Koji Teppanyaki & Grill Timaru — Restaurant in South Island

It was an impromptu trip to Timaru for my husband's birthday. We drive around and found this place.

The staff were lovely although it took a while to understand that dinner was only buffet style. Being called a Teppanyaki and grill place, you would think that you will be treated to a meal with some entertainment. But no, take note that it's a menu selection that you can choose whatever you like on the menu. Interesting concept. It's good if you go in a group and get to try all the dishes on the menu!

The restaurant was spacious. Unfortunately, the floors and tables are sticky. Some of their menus needed to be cleaned too as it was sticky. The lights in the ladies toilet was out..I couldn't even see a lightbulb in the ceiling.

Aside from the atmosphere. The food is surprisingly good. We ordered most things on the menu to try. And all were good. Just the teppan pork was slightly chewy and the beef takaki was not thinly sliced enough, so slightly chewy too.

Overall, food 4 stars and the service was lovely which gives it 5. It's unfortunate, that the atmosphere makes it hard to enjoy it fully.

##Amended Add on##: It was really disappointing that we found out when we got home that our two kids were charged full price, even though we were told that both of them were half price. We don't always scrutinize the bills as we often trust the restaurant to be vigilant with their charging. Since it was a head count of 3 adults and 2 kids. We didn't think we need to doubt their charging. Again, disappointing. Especially when it was a birthday celebration. I've revised the service rating...

I was very disappointed. Our first indication of problems was the sticky tables. Could not place your arms or phone on the table without peeling them off, was also awkward for picking up your glass and napkin. When asked why table so sticky, he said because of varnish. Well that is a big problem.

Next we ordered a few starters and some sake.

The dumplings, tasted undercooked, but did have a nice flavor.

The beef, underwhelming, no flavor, lack of sauce, raw beef taste. I have had this dish many times and loved it.

We got raw Salmon sushi, instead of sashimi, but I admit that was our mistake. But the girl said a lot of people make this mistake. So if common mistake, should the server say do you want sushi or sashimi?

Hot Sake - we were really looking forward to this, we ordered the most expensive one. But it never came. No one checked on us.

I think 2 tables, 3 servers….

We got up to pay and no one cleared our table.

This restaurant has real potential, it felt cozy. But there is no restaurant without good service and non sticky tables. If you can not deliver what is ordered you 1. Lose sales 2....

I posted previously about my displeasure at an incident where I had to pay more than I thought due to confusion over the menu and prices. After talking to the waitress and the manager over the phone, I was invited back to discuss the matter in person. The manager was lovely and apologetic and we were able to talk about the miscommunication. She explained her end and I told her where I was coming from and she was very accepting of what I had to say. I felt satisfied with the outcome and she even handed me a voucher which was a very nice gesture. I also just want to add that the waitress that served us was lovely and despite my wife and I's confusion at the end of the evening, her service and professionalism was great throughout. In the heat of the moment, I was frustrated at the incident and not the person. Koji is a very nice establishment and has amazing food and the staff are excellent. Even though I've had a hiccup, I look forward to eating there again. My wife and I thoroughly...