Easy for us residents in the Ft Lee to Alpine corridor to overlook the longevity of Kiku serving our communities for decades now. Hard pressed to think of other dining establishments in our area with that staying power. Kiku seems to be a special occasion establishment at least as evidenced by our experience last night. Food was good, the show was better. Classic hibachi choices in a nice, albeit dated setting. read more

Walked in as a walk-in customer and the experience went downhill fast. The restaurant had only four people in it total, yet the hostess asked if I had a reservation -- for a nearly empty dining room -- and then told me that next time I need to call ahead. Not exactly the welcoming first impression you'd expect. The food itself was good, but the service completely overshadowed it. Throughout the meal it felt like we were an inconvenience rather than guests. When the check came, we were rushed to sign it, and I felt pressured into leaving a larger tip than the service actually warranted. Kiku Alpine has potential with its food, but the front-of-house attitude and pressure tactics around tipping left a bad taste. I won't be rushing back. read more

Huge disappointment, we went to celebrate a birthday which we told the hostess on the phone her when we made reservations and to our waitress who could have cared less! Never saw again after we ordered until she gave us the check! There was no show, the chef did the onion volcano and that was it, couldn't be bothered and expected a tip! Asked for hot chili oil or Asian hot sauce, the waiter brings a bottle of Tabasco because it's all they had?!? What?!? It's an Asian restaurant?!? The one star is for the food which is decent. We loved coming here years ago, lots have changed and definitely not for the better! read more

I really hate doing this. I come to Kiku a lot. We have been going for years and honestly I had enough. the manager whatever his name is Rahmin or Raheem the older gentlemen well, I wouldn't call him a gentleman because he was very rude. He was very rude to our kids, and he kept telling us that we don't have a reservation and we see it on the book that the reservation was made, even though the place was empty he was trying to not give us a table for some reason he was giving us a hard time, but the other lady sat us down right away And when we sat, he kept forcing us to order more and more , we had to take home a lot of food . We kept lying to us saying the kiku special is not double or for 2 people . He was very nasty I can't believe they keep this guy around . Other than that the chefs and waiters & waitresses are amazing . Unfortunately Raheem the manager ruins it for all of them . read more

Absolutely delicious hibachi! Highly recommend place! The staff and service were nice, we made reservations beforehand. One thing I didn't like about is you need to share with others if your party size is small. We ordered basically everything filet mignon, scallops, sirloin steak, lobster tails, shrimps and sashimi combo on the side. Really liked the ambiance for celebrations and the performance was great! :) I would 100% visit again! read more

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Honestly I can't complain the food was super great but tell me how they didn't acknowledge our presence and also they decided to tell us the kitchen is closed and hour and 40 mins before closing time as we are eating asking us to leave AND ALSO they followed me and asked me for a 15% tip and that the 10% tip wasn't enough for just two " we didn't do the hibachi" read more

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Super slow service. We had a 6pm reservation and started to get our food at 7 finally. The chef kept burning the oil so we can smell and taste the burnt food from fried rice to salmon. The cook reminded our party multiple times that he's the chef - in a very arrogant way. He's so arrogant that he never gave us our sauces and didn't even ask us what temperature of meat (that's a basic for cooking steak). Even after we told him, he just gave us all the same overcooked meat. Instead, he tried to feed my child half raw salmon. PARENTS BEWARE. At one point, the cook came to the guest side of the table, next to a 2 year old in a high chair trying to cut a piece of steak directly on the plate to try to prove the temperature sure of the steak - which was proven to be overcooked. My kid was a hand away from grabbing the chefs long knife. This was the worst teppanyaki place ever. Do not come. Someone needs to come teach them basic curtesy and safety skills. read more

The food is delicious, the service is great! They could use a better ventilation system, otherwise really nice to have a great hibachi restaurant in town read more

We dined at Kiku on a Tuesday evening to celebrate a graduation. Our experience was positive overall, and I can see why the graduate and her family enjoy dining here. The decor is decidedly '80s, but not in a cheesy way. Walking in felt like I'd stepped back in time and gave me all the nostalgia. In the hallway leading to the dining room, there are photos of celebrities that have dined at Kiku, which was really cool. The staff was very friendly and welcoming, and encouraged us to sit and wait in the bar as the rest of our party arrived. Chef Mike put on a great show for us, and handled our 8 + 1 baby with ease. He was very patient and accommodating when the baby decided she was *not* in the mood for flames. He gave her mom a heads up when any potentially upsetting display was going to begin so she'd have time to adjust the baby. He was fun and funny as he prepared our meals. He also did a great job managing our many orders with shrimp, as one person had a shrimp allergy. The food was quite good. I went with the sirloin and shrimp, but also had samples of lobster and scallop. My steak was closer to medium well than the medium rare I'd ordered, but the seasoning was nice. I really enjoyed the spicy horseradish mustard, and Chef Mike's recommendation to use it on the rice was spot on. I'd come back to Kiku and definitely recommend it for large groups. read more

