The food is very authentic. There were items I couldn't even find at Hmart. The service was very…read morequick and the employees were kind. The ambiance is quiet and the place was very clean. They even had hot items to go. Come here.

Back in April 2020, when COVID-19 restrictions had just taken hold in America, my wife walked from…read moreour home in Atlantic Station to nearby Wagaya Japanese restaurant to pick up takeout for dinner. Due to the pandemic, indoor dining at restaurants was closed. On her way home, she noticed that sister restaurant Chirori next door (https://www.yelp.com/biz/chirori-yakitori-and-kushikatsu-atlanta) had converted into a Japanese grocery store: https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/wagaya-japanese-groceries-atlanta-2?select=OJdGMHY4IZsMeQWEhGzmsw&userid=j14WgRoU_-2ZE1aw1dXrJg. She stopped in, ran into owner/acquaintance Takashi Otsuka, and purchased some items. Well into its fourth year in business, Wagaya Grocery Store is still kicking. I believe this store was a direct result of the pandemic. I thought its existence might be temporary; for example, it would only be around until restrictions were lifted and dine-in was back in full force. Well, it looks like this store is here to stay. A while back, it moved into a hidden space downstairs, on the same level as Trio Custom Clothiers: https://www.yelp.com/biz/trio-custom-clothiers-atlanta-5. As a regular customer at all of these businesses for many years now, I remember when this space used to be storage for Trio and/or other businesses at this property (if I recall correctly) as well as, at one point, a dance studio - the Burke Connolly Academy of Irish Dance. I highly recommend Trio for custom suits and tuxes, by the way. This is a great, fun little store for Japanese and other Asian food and drink. It's convenient for those living/working in Atlantic Station, Home Park, and Georgia Tech, as well as the wider Midtown and Westside neighborhoods. These parts of Atlanta are Japanese/Asian grocery deserts. Wagaya Grocery Store can save you a trip to Tomato Japanese Grocery Store in Marietta or Norcross, or H Mart or Buford Highway Farmers Market in Doraville. This is nowhere near the size of those stores and the prices are understandably a bit higher, but this place still has plenty to offer and it works in a pinch. For example, I've come here for their house brand kimchi as opposed to driving to Costco or H Mart. It's good. It was $5.49 per pound last time I bought it, with a small container typically costing less than $5. They have different kinds too. My wife and I have purchased an assortment of items here including Alfort Mini Chocolates, Imuraya Frozen Wafer Sandwiches in different flavors (e.g., matcha, strawberry), Kracie Popin' Cookin' Tanoshii Sushi DIY candy for kids (we got those for my nieces), bags of Kit Kat wafers in unique flavors (e.g., milk tea, melon; $13.99 each), and soy milk daifukumochi ($2.49 each). I've also gotten various drinks here, from Pocari Sweat sports drinks ($3.99 per bottle) and Kimono brand sparkling Yuzu ($4.49 per bottle) to Calpico in different flavors (e.g., melon; $3.99 per bottle) and Korean Binggrae Banana-flavored boxed milk drinks ($1.99 each). Overall, there's a very nice variety of Japanese snacks, candy, drinks, condiments, frozen treats, etc. I will say this is not the best place to buy some products, like drinks and ramen, in bulk since most of what they sell is in singles and not in packs/boxes. It's less economic. However, this place is perfect for things like condiments (e.g., Kewpie mayo, Korean BBQ sauce, ponzu sauce) and special produce (e.g., certain types of mushrooms and greens, fresh local yuzu $3.99 each). In addition to produce, they have everything you need to make basic sushi including fresh raw fish, roe (masago and ikura), and pickled ginger and wasabi; ingredients for nabemono, like shabu-shabu and sukiyaki (Japanese hot pot), including thin-sliced beef brisket ($18.50 per pound), ribeye ($22.50 per pound), and pork belly ($17.50 per pound); and even different types of broth -- ramen shoyu, udon/soba, spicy curry. Also, they have a fridge with a decent selection of sake and wine which, for some reason, must be ordered using a phone by scanning a QR code on the fridge door. The beer you can buy same as everything else. The store has a cute, amusing atmosphere to it, befitting of Japanese culture. Everything from the colorful canned drinks with anime characters on them to details like little foldable instructions on "How to Cook Okonomiyaki" just really add charm to the place. Service is excellent from manager Chi to employee Tim. They're really friendly. I was curious about the demand in this area for this type of store and they told me they really had to fine-tune the inventory levels so they didn't have a lot of product expiring on them. I believe it. Like some things I've had to do at my job, it sounds like more of an art than a science. Chi told me she goes to Georgia Tech regularly to sell groceries from Wagaya Grocery Store too, on certain days near the Student Center. The neighborhood is lucky to have this place.

