온미 ONMI Korean Cuisine & BBQ — Restaurant in Seattle

Thank you Onmi's owner for blocking my number as I try to respond to the previous review that I left. Very professional👏 I appreciate the "truthful reply."

*Yes I have requested for extra spicy and extra veggies. The spice level was just regular kimchi jigae flavor. Not extra spicy at all. Really oily as well, server told me it might have been the protein fatty? Lol.. okay sure it was an oily kimchi protein ramen though.

*The essential to the dish flavor and authenticity of army stew? I'm pretty sure people can look up what traditional Korean army stew ingredients are on Google. This is first resturant ever who put different kinds of protein such as salami, thin sliced ham, etc. The sausage and ham makes sense. But who said the traditional budae jigae included the salami and thin sliced ham? Oh shoot, I forgot it was a kimchi protein oily ramen, not a army stew.

*With the quality of being kimchi ramen and asking for refund, of course I don't want to drive 40 minutes to an hour drive back. Standard policy of return the food back no matter what, I would not have called in the first place for a refund, if I was not aware about this policy though. I do not want to drive for another 40 minutes to 1hour drive to a restaurant knowing that who can't simply solve the issue. Therefore, I did stated I would dispute with my bank and so what?

*With offering complimentary food from the server I spoke with, yes I did declined because how are you going to inform everyone whenever I'm coming back in the future for take out or dine in, that I'm getting a complimentary? Would you make an announcement to all the employees there about it to make sure I get the complimentary? Lol. I had to immediately threw away the food when I had a taste of the soup. It sure did tasted like gone bad kimchi protein soup..

*The rice punch drink was awesome, I had to keep asking for it. But did I ever said that I am not willing to pay for the drink? Lol. Yall started saying it is now $5 for to go rice punch, after I came here few times. But previously, the server would give it to me for free just because I asked for it? Then why didn't you guys mentioned it was $5 from the beginning? Then I would've paied without any problem. Is this also because of as a nice form of "nice gesture?" Since you also noted this rice punch issue, I wanted to note that those who dine in, it is complimentary but once you do a take out, it is now selling for $5. I guess it really depends on the day for them to sell the drink for $5. Stating that I'm expecting the drinks as I came everytime, but I'm willing to pay $5 which I'm willing to buy, but takes this as a negative motive doesn't makes sense lol. I even called one time and asked if they ever selling big size rice punch drink lol.

*Yes, I remember the server provided with the spicy marinated crab for promotion and I asked if they still doing that. The server, still gave it for appreciation as a regular customer, I appreciate that and I did mentioned thank you at that time? Did I disregard it or what? Lol. But I guess this had to mentioned as well of how much yall did vs. trying to solve a simple refund issue of a kimchi ramen?

*For the Mushroom Jeongol, I did asked for extra spicy. The manager or the owner took my order and he said "Yes we can make it extra spicy for you." When I came home, the soup was bland, not spicy at all. I called and asked for this item to be refunded, the owner said "We did make it extra spicy for you, the soup color is just not red. The color of soup is white but we did make sure it is extra spicy." I'm like what? Clearly, sir, it is extra spicy for "you."

*Lastly, Sampling station? I think they can do a little better service then this attitude. Or Was it a sampling station that shouldn't supposed to pay for the food? Using platforms to unfairly target restaurants who is doing their best? Huh? I guess this is why I come to this resturant and pay for my food regularly. because of my "intention" to give poor feedback? Wait, I remembered dining and togo enjoying the food and pay for...

You know that chef on culinary class wars that only served chef anh a plate of roasted meat? And insisted on proving himself with only the quality of the meat?

The show hyped and hyped that chef only to be eliminated after a single bite?

That’s exactly how I feel here.

The good: decor is nice and clean. Staff friendly.

That’s it.

I got the small package ($160) to share with my wife.

1. kimchi stew: not the best I’ve ever had. Nice tofu and pork pieces tho.

2. bulgogi: not special. could have gotten this at a value meal set at a budget friendly Korean restaurant.

3. egg souffle: was nicely risen when it came out. Good flavor. Also not anything special.

4. the meat: we got six rectangles of meat. Lean, tender, well salted. But honestly I expected more than just … 6 rectangles for $160

5. banchan: just normal. Fishcakes and green onion salad were my favorites. Not sure about serving that pancake cold. Nice crispy pickles.

6. I had to ask about the daily specials that I saw on IG. I also had to ask for sauce. I don’t think the quality of the meat is so good that sauce is totally unnecessary. We didn’t try any marinated meats with the small package so who knows. Maybe those are better. Def recommend getting a side of rice to eat with everything.

Quite frankly, the servers and decor were nice but the food is lacking. For these prices in this area, I expect to be wowed.

I could walk across the street or walk up and down either side for better food for less and larger quantities.

I haven’t been this unhappy about a dining experience in a long time.

The slushy rice punch at the end was nice at least. It does taste like something I can get at the...

I left disappointed. Many of the glowing claims that this is the “best KBBQ restaurant in Washington” seem exaggerated, and one wonders if some may have been written by acquaintances of the owner, given the low review count among mostly Korean patrons.

That said, the restaurant does have potential. The space is inviting, the servers were attentive and pleasant, and most of the dishes we ordered were well received. Unfortunately, the shortcomings were equally evident. Our reserved table was not ready until more than 20 minutes past the scheduled time. The young man who appeared to be the manager, distinguished by a blazer and multiple earrings, was the least hospitable presence on staff. He did not greet us upon arrival, looked irritated throughout the evening, placed dishes abruptly on the edge of the table without explanation, and dismissed suggestions offered in good faith. By contrast, the lady manager in a blazer was polite, though her limited knowledge of the menu reflected poorly on an establishment presenting itself as higher-end. At a minimum, staff should be fully familiar with their offerings. Their alcohol selection also leaves much to be desired.

The restaurant’s pricing sets an expectation it does not currently meet. Either service must rise to justify the cost, or prices must be adjusted to avoid guest disappointment. While I hope to see improvements, particularly in leadership, my confidence is limited so long as that young man...