Izakaya Genbe — Restaurant in Maui

Update Review: Dishonest, complete lack of accountability. Disrespectful. That is my experience this evening. When we stopped by without reservations early in the evening, approximately 5:35PM, we were told there would be seating at the bar for our party of 4 in about 10 minutes. Our name and number were taken, and we waited. And waited. And waited. Given that we are used to waiting for GOOD Izakaya, we were patient and sucked it up.

50 minutes elapse. I go check to see if this is going to happen or not. They look surprised to see me, and say something to the effect of I never came back, which was beyond dishonest. We never left. We never saw anyone pop their head out and call for us, and we certainly never received a call.

Why go through the effort of taking a name and number if you have no intent on serving? The truth helps: "Sorry, we are booked. Nothing is available." Not "10 mins and you can sit at the bar".

Remarkably, we are seated at the bar. For 3 minutes. Then immediately disrespected and asked to leave, as we were told we should have been there at 5:40. Despite being told we would be advised when the seating was available. My sincere apologies for not sharpening my mind reading skills prior to visiting.

No accountability: The individual who took our name and number, a hakujin guy, said he "got busy and forgot". When you understand how funny this is, it becomes absurd - the restaurant has six tables and had 3 wait staff. So, this individual was overwhelmed by his two tables?

When I made the remark that this was completely unacceptable, the chef's kiss was Chris (hakujin guy) saying "well, I apologized".

So, thank you, Izakaya Genbe, for setting me straight. It looks like we had good food last time we visited but questionable service. We seem to have dodged a bullet tonight by being too respectful and not seeking immediate attention from you, thereby missing our opportunity.

Dear owner, you will no doubt continue to be successful despite these major faux pas, and I wish you nothing but the best. Your restaurant was enough to bring us back, but never again. May your restaurant continue to prosper from the flow of "first timers", and may there never be another decent Japanese non-sushi restaurant opened nearby.

Old review: (4 Stars) Good food. Chaos in the...

I come to here because i saw a lot recommendation on social media, so i think must have try.thats the last day in Maui.

Food was ok, a little overpriced but still acceptable.Location convenience for the visitors easy parking to the front.

The only one thing im so angry with that old asian lady service awful!!!!!!! First,She didn't give any welcome words when we coming in, and give us a small tiny table between 2 big table, even they have empty table on other side,she explained she need leave that table for the group over 4 people, that's not true, before i finish my meal, they served two couples sitting over there. Second, she ask two table next to us for the empty plates if they need share food, only skip us,until my boyfriend ask another waiter. Third,when she give you your dishens she never close to you and put on the table she want us to get food by ourself, she explained she doesn't want to bother anybody next to us?????i give her eye contact i already uncomfortable for that and she walk away to talk another waiter about me??? I can hear that. Last, i keep watching her how she do the serving,why she give me attitude???she treat white people and asian people totally different!!!!and she tell me she's Asian too, she not racist to the asian people, i don't believe, she's 100%liar.They have two pick up order, she give the white customer big smile and reminder for the take out bag and didn't say anything to asian couple also take out the food!!! I pay 20% tips,i even complained after i pay the bills, if i need your apologies i will ask you waived my bill, i don't want to pay anything for that rude not respecting service for my dinner!!!!! IM NOT RECOMMENDED ANYBODY TO COME HERE IF THEY STILL USE THAT LADY WORK IN THE STORE, THEY HAVE MORE JAPANESE FOOD IN THE TOWN,TRY SOMETHING ELSE,IF YOU WANT RACIST...

Very good restaurant. Below will be a breakdown of the dishes ordered:

(Tables) RSVP is required or you are left stranded. Lots of people will wait even after 8:40PM local time, but they also do online orders, pickup, and take-outs. Please use this option if you did not RSVP for that evening.

(Orion Beer) = $11.00 Nice large beer. Lighter flavor and texture. Served in cold glass. Crisp and goes well with all the dishes noted below.

(Garlic Chili Tofu) = $9.00 Cold tofu that adds fried garlic toppings (the umami brand jar at local markets) as well as other toppings. Very refreshing and light.

(Karaage) = $10.00 Delivered warm and crunchie. Due to the frying, this dish may come out later during your meal. The sauce served on the side is tangy and is recommended for use as some of the karaage may taste a bit saltier.

(Takoyaki) = $10.00 Came out overcooked and not fluffy at all. More like donut holes. It was hot on the inside, but these were not done correctly. Overcooked. Recommend a pass on this dish.

(Sukiyaki) = $32.00 A nice warm and hearty dish, comes with 4 additional small bowl. Great for sharing or eat solo. The meat are cut thin and marinates well in its broth. The vegetables are sliced thin easy to enjoy. The Tofu is moist and its soft texture makes it very delicate and enjoyable. (Feeds 1 hungry customer, shared between 2, or split into 4 as appetizer/soup style).

(Sesame Miso Ramen) = $16.00 The broth is amazing. Very hearty and a must if you come here. Feel free to add more toppings but the broth is the clear winner here. You have to try this dish if you come here. Very warm and fulfilling in the evening.

(Overall) A great experience I hope others will try if they are...