Unique and wonderful. Everything from the rice balls to the keto bowls to the salted chocolate chip…read morecookies! This place rocks.

PARKING (4/5): They have some parking right in front or you…read morecan park on the grass/dirt nearby. It looks like make-shift parking, but everyone was doing it so I just followed the trend! AMBIANCE (4/5): Tons of indoor & outdoor patio seating, although it seemed like everyone pre-ordered or picked up to go. They have 2 long communal tables and a ton of 2-4 people tables. The wood tables make it look rustic, pop music playing so it's not awkwardly quiet. SERVICE (3/5): You order at the counter first, a single cashier, but it goes fairly quickly. Most of the staff is in the back kitchen. It's more "serve yourself". You grab your own drinks from the fridge, all utensils, napkins, and water are already on the table, and throw your own trash away, everything is in disposable containers. FOOD (4/5): $22 BUILD YOUR OWN BOWL: I personally didn't like the signature rice, I wanted the crispy rice fritters but they were sold out at 1:30pm on a Friday. The crispy Brussels were AMAZING! Definitely get this for a (+$2.50 upgrade). Bulgogi ribeye was sweet and delicious! Cashier offered a side of spicy Korean sauce which I didn't realize I'd be charged for, just wish she told me it was an additional cost (+$0.75). It doesn't need any extra sauce, the bowls are very saucy! And I'm a heavy sauce person. Also added a fried egg (+$2). The bowl was very delicious, minus the signature rice, I'd get all crispy Brussels next time! $4 BUTTERFLY TEA: very sweet, but good! $4 MINI COOKIES (4-PACK): I got 2 chocolate chip and 2 banana chip cookies. A little dry, but yummy. OVERALL (4/5): This is a FAST-CASUAL restaurant. They ask for automatic tip at the cashier, but you pretty much service yourself except when they bring out the food. I honestly wasn't expecting to spend this much for a quick lunch (total was $36), but I wanted to try everything. Now I know what I like and don't like here and excited to try some of the other bowl options! Definitely recommend this place! Very yummy!

Underseasoned and underseasoned. Did I mention, underseasoned? Every time we spend $70+ for take…read moreouts, that same fate of underseasoned jokbal waits to be eaten, followed by another lament and complaints for both underseasoned original and spicy. Def can tell they skimping in ingredients. Not sure what their goal is, maybe winning over all senile palettes who has enough teeth and gum to chew up (or suck on), but you ain't winning loyal clientele existed when you seasoned it enough to be enjoyed.

Still good, still serving excellent pork trotters. Nothings…read morechanged since last visit. Place can be intimidating for those not familiar with Korean food or this type of cuisine. But for those looking for this, they will be richly rewarded. Pork pork and pork. We had the 1/2 and 1/2 small which was more than enough for two of us. They threw in a kimchi stew. Served excellent kimchi (three ways). And soju served in the old style kettle. Not for everyone, but this place gets me. I'll be back.

I see yelp treats wagaya grocery the same as the restaurant but there's a separate listing for it…read moreon Google but the grocery is in the back of the restaurant and you get to it by taking the stairs to the left of the front door down to the basement They have some items I missed from Japan that I don't recall seeing in teso like the pudding with the flap in the bottom to make it pop out Their prices are higher than stores in Duluth but could be due to area as much as anything else It's a small shop but they have a good selection! They do have a credit card minimum and they don't take cash so you'll have to get more a little after dinner dessert here But they have shiso leaves, sashimi, ice cream, snacks and toys It's a good variety for the size and a nice stop before or after dinner at one of the restaurants above! The parking is minimal and in the back for wagaya. We are at chirori so parked in their spare lot before making a brief stop here

Good food and kind service. The setup inside has a traditional casual feel to it. This was my first…read moretime trying tofu, been looking forward to it for a while. Prices here are pretty reasonable, so I'd recommend trying the place at least once! I really enjoyed the "kiss of Juju" roll here; the strawberries really added something to the flavor profile and made it really refreshing. We had crispy rice, agedashi tofu, pork gyoza, fried oysters, and the yellow jacket and kiss of juju roll, and it was all good. We finished off with the green tea ice cream at the end.