Service perfect: food excellent: although busy with birthday parties, large and small groups you don't feel the crowds. Ladies bathroom could use some heat and warm water. read more

PROS: the food was amazing and priced well with a strong variety on the menu. The staff is nice, they take reservations, loads of parking, and the best atmosphere of any hibachi restaurant CONS: believe it or not the only con I ran into was the dessert. They only have ice cream and they only give you one scoop OVERALL: 100% would come back here and I highly recommend you to come here too read more

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How this place is still in business is beyond me. I remember back in the day when Kiku was the place for sushi and hibachi, today it's a shell of what it was. The service is pathetic. The bartender just ignored us for 15 minutes, so we just got up and left. The waitress took our first drink and food order and never came back for refills without me hunting her down several times. The carpets are sticky like Velcro. The ceiling tiles are black from the years of grease. I sat in old rice that stuck to my pants, I discovered later. 1/2 the menu is Sushi but they no longer serve sushi!!!. They ask if you want white or fried rice never telling you it's an up charge that totaled additional $45 for our table. $45 for 3 eggs and peas, seriously!!! Then they add the tip post tax without asking. The food was ok but the entire presentation of the restaurant and service makes this place a no go for me in the future. Sad to see how this restaurant is today. read more

I've been going here for years. The portions have shrank, the help has tanked and they will up charge you and charge you fixed tips. Bartender doesn't know how to make anything. And they will still charge you for those drinks. This used to be a good old-school place, if you know, you know. Now, go elsewhere so you don't leave feeling like you wanna light a match as you walk out. read more

We used to love this place! Unfortunately, the quality of the food and entertainment provided by the chef has gone down hill. The mustard sauce was very sour and had a fishy taste. The grill and table was greasy/sticky and didn't seem to be cleaned well. The hibachi filet mignon, fried rice and noodles were very bland. The chef said they changed their recipes. Super disappointed in both the service and food. read more

Great food and atmosphere. Been going here for years and will continue to as long as the food and service remain top notch.

I just want to start off by saying the place is huge is never full, no table other than us were seated. The minute you walk in there is an awful smell, I know I should be respectful but I'm being honest the smell could not be worse. The food was extremely expensive and didn't smell very good either. Me and my family left after a few moments could not handle the place, bad smell, sticky floors, nothing clean and employees were rushing for us to order when we were the only ones there. Do not recommend! read more

Upon arrival the restaurant is a nice beautiful view. We had a reservation and were sat down promptly. Once we were at the table we ordered spicy tuna tartar and fried calamari and we asked for a bottle of still water. The waitress felt the need to let us know that a bottle of water is $15. We still asked for it. Then the spicy tuna tartar came and it was not fresh at all. The fried calamari seemed to be grill not fried but it was good. The waitress arrived with four extremely dirty cups not water mark dirty but like dry food and crumbs dirty. I asked her to change the cups and she came back with the same cups... dirty. We ordered two filet mignon one with shrimp, one chicken, one shrimp and four fried rice. When the chef came they only had three fried rice but the waitress wasn't there so we just let it go. The chef was very personable kind and funny and asked us questions about our food he was a very fun experience we even tipped him due to being appreciative of his service and attention. My only con is that one of the bottles he was using to light a fire had so much black mold on it and was so dirty it was disgusting. But that wasn't the made food bottle it was only when he used it for the fire tricks. The waitress we weren't pleased with her service due to not putting four fried rice and for providing us with 4 dirty cups, and as we were walking out she stopped to tell us that tip is not included and we need to tip to her. Our bill was over $200 dollars we tipped the chef $30. Due to providing wonderful services. Now the waitress was barely around when we needed her and when she was providing services she did not care about us which she proved when she bought back out the dirty cups and was negligent with our order. Although we had two kids we paid full price entree for them not a kids menu, and I expected to get treated with a bit more respect and love in order to offer a wonderful experience that stale and old tuna tartar is proof that they don't care about their customers they done care to serve dirty cups, or old food and they don't care to show respect and humbleness. For her service a $5.00 tip is more than enough, she didn't deserve a thing in my opinion. But to press us for more money is insane to me. Shows they don't take care of their employees or their customers. Stay away. read more

