Kuya J — Restaurant in Cebu City

We went at Kuya J's during the Chinese New Year. We were supposed to eat somewhere but almost all of the restaurants especially chinese restaurants in SM Seaside are full. We went there with my family around 2pm and ordered our food and the crew suggested us to order their meal bundles and we ordered what's on their menu and our preferences. We waited almost 30 minutes for the food and they served it 1 by 1, first they serve the rice and a few minutes another rice and so on until completed. What I am complainibg is that we are very hungry and were serve rice after another and the last dish that was served was the pata. Then I ordered also 5 halohalo and ask to served it layer but after eating they only served 1 halo halo and ask the crew that I ordered 5 so they checked on their list and the crew mistakenly put 1, I insisted to add 2 nalang because they said it will be served right away it took another 30+ minutes for them to serve the halo halo. And another thing is while I was paying I hand my debit card and senior card for the discount the cashier said that senior discounts do not apply since we ordered bundle meal. We just ordered the 1promo meal which is 500+ and the halohalo and the pata bundle meal (that is not discounted) and others were ala carte. Based on my experience with other restaurants they still give discounts if you have ala carte orders, I know not all or the to al bill will be discounted because we only have 1 senior citizen companion but atleast they have honored the policy, I paid without any complains. Lastly my father used their CR and it was very dirty that's why he complained to the manager and as I have observed also in their kitchen it was a bit messy, the floor is very untidy. It's not worth it. Sayang ako pa yung nag recommend dun kakain kasi okay naman experience ko sa kuya...

We arrived at the restaurant just before noon, eager to enjoy a meal together. Upon entering, I couldn't help but notice that there were only two waitstaff present: a woman and a man. The female waitress seemed visibly unhappy in her role, her frustration palpable as she stood behind the counter. When we requested a table for eight, she merely gestured with her finger, seeming to disregard the need to count the available chairs. I politely pointed out that we would need an additional chair. Without much thought, she replied curtly that we could simply grab one from another table.

Shortly after, the male waiter approached us with the menus, but to my surprise, he only brought two copies. Realizing that we needed more for our group, I had to ask for additional menus to accommodate our companions.

On a more positive note, the food was exceptional. Each dish we ordered was not only delicious but also bursting with flavor, a true testament to the kitchen's skill. The pricing was surprisingly reasonable, making it a commendable choice for anyone looking to save without sacrificing quality. The ambiance of the restaurant added to the overall experience, creating a pleasant environment to enjoy our meal.

However, I would suggest that the restaurant consider increasing their staff during peak hours. The lack of adequate waitstaff led to a decline in basic customer service, which in turn affected the overall dining atmosphere and our appetites. While it may seem like a simple cost-saving measure, I believe that providing that extra level of service is crucial in encouraging patronage and enhancing the dining experience...

I would like to extend my sincere commendation to the team at Kuya J Restaurant, especially to the waitress named Sheen, the waiter trainee and the Manager Hake for accommodating us at SM Seaside Branch last sunday for consistently delivering an outstanding dining experience.

From the moment we stepped in, we were warmly welcomed by the staff, whose attentiveness and professionalism made us feel genuinely valued. The service was prompt and courteous, with the team ensuring that every request was met with a smile and efficiency. It’s rare to encounter such a well-coordinated and genuinely hospitable crew.

The food was nothing short of excellent. Every dish from their signature crispy pata to the flavorful kare-kare and the indulgent halo-halo was prepared with great care and authenticity. The flavors were rich and satisfying, staying true to Filipino culinary traditions while presenting them with a modern touch.

The atmosphere of the restaurant added to the overall experience. The space was clean, well-lit, and comfortably arranged, making it ideal for both casual meals and family gatherings. The ambience strikes a perfect balance between cozy and vibrant, reflecting the warm and welcoming spirit of Filipino hospitality.

Thank you, Kuya J SM Seaside team, for making our visit memorable. We look forward to dining with you again and recommending your branch to friends and family. 10/10...