Toji Korean Grill House — Restaurant in Portland

As a group of five eager to celebrate New Year's Eve, we arrived at this establishment with high hopes for a memorable night. Sadly, our experience was overshadowed by a cascade of service failures that left us feeling neglected and disappointed.

From the moment we were seated, the service fell short of expectations. A 30-minute delay in receiving water set a concerning tone for the evening. What followed was a troubling pattern of neglect, indicative of deeper operational shortcomings rather than mere oversights.

Throughout our meal, we experienced a shocking absence of staff engagement. No one checked on us or inquired about our satisfaction, which is especially disheartening during a festive occasion. The lack of beverage refills and the failure to establish even the most basic rapport left us feeling isolated, detracting significantly from the celebratory atmosphere we anticipated.

Compounding this disappointment was the mandatory 20% gratuity—$47 on a $235 bill. While an automatic service charge may be justifiable with attentive service, it feels excessive when basic hospitality standards are glaringly unmet. This disconnect between service quality and mandatory compensation raises serious questions about the management's commitment to guest experience.

Despite the shortcomings in service, the food itself was merely adequate—rating it around 2 to 3 stars. In Portland's vibrant dining landscape, especially during busy holiday periods, establishments must strive to exceed expectations.

For future diners, I recommend: Asking detailed questions about service policies Setting clear service expectations in advance Considering alternative venues that prioritize genuine hospitality Acknowledgment from management regarding these systemic issues would be appreciated. This review aims to provide constructive feedback and inform potential patrons about our New Year’s Eve experience, highlighting the need for substantial improvements in both service and...

Updated Review March 7, 2025: as a couple, we walked in like we always have done. Signed up on their reservation list as a walk-in. Every name above our's was seated and crossed off. So we were next. We sat on the bench for 30 minutes. No one from the restaurant checked in again, or let us know what the wait time would be. We were patiently waiting. ⏳️

📋🕕 One Waitress asked if we had reservations and I pointed to the clipboard near us saying, "yes we signed up." My name was down and it said "6:40pm" when I signed up. She walked off and we didn't see her again. We saw another couple right by the front door finish eating, pay and leave. So bam! A table opened up.

After 30 minutes, two more couples walked in. Just like we did. Signed up. THEN they were both seated before we were even acknowledged. It was really disappointing and upsetting. We left as soon as that happened and it left us not wanting to come back again. It wasn't fair at all. 😢😭 Our previous 2 experiences here, we got seated immediately, put in the corner, and neglected as soon as our food arrived. So we always got Buffet style (no refilling of the foods though) which is plenty of food for us both, the sides are very small to share between 2 people so I would suggest asking for more right away when you have their attention. We always also get 2 large beers so we don't have to wait around for refills.

Review from 2024: The Korean BBQ Buffet menu? Do it! $30.99/per person. Tons of meats to choose from, little sides, and sauces. What a deal! They dissappear on you though, no refilling on drinks or food unless you get up and wave them down to ask. ($10 charge for asking for a box of course for food that isn't eaten. Just so you know, its on the menu in...

We are just leaving this restaurant and incredibly disappointed. My husband and father are meat eaters, while I am vegetarian. We are a Korean/multicultural family and korean BBQ has always been a fun way for us to get together. They indulge in their carnivorous ways, and I snack on kimchee and (separately paid for) side dishes. Unfortunately, at Toji... this was not the case. When I attempted to order sides and apps, I was told that I was only allowed to order a "main dish" if I sat that the table with my family. Apparently (according to the waitress/ probably owner) they needed to make sure I had enough food, because they don't want me taking food from my dad, husband, or my 35 lb 5 year old whom we also paid for. I was confused, slightly caught off guard. Wasn't sure what to order, and I suppose it frustrated the waitress enough that she gave up and told me they would allow it. In total, our mediocre food bill was over $70, service was sub par, and I was watched like a hawk during our 30 min meal and made to feel like a sneaky possible theif who's purpose was to take advantage of their system and sneak kimchee and rice while they weren't looking. Also if may add... the Korean pancakes suck. We will not...