Japonica — Restaurant in New York

This is a frustrating place to frequent. On the one hand, the food is authentic and of high quality. The lunch menu a good value compared to higher quality places like Hatsuhana. They still have a Japanese sushi chef even though he must be 70 years old. However despite being a regular customer for the past 3 years (2-3 times a month), I feel my family gets treated worse than a first time customer.

When we arrive, there is rarely a smile and friendly greeting from the primarily Chinese wait staff. Most of the wait staff have glum faces and there is no energy nor enthusiasm. Most everyone moves as though they are in 1st gear. Maybe it’s just us as an Asian family. When a white customer comes in, the staff have enthusiastic greetings like “Welcome back! It’s good to see you again!”, etc.

I’ve noticed this poor service for quite some time and ignored it because of the high quality of food and good value of the lunch menu. However the last time I went is probably my last.

Their Ultra Sushi set is priced 50% higher than their Deluxe Sushi set because it includes expensive king crab leg and o-toro (very fatty tuna) sushi, which justify the higher price. On a previous occasion, I ordered the Ultra Sushi and when it arrived it didn’t include the o-toro. The waiter explained that they try to offer it but can’t guarantee it. So I’ll paid full price that time and on subsequent visits I always first confirmed if they have o-toro and king crab before ordering.

During this last visit, I confirmed again before ordering and was told by my waiter they would have these two items. However when it came out, this waiter explained they didn’t have o-toro today but only regular blood red tuna. I said to the waiter that he said there was o-toro. After making some weak excuses he took back the platter to the sushi chef. A few minutes later, the piece of o-toro magically appeared on the platter. No apologies nor explanations.

My average bill is usually over $160 and I pay 18% tip whether they smile at us or not.

I don’t think I will go...

Very disappointed. I used to go here all the time at the former location and hadn't been in a number of years. I remember it being beautiful, elegant, big with good prices for the value and excellent service. NOT TODAY. I looked it up online to make sure they were still in business. Looked at the menu online that says $5 aprox for an avocado cucumber roll. The service was rude and almost non existent. I asked for salmon roll and two cucumber avocado rolls. The food was plain ok but it was missing a roll when it came. I mentioned it to the runner and was brought one more roll. When it came time to pay I noticed the bill was really high. I was charged $49 for 4 rolls. I only asked for 3. The waitress was snappy and hostile rushing to insinuate that I couldn't fool her because she took the order. I explained that they only delivered two rolls at first. Horrible experience and very unprofessional approach to clearing up misunderstandings with costumers. The food was alright but atmosphere was tense with poor service. The service was bad before the confusion about the bill. Going to tenzan tomorrow which has become my favorite spot for superb quality reasonably priced sushi with outstanding service. Unfortunately japonica can't compete anymore. Very sad but...

OMG...where do I start? I started going to Japonica 40+ years ago. When Kiki and her husband owned it. What a glorious food experience!! Sushi was unmatched! ALL the people who worked there were wonderful, friendly and attentive. NOW, I wouldn't give you a wooden nickel to eat there or step in the front door. The food was dreadful, unappetizing. The staff sucked!! When I asked about Kiki they said Oh, she's coming back in Sept. THEY lied thru their teeth because then I found out it was sold. THEN the coup de grace was as we were served the pathetic entrees a LARGE roach climbed onto the table. The booths hadn't been cleaned forever. Do Not Go There. Can't stress enough over the...