Hachiroku Shokudo & Sake Bar — Restaurant in New Haven

I absolutely enjoy the authentic Japanese cuisine that Hachiroku offers, including their delicious plates, appetizers, and intriguing sake set. However, during my second visit, my favorite yellowtail was unavailable. Despite this, the other appetizers were still delightful. Unfortunately, the dessert portion of my experience was a disappointment.

During my first visit, I tried the sesame ice-cream with red bean paste, which was fantastic. On my second visit, I ordered the red bean ice-cream with red bean paste but was served an ivory-colored vanilla flavor ice-cream instead. Although the red bean paste was still amazing, the ice-cream was below average and lacked the expected red bean flavor. As someone who has had red bean ice-cream many times while traveling to Japan, I can confirm that the taste was not even close. When I inquired about this, the staff member informed me that the ice-cream was outsourced to a third-party supplier and they could only control the quality of the red bean paste. This explanation was not satisfactory, and when I tried to further explain and ask if the staff could try the ice-cream in the kitchen and let us know, he did not respond and seemed uninterested in resolving the issue.

Afterward, another staff member arrived and explained that the ice-cream was indeed sourced from a third-party supplier, while the red bean paste was directly from Japan. However, when I asked if he had personally tasted the ice-cream, he admitted that he had not and reiterated that it was from a third-party supplier. As a customer dining at Hachiroku, I expect to receive food that meets their standards, regardless of the supplier. The staff's lack of accountability and defensiveness was frustrating, and I felt unheard.

Although the original waiter offered us other ice-cream flavors to try, we declined as we were already full. We did not intend to take advantage of the restaurant but wanted to provide constructive feedback. Unfortunately, the staff's response left me uncertain about the quality control and level of service at Hachiroku. While my first experience with the food was excellent, this second visit made me question the quality of their food and level of service. I hope that Hachiroku takes customer feedback seriously and makes the necessary improvements to their quality control...

A welcomed change to the landscape. This style reminds me of college comfort food with better ingredients and presentation. Does it command the high price point?! Idk what the public will decide. The addition of this particular restaurant is a pleasing initiative to make available other styles of Asian cuisine. We already have enough California rolls and American holy trinity sushi (salmon, tuna, and yellowtail) establishments. I’m ecstatic that we are moving away from what people believe to be Asian cuisine, and educating the diversity of styles available. This establishment is a good indicator that we are evolving.

Unaware the culinary training or background of the people in charge of execution but (definitely) lacking with public comparison and expectation/hype. I felt certain preparations could have been elevated. The sashimi was similar to a good Japanese or Korean grocery store.

My understanding is the owners have a direct connection to a regional Japanese grocery. So many ingredients are leveraged by the existing relationships. This may or not be a positive attribute. Are they extraordinary...no. Is it better than what's is currently available...yes. Proper Japanese cuisine is minimal in the area. If you’re not exposed to this style of food, then it may be a beginning of a fantastic journey.

The restaurant delivers on offering something different in the area but should be taken in stride. My thoughts were good but given hype and price point not worthy as a destination spot. However, it may be suitable given the market and lack of competition for this...

Wonderful food. Arrogant service. Very uncomfortable chairs.

We have been to this place multiple times since its opening. We enjoy the changing menu and never stop recommending this little gem to our friends. But after tonight’s experience, I may have a second thought.

My partner has a back issue, so we made a reservation requesting for the low table. After we arrived, the host told us although the reservation was successful, they cannot accommodate us with a low table because we didn’t select the right option while making reservation. Then I asked him to show us how to make reservations correctly. He was a little impatient, but I’d say all was good up until this point. Also, we agreed to take the bar seats. Then I told him that we like everything about the restaurant, except that the high chairs (at the bar & high table) are not very comfortable. To my surprise, this honest opinion triggered the host’s defense mechanism. He replied very impatiently and arrogantly by saying “That’s how I do it!!!”

I understand that opening up a restaurant like this in New Haven requires lots of courage and resources. And of course, changing furniture does not depend on a single opinion from one guest. However, this rude attitude is not acceptable. The host who yelled at us is the one wearing glasses and a hat. I believe he’s one of the owners. For any restaurant and especially a restaurant at this price range, this is not the proper way to treat guests. I’m very...