Naegi — Restaurant in Oceanside

The reasons I didn’t give it’s food a 5: The Hokkaido breads are sometimes a bit dry, even with the dressing on. I said sometimes because it isn’t always dry… which makes me wonder if it has to do with the degree of freshness of the bread? I’m not criticizing the actual quality of their Hokkaido bread, we buy them whenever our grandkids visit, just to make perfect Grilled Cheese sandwiches and French toasts, they are the best! Another reason I didn’t give its food a perfect score has to do with the sauce on their Karrage Chicken Sandwich being a little too spicy for me, and I think either they should put up a warning sign or give customers the option of leaving the sauce on the side. Perhaps this is a service issue, not food quality issue, and should be addressed for the sake of seniors and children, who normally can’t handle spicy foods? So, What do I love about this place? -Their Karrage Chicken, no one can fry a piece of chicken breast so moist and tender and flavorful as Naegi! Must try it this is your first time! -Their Sweet potato fries. So yummy, the crispy outside and melt-in-your-mouth texture inside, especially when they’re hot! -Their Ebi Sando, aka Shrimp Katsu/cutlet sandwich, is another must try! So much shrimps and nothing but shrimps, perfectly seasoned and fried! Again, I would ask to leave the dressing on the side since I don’t enjoy anything spicy, and prefer that my sandwich to be lightly dressed, so that I could fully enjoy the shrimp flavor and texture. -Their cucumber salad, crunchy and fresh with just the right amount of vinegar+sugar, a perfect side dish to go with any fried foods! Naegi is a must try if you’re into chicken sandwiches. Forget about all the other chicken sandwich fast food joints, their chicken sandwiches have no chances compared with Naegi’s Karrage...

I've found a new favorite hangout spot in Oceanside! My one regret is that I didn't get more photos of the food (we were hungry and just destroyed it super fast)! I went here recently with a small group of friends, and the spot is new -- you can tell -- but you can also see the great potential for what it's going to become. The chicken wings, chicken sandos, ebi filet, and eggplant fries were all delicious! I wanted to have a beer with my food, but at the time their liquor license hadn't gone through just yet (like I said, it's new) -- but it's coming! Sometime early 2023, I think. The atmosphere in here was pretty laid back and anime was playing on a projector on the wall. You can tell the cooks know what they're doing, and I think they have a lot of legroom to grow into something really special in that spot. For now, though - it's perfect for what it is. I can't wait to come back...

Be warned, the flavor of this chicken sandwich is very salty and seafood-like. In my opinion, it sorta tastes like imitation crab meat. It must be cooked with some fish oil or something. It was very pungent. I am genuinely confused by the overwhelmingly positive reviews. If I ran this business, I would offer a version with a sweet and spicy or Japanese bbq sauce.

I don't give low reviews, because it harms the business a little too much. I'm gonna give this place a 4, although the sandwich was 100% not for me. I liked the service and the...