The Ukai Taipei — Restaurant in Xinyi District

Please note that there are 2 reviews in included here. 1) Positive review for TEPPANYAKI side - worth a try 2) Extremely poor review for OMAKASE side - not worth the price for poor service

1. TEPPANYAKI (5 stars, for party of 5) - After having the most amazing time at Ukai-tei Kaohsiung, we decided to try it out in Taipei. Firstly, Chef Ming Chiao Liu and the young gentleman who waited on us (unfortunately didn’t catch his name) was a delight! Their in-depth knowledge and introductions to each ingredient and plate were well appreciated along with their bright, positive and friendly demeanor. The 5 of us sat in their private room and ended up having a 3 hour lunch because we enjoyed chatting with them so much while enjoying each and every bite! We have such high praise for the two of them!

Shockingly leads me to an extremely negative review. Because we had enjoyed our teppanyaki meal so much, we quickly made reservations for the adjacent side. We would come to regret it.

2. OMAKASE (1 star, party of 7) - We arrived early so we waited briefly at the restaurant’s waiting area for two of our family friends (2 lovely sweet older couple) to arrive. As they arrived, our two parties exchanged brief pleasantries and gifts. A woman, whom I only realized later was their manager, announced loudly for us to enter. Because we were still greeting each other, she proclaimed even louder (for me it was at an uncomfortable volume) for us to enter. In order to respect the elders and give them a little more time, I quickly whispered to her to wait a few seconds. The manager, Jennifer, seemed oddly confused. It’s as if she didn’t take in account of any social cues at all.

As we sat down at our tables, our waitress Sara came to take our order. She asked for allergies and dietary requests. At the table, there were non green onion eater, non beef eaters and non meat eaters. Sara quickly zeroed in on the person in our party and questioned - “Are you actually allergic to the green onions?” (And no, he wasn’t, but the taste has always made him sick so hence requesting to remove). Sara quickly stated in a matter of fact tone “Well if you’re not allergic, then you should stick with what the chef prepared. It would be better to stick with what’s already on the dish.” All of us at the table were shocked to hear this. We never expected such a response considering every restaurant beforehand had been more than happy to accommodate our dietary requests. Wouldn’t this also apply to forcing non-beef eaters to eat beef as well (since technically it’s religious reasons and we aren’t allergic to it)? The waitress was just as awkward the rest of our meal.

In order to not ruin the atmosphere among friends, we decided to speak with the manager towards the end of the meal. Turns out the manager, Jennifer, was just as cold, unfriendly and uptight as we had experienced at the beginning. She listened to our situation, seemed confused again and quickly brushed off our explanation and proclaimed that it must’ve been the kitchen’s fault. Instead of offering any apologies or perhaps suggestions as to how she would see to the situation, she left a snarky remark as to my mother’s shoes were not on par with the restaurants regulation. Then, she walked away...... This was the 2nd time of the night that left us with our mouths open. To think we paid for an expensive meal just to have the staff basically spite us. Because of the unfortunate attitude from the manager, Jennifer - there is no wonder that this poor leadership results is mirrored among her staff.

The only saving grace at the omakase was the nice presentation of food as well as the only friendly waitress Fiona. Thank you Fiona for making our meal bearable.

Last side note: On the 2 diff occasions, it was noted by multiple members of our party that the hostess was hostile and rough. Not friendly and in fact blunt and forceful when speaking. Unless this was the intention, would highly recommend the restaurant in placing a friendlier, nicer hostess as the first person who greets...

DO NOT GO HERE - if I could give negative stars, I would.

My family and I made a reservation at this restaurant for my birthday. Given the occasion and it was a high-end Michelin star restaurant, I wore an expensive pair of designer sandals. Not only was I DENIED entry because their dress code prohibits “女仕穿拖鞋,” but also told to go downstairs to the department store to buy suitable shoes for the restaurant. The meaning of “拖鞋“ which is slipper or flip flops, we were under the impression referred to everyday wear beach flip flops, not designer brand sandals. Given the absurdity of request, we asked for the manager to appear, to which she (her name is Jennifer) concurred with her receptionist and told us that we were unable to dine because “拖鞋” meant that our heels needed to be covered with a heel strap or backing. At this moment, my sister pointed out that her shoes (also expensive designer sandals) did not meet the requirement either and no one stopped her from entering. At this point, the manager realized that their dress code was vague and had loopholes, to which she exclaimed that although this is their policy, they will reluctantly allow us to dine at their restaurant, without an apology for how their policy was unclear. Not only did they ruin a birthday dinner, they didn’t take responsibility for their own unclear dress code policy. For a restaurant where you pay at least $5000NTD a head, I really expected more from their customer service and management. Severely disappointed.

TLDR: Extremely poor management and customer service drove away...

Hidden Policy, Not Family or Kid Friendly

My Kid is only 3 yrs old. Cannot have the adult meal

I made a reservation of Kappou for my family trip. However, got the confirmation call , told me to choose the menu, but they cannot provide the menu, just said 2 prices 4000 and 5500 ntd. when I ask about difference. The staff said "just some beef and seafood difference" , but still cannot tell the exact menu. OK fine. I choose 5500.

Then, the staff told me there is no children menu, Minimum Charge is 5500 per one person.

First , there is no any "Minimum Charge" mention during the official reservation process. But the staff keep saying there is minimum charge. But there is 4000ntd menu , why 5500 min. charge per person? Then, the staff told me min charge is 4000ntd. Finally, I dont accept the hidden policy. So, I cancel the reservation.

Actually, they dont care about Kid or what food customer want, they only care when you make a reservation, you have to bring enough money, even the MIN CHARGE is hidden. What worse experience. Never encounter same thing for such premium restuarant managed...