Came here for my third sushi meal and it was great. The fish was fresh and the flavors were fantastic. The price was a little high but the product was well worth it. The service and layout of the shop is perfect as you sit along the sushi bar and watch your meal being prepared right in front of you. I loved this place and will be back.
(4)
Jeanne H.
good stuff. I've loved everything i've ordered from here. The Poke Salad is a bit addictive.
(5)
Alex J.
Kyoto is my favorite sushi in New Orleans. Granted, we don't do sushi incredibly well here. But Kyoto has a few things down. They are not overpriced, which is unlike so many sushi places. I could easily eat here for under $10 with smart choices. But I never order smart with sushi and end up getting 2-3 times as much as I should have. The more traditional rolls are done correctly. The fancy, "American" rolls (inside out, fried things in them, etc.) are also really well done. Nor do they charge an arm and a leg for them. They have a mix of good, traditional rolls, and a solid presentation of other interesting and worthwhile rolls. Vegetable and double mushroom rolls are highly recommended, especially for vegetarians. The tabo roll is so big it's basically physically impossible to eat. But it's awesome to try. The one knock I have on the place is that the table service is always a little unpolished. I need to just start sitting at the sushi bar.
(4)
Steve S.
Horrible. I have friends that rave about this place and have also read good reviews, so maybe it has gone downhill recently. I have been here twice, the first time was simply mediocre, but the second time it was horrendous. My green tea came out so hot that the server couldn't hold the glass, which caused him to drop the glass on the table, almost spilled on me! -Gyoza were only pan fried on one side, very dry, they tasted old. -Hamachi Kama was lackluster and slightly fishy, very small portion too. -On the yellowtail nigori, the rice was undercooked to the point that it still had crunch to it, they also smeared Wasabi all over the rice, but the fish itself was decent. -In fact, all the sushi rice was pretty bad; it was very bland and not very soft and sticky like it should be. -Octopus nigori was not cleaned property and very chewy, also had the Wasabi smeared all over the rice. We also had 3 other rolls, none of them were particularly good. Also, what is up with that giant vagina shaped decoration on the wall in the dining room. Weird. Definitely save yourself from being disappointed, go to Mikimoto or Asuka instead
(1)
Felice H.
Start with the Poke Salad. I always order something different here. It's always good.
(5)
Helen L.
Well I was disappointed this time. I've been here several times years ago and I remember the food, service and atmosphere were better. I ordered the grilled salmon lunch with a small salad and white rice. I was not given a choice of fried rice or white rice. The food and service was alright.
(3)
Andrew W.
Food took too long to come out. We had ordered to go dumplings, spring roll, and a sushi; the whole order took 1hr to come out. They apologized and said their kitchen was backed up but apparently this happens a lot here. Food was decent but on the pricey side. I do like the location it's convenient if you want some dessert afterward you're right next to yogurt land and creole creamery.
(2)
Jen L.
With a heavy heart, I have to drop Kyoto down to 3 stars. They have been my go to sushi place for over a decade but not anymore. First it was poorly cut fish (on a couple of occasions) to the point that I could gnaw through a piece of tuna. Then on my last take out order, I opened up my box of sushi and the white fish stunk up my kitchen with the ammonia smell. Old fish is just not acceptable. There are just too many good sushi spots around. If I crave seaweed udon, I'll still pop in but order with care.
(3)
Sareena N.
Kyoto is my hands down favorite place for sushi in New Orleans. The fish is always fresh and the service is decent. We always sit at the sushi bar so we can spy all the beautiful dishes going out. The popular poke salad is a standout, with chunks of tuna mingling with avocado crabstick, cucumber, seaweed salad, squid salad, asparagus, and spicy chili dressing. The salmon is always melt in your mouth creamy and the funky margarita roll is pricey, but delicious.
(4)
Matthew A.
The worst service I have ever experienced in my entire life, we were there for 2 and a half hours and the food was not great at all
(1)
Mark W.
Worst Japanese restaurant I've ever been to. The place needs a thorough cleaning from top to bottom. Took almost an hour to get our food and it wasn't even that busy. When the food did arrive its quality was questionable at best. My wife actually didn't eat some of her fish because it smelt gamy. It's like the place is being run by dysfunctional Bohemians that are allergic to soap. I'm sure if there were some nearby competition this restaurant would be out of business!
(1)
David G.
I haven't had much sushi since ive moved to NOLA but I'm a big fan of this place. Definitely come back
(4)
James G.
My favorite sushi place in town for the price. The poke salad and the Sara roll will change your life.
