Aki Shabu Asian Kitchen — Restaurant in Los Angeles

This review is based on the last 2 visits to this place. I've been in the front of house in the food service industry for over a decade, and I feel my opinion is valid...

Service: Both times there were maybe 3-5 tables, and only one server. Certainly not more than one should be able to handle. The greeting both times was very poor and not very welcoming. I felt like my presence there was a burden to them possibly. Then I watched the interactions that other guests were getting and I noticed that it wasn't just me; everyone was getting poor customer service. When I say 'poor', I mean not even as much as a smile. That's pretty bad. I also had but one request, and that is 'no onions' in my pho. After I received my pho, I immediately noticed that there were onions in it. My server apologized, and took responsibility for forgetting. This was unfortunate, because I was on my lunch break, and didn't have much time.

Food: After about 10 minutes my server came by with my correct order. However, the noodles were very overdone, and I wonder if they took a shortcut in the kitchen to get me my food quicker. Also, my thai tea was just terrible, as the boba was not prepared correctly, and the mint leaves for my pho were browning (for the second time in a row)

Service (again): After I had received my food, my server never once checked on me to see how I was doing. I powered through my food just to get back to my work day, and was ready for my check. I tried for about 5 minutes to get my server's attention by looking in their direction. At one point they looked at me, then went back to whatever they were doing. I grew impatient and walked to the counter. Is this what I'm supposed to do? If so, that's fine, but please let me know so I'm not wasting my time. I noticed that my server had food handling gloves on at the register. Why was my server preparing food instead of tending to the guests? Why were they working at the sushi bar and possibly cross-contaminating germs with the register? Do they have enough staff?

I've learned my lesson and I'm not coming back.

Side note for people in the food service industry hating their job: If you don't like where you are in life, do yourself, your customers, your employers and your co-workers a favor AND JUST QUIT. Don't simply continue to do your job horribly and get mad when you get...

Really Good Savory Pho & Ramen!

Went in before noon on a Fri-Yay, place was empty service was zippy. Perfect time to go there's never any problems with parking or seating. Quick in and out for lunch. During busy hours service can be a little slow.

I had the #3 "Pho 77" w/beef & chicken for $11. It's a big bowl filled to the brim with broth, chicken and beef slices. It comes with a sidecar of sliced jalapenos, limes, basil, & bean sprouts.

Co-worker got the Veggie Pho w/chicken broth for max flavor. They loved it. On both dishes, the noodles are perfect,veggies are colorful, crisp, and fresh. The prices are a couple dollars more than typical, but one taste and you forget about it (until the bill arrives, LoL).

Overall it's really good the place is clean and lots of space, for a big group or party, if you host a work thing. I'll have to try the sushi and some other dishes and report back...

This place gets 5 stars for the delicious food! The parking lot is a bit small but I don't have any issues with finding a spot. If the lot is full, I park on the street. The service is usually fast and the prices are reasonable. My favorite dish is the naked ramen. My only problem with this place is the waitress that takes all the orders. She has messed up my orders every single time that I've been there. It could be because she DOESN'T write the orders! I don't understand why she doesn't think it's necessary or important.. I'm an easy going customer and I don't make a big deal about this kind of thing but my last 3 visits have not been great. She messed up my order, and it took 50 minutes to make. I love the food but I will not be...