upper end—clearly a place for special occasions, business, or serious food lovers. But is it worth it? Surprisingly, yes. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience.
From the moment you enter, the atmosphere is unmistakably Japanese. The hospitality is extraordinary—warm, polite, almost ceremoniously attentive. You’re not just a guest; you feel like you’ve been invited into a cultural ritual. Every movement, every detail, down to how the dishes are served, is done with quiet elegance and precision.
Now, the food: flawless.The meat—especially the teppanyaki beef—was like butter, melting in your mouth with almost no effort. Every bite delivered texture, depth, and balance. It’s rare to eat something so refined, so completely free of flaws. You don’t just taste the dish, you feel it.
Would I go back? Personally, no. Not because of the quality—it’s undeniably superb—but because it’s simply not my scene. I’m more comfortable in casual spaces, less ceremony, more spontaneity. That said, I’m very glad I went. It’s an unforgettable experience, and one that absolutely delivers what it promises: a true journey to Japan, right in the heart of Amsterdam.
Rating: 9/10 Best for: Business dinners, special occasions, lovers of authentic Japanese cuisine.
Not for: Casual eaters or those expecting...
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