(5)
Alex E.
Quick service, good sushi, great atmosphere. Chicken teriyaki is good too. Have been here upwards of 30 times. Friendly, local staff. Love this place!!
(5)
Morgan F.
Kyoto is one of my, if not my most favorite sushi place in New Orleans. I used to live in a closet of an apartment off of Prytania, and would walk down to order a Poke Salad (tuna, crabstick, cucumber, avocado, seaweed salad, squid salad,asparagus, and spicy chili dressing) sans squid and grab a bottle of wine from the 24 hour CVS for dinner. I have since upgraded to ordering what sounds like a call girl list of rolls including the: Desiree Roll - dynamite, crawfish, and crabstick are rolled together and then tempura fried and served with a creamy wasabi sauce Sara Roll - spicy shrimp and avocado with crunchy and chili sauce on top Funky Margarita Roll - crawfish mixed with crunchy then topped with slices of tuna and fresh salmon and finished with a spicy avocado sauce Definitely plan on going here with a little snack in your belly, cause the wait for a table might make you a little hangry (hungry + angry). The front room has some great tables and the traditional sushi bar. The layout and feel of the back rooms isn't my fave, but I find this is where I usually end up. The service is pretty efficient, so I never feel forgotten back there. If you're not the waiting type and aren't the best with the ol' chopsticks (hello, friend) , I'd order to-go which is sometimes a 45 min. wait, but at least you're waiting in the comforts of your home and can ravage your rolls without judgement when you get them home, or in your car...I'm not judging.
(5)
Ben T.
Went here this evening with my gf. Been to this location once before. Sushi is pretty good quality for the area. Last time we sat at the sushi bar where we were entertained by an elderly female sushi chef (a first for us!) This evening we sat in the back room. A bit awkward and out of the way. Got four rolls to share. Spicy tuna was the consensus favorite. Problem was that we order gyoza dumplings that failed to come out as an app until after we finished eating the rolls. Would still go back but hope the service is a tad better.
(3)
Anna P.
There was a roach on the wall, and some gnats flying around our food. Everything else was great. Get the poke salad.
(3)
Michael M.
I love Kyoto. It's the best sushi in town. The staff are awesome and they have really great rolls. The funky Margarita roll is fantastic. The poke salad is great. The udon soups are delicious.
(5)
Sara U.
Here is what I like about Kyoto: They have rolls with a variety of protein options. About a year ago, I got extremely sick a few hours after eating sashimi and a sushi roll (NOT at Kyoto) that had a ton of snowcrab in it. I think it was a virus, but even so I associate the two and I want to barf even thinking about snowcrab or sashimi. So the problem is this - many sushi places put effing snowcrab in every roll! There have been restaurants where I have to get something lame like teriyaki chicken and rice because there is nothing on the menu I can stomach. Additionally, the rolls we got were not excessively large. This drives me nuts when that happens! I cannot comfortably eat a humongous sushi roll without feeling like I'm gagging myself, how is that enjoyable? So that wasn't the experience here which I appreciated. I got the popeye roll which had salmon, asparagus, eel sauce, garlic and something else. Tasty. They also played classic rock (my personal fave) while we dined! Not too silent like some sushi places - makes the atmosphere feel a little more upbeat.
(4)
May W.
I wanted to like you Kyoto, I really did. But you have really gone downhill. Over 10 years ago when I used to eat here, they actually served some of the best Japanese food in the city. Tonight, they served some of the worse. I was part of a big table tonight and got a chance to try a little of everything. I personally ordered a crunchy roll and their seafood udon soup. Kyoto seems to be obsessed with HUGE rolls. When my crunchy roll finally came out (sushi came out way after our kitchen food), it was bigger than my mouth hole. If I wanted a big roll, I would have ordered a specialty rolls- not a roll that every sushi restaurant has on their menu. Crunchy rolls are pretty standard fares- and they're usually on the smaller side. These were filled with day old crunch (no longer crunchy- just really greasy), cucumber, avocado (which would have been great and creamy if they didn't use day old crunch), and a piece of a crab stick. I took one bite and moved on to someone else's roll- forgot the name but sliced cucumber filled with 3 types of fish, squid salad and crabmeat. The crabmeat was really good and made me wish my crunchy had that in it. Then my seafood soup finally came. And it was extremely fishy. Again I took one bite and didn't touch my food for the rest of the night. I was hoping that a sushi place would know how to clean and serve seafood, but Kyoto has proven me wrong. To add insult to injury, it took over 40 mins. to get our bill then over 20 mins for her to swipe our credit cards. Go next door to LaThai or across the street to La Crepe Nanou if you want good food. If you want sushi, you're better off staying in your car until you St. Charles or leave the parish. Why don't we have a decent sushi place within the city??
