I used to go to the gym across the street, so I've eaten at Koba many times over the past few years, and when i last ate there in May 2010 I still recalled liking it for the excellent, generous portions of sashimi and sushi in a casual if scruffy canteen setting.
But last night when I went it was as if everything had gone terribly downhill. I had to wipe what seemed like grease off my menu, the floors were filthy, dirty hand towels with holes in them were hanging over the bar stools, the chef/owner was screaming at everyone (yes, he was screaming hello and goodbye, but it was quite jarring). In fact, the noise was unbearable, something pounding upstairs (are they beating rugs?), throwing metal pans on top of each other, the chef himself looking like he just came out of a construction site (ie filthy).
I tried to ignore this and ordered with my friend (the "waitress" told me to ask the chef what the "special" on the menu was, she didn't know). Our bowls of sashimi and sushi were brought *immediately* and looked like they had been sitting around a few hours. We were starving so we ate them, but I kept worrying we'd get food poisoning. The wasabi and ginger just sit on the tables, not changed between clients. The bottles of soy sauce and other condiments were also filthy. Really. And I'm not the picky type at all, but I know the difference between something that is simply basic and no-frills and something that is dirty. Not to mention that the loud chef/owner lights his Gauloises up inside the restaurant and puffs a few moments before casually stepping outside.
Has there been a change in ownership? Or did the person who used to keep it clean and fresh leave? Whatever it is, I can't believe it's still open. Absolutely disgusting. read more