Chomp - Fullerton

Chef Jose is fantastic in the kitchen and is also a pleasure to be around. We make sure to request him whenever possible.

Our server was frequently engaged in conversation with other servers, making it difficult to get his attention for more drinks. Our table and the one next to us did not receive part of their meal, but we did not see our waiter much to address it. Eventually, we just paid our bill and left. Interestingly, this is the second time this has happened at Chomps. Also, they recently raised their prices. On a positive note, the chef did an excellent job with the food. Despite expecting high prices at Chomps, it would be nice if the service matched the cost.

I initially wanted to give them a 5-star rating, but I was let down by the bar area. While waiting for my spouse to arrive for our reservation, I decided to wait at the bar and order a drink. Unfortunately, no one ever came to serve me, even though the hostess tried to notify someone in the back that I was waiting. The only saving grace was the fantastic cook at the Teppan grill, Jose. Kudos to him for making our dinner great despite the disappointing start.

We were driving around looking for dinner so I used OpenTable to book a reservation for 6 people for dinner. The reservation was made for a table 15 minutes from that moment (clicked at 6:45pm for reservation 7pm). Perfect... that 's the power of OpenTable. We got to the restaurant, kids in tow, and the hostess saw the reservation on their system, but then told me that I 'm not allowed to do that. I was told that I can 't book a table 15 minutes before the reservation. I pointed out that OpenTable actually allows just that... which brought me to your restaurant in the first place. When I asked what the problem was, I was told that it isn 't fair because people are waiting for tables already. I simply said that they should then update their open reservations so OpenTable doesn 't offer me a table, but the hostess told me that OpenTable doesn 't work that way and doesn 't allow them to do that. Uhm… yes it does, that 's exactly the purpose: to connect people to open reservations. I asked her is we should just wait or should we leave... she actually told me that we were better off leaving. Wow. At that point, I said fine, turned to the family and said we need to go elsewhere, but then I asked the hostess to bring out the manager so I can at least explain the frustrating experience. The manager tried telling me the same story about OpenTable, but he at least told us to stay as he would get a table very soon, which he did. Still a very frustrating experience with people whom are clearly not trained in OpenTable operation. The interaction ruined my mood for the family dinner, so hope that it doesn 't happen to others. I 'll avoid the restaurant now.

Great experience. They offered some additional noodle options I haven't had in a hibachi-style restaurant before. The spicy Udon dish got rave reviews from our group.