Great spot for authentic Korean comfort food! Their $9.99 lunch are such a steal. I love the pork…read morebackbone soup and cold noodle. Cozy vibe, big portion, and friendly service. Will be back!

There are so many amazing specials around here that I must tell you about!…read more Today, after seeing this local Korean restaurant post their lunch menu, I just had to visit. Because one of my favorite pairings was on their menu of spicy cold noodles and bbq pork. You know a place is good when they only have a few items on their menu. 1 비빔냉면 Spicy cold noodles These were absolutely perfect, balanced with just the right sweet and spicy flavor. The ice cold beef broth served on the side was so addictively savory with a hint of ginger and crispy ice cystals. $9.99! 2 돼지불백 Thin sliced BBQ soy sauce pork, served with all the 쌈 sides to make lettuce wrap. So much food for only $9.99! Excellent lunch service. Atmosphere just like a drinking spot in Korea with metal tabletops, so cozy.

I have been visiting this restaurant for years, back when they first opened in Kennesaw and were…read morenamed Seoul Food. For a long time, they were my go-to when I was craving Korean food. They had a deal for $5 for 5 sides where you could get a whole trayful of tteokbokki and a good deal on their "Seoul bowl" which was a meat, 2 dumplings and a side. I understand that the economy has changed a lot in the recent years so they could not maintain their prices. However, I found that the quality of food was also declining while prices continued to rise. This last time I visited, I got the kimbap and bowl (pork bulgogi and japchae). This was one of the most disappointing experiences I've had. The kimball was falling apart, so much that it was difficult to eat. When you went to take a bite, all of the contents fell out. The bulgogi and dumplings were fine but the japchae was very bad. Like I said, I've been coming here for years and I have *never* seen the japchae look like this. It was dark and chewy like rubber. It was so bad that I couldn't even finish half of the side before I called it quits. I did reach out to the restaurant soon after and they were very apologetic and offered a refund. I am just disappointed that one of my favorite restaurants is changing so much. Additionally, they updated the menu recently and took off some items that I previously enjoyed (like the potato tornado). Most of all, I am disappointed in the tteokbokki deal. It is now $2.50 for 4 rice cakes (you can count them in the container). And I am also sad that the japchae wasn't good as this was my go-to place for Korean japchae cravings.

Cute little spot with counter service. They have great Bimbimbap bowls. I also love that they…read moreoffer japchae (sweet potato glass noodles), no so happy that the toppings are cold. My broccoli was fridge cold, which is common in this establishments. They also have Gimbap, which I used to joke around are korean sushi rolls. The quality of the meat is decent, though not always as tender or flavorful as you'd expect from a traditional Korean BBQ spot. Some of the marinades are good, but others feel a bit bland or lacking in depth. The side dishes (banchan) are a nice touch, but they can be hit-or-miss in terms of freshness and flavor. Overall in all, KPop BBQ To Go is a solid option if you're craving Korean BBQ and need something quick.

What a really nice place to find some great sushi QUICK and easy. Sometimes I really don't want to…read morebother with a waiter and a table. This is perfect! Sushi was fresh and the exact healthy option I was looking for ! Salmon roll was excellent as well as the spicy tuna which had just enough spice but not overpowering! There's approximately seating for 30 inside the store.

I've been here several times and typically have a good experience.... but the other day wasn't that…read moregood... I'm not sure if they had some bad customers or whatever happened earlier that day, but there were 3 employees; a heavy set Asian woman with a mask, a thin white woman and a thin Asian woman. Nobody greeted me when I came in, nobody asked if I needed help. If anything, I was being "watched." Upon checking out, again, was not greeted. I had to say something to her to hear something back. These are definitely some new people than who was here 6 months ago. A little friendlier customer service goes a long way.... It will be a long while before I come back to this location. The employees are not friendly or welcoming.