(2)
Brittany G.
I went here three years ago and loved it. When I went back last weekend, it was a completely different experience. First off, the restaurant was not crowded at all. We waited about 45 minutes for a table and then the wait for the food and the bill were even longer. The food was nothing to be desired. The crunchy roll wasn't great and neither was the salad we ordered. The Desiree roll was pretty good, but def not worth the long wait. Best part was that the creole creamery is next door, so dessert was good!
(2)
Stephen F.
If the service was lousy, the atmosphere unpleasant, and most of the dishes on the menu inedible, I'd still give Kyoto five stars. Why? Because THAT'S HOW GOOD THE POKE SALAD IS. But the staff is friendly, the prices are reasonable and in line with expectations, the accommodations are pleasantly snuggly, and the rest of the menu is quite good. I have returned many times over the past four years, and will continue to do so.
(5)
Samara T.
Yep, I'm going to say it too. Order the Poke salad. It is big enough for 2 to split as an appetizer, or to have as an entree. This is the best "salad" I've ever eaten at a Japanese restaurant. The fish is fresh, the sauce is tasty, and the mixture of seaweed salad, fresh asparagus, mushrooms, and herbs are heavenly.
(4)
Cassandra D.
POKE SALAD. That's all I've had from Kyoto and it needs to happen again. It's a slice of sushi heaven. The poke salad (a meal, not an actual salad) is a compilation of tuna, crabstick, cucumber, avocado, seaweed salad, squid salad,asparagus, and spicy chili dressing. The serving size was large, but since I have zero self-control, I finished almost all of it. The atmosphere is casual and the service is great; Steph was our waitress and she was friendly and personable and timely. After, I walked over to Kingpin to grab a beer, as if I wasn't stuffed enough. The food was affordable, I think mine was only $10. I haven't had anything else from there, but I will definitely go back, at least to see Steph and order a Poke Salad.
(5)
Jessica E.
Recently went here with a friend after seeing all the great reviews on Yelp. We ordered the Kyoto Appetizer, Poke Salad, Cucumber Roll, Combination Box, and Sashimi Roll. The poke salad was good, but didn't blow me away like I expected it would from all of the reviews. It was similar to salads I have had at other restaurants. However, it was still very yummy, a generous portion size for the price, and definitely something I would order again. The Kyoto appetizer was bland. The Combination box fell apart a little, but was still delicious. My favorite was definitely the Sashimi Roll, which was several kinds of fish, seaweed salad, and squid salad wrapped in cucumber. My only complaint for that one is I wish the cucumber was sliced thinner and pieces cut in 6 instead of 4. Where they are now, it is impossible to eat it all in one bite. Overall, good meal and would definitely come back here again to see what else they have to offer.
(3)
Chamberlaine B.
Although New Orleans boasts a good number of sushi restaurants, Kyoto is by far the best value. As a college student, money matters, but as a foodie, taste and quality matter even more. Kyoto offers beautifully crafted rolls at affordable prices. If you are looking for an authentic atmosphere, then Kyoto may disappoint- the decor is relatively eclectic, the lighting isn't too good, and it's usually crowded... but isn't the fact that it's crowded despite its atmosphere a really good sign? (Just be prepared to wait about 20 minutes for a table on a friday/saturday night.) Their specialty rolls are always fun, but the simple crunchy roll is to die for. They offer a variety of other non-sushi dishes too that are sure to suit any taste. No matter what you decide on, I highly recommend beginning your meal with the cucumber salad. P.s. if you sit at the sushi bar, you get free soup!
(5)
Nathaniel S.
The food is not bad but they have a huge bug problem, there were roaches crawling all over the wood paneling on the wall by our table, literally coming out of the woodwork. We told the hostess on our way out and she did not seemed surprised as though this has been a problem for them in the past. They barely apologized and did not give us our meal free or a gift card. No matter what the food is like, this is unacceptable for any restaurant and they really should not even be open until they have controlled this issue.
(1)
Grace B.
Food tasted okay while we were eating it, but within an hour after eating, both my husband and I had diahhrea....we were fine before we arrived, and both had the same results. Called the restaurant, and they called us back; said we couldn't have possibly gotten ill from their meal because that would have to take 8 hours to hit, and we would have to be vomiting. That's ridiculous for them to make that medical assertion and show such a lack of concern. I note another review noting their partner got ill as well....so maybe they do not keep their sushi cold enough on ice or have other food sitting out picking up bacteria. Who knows, but it wasn't up to snuff as far as I'm concerned.
