Allen N.
Google
I rarely ever post my comments. This was my first Omakase experience in Vietnam after others in Japan and the states. We were a party of 3 trying the discounted $5M menu. Originally we opted for the Omakase K fish specialty menu but was substituted to Omakase Niku K meat specialty menu due to the other restaurant not ready for opening until December time.
The menu was well put together with emphasis on premium meat & fish dishes. Overall the portions were very good and a bit larger than past Omakase. The sauces were tasty but some on the saltier side if eating much. More tastes contrast between dishes would be well appreciated as some of the dishes include similar flavors/ingredients. Overall the dishes are good and quite filling at the end of the meal.
The services are very good. The staffs are very attentive and tries very hard to accommodate a good experience. My mom is 85 and my aunt 74 and the staffs went out of their way to assist and explain the dishes with patience. Minor misses exist although more perfection is appreciated such as clearing food bits…etc
The atmosphere is a big miss with much desire for serious improvement. The place seats approximately 10. This night there were 3 groups of 2 couples and a 3 people group.
- First, the background music was a light jazz which sets up more like for a bar lounge atmosphere. I found the music distracting and too casual for the fine dining for traditional Omakase. - Second, the first group including a Viet lady and an American man talking business nonstop throughout the 1.5 hour meal with audible noise level. It was very disturbing and rude. The other Viet couple came to talk business as well, not to enjoy the Omakase. At one point one of them order a Coke and continue the conversation.
- I have twice asked the staffs to request the other couples to lower the volume but to no avail. The rude customers seem to feel entitled to their behaviors as they spend any money here.
I felt this is ghetto, quite uncultured and disrespectful to the chef and the dining experience at Omakase Niku K. I didn’t expect to pay for a fine experience and getting a clearly subpar one.
I ask the restaurant management to set clear rules for the customers
1)to keep conversation to very low volume or find a cafe elsewhere & take phone calls only outside 2) If the customer choose the seating they must order the menu. Management should not ever allow soda & Omakase clients in the same table.
The value of the Omakase depends on the traditional experience not the Vietnamese street style please. It may not be the fault of the restaurant of the customer behaviors but without firm rules you lower your standards and chase away quality customers. Not sure if I will return.
