I try to stop into this place frequently because at the end of the day I wanna love their concepts and love the Dailaka restaurant group. Unfortunately itâs current reiteration falls extremely short on food quality, costs, and service. When I walked in there were three employees seemingly running around like chickens with their heads cut off in a empty restaurant. It was quite offputting with two of them lobbing questions to me about my reservation and where I wanna sit. I sat inside and once I ordered the food quickly arrived. I mean I donât know what to expect from spam musubi it was fine I was just looking for something may be a bit more elevated. The Saimin boring flavorless included barely any added toppings and just generally was not well executed for the price charged. I was the only person in the entire restaurant and the three employees working there basically forgot about me ignored me and it was it sure to get my check and flag anyone down. Itâs all a real shame because I want to love this place. I also forgot to mention now that Iâm looking at my pictures that there was a huge bone fragments in the pork in the saiminn. I also asked if they had any house hot sauce and they brought me a bottle of hot sauce that was expired from 2020.
I was surprised at how empty it was when we showed up around 6:15 on a Friday. The food was all very good and there were definitely some unique items you don’t see on other menus. They have a great patio with lots of shade. The pork sliders were excellent.
This was the worst service I’ve had in quite a while. Very confused, inattentIve, and they auto-grat everyone with a 22% service charge. There were, apparently, three servers for our table, but they didn’t clear plates or show up often, or ever take our menus away, or bring serving plates until we asked for them, or ask if we wanted more cocktails, or really pay much attention to us, though they were standing at the bar nearby.The food is mediocre, overcooked kebab, Mayo-soaked coconut shrimp. It wasn’t bad, but can’t imagine going again.A very nice space though, with good music, and the outdoor space looked like a good area for evening cocktails. The cocktails were reasonably good, if you can get one. Sweet, but enjoyable.Also prices for this restaurant are very reasonable for Navy Yard. You just don’t get much for it, and pay overmuch for bad service.
Menu is limited. I expected more ramen choices. Hawaiian/Filipino dishes were okay. I doubt I’ll go back.
I’ll admit you guys hit a hot button today.The food was good - though I miss some of your old offerings. The service was efficient, friendly, and gracious. And yet I still left your restaurant with a terrible taste in my mouth.Why? I have a major objection to you adding automatic 22% gratuity for a small table at lunchtime (in an empty casual dining establishment where there was no such documented policy). I’m going to tip over 20% anyway and so will most people, especially during COVID. If you had a policy for doing this with larger parties or wrote a policy on your menu I would not object. I would have tipped at least 20% anyway because your staff did a good job. But including the tip without notice tells your customers you think they are cheap; over 22% takes away my ability to reward exceptional service (or puts the burden on me to renegotiate gratuity on my bill after the fact). I paid $75 for lunch - two bowls of soup, a watermelon appetizer, and a drink. If I wanted to save money I would have had a nice toasted sub at Potbelly across the street. Come on, guys. And if you need to do 22% to properly compensate your team it’s probably time to to raise your menu prices.
New Hawaiian menu does not meet the quality of the restaurant. I have been here before and unfortunately found out that the menu was now a Hawaiian theme. Knowing that the restaurant is associated w the Daikaya group I decided to stay. The food was not awful but it was definitely average (presentation and flavor). Ordered Saimin and Kalua Pork Plate. Hope this helps.
Desserts are delicious, cocktails are solid, and food is wholesome and filling.
Love it here! Always a great vibe with fantastic food and service!
Great food! Staff was friendly and helpful! Sat outdoors so not sure about indoor vibe. But overall would go recommend!
Not enough vegetarian options. Bring back the full ramen menu!