(1)
Maura Z.
Kyoto is by far my favorite sushi place uptown. The people in there can be a little pretentious but I typically walk in there and only make eye contact with whoever I'm with. The Holli Salad (off the menu) is great. Snowcrab, asparagus, avocado and roe atop delicious briney cucumbers!! I think about the Holli Salad all the time. I look out the car window on long drives and daydream about it. The Duncan roll is my favorite (snowcrab, avocado, crunchy). The "crunchy" they use is uniquely Kyoto. A while back I got to talking with the sushi chef at Wasabi in Lakeview about how he worked at Kyoto for a long time, he told me how they make the crunchy...too many ingredients to remember, but its delicious. Its magic. I think a lot of things are magic. One thing that always irks me about Kyoto is the weird service style. Ive never had a truly bad experience but sometimes the service is really slow and occasionally you'll have a meal where a different person brings you everything (drink, food, refills?, check, return credit card). Its like, who am I tipping? Whats happening here? Kyoto is pretty much always busy. Expect to wait. Also, they tend to take long vacations during holidays. One year (around Mardi Gras I think?) they were closed for 2 weeks. We were like whaaaaaa
(4)
Ricky D.
Excellent sushi rolls. They have the basics, but also offer creative daily special rolls as well. Great spot to check out for lunch or dinner.
(5)
Ashley H.
I've found myself sitting at the sushi bar at Kyoto a LOT recently. Like twice a week, sometimes more. Granted, it is just down the street from my house. But, I'm not afraid to venture out of my area for some good food. I just really enjoy coming here. The staff is friendly, the sushi chefs are entertaining and the rolls are good. I agree with the comments about them falling apart, but I've just learned to accept that as part of the package. It's not like this is only place where I've had a roll fall apart on me. Did I mention that I've been eating here a lot lately? I blame the Sara roll. Those little dots of rooster sauce on top just call to me. Plus, they don't judge me if I order the big Sapporo with only one glass.
(4)
Andrew W.
I'll start by saying that the tempura cheesecake was amazing. If you're just in the mood to drink sake and eat fried cheesecake, this might not be a bad option. I really wanted to like this place. I heard so many great things about Kyoto. Maybe I've been spoiled by too much good sushi, or maybe this is just some pretty boring sushi, or maybe both. Now don't get me wrong, it's not like sushi-at-a-Chinese-buffet bad, but then again it's an actual sushi restaurant so the expectations are much different. Not sure what was up with the guy making the rolls, but every single piece was too big to put in your mouth and tasted like mushy sushi rice. I hope I caught Kyoto on a bad night, but won't be going back regardless.
(2)
John L. H.
Kyoto let me down. For many months I have been wanting to try Kyoto. I had heard good things, but could never seem to get there when it was open. A friend and I finally made it there a few nights ago and I was a bit disappointed. It wasn't bad, but it didn't live up to the hype I had created in my mind. As we arrived we were told there were no tables and we would need to wait. We didn't have an issue waiting, but when the hostess offered us a table under the stairwell, we said we would try it. She did say that some people don't like the table, and I quickly learned why. The table was literally under a stairwell which created serious headroom issues. Besides that, it was so dark that we had to use the light on my phone to read the menu. Realizing this table was the worst in the place, we requested to be moved. They honored our request, but that table was awful. Granted, they did ask if we wanted it, but if so many people don't like it, why have it in the first place? Once seated we ordered salmon sashimi and two specialty rolls (Stella and Funky Margarita). The sashimi was very fresh, and very good. The specialty rolls were also good, but seemed a bit over priced for what we received. While the ingredients were very good, the rolls seemed small in comparison to other restaurant's specialty rolls. I don't know if we went on an off night, or if something else was going on, but we didn't really feel welcomed the entire time we were there. Service was OK, but it wasn't very friendly or attentive. I would like to try Kyoto again, but this experience has definitely caused it to lose some of its allure.
(3)
Philip K.
I love Kyoto. I think they have some of the best value, freshest, and tastiest sushi in NOLA. They have a really cook sushi bar which is always a plus. You should definitely take an opportunity to sit at the sushi bar because it is one of the best in the city. The poke salad will totally set you meal off just right. It is the perfect starter and is hugely delicious. I've also just gotten the sashimi dinner and was not disappointed. The fish is varied, super fresh, and expertly cut. Do not pass up Kyoto when craving a sushi night. Amazing.