I am deeply saddened to write this view in particular because I feel like there some very…read moredisturbing undertones to the nature of the service I received in this restaurant on this visit. First, let me say that I love this restaurant. I live in South Metro Atlanta, so for me to come all the way up to Buford, Georgia to eat at this place, I really like it. My previous experience has been nothing short of excellent. Even on this visit, the food was excellent and I had no complaints with its quality or in the environment in the establishment. However, when I walked in, I was greeted my an extremely rude young man at the front counter. He was so rude that, I decided to leave and went back to my car. As I sat there, I had to remind myself that I had driven over an hour and it would have been foolish to leave at this point. So, I went back inside and ordered. Again, extremely rude to myself and my guest. It was so bad that my guest also noticed. Even in telling us where to sit, he acted as if I was bothering him by coming inside and ordering food. When our food arrived to the table, he just slammed it down and walked off like he was annoyed. What was even more telling about how, insanely, disturbing his behavior, was that when he and his 'shift' left and was replaced my some young ladies, the experience, completely changed! I mean, immediately changed. The young ladies were helpful, pleasant, and friendly. The mood changed so drastically like night and day. Again, this food is good! The environment is neat! But, if this young man is continued to be allowed to interact with customers, there will be some continued problems.

TLDR: Food 3.5/5, Atmosphere 3/5, Service 1/5. Would pick up food to go but would not choose…read moreto dine in again. During my short time in the Buford area, I've come to this place twice in the last two days. The food brought me back as well as proximity to our hotel, however if I were local, the service would drive me away. The type of staff that seems more, interested in hanging out and talking with each other than actually serving the customers. First day I was here. I got the bulgogi Omurice dish and it was tasty. I expected the omelette actually cover the entire portion of rice (top and bottom like an omelette which it didn't. Nevertheless, served piping hot in the stone dish and the flavors were good and not overpowering, and the portion was large. A decent value. The second day, after learning a lesson from the previous one, my wife and I split the Bulgogi fried rice dish (which she had gotten the day before.) Again, the flavors did not disappoint. The rub came when my cousin and I, who have two Independent families and who paid separately, were bulked together as one large group so that a mandatory service fee could be tacked on. When I asked, they said the computer made them charge the service fee. This is in addition to having the system prompt for a tip in addition. The ironic part is that we weren't even standing next to each other in line. Then if you are going to charge a service fee, we would expect to have some solid service that is pretty prompt. Small things such as being able to get water when and as soon as you sit down (perhaps they were busy?), as well as having the sufficient amount of silverware (perhaps they just miscounted?) and actually people smile when they're helping you (perhaps it was the end of the day and they were tired?). Lots of hypotheticals. Just a higher expectation of service, especially when being subject to this service fee. Nevertheless, the family enjoyed the food. We are in and out and about 45 minutes and I'm leaving town today so it doesn't really matter but if you're looking for great service, this isn't the place for you but if you just need a quick bite to pick up and take back to your home or hotel,, go for it.

We ended up arriving earlier in Georgia than our original plan and we needed a place to try that…read moreopens till 4am so we decided to give it a try as it was just across the street of jeju sauna. We had some pork tofu soup, the taste is ok it had a very distinct flavor almost like menthol that i've never had before in pork tofu soup. Not sure if they used a special ingredients but I wasn't really a fan of it. However, my friends said it was not too bad. Then, we had a chicken that was very tiny. It's so tiny that you could have a one bite and it's just literal bone. They have a cute phone booth in there that makes the whole vibe really different.

New management, New menu, New everything Nothing to dislike…read moreas I revisited, prices are very reasonable now and quality has gone up

They are always good. You can order multiple small plates and share with your party. I highly…read morerecommend this place.

It's always packed and the vibes are nice (though loud) inside. Make sure to scan the QR code in…read morethe lot for free parking or you'll get booted! Food overall leans salty. It's great if you wanna grab a bunch of affordable appetizers with a beer, but not so good if you're looking for a nicer culinary experience. The minus stars are for over seasoning and the fish never being as fresh as I wish it was-- the salmon carpaccio is CHEWY and FISHY. The rolls are a bit better, but still not as fresh as I wish.