Otto Izakaya Downtown — Restaurant in Greenville

I moved into The McClaren apts. (awesome place) about 14 months ago and discovered Otto Izakaya early on. Only 2 blocks away for me. Otto is, and has been, my go to place, especially when friends, family or business friends are visiting. Not a sole I have introduced has ever had anything but praises for the experience.

If we are a small group, I always encourage dining at the bar. I have no idea who will read this, but people buy from people; and people they enjoy interacting with. I would be totally remiss if I didn't specifically mention bar manager Matt and his team behind the bar. If Matt has ever met a stranger, I missed it, as he has the personality to balance the engagement with customers, while still providing excellent customer service. Also, everything I've tried off the menu is high-grade and fresh! That's a must for me. I'd be slack if I didn't mention the awesome hard working sushi chefs, who are always open to preparing a creation to suit YOUR palate and preferences.

As to other regular customers, and just my observation, but like me, they appear to have found a home away from home; a place to be comfortable, chill and let the time spent make a bad day better. I almost never take the time to give a review and especially a compliment; as I sometimes look for the negatives, as it is always so easy to criticize.

So, as a native Greenvillian and business (person); and someone who believes and enjoys a five * experience that is reasonably priced, give Otto Izakaya a try. Whether you live in the area, or are simply visiting, when you leave you will already be thinking about when you can do this again! If you enjoy an adult beverage, be sure and stop by the bar and ask for Matt, as this master mixologist will want to know exactly what you're looking for.

If you read this review and haven't stopped by, you're in for an experience catered to the way you would most enjoy it. And ladies, as I have a daughter in college, so please know whether by yourself, or in a group, you're in a safe place without being hassled and you don't have to look over shoulder (unless there is a stud sitting behind you), because Matt and the supporting staff will have your back so you can relax and enjoy. If you have a chance to meet the owner, please do, as his passion and dedication for excellence in all aspects of the business is instantly captivating.

Sorry for the length of this, I was on a roll! No "pun" intended! Give it a try...

My daughter and I love to try new sushi places, but it is always a gamble. Our lunch and subsequent dinner (same evening) were absolute culinary jackpots!!! We went in blind knowing nothing about this wondeful establishment and were pleasantly surprised by every aspect of our meals. From the friendly and fast service of our wonderful waitress Pam, who treated us as though we were regulars despite it being our first visit. To the mind blowingly delicious appetizers, sushi, and dessert (even the tea was excellent). The ambiance was relaxed yet beautifully appointed with nods to Korean and Japanese culture. My daughter and I especially loved the Korean posters at the entrance. But the star of the show was the food. We both had sushi for lunch. My daughter had the alaskan with salmon, and I had the spider rolls, the JJ spicy rolls, and the shrimp tempura. The spicy rolls were mind-blowing! Every element of flavor was distinct and complimented each component of the roll. A perfectly balanced symphony of flavor that had me wishing I had a bigger stomach. Each roll was just exceptionslly well executed from plating to composition. After our lunch, we walked the beautiful downtown for a couple of hours and kept gushing about how good our lunch was, which led to the question of where to go for dinner........ we looked at nearby places but ultimately decided that lunch was so amazing at Otto Izakaya that we wanted to return for dinner lol. The staff was so friendly and welcoming and seated us almost immediately despite being busy. We were lucky to be seated in Pams section again and the service the second time around was just as kind and wonderful. The fried Brussel sprout appetizer was incredible and II had to have the JJ spicy again as well as the lobster rolls and the Eel with seared tuna, SO GOOD!!!! This amazing meal was capped off with the most silky smooth slice of cheescake that just sent the experience into orbit. We have officially found our favorite place to eat in Greenville, hands down no contest. We will be back and would just like to thank the amazing staff and chefs for making our night so great...

Was in last night with my boyfriend (we are repeat customers actually) in which we sat at the bar to have some drinks for his birthday. We sat for over 25 minutes without so much as the bartender (Matt) acknowledging us period but making sure to acknowledge every other customer and having drinks with them. He wasn’t really ever behind the bar. We finally had to wave him down to order a drink. He never said anything to us after but again kept up with his other customers and continued taking shots with them. We waved him down for a second drink later in which he handed my boyfriend his beer and never even made my drink. All the while he’s to busy drinking with everyone. I had to actually call the restaurant from the bar just to be able to pay my bill. The lady that answered said she was coming up to the bar which I never saw anyone do. Matt finally gave us our bill after having to repeatedly ask for it in which he said when handing it to me that he doesn’t even remember what we had, he charged us for 2 beers. For the record this definitely is making them loose money because what we had was way more than the cost of 2 beers. I paid the tab and left. After being told by Matt that drinking on the job was part of his job. I said that serving your customers was and that I was sure that him being too drunk to remember what people ordered and just making something up simply because you can’t remember wasn’t part of his job. Later that night I started receiving text messages from Matt (assuming my number was pulled from the call I placed to the restaurant) which I find very inappropriate and did not respond to any. We are REPEAT customers but I assure you we and our friends will no longer be. Only have one star because zero isn’t an option. To add to it the bar area was an absolute mess with dirty dishes and bottles were sitting within reach of customers. He literally was smelling glasses to see what it was and if it was clean or not. Absolutely disgusting service! I will be posting the...