(5)
Bianca R.
Tried this again. Epic fail. What takes so long just to take someone's order? The food was fair, far from stellar. This is not my first disappointing experience at Kyoto, but probably my last.
(1)
Marielle S.
My experience here was SO disappointing. I had been waiting for months to go to Kyoto. I had never been and I had always heard how fabulous it was. I was pretty excited when I was finally able to make it here for dinner after the St. Patrick's Day parade. First of all, when we walked in, the first table at which we were seated was located under some stairs. It was so dark I could barely see my menu and I was with my friend who is 6'5" and he could barely fit. I would have totally understood if there were no other tables available, but there were, so to be seated under the stairs was not only ridiculous, it was insulting. In fact, never seat anyone under there. EVER. Remove that table completely. It's insulting, when you have two dining areas, to ask a paying customer to sit in the "connection" between the two rooms. When we were reseated in the actual dining room, we ordered some soup, the salmon sashimi, the stella roll and the funky margarita roll, which we had heard were the best special rolls that they had. The soup was pretty good and it's hard to mess up raw salmon. The two special rolls, unfortunately, were nothing special. Sure, they were good, but they didn't seem much bigger than the regular rolls that you would get at any other restaurant. My friend noted that the rolls were expensive for what you got and the tables were really close together. The latter I can understand, because the place is small, but when I order a special roll and I pay "special roll" prices, I expect it to be a good size and something, well...special. I might go back to Kyoto and give it another try, but I think I will stick to my favorite sushi place, Hana, where the special rolls are huge and good and definitely worth the money.
(3)
Allison K.
Came here while on a bachelorette party in town. They were able to accommodate our large party, which was a major plus. I will say, i am pretty particular in what i like and don't like when it comes to sushi. I only eat tuna or salmon, so that already limits my options. While here I got the funky margarita roll. It was really good - my only complaint (which normally should never be a complaint) was the pieces of fish on top of the roll were huge! They were basically the same size as the pieces that are just fish on rice so I had a lot of difficulty eating these without making a mess. They tasted delicious, I just prefer to be able to pop each piece in my mouth and not worry about having to cover my entire face as I attempt to chew. Everyone seemed to enjoy their meals so it was a good choice.
(3)
Rene D.
The service is kinder, the poke salad is gone, and more rolls to soothe the American palate than ever. Does every menu in town have to pander to a damn football team? Props to the female sushi chef behind the counter. Even in the 21st century, that's a rarity.
(3)
Tah K.
It's just gotten worse. I think the original owner is no longer there. It is Filthy. Unkempt. Sticky.Sad. And on top of it all, friend got ill last night. She even sent her first dish back as it was not good (waiter sniffed & Agreed).
(1)
Felicia H.
It's so rare that I go to a sushi restaurant and not order rolls, but my friend insisted that I would love the poke salad. LOVE is an understatement! It came piled high with avocado, asparagus, cucumbers and ahi and a big smiley face in siracha sauce. The portion size was filling for dinner and could easily be split as an appetizer. Best part was, my dinner salad cost $9! Believe the hype people and try the salad. My friend got the seafood combo cucumber salad that was also super delicious and I would definitely recommend that as well. I found the servers to be prompt and attentive. Sitting at the bar, the chefs kept us stocked on ginger and it's always enjoyable to watch the art of sushi rolling.
(4)
Alexandra R.
This is probably my favorite sushi place to sit down with friends. It always has a great atmosphere and the servers usually know what's up. Great sushi. Downside? I don't think I've ever come here without a wait. However, the guy who takes your name always offers you a drink - so problem solved! My favorite is the poke salad. It's cucumber, squid salad, asparagus, avocado, tuna, and I always sub snow crab for the crab stick. As for extra siracha if that's what you're into (I definitely am!). Although you can find this under the sushi rolls and it's dubbed a salad- its massive and can definitely be split or maybe even serve as a meal. The miso soup here is really different than most other sushi restaurants- it has mushrooms. It's good, but i'm not gushing about it. All of the rolls are delicious and the rice is always done perfectly. I usually go for the duncan roll and add some tuna. They are always flexible about what you want on your rolls- a plus! Saw Alan Arkin last time I was here. NBD, just eating some damn good sushi.
(4)
Laney P.
My favorite sushi place in the world. I love it. I love the same serves that have been there for years, I love the unchanging but always clean decor, I love the febreeze in the bathroom. I love it. Now a word of advice: unless you like HUGE rolls that fall apart and you can't wrap your mouth around, order them in