Kokuryo

Comments for Kokuryo (1138 Argyle Street, Glasgow)

1. Andy D, Glasgow – 10 May 2008, 4:04pmReport

The food was nice, but the service was awful. There were two of us and we got the main courses about 15 minutes apart. The table behind us were complaining about not getting their drinks until they had practically finished their starters. Once we had finished it took them about 20 mins to clear our plates and another 15 to bring a dessert (a bowl of ice cream). Over all not somewhere I would want to go back to any time soon.

2. Andy T, Glasgow – 4 August 2008, 11:10pmReport

Would agree with the above poster - food was reasonable, service was downright awful! Firstly the middle aged waitress had no courtesy in greeting my wife or I. During the meal my wife took some photos of her meal (odd habit I know but hey she's passionate about food!) at which point the waitress stormed over and stated that photos were not allowed and all their dishes (which were generic recipes which can be found in most oriental restaurants) were registered trademarks and if we put the pictures up on any web sites or blogs they would sue us! Now a simple "I'm sorry sir/madam but we don't allow photos" would have sufficed, instead of some rude half assed hostile threat which was spoken by somebody who has watched too much Ally McBeal. Anyway moving on, the food was actually reasonable until we discovered two hairs halfway in my wife's rice! Upon pointing this out to the older waitress, we were met with a glare and silence for about thirty seconds before she said "okay"! Now we have eaten in restaurants before where this kind of thing has happened, but it is the first time we were met with such an unapologetic response and it is the first time I have ever heard a waitress say in respone to such a situation that it's ok! Needless to say all appetite went out the window and it is not somewhere we will be returning in a hurry.

3. Gordon, Glasgow – 25 October 2008, 6:35pmReport

I've been to Kokuryo a couple of times and have enjoyed it on both occasions. Contrary to the experiences of rude staff, disputes over photographs, hairs in the food and whatever else, the staff were very friendly and the service was quick (both occasions were Friday nights if that makes any difference). I also found the food very tasty, particularly the Miso soup and sushi selection.

4. LH, Glasgow – 1 January 2009, 5:29pmReport

I have to speak up to defend this great restaurant. Yes, the service is sometimes a bit below par, but more often than not it's totally fine. Anyway, it's not the service you go to a restaurant for - it's the food. Kokuryo's food is fantastic. I've eaten there countless times, and they also do delivery. What's better about eating in the restaurant though is the banchan - a selection of (complimentary) little dishes given to you before your meal. Pickled veg, etc. Always different, and always delicious. Korean food is similar to Japanese in some ways, but spicier and more hearty. My recommendations: For a starter, the pa jeon, a spicy seafood and spring onion pancake. It's delicious, and enough for two. The fishcake is also very good. For a main course, my absolute favourite is the dol sot bibimbap - rice in a hot stone pot with bulgogi (Korean marinated beef), vegetables and a fried egg on top, served with a spicy sauce. The salt and chili prawns are also great. A huge pile of crispy, spicy deep-fried king prawns. You eat the whole thing - shell, head and all. Awesome. Kokuryo is the only Korean restaurant I have ever been to - and the only one in Glasgow (or probably, the whole of Scotland). It has piqued my appetite for trying more Korean food, and even visiting the country. I can't recommend it highly enough for anyone who likes spicy food or fancies trying something different.

5. Ronald, Glasgow – 9 February 2009, 10:17amReport

I have now been to Kokuyro 3 times and every time the food and service has been exceptional.
The waiting staff are helpful, and if you have not been before they will suggest things for you to try - like the Bulgoki, which was extremely delicious.
Phenomenal food all round.

6. AimeeBee, Glasgow – 9 May 2009, 6:57pmReport

I also feel that I have to speak up and defend this excellent restaurant. I have been dining in Kokuryo from a time when it was not necessary to book in advance, you could simply walk in without reservation. Once word got out about Kokuryo that rapidly changed and Kokuryo now fills up quickly; I always book in advance! Its success is due not only to its excellent food but also to its lovely staff and brilliant service. The banchan is delightful, the sushi fantastic, tempura battered to perfection. For the main, whether noodles, rice or hotpot you cannot be disappointed!

The 'slow service' outlined previously....may I enquire if the gentleman had a watch or was this a wild guess by the impatient? I have never once waited longer than 5minutes after finishing one course to receive the next.

As for the photographs? Simply because someone reacts differently than expected by our own 'the customer is always right' culture; it does not spell bad service!! I always find the staff pleasant, helpful and efficient.

I can't recommend it enough to those of you with an adventurous palate & a love of good food!

7. Susanna, Glasgow – 22 July 2009, 3:50pmReport

Okay, I've visit Kokuryo very frequently and not once did i face bad service. Not once. All the waitresses are exceptionally friendly which once made me give them a tip of £10.00. Now, that is something which I have never done before but the service in Kokuryo these days are outstanding. Now, moving on to the food.
The food is very tasty and I would recommend this place to anyone. it has outstanding service and exceptional food. But kokuryo has one quality which makes them stand out- the busier the restaurant, the friendlier the staff and tastier the food.

8. TBL, Glasgow – 28 January 2010, 11:24amReport

Many people make valid points here.

The food is fantastic, almost completely faultless, and well priced. The spicy seafood broth is to die for, and is almost a meal for two in itself.

However, no matter what people say - the service does need work. I do not 'just' go out for a meal for the food, it's the entire experience.

The staff here are friendly, and not rude in any way, but they do err on the side of under attentiveness. Twice we have been and have had to wait around 15 minutes for our plates to be cleared.
You also tend to have to ask for drinks, or otherwise stop the waitress to ask for napkins etc.

Small fish in the grand scheme of things, but these would be simple to rectify.

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