I rarely write reviews, but I felt compelled to share this experience because I’ve been a loyal customer of Waku Waku for years. I’ve always had a great impression of their food and service and have continued to come back regularly, even on occasions when something wasn’t quite as good as usual.
Today, on New Year’s Day, I came with my family and ordered the tempura don that I normally get. Unfortunately, the rice was noticeably hard and the tempura batter lacked flavor, which really surprised me given my past experiences here.
I mentioned this politely - not to ask for a refund or anything free, but simply as feedback so they could be aware. The response I received from the manager was extremely disappointing. I was told that they didn’t know why I thought the rice was hard, that no one else had complained, and was even told I could go check the rice cooker myself.
That kind of dismissive response was far more upsetting than the food issue itself. Constructive feedback from a long-time customer should be acknowledged, not brushed off.
I truly hope this was an off day, because I’ve always enjoyed this place. However, how feedback is handled matters just as much as food quality, and this experience left me disappointed.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
Layla Bird
We have been going to this place since it opened for the authentic food, great prices, and ambiance. However, there’s a waiter we have had most times we have visited (like today at lunchtime) that always threatens to ruin our time with his terrible attitude. He is so rude, aggressive, and condescending for no reason. It’s clear he truly despises customers. This is really a shame because this place is great in every other way. I’ve given this man so much grace over the years - made excuses for him to the tune of, “They are understaffed, he’s stressed.” / “Maybe he’s having a bad day.” But today (12/26) he really upset me unlike any waitstaff person ever has. And in front of our family that were visiting from out of town. It was our last meal together after a few days of celebrating the holidays but once we walked in and I saw he was serving us, I was half tempted to encourage everyone to walk out and find a new place. But I thought - it’s the day after Christmas, we’ll give this guy another chance. And I regret that entirely. We completely should have walked out. Seriously, pull him off the floor; he should NOT be dealing with customers.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
Ivette Melendez
Absolutely love this restaurant, it transported me to Japan😂. Great customer service/ staff take pride in their job🙏❤️👌
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dawneil Alexis
This place is our go to spot for family dinner night. Xavier is such a wonderful server who has been treating us like family for years. My little one, who is normally so shy, always lights up when she sees him. They had a floor manager who was there for years who was always so kind, incredibly considerate and welcoming. The food is wonderful, but the service really shines, they’ve been doing a lot of staffing changes recently so hopefully the quality of service remains
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Oat
The service here was spectacular and the drinks were delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
HJ H
I had a sub par experience at this restaurant today. I have visited this restaurant many times before.
First, food is mediocre except yakitori.
For example below sashimi appetizer is $24. 2 pcs of tiny frozen octopus, salmon, tuna and sea brim. They were fishy.
What’s worse is that all the main dishes came separately. By the time my family finished their meal my food finally came and by this point I lost my appetite. My food came about 20 minutes later.
In terms of service, waitstaff is accommodating. However, the restaurant is just run inefficiently.
I don’t think I will return.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 4
Molang Y
My friend and I had a few yakitori skewers and ordered a few shared plates. Food was okay. Service was meh. We noticed the restaurant is understaffed. We waited 20+ minutes to pay, and it similarly took 20+ minutes for our plates to get cleared. One of our orders also never came. I don’t think it’s the server’s fault so I wanted to write a review.
Edit: I noticed that the owner account was argumentative under some of the reviews. Not cool. Customers will be turned off by that.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 2
Arfin Candra
went there on dinner time, got seated at the bar was a whole different experience, ordered their robata and chicken kaarage was amazing, everything taste so fresh. if you visit japan village in brooklyn NY, definitely have to try this restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alex
We’ve successfully eaten here twice. The food was good and the prices were fine. We were excited to show some friends, as we were new to the area. We arrived right before 8 and the 4th person was a little late due to train delays. They refused to seat us without the 4th person (we should’ve just said 3) and that they would be closing the kitchen so we wouldn’t be able to order unless we ordered right then. With a restaurant that closes as early as 8:30 (and serves drinks!) we expected that meant the kitchen closed at 8:30, not that we would be turned away for dinner at 8.
