I had just returned from a trip to Japan, where my favorite meal was "takoyaki" which is basically a fried ball of octopus. I had heard they served it at this restaurant and was dying to try it again. You can imagine my disappointment when the takoyaki I had been craving was overfried and the octopus on the inside was a puree-esque texture--which is not how it's traditionally done! Normally, the octopus tentacle keeps its shape inside of the fried dough. This place is good, but it's not the authentic Japanese experience I was hoping for, especially for the price. I actually prefer the sushi in Fresh Market to the sushi here. Giving three stars because although the food was subpar the staff was very helpful for my mom (who struggled with the menu for quite some time)
Before I say anything negative about this restaurant, I must say that the food is incredible, however, and there is a B I G however, the service was down right awful. I have never, ever posted a review about anything, but with this experience, I had to. This review is not made to discourage people from enjoying the food here, but to encourage the staff to treat their customers better. This restaurant is severely under staffed which is perhaps the root cause of all the problems I experienced here. From the beginning, no one planned on making eye contact with me as I waited to be seated. The woman who was my hostess would eventually be my server and I never got her name. She put down the menus and I didn't see her until a half hour later. I waited a half hour to get a glass of water, an hour and a half for a salad, and T W O hours for sushi. I understand the restaurant is under staffed, that's okay, it's the way the staff responds that is unacceptable. This particular waitress was throwing food in attitude, throwing checks, speaking harshly, and just over all the rudest waitress I've ever had. I don't think she's a bad person, just someone who is under a lot of stress, which is due to poor management. I will not be returning here unless there is a complete revamp on management.
This place saved my wife and I. All the Japanese places we went to in Knoxville were not great (Recently moved here from California). The best in Knoxville by far and great prices. Please stop going to Nama, go here.
Amazing food. A little pricey. Soft drinks($2.50 ea.) are in plastic bottles (they bring glasses with ice) with no refills. The restaurant was understaffed when I visited. Dinner was almost two hours from arrival to departure and we were just there to eat, not socialize. I will return to give them another chance because the food was delicious and not easy to find in Knoxville, but we will just get water to cut down on plastic bottle waste.
I've never had anything bad here. Come in with an open mind and a willingness to try new foods. You won't be disappointed.
East Japanese Restaurant is a US Restaurant based in Knoxville, Tennessee. East Japanese Restaurant is located at 11509 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934, USA.
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