Dha Rae Oak — Restaurant in Los Angeles

I was really looking forward to trying the clay roasted duck, which requires a 24-hour advance reservation since it takes four hours to prepare. I followed all the instructions: I called ahead, gave my information, and even specified the time. The person I spoke with (possibly the owner) had limited English, but I believed we had understood each other.

Unfortunately, when I arrived at the restaurant the next day, the duck was not ready. The staff seemed confused, and I struggled to understand their explanation. I even showed them the number I called, but nothing could be done at that point. It was incredibly frustrating and disappointing, especially since my party was excited for this meal.

The duck dish they ended up serving us was just okay, and the accompanying noodle dish was not very good. Overall, it was a sour dining experience.

I think this restaurant really needs to improve how they communicate the ordering process for their signature clay-roasted duck. It’s unfair to guests who follow the steps and still end up let down. I genuinely hope they address this, because no one should walk away from a highly anticipated meal this...

We had called in advance to ask if they allow dogs and we specifically mentioned it's a small dog that will be inside a carrier bag and was told it's fine. Later we arrived for dinner with the whole family and a guy who seemed to be the owner started yelling at us as if we were in the wrong and he caused a big scene instead of approaching us privately to clarify the dog situation. We explained we had called to confirm already and he turned around and yelled at his waitresses, asking who answered the call etc. Had he approached the situation in a calm manner and explained perhaps it was a miscommunication on their end, we would have been fine leaving the establishment - there are other restaurants that allow dogs and if they don't, that is understandable. But this guy was straight up rude until the very end, still yelling and unapologetic of any of his actions or the miscommucation from the phone call. I don't care if the food is good - learn how to talk to your customers...

Service was pretty bad as well as food. Definitely not worth the price.

We ordered the smoked duck. I agree with other reviews when they say it was bland. The meat was okay but nothing special. You have to drown it in the dipping sauces and eat with the pickled onions. The best part was the 2 slices of sweet potato frying in the pool of duck fat at the bottom of the grill.

The chopped duck was really bad. Half the pieces were just duck skin/fat. The few pieces with meat were really gamey and chewy.

The guy working there made a comment when we were done eating because the meat we left over was burning. He said in korean "usually for our korean customers I don't grill for them because they know how to grill. I usually just help the non Koreans. The non Korean customers just watch it burn and it drives me crazy." Like what? Are you saying we don't know how to grill because the food we left over is burning? Just a very unnecessary comment....