Gyu Kaku Boston, Ma Brookline

The all-you-can-eat option is definitely a better value, but the first-time course menu tasting was also enjoyable. The service was excellent.

The restaurant wasn't busy when we arrived for our 5 PM reservation, but our experience started on a sour note. The hostess was unfriendly and spent most of her time on the phone. It took 15 minutes for us to be seated, even though we had a reservation for five people. Once we were at our table, we waited 30 minutes before we finally had to flag down a staff member just to get our server to take our drink order. When our server did arrive, another 15 minutes passed before we could place our order for everything at once to avoid further delays. After another 15 minutes, we still had to ask about our drinks. We wanted to share four items from the menu, as we've always done at this restaurant, but were told we could only order two, stating that they have a new policy. Overall, the service and food quality have really deteriorated.

The waitress not only did not apologize but was also seen laughing with her coworkers. She claimed she had said "I'm sorry," but that was a lie, and she had communication issues as she didn't speak English. Additionally, when my friend asked the manager, Paul Lee, to take action against the waitress for her inadequate training, he refused, insisting that she continue serving other customers. When my friend sought an apology from the waitress, the manager told us the waitress had already left. However, after we departed, he called the waitress back, and she showed up two hours later to meet with my friend. Overall, it feels like the manager and staff have no concern for their customers and lack basic responsibility and integrity.

Delicious food and great service. The Double for 2 people is a good value, too. For 3 people, we order 1 double order and a single bbq order.

I go to Gyu Kaku almost every week and order the exact same thing: A5 Wagyu short rib. However, what I was served this time was definitely not A5 wagyu. Being someone working in the meat industry, I am pretty positive I can identify if a steak is A5 wagyu or not and this certainly was not despite the manager's claims. Anyone that has had this particular kind of steak would now it is quite weird for A5 wagyu to stick to the grill due to its marbling and high fat content.