I have not been here for four years, for a reason. The chef was awkward and made every guest at the table stand up and sing before he cooked. It was weird. Never went back. Always went to Edo or Mt. Fuji (the two best in New York State). So yesterday we decided to give this place another try. We walked in and it was FREEZING cold, and so was the welcome. Did not feel inviting. Two chefs working. One of them sitting in the back of the restaurant wearing a winter jacket and winter hat. It was cold. We asked when the chef would be arriving so that we can finally get heat from the hibachi table once turned on.
The waitress came to us within five minutes asking if we were ready to order. Our menu’s were not opened yet. She came two minutes later asking if we were ready again. I’ve been in the restaurant business. Never rush your guests. That’s lesson #1.
She gestured at the second chef notifying him there is a table. They did not notice that I noticed that he made a face, rolled his eyes and got ready. Upon approaching the table there was NO warm welcome from the chef. Our two kids were not even happy about it. His body language read as if he did not want to be there. There was no communication, no eye contact, no talking, nothing. Communication is key in any business, lesson #2.
When working as a Hibachi or Teppanyaki chef, you want to be able to deliver the experience to the guests you are cooking for. Always make your guests feel comfortable, even if you are having a bad day. If you can’t keep personal problems at home, then don't show up to work and ruin the experience for customers who may have worked all day and looking for a good time and meal.
The chef was boring. Not entertaining. No eye contact. We sat down at 5:06 pm. Our food was cooked at 5:34 pm. Lesson # 3, never rush your guests and always make the kids happy, even if they look ugly.
I left a generous tip because I felt bad and that was my way of saying “I will never come back. This is my peace”. I wish the best for the owners. They should hire well seasoned experienced chefs and wait staff to help bring back the energy needed to revive this funeral home. I am sure the place is BLEEDING financially and probably should have used COVID as an excuse to close the doors.
Oh wait!!!! THE FOOD! So soup was good. Salad was “meh”. I like the ginger dressing at Edo better. Spring rolls no good. Shrimp shumai was good but they took the soy sauce while my son was eating his dumpling. He looked at me with half of a dumpling on his fork whispering “they took the sauce” . He is 9 years old. Then the possibly going thru a divorce, 30 year old virgin, or drowning in student loan debt Chef arrives. Noodles cooked first, bland. No shrimp appetizer. Cooked my seafood first (seafood is always last ). Then our steak. Then our vegetable. Then our rice. Dumped it all at the same time on the hibachi grill. That says “I don’t want to be here. Hurry and cook, eat and leave” gesture.
So I think I am done now with this review. How this place has over 4 stars? Probably manipulated the algorithm with having staff friends and family write positive reviews. Because if I can give half of one star, I would have. Hope business goes well this year and have a...
Read moreMy Mind Was Blown at IKKO Hibachi! 🔥🥢 First-Timer Turned Obsessed (in NY!)
Okay, people, buckle up because I just experienced something truly magical: my very first hibachi, and IKKO Hibachi in New York absolutely nailed it! From the moment I walked in, the energy was electric – the sizzling sounds, the tantalizing aromas, and the sheer artistry happening right before my eyes at the grill!
Our chef was an absolute rockstar! Not only was the food incredibly delicious (seriously, the scallops were melt-in-your-mouth perfection, and those garlic noodles? Forget about it!), but the whole experience was pure entertainment. The knife skills were mesmerizing, the onion volcano eruption had me cheering, and the little culinary tricks were just plain fun. I was laughing, I was impressed, and most importantly, I was devouring every single bite.
I honestly didn't know what to expect going into my first hibachi, but IKKO Hibachi completely exceeded any expectations I had. It wasn't just dinner; it was a full-on interactive show that happened to end with the most flavorful, perfectly cooked food I've had in ages.
The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, perfect for a fun night out with friends or family. The staff were all super friendly and attentive, making sure our drinks were filled and our experience was top-notch.
Seriously, if you're a hibachi veteran, you already know the deal. But if you're a newbie like I was, DO YOURSELF A FAVOR and head straight to IKKO Hibachi in New York. Prepare to be amazed, entertained, and utterly stuffed with incredible food. This wasn't just a meal; it was an experience, and I'm already counting down the days until I can go back for round two! Five stars and two enthusiastic thumbs up! 👍👍 #IKKOHibachi #Hibachi #NYCEats #NewYorkFood #FirstTimeHibachi #DinnerAndAShow #Delicious #FoodieNYC...
Read more4 stars on deco- The ambience of the restaurant was absolutely beautiful and the decorations were outstanding. 2 stars on food and wait time. The food was pretty good just disappointing that you have to pay for rice separately which I’ve never experienced in any hibachi place. Everything was cooked well but one of my issue was the wait time for service just to get our order placed. There was another set of family that were waiting for other members so we couldn’t order even though my family was ready. Then once we were all seated we find that there were only two chefs and the place was full. I saw two sets of family leave because they didn’t want to wait any longer. Then the family next to us get there and were just to busy getting up and out of there seats to make phone calls so when our waiter came to the table he has to come back again until the other person remain seated to take everyone’s order. Now, My wife and I (female) we are a lesbian couple with two boys...My next issue was even though it was all for entertainment the cook jokes with a gentleman about his girlfriend and the man stated he was gay joking back. That is where the cook looks over to my 12 year old son and Refers him to kiss a child to prove he was gay. which I found absolutely disgusting and was I completely on guard to defend my child and felt that was inappropriate of him to say that. Joke with the adults and make all the gay comments you want I don’t care but when it comes to children let’s not involve them. Also, I’m not one to have any allergic reaction to any food. However after ordering what I normally order at every hibachi place 10 minutes after I left the restaurant I ended up at the urgent care with a serious allergic reaction to whatever seasoning was used. Having to have a oxygen tank just to breathe and two shots for all the tracks on my body....
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