Toku Modern Asian Manhasset — Restaurant in Town of North Hempstead

I called a day before to make a reservation and the person who picked up instantly knew who I was, maybe by caller ID or because I made reservation there before. It was a nasty rainy Monday and one of my friends did not want to eat inside because of the pandemic, so I was trying to find a place for us outside. He instantly said more than likely depending on the weather. We picked 430pm for the reservation. My 2 buddies got there on time, and I got there 30 mins later. Jake greeted me as the host and the are all professional in the attire and demeanor. Jake has a great friendly approach and we chatted briefly. We went over to the table where my buddies were seated in the back. Quite frankly. Still not used to the spread out design of pandemic 2020. The tables are seriously social distanced and I wondered about the differences pre covid where I would enter into a jammed packed restaurant. The bar although at capacity, had these plastic dividers which separated everyone there. I thought it was a clever idea. As I sat down, my buddies had already ordered our most favorite appetizers. The rock shrimp tempura, pork rice and the crispy calamari salad. Being that I drove a long way, I ordered a mango martini. It is not sweet but it is quite nice. For me, its so good, it makes you want to drink it all in one time than to savor it. I had to control myself not to finish it. One if my buddies got sushi and I ordered the Kobe beef carpaccio. They serve it raw with sesame seeds adorned on it and a garlic soy vinaigrette. They bring out a Japanese style mini searing apparatus that looks very appealing and you can sear the beef to whatever way you like. I barely leave it on so it remains quite tender. Also ordered the half Hoisin duck and we just gorged. Maggie, our server, was super sweet and professional. Because of her we ordered dessert. The one thing we missed was the Chinese sausage fried rice which was aa favorite of ours. Hope they get it back after the pandemic ends. We got the Fuji Tatin or as you call it the roasted apple tart with a scoop of ice cream. You can view the pictures of our orders. Toku is always friendly and professional every...

We are so disappointed. This place came with such heavy recommendations. My wife and I, looking forward to a special day, walked in 15 minutes early and were promptly seated. However, the experience quickly deteriorated. Shortly after taking our drink order, our waiter returned with the message that hats are not allowed in the restaurant. I was wearing a hat due to a recent surgery that requires me to limit light exposure. This is not a fashion choice. it is a medically necessary measure.

I calmly explained this situation to Patricio, the manager, in the hope that he would understand and show some compassion. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Rather than being understanding or even inquiring further about my situation, he was dismissive and unwilling to make any fair accommodation. Despite my clear explanation of my medical condition, we were effectively turned away on what was meant to be a memorable and meaningful evening.

The experience was especially disheartening, as it felt as though we were not only unwelcome but also being unfairly judged from the moment we walked in. The glances from the staff and the cold atmosphere were impossible to ignore. Felt very racist as soon as we walked in. We felt alienated, and it was hard not to wonder if this was due to more than just a strict policy. As a successful software engineer and my wife a lawyer, we've been fortunate to visit countless restaurants, and never have we went through this.

Toku not only failed to accommodate someone with a recent disability but demonstrated an unwillingness to even try to understand a medical necessity. This experience has left us deeply disappointed in the restaurant's inclusivity and respect for customers. Discrimination, in any form, has no place in our society, especially not in a hospitality setting. I hope they consider reviewing their policies to ensure every guest is treated with the respect and dignity...

Extremely Disrespectful Experience with the Manager

I recently called to make a reservation for a party of six at 7:30 PM. The manager was the one who answered the first call. I mentioned that I usually make my reservations through someone named Juan, who I learned no longer works there. The manager told me that since I knew him, she would make a reservation for 8:45 PM instead. I confirmed the time with her before ending the call, saying I would call back once I confirmed with the rest of the party.

Within five minutes, I called back to confirm, and a gentleman answered. I explained that I had just spoken with a woman who gave me the 8:45 PM reservation. He immediately became rude and dismissive, insisting that no such time slot existed. I tried to explain that I wasn’t making it up and was only calling back as agreed, but he continued to speak to me with an attitude.

When I asked to speak to someone else, he said the person was on lunch—yet moments later, he put me on hold and suddenly the manager was on the line. She had already spoken to him and came on the call hostile and disrespectful. She told me, “I’m doing you a favor, you know that, right?” and continued to speak rudely, even though I remained calm.

She also accused me of raising my voice at her, which was completely false. I was in my bedroom during the call, and while the room has a natural echo, I never raised my voice. I was simply explaining the confusion caused by the gentleman who answered the phone.

To make matters worse, she said that because of my so-called “attitude,” she would not honor the time originally given and sarcastically offered a 10:00 PM slot instead.

I was shocked at the lack of professionalism and respect. No customer should be treated this way—especially...