Chao Phraya — Restaurant in Kilmarnock

I have visited Chao Phraya at least once a month for a number of years...we have celebrated birthdays, special occasions, holidays here and they typically were a much enjoyed time...that is, until yesterday, New Years Eve, Dec. 31, 2018. I called several establishments in the Northern Neck to verify their New Years Eve schedules, including Chao Phraya. We live in Deltaville and didn't want to travel unnecessarily or disappoint our grandkids on anticipating something they enjoy, only to find the establishment closed. A pleasant young lady answered when I phoned, while I was looking at the website for Chao Phraya. I could tell she was in a hurry by the fast way she was answering my questions, so I got to the point by asking 'what are your hours today?' Her response 'the regular hours, maam' I elaborated on my question since I was looking at their website..."so, you close at 3:30 and reopen at 4:30?" Yes, maam was her response. I gathered my family up and we headed over the bridge. When we entered the restaurant, there was one table that was finishing their meal. A pleasant young lady greeted us at the front and said 'One minute' while she proceeded to answer the phone. She spent quite a bit of time taking a reservation for Friday, all the while in a very pleasant tone, but glancing at us with a smile occasionally. When she completed the call, she turned to us and a woman hollered something from the rear of the restaurant while she and a male employee were clearing the table of the last patrons. I didn't understand what this person said, but the young lady that had been helping us responded to her "They came in at 3:02". The woman from the back said 'I don't care'. My husband was not a happy camper and became very agitated...he realized before I did that we were NOT going to be served that afternoon. Once I realized what was happening, I told the young lady I had called earlier (the exact time of my call was 1:45 PM) and spoke with someone that had verified the hours with me as being 3:30 as the first closing time. The pleasant young lady was no longer pleasant, but adamant that 'no....the website does NOT say that..besides the hours are there on our window.' However, I have a screenshot from the website with the closing time of 3:30. We left the restaurant, but the more I thought about it, the more perturbed I got. I called the restaurant, I believe the same young lady answered, and reiterated the time on the website. She was perturbed as well. When I explained that the website needed to be updated with the correct time, she replied 'we'll get around to that'. All in all....it was such a disappointment when we were looking forward to another great get together at this establishment. We are no longer fans of...

We are local and have tried eat here many times. Of those times, we only stay about 1/2 of the time because of the wait (now, they do tell you that it is about a 1-1.5 hour wait for sushi when you walk in). Yesterday we called to place a take-out order - although plans changed from when we called until when we arrived.

Thus, when we got there, we told them that we planned to eat our food there - not well received, although they did seat us. After we sat at the table for 20+ minutes (with no service or greeting), I did grab the owner and pointed out that we placed a takeout order (over an hour ago at this point), and that it was probably "sitting right there" (pointing at Sushi bar) if he would only bring it over (we had been watching our completed order the entire time). He was not pleased.... he did grab our food, and literally dropped it on our table with no words, or eye contact. We were then flatly ignored for about 40 minutes. The couple next to us were amazed at how completely the wait staff ignored us. I had to grab a staff person to ask for more Soy Sauce and our bill (we really did wish to pay).

The food is pretty good, but the service and attitudes leave much to be desired. Is decent food worth being treated badly? As I get older, my answer is "No". Thus, the reason for the low review.

In the future, if we want Sushi, we will make the drive to Gloucester. If you value your time and appreciate reasonable service, I would suggest that others...

I love this restaurant. Never thought I would give a bad review after all these years. Was terribly disappointed very few people there 6 seated. Two before us, and 3 after me and my wife. Took over 45 minutes to get out salads. Was given wrong sushi order that belonged to someone else which we immediately called out. Brought our food finally 25 minutes after which was two orders of special signature sushi on one plate. Which horrified my wife as never seen that before. Prefer our own orders on separate plates. We also ordered two signature to go. Which by God they put in same container?? Why? Why? I did not recognize the sushi chef but if it's not the other guy next time I am walking out. These super signature were all smaller than normal ?? Don't know why all this happened usually I am patient and forgiving but it was my wife's birthday and we both were very upset about the change in size of our sushi rolls I don't care care about the price going up. Just surprised and disappointed it was the only place my wife ever wanted to go for her Birthday. Don't think I will be back if this is the direction they have decided to go. PS not everybody wants there food on the same plate and sharing like it's a buffet unless they ask you to do so. Also, if your new sushi guy has been making signature rolls the same size as REGULAR sushi rolls and that's your new Protocol we won't be be back. Really sad about this and my wife...