Robata Wasa has upgraded to a new sophisticated location in between Target and H&M! If you're looking for a modern take on quality Japanese cuisine with spectacular sevice, this is your place. I know this review is crazy long, but I feel like this restaurant deserves this extensive review because of their commitment to excellence.
First - the interior is GORGEOUS. The lights are empty sake bottles and that is just the most impressive and aesthetic thing ever. This place is huge and looks even bigger, similar to a banquet hall! We got seated at our table and Caleb introduced himself. At the end of the night, he had proven to be the most accommodating server I have ever met. This was something of a stress test before their grand opening and Caleb passed with flying colors. After introducing himself, he accordingly asked for any drink orders and left to put them in to give us a chance to look over our food options. He immediately returned and we ordered about three different times and every single time he precisely wrote down and repeated our entire order! The kitchen got a little backed up so we didn't get everything, but hey it's to be expected from such a crazy event. Caleb also made wonderful recommendations, answered any questions we had, and even double checked some answers if he wasn't 100% certain about something, which I genuinely appreciated! He also constantly checked up on us to see if we needed anything else throughout the night. If all of the servers are like him at all, then this restaurant has a good eye for quality customer service, much like their good eye for quality top notch food!
RECOMMENDATIONS: Bluefin tuna & Halibut Sushi, Sashimi Salad, Hokkaido Sea Scallops(Cold Tapas), Beef Tongue Robata, and Squid Ink Pasta. This is what I'll order the next time I have dinner here.
Salad - the Sashimi Salad was exquisite! This is definitely something that should be shared among 3 people at least. Exquisitely plated and perfectly dressed. Little gems of brightly colored fresh fish were strung throughout the arugula and the edamame added some nice fresh texture here and there.
Cold Tapas - Hokkaido Sea Scallops, Albacore Tataki, and Hamachi Serrano. I'm biased and I looooove scallops so they were my favorite - a light citrus sauce really brightened up the thinly cut scallops. These three were even in flavor and presentation so I would order all of them again.
Hot Tapas - Crispy Tiger Shrimp & Roasted Satsuma Sweet Potatoes. The shrimp, skin on, was immaculately seasoned, perfectly cooked, and incredibly crispy. Winner in my books! The sweet potatoes were solid! But a little heavy for me and the sauce that came with it made it taste like chocolate.
Entree - Squid Ink Uni Pasta and Buta Kakuni. UNI PASTA HANDS DOWN. The uni was incredibly creamy and melted in my mouth as I ate it with the perfectly al dente squid ink pasta. The frothy sauce was a bit heavy and creamy but the salmon roe lightened it up while giving a salty note and some texture. Our second order was underdone, but the kitchen got busy at that time so can't blame them. The Pork Belly was incredibly soft and you could just cut it with your fork - made to eat like a lettuce wrap and accompanied with this sweet chili sauce, garlic chips, and jalapenos.
Special Rolls - Hot Night & Dragon Roll. Both were okay! Some parts of the rolls were rolled better than others. Hot Night was topped with spicy tuna and Dragon roll with avocado and unagi.
Robata - Found out that robata is grilled with different coals that have a higher burning temp than the ones used for yakitori! In order of my favorites - beef tongue (ran out at the end of the night), steak with garlic chips, pork with shishito peppers and chicken thigh. Heard the salmon belly was good too, but they ran out beforehand! All of it was juicy, but the beef tongue was the most tender and flavorful out of all of them! Steak wasn't really seasoned but incredibly juicy. Pork was a bit heavy but the shishito peppers helped lighten it a bit. Chicken thighs were tough to eat because it was a thigh rolled out but bone in, but still very good.
Sushi/Sashimi - ALL FRESH AND DELICIOUS. In order of my favorites - Bluefin tuna, halibut, salmon, albacore, yellowtail, salmon roe. Bluefin tuna and halibut just melt in your mouth. The sushi counterpart was better than the sashimi only because their sushi rice had just the right amount of vinegar and they had just the right ratio of rice to fish!
Cocktails - we had the pleasure to try all their cocktails and my favorites were the Midori Mule, Matcha Colada, and Whimsical#2. All great and strong, so be careful!
Overall, I had such a positive experience at Robata Wasa. They have already shown what a powerhouse of a restaurant they can be from tonight. I cannot wait for their grand opening so I can return and hope to get served by Caleb again. read more