Ordered the lobster and filet mignon combo. This restaurant is excellent. They started us off with a salad with a light but savory ginger sauce and the soup was great and light, but I actually have no idea what it is. Moving on to the entree, the fried rice was buttery and packed with umami flavor from the soy sauce. The lo-mein had about the same flavor profile as the fried rice! Both were sauteed extremely well and had a good char flavor without tasting burnt! The lobster and steak were cooked to perfection! We ordered our steaks medium rare and that's what we got. Their mustard sauce was exceptional to dip in although the protein didn't need any dipping. What I like about the restaurant is that throughout the way, the chef was asking us how we wanted our food marinated. This customization made me really happy as a customer! I highly recommend this restaurant! Cheers! read more

We called for a 7pm reservation, 8 including children one being 20 months. We arrived at 650pm. By the time we were seated it was 730. Sat at the table for 30 minutes with no one greeting or coming by. finally waitress came and we ordered drinks and apps. Drinks finally came at around 8. Sat and sat hibachi chef finally came it was almost 9 . There was no apologies.. for anything. I stopped going to both Kikus years ago was talked into it by family . Never again read more

Absolutely awful service. We sat here with a 2 year old child and a toddler for an hour and a half with a hot grill and no service. The manager and waitstaff treated our party terribly. Do not come to this establishment, specifically if you are a person of color read more

Kiku Alpine Restaurant - The table in front of us got a chef within 20 minutes after we waited for an hour and a half. Do not come here - Japanese Near Me - Alpine, New Jersey

Hibachi at this location has quickly turned into one of our favorite weekend dinner places. My recommendation is to set a reservation before walking in but, eitherway, they will always try to accommodate. Per Hibachi, this is still the best choice around in Bergen county. read more

The absolute worst ever! Run, don't walk as far away from this place. Currently sitting at our table which we've been at for an hour and have yet to even receive our appetizer. The the waitress has no clue as to what any drink is and has said they had none of the drinks we ordered which we went to the bar to realize that they actually do. Some of the waiters are rude and dismissive and they are severely understaffed. Literally will never return here read more

Kiku Alpine Restaurant - Our empty grill after we've been sitting here for an hour and 15 minutes - Japanese Near Me - Alpine, New Jersey

Food was presented in a fun and typical manner . Chef was pleasant. Food was plentiful. Beef was not top quality. Shrimp were good. Grandkids loved it and we will return for other celebratory occasions. read more

Just want to let everyone know that at dinner last week a cockroach ran across the table. The Manager moved us to another table and apologized. He later came back to see if anyone wanted a drink. None of the 7 people on the table were drinking. When we received the bill, nothing was taken off and we were not given a voucher as an enticement to come back. Will not be returning even though we had been going for 20 years. read more

A new "worst restaurant ever" for us. Rude service, non-fresh fish and overall bad experience. Stay away

This place was the most disgusting place I have ever been to; here's our story. I met some friends here for dinner. Our reservation was set for 7pm and we didn't get seated until 7:45pm. We were pretty annoyed by this, but there is nothing else "Nextdoor" so we waited. Once seated, it took the chef ANOTHER 45 MINUTES TO GET TO OUR TABLE. Within those 45 minutes, one of my friends and I decided to go to the bar. The rug floor was so sticky on the way to the bar, UGH! We proceed to ask for sake and fail each time because they didn't have the sake. Like it was our fault they were out of sake, the bartender huffs and puffs and SPITS OUT HIS GUM ONTO THE BAR TOP. He quickly reaches out for it and puts the gum back into his mouth. We walked away immediately and at this point, we couldn't stop laughing. The floors are FILTHY, tables are FILTHY. We sit back down, ask for bottled water, and the waitress pours everyone a cup. However, as she leans over, her ponytail goes into my water. I was so horrified by this. I proceeded to explain to her what had just occurred, and shockingly, she rolls her eyes at me and tells me she'll bring a new cup. Great... the chandeliers are filthy, and this whole place is just DISGUSTING. AVOID AT ALL COSTS. Save yourself a possible illness, and stay AWAY. EW read more

Went on Mother's Day. Important preface, because likely explanation for subpar service. Had a reservation which was honored and sat within 5 minutes. Plus 1. However pluses become rarer after this. The waiter was nice but didn't come to the table enough. After ordering a delicious and cheap cocktail, the food prior to the hibachi was slowly brought out. SLOWLY! Like over 45min. Then, nothing........for another 45 minutes. Periodically a manager would come by and say, 10 more minutes...yeah right! After a long wait, my friend and her young daughter needed to use the restroom. At that point the chef came over and began, despite them not being there. The chef out minimal effort into the performance and by the tome my friend returned, it was basically over. They still get 3 stars because the steak was excellent. Cooked exactly to my order. The drinks were tasty and cheap. And the chef repeated the fire and onion bit for the child that missed out. Likely better hibachis out there. read more