This experience has dissuaded us from going again. We would like to, and we’ve thought about it many times. But those times have inconveniently been on Monday or Tuesday, or before 5….or after 7 and we haven’t because we would hate to get there only to be turned away again. Not sure if it’s an industry city thing but the hours feel just enough outside of normal that it’s a huge deterrent from going there to spend time with our friends and order a bunch of food together. Wish this wasn’t the case.
Edit to mention: staff were so friendly but seemed a little unfamiliar with restaurant work? Staff was very attentive before we received our meals, and then did not pop by us/nor could be flagged down for the check for a super long time after we finished our meals.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 3
Samantha Silverman
Food was terrible. I got the sashimi bowl and skewers. Both were not good, salmon sashimi bowl tasted very fishy and whatever it was topped with tasted like soap. I eat salmon sushi all the time, this isn’t normal. The chicken skewers were burnt. The rice in bowl was dry and crunchy and the miso soup was sub par.
😱 new hires do not know what they are doing. The food is really bad. The quality of meat does not justify the charge. Avoid at all costs. Only hey the bofu was the fried squid but the cost is too high for what you get. Don't even bother to take photos of the food just awful.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 2
Azzie
You guys are so nice I just love the service, tysm!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Samantha M
I had an amazing time at WakuWaku. My friends and i went for lunch as a recommendation and it did not disappoint! We were able to sit in one of the private rooms where you sit on the floor and it was like taking a step in Japan for the day. I had the Teriyaki Rib eye which was really good, and another fave of mine were the deep fried brussel sprout skewers. They even have premium sushi flown in from Japan! i would definitely recommend and definitely go back!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Khoa Ngo
My wife and I were looking for a quieter restaurant to eat at as the Japan Village was a little too crowded for us, and this place was a nice respite. The skewers were all really good, but we loved the duck one the most. The pork & scallion and chicken thigh & scallion were also highlights. The beef and pork belly were okay. My wife loved her soba, and also got the deep fried beef skewer. All in all a nice stop for food, and relatively reasonably priced!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Steve Ignatious
Not just my favorite restaurant in industry city, one of my favorite spots in all the city. great selection of tasty skewers and Japanese style drinks and highballs. I can't get enough of the place.
I rarely write reviews, but I felt compelled to share this experience because I’ve been a loyal customer of Waku Waku for years. I’ve always had a great impression of their food and service and have continued to come back regularly, even on occasions when something wasn’t quite as good as usual.
Today, on New Year’s Day, I came with my family and ordered the tempura don that I normally get. Unfortunately, the rice was noticeably hard and the tempura batter lacked flavor, which really surprised me given my past experiences here.
I mentioned this politely - not to ask for a refund or anything free, but simply as feedback so they could be aware. The response I received from the manager was extremely disappointing. I was told that they didn’t know why I thought the rice was hard, that no one else had complained, and was even told I could go check the rice cooker myself.
That kind of dismissive response was far more upsetting than the food issue itself. Constructive feedback from a long-time customer should be acknowledged, not brushed off.
I truly hope this was an off day, because I’ve always enjoyed this place. However, how feedback is handled matters just as much as food quality, and this experience left me disappointed.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
We have been going to this place since it opened for the authentic food, great prices, and ambiance. However, there’s a waiter we have had most times we have visited (like today at lunchtime) that always threatens to ruin our time with his terrible attitude. He is so rude, aggressive, and condescending for no reason. It’s clear he truly despises customers. This is really a shame because this place is great in every other way. I’ve given this man so much grace over the years - made excuses for him to the tune of, “They are understaffed, he’s stressed.” / “Maybe he’s having a bad day.” But today (12/26) he really upset me unlike any waitstaff person ever has. And in front of our family that were visiting from out of town. It was our last meal together after a few days of celebrating the holidays but once we walked in and I saw he was serving us, I was half tempted to encourage everyone to walk out and find a new place. But I thought - it’s the day after Christmas, we’ll give this guy another chance. And I regret that entirely. We completely should have walked out. Seriously, pull him off the floor; he should NOT be dealing with customers.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
Absolutely love this restaurant, it transported me to Japan😂. Great customer service/ staff take pride in their job🙏❤️👌
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is our go to spot for family dinner night. Xavier is such a wonderful server who has been treating us like family for years. My little one, who is normally so shy, always lights up when she sees him. They had a floor manager who was there for years who was always so kind, incredibly considerate and welcoming. The food is wonderful, but the service really shines, they’ve been doing a lot of staffing changes recently so hopefully the quality of service remains
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The service here was spectacular and the drinks were delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I had a sub par experience at this restaurant today. I have visited this restaurant many times before.
First, food is mediocre except yakitori.
For example below sashimi appetizer is $24.
2 pcs of tiny frozen octopus, salmon, tuna and sea brim. They were fishy.
What’s worse is that all the main dishes came separately. By the time my family finished their meal my food finally came and by this point I lost my appetite. My food came about 20 minutes later.
In terms of service, waitstaff is accommodating. However, the restaurant is just run inefficiently.
I don’t think I will return.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 4
My friend and I had a few yakitori skewers and ordered a few shared plates. Food was okay. Service was meh. We noticed the restaurant is understaffed. We waited 20+ minutes to pay, and it similarly took 20+ minutes for our plates to get cleared. One of our orders also never came. I don’t think it’s the server’s fault so I wanted to write a review.
Edit: I noticed that the owner account was argumentative under some of the reviews. Not cool. Customers will be turned off by that.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 2
went there on dinner time, got seated at the bar was a whole different experience, ordered their robata and chicken kaarage was amazing, everything taste so fresh. if you visit japan village in brooklyn NY, definitely have to try this restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We’ve successfully eaten here twice. The food was good and the prices were fine. We were excited to show some friends, as we were new to the area. We arrived right before 8 and the 4th person was a little late due to train delays. They refused to seat us without the 4th person (we should’ve just said 3) and that they would be closing the kitchen so we wouldn’t be able to order unless we ordered right then. With a restaurant that closes as early as 8:30 (and serves drinks!) we expected that meant the kitchen closed at 8:30, not that we would be turned away for dinner at 8.
This experience has dissuaded us from going again. We would like to, and we’ve thought about it many times. But those times have inconveniently been on Monday or Tuesday, or before 5….or after 7 and we haven’t because we would hate to get there only to be turned away again. Not sure if it’s an industry city thing but the hours feel just enough outside of normal that it’s a huge deterrent from going there to spend time with our friends and order a bunch of food together. Wish this wasn’t the case.
Edit to mention: staff were so friendly but seemed a little unfamiliar with restaurant work? Staff was very attentive before we received our meals, and then did not pop by us/nor could be flagged down for the check for a super long time after we finished our meals.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 3
Food was terrible. I got the sashimi bowl and skewers. Both were not good, salmon sashimi bowl tasted very fishy and whatever it was topped with tasted like soap. I eat salmon sushi all the time, this isn’t normal. The chicken skewers were burnt. The rice in bowl was dry and crunchy and the miso soup was sub par.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 3
Restaurantji Recommends
😱 new hires do not know what they are doing. The food is really bad. The quality of meat does not justify the charge. Avoid at all costs. Only hey the bofu was the fried squid but the cost is too high for what you get. Don't even bother to take photos of the food just awful.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 2
You guys are so nice I just love the service, tysm!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I had an amazing time at WakuWaku. My friends and i went for lunch as a recommendation and it did not disappoint! We were able to sit in one of the private rooms where you sit on the floor and it was like taking a step in Japan for the day. I had the Teriyaki Rib eye which was really good, and another fave of mine were the deep fried brussel sprout skewers. They even have premium sushi flown in from Japan! i would definitely recommend and definitely go back!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
My wife and I were looking for a quieter restaurant to eat at as the Japan Village was a little too crowded for us, and this place was a nice respite. The skewers were all really good, but we loved the duck one the most. The pork & scallion and chicken thigh & scallion were also highlights. The beef and pork belly were okay. My wife loved her soba, and also got the deep fried beef skewer. All in all a nice stop for food, and relatively reasonably priced!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Not just my favorite restaurant in industry city, one of my favorite spots in all the city. great selection of tasty skewers and Japanese style drinks and highballs. I can't get enough of the place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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