RAKITORI Japanese Pub&Grill — Restaurant in San Diego

Absolutely atrocious experience from start to finish. We came with a group of eight, and it turned into one of the most frustrating dining experiences I’ve ever had. Half of our table received their food long before the other half, who waited so long they were still sitting empty handed as the first group was literally boxing up leftovers. No communication, no updates, just silence unless we asked (multiple times) where the missing meals were.

When food finally arrived, some orders were wrong, and to top it off, they charged us for items we never received. Zero accountability, zero effort to fix the disaster. When we voiced our frustration to the manager, his “solution” was to offer us ice cream. ICE CREAM. As if a scoop of frozen sugar would magically make up for hours of waiting, wrong orders, and being ignored.

And then, the cherry on this rotten sundae: they slapped an automatic 18% gratuity on the bill. Normally, that’s not an issue for large parties, but when the service is this bad, the ability to control the tip matters. Forcing us to pay for terrible service is insulting.

The entire night was a marathon of mistakes, indifference, and wasted time. It was painfully obvious they did not care about us or our experience. If you value your time, your money, or basic customer service, go literally...

I really wish I would’ve taken pictures. This place is super cute it has a nice ambience. Lots of detail to the decor of the restaurants and that’s why I’m gonna give it two stars. The food was overpriced and not seasoned. I think I paid $11 for one lamb chop and it was Burned with no seasoning. Total disrespect to the lamb chop. I got the salmon The portions were for a three year old toddler You literally get for slithers of salmon for $13 The pieces were the size of if you were to put your two thumbs together maybe not even that big. Pork belly was not seasoned. What made it even sadder is that they were at the bar eating a pizza and I really wanted a slice. The Ramen was just ok Another positive is When we told him the lamb chop was burned and Not seasoned He did not argue he took it off. The Cala pillar roll was good. Do not go here if you’re expecting a good tasty dinner and you’re trying to get full. Only go here for cute date a couple of appetizers while you share a soda. I don’t think it’s worth it’s the cost you’re paying for the ambience. I’m not even going to start to tell you about the man who was throwing a long knife into the bus stop bench and talking to him self right in front. Yep Will not be returning. But the ice cream shop across the...

Hands down best Japanese restaurant I've been to in SoCal.

The environment is incredibly comfortable, with traditional Japanese decorations throughout.

The spicy garlic edamame is the best I've ever had! The right amount of spice, with a red chilli paste that is unlike anything I've ever tasted! The edamame itself cooked to perfection.

Our host, John, is the most polite host I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. He gave us an extra round of drinks, and an appetizer without us asking (I was here with two other people). John also brought us some real wasabi! (The wasabi paste you're given at your typical sushi restaurant is horse radish; John gave us legit wasabi. It's not as spicy as the wasabi paste, but it still has that great sinus burn that you get from the paste).

My friend ordered the Takoyaki, which I've never had before, and holy moly it's delicious! He claims it's the best he's had here in SD.

It's a quarter to 2 right now, and the place only has three small parties; not busy at all.

If I could give this place more than 5 stars I would! Definitely check this spot out if you're in the area, you will not be...