Kiku Alpine Restaurant - Japanese Near Me - Alpine, New Jersey

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The service is not what it used to be...the cook was excellent, friendly, funny, and tasty food! Maybe we were lucky to have the same cook! The waitress was not seen after taking the order & serving the initial drink order...she showed up about 5 minutes after we finished eating & the cook was gone! read more

Kiku Alpine Restaurant - Japanese Near Me - Alpine, New Jersey

My family have eaten there for over 20 years, we could not get a waiter and the other party asked the manager to come over 3 times, we stayed because my 95 year father in law doesn't move well and tried to bear it out, the bill came and we were overcharged over $150 on a real bill of $314.00. It took over 45 minutes for the waitress to figure It out, my father in-law was trying to ask The manager to get involved and he Was completely ignored. The manager was incompetent and rude and we and The other 2 families will not go back! read more

It was fine I didn't really love the food to be honest and I thought it was kind of expensive for what it was. I also think they overcharged us read more

Sat for 20-25 minutes before any servers helped us. Food and hibachi show were actually both quite good, although the bibimbap off the regular menu was just so so. Chef was entertaining, talented and efficient. Mouse sighting on the floor at the end was quite unpleasant. read more

We went for dinner last night and it was a terrible experience! Our chef was very good and entertaining but the service was very slow. My husband looked above his head at the chandelier and it was filthy you could see the grease all over it. The carpet through out the restaurant was so gross my shoes were sticking to it. We have been going here occasionally for years but we will never step foot in there again. read more

This place was very nice but there was a moldy smell and some of the items on the menu was not available. The chef was good but the shrimp was over cooked. Other then that everything was good but not out of the world. read more

I really don't like to leave bad review but , the bartender there was really bad I ordered a drink , he goes and get ice with his bare hands and put it's in glass and mind you there is a pandemic going around and this guy had no mask also ! It really disgusted me . The owner should definitely tell him something read more

Visited a while ago but their food is always good- very filling and clean (not oily)! I love their teppanyaki part of the restaurant- been a classic birthday celebration place ever since I moved to NJ. Their dining area is fine too :) read more

Kiku Alpine Restaurant - Udon - Japanese Near Me - Alpine, New Jersey

Your typical hibachi grill. Opened by a Korean or Chinese dude. Check. Filipino chef. Check. Corny jokes. Check. Laughing at my jokes that aren't funny. Check. Shaping fried rice out of a heart. Check. Rolling an egg on the grill and saying who wants egg roll. Check. Volcano out of onions. Check. Flipping broccoli in our mouths. Check. Even though they usually serve the same thing, the food here was pretty decent. It's really all for the kids. It's what you expect. read more

The front desk Manager the Indian guy was extremely rude. I am a long time customer however because of his rude behavior I will not be going back to Kiku. They close at 10:00Pm, we got there at 8:25pm and we were turned away, because he didn't want to sit us at the hibachi table. It was my birthday and we had reservations. This place is going down the drain. The service was terrible. Don't go there. I will take my money elsewhere, where they treat us with dignity. read more

Do not come here unless you have 3 hours to wait for shitty food served with even worse service. And a broken hibachi table so you don't even get what you came for. Should have stayed home and ordered Chinese food takeout read more

Believe the reviews -- it's 2.5 stars for a reason! I made a reservation to this place and got ATTITUDE when i cancelled 2 days prior. Unfortunately, my party has been exposed to COVID and the fact that management fails to understand that things happen, people cancel is absolutely ridiculous and inconsiderate! If i were you, bring your business somewhere else. Poor staff/management and I didn't even go there yet. Never will I give them my business. read more

I have been going to this restaurant for years, for kids birthdays and other celebrations. I read a bunch of bad reviews for Kiku for the past few months, so I was hesitant to go there again. Mostly the bad reviews are related to long waits and rude staff, so finally decided to give it a try for my kids' party. We called only an hour in advance for a table. A little negotiation about the timing, but we worked it out. We arrived and were seated immediately. After a short time with menus, they took our orders. The food arrived a few minutes later, along with an entertaining chef. Food was good and plentiful. Kids at the party had a good time. The entire dinner took about an hour, just like it did for years before. No complaints. Staff were courteous and quick. I guess they have worked out whatever issues others have been complaining about. Maybe they were just severely short-staffed after a long dry spell during COVID. read more