The food was incredible, the location and local is beautiful, and the servers were kind. I really got no big complains, and I would for sure recommend it.
However there were some complains that did hurt the experience.
First of all is that the staff didn’t speak much English. We asked for really basic things (we don’t except them too keep a fluent convo, because at the end it’s Japan) but it was impossible. it’s a bit frustrating not being understood at all. I get that not everyone speaks English, but in these kinds of restaurants, where there are more foreigners than usual, and where people are leaving a lot of money behind (yes, we do except a better service in more expensive restaurants) staff should at least have a basic knowledge, especially in a service job.
This language barrier continued to give us problems. For example, when ordering, we specifically said we wanted to pay individually, and that it was ok. But when leaving, we were just told it wasn’t possible. When we tried to explain how much we each paid so that they could charge us individually correctly, they just looked at us confused. It would be nice for the staff to make an effort to understand us, rather than look at us with an empty sight. At the end, it’s us, the customers, who have to pay the consequences and get a less pleasant experience. It would be nice for the staff to try to come up with a solution, or an effort at least, rather than just apologizing… especially when we were told something, and then it turned out not to be true!
Then, the staff also forgot our food and we had to remind them of the food we ordered. Again, it’s probably because the language barrier, because when ordering, they barely understood us. But again, it’s bad we have to keep up with them to get our food…
Just for context, when I ordered rice and meat, I had to wait half an hour for my rice to come (after the meat had arrived). For sure it can’t take that long? And it would be nice if the food arrived together. Am I supposed to eat the meat alone, and then hang an hour later eat an empty bowl of rice? It’s best to bring together, at least if it takes the same time.
Because of the language barrier, we were also charged an extra beer!
Again, the staff was kind, but it seemed that they were rather effortless to come up with solutions and make an effort, and rather used politeness forgiveness to get away. Yes, it’s good to be polite, but it’s also good to do the service properly!
The food and the local is amazing, but if you don’t speak Japanese (like most tourists do) it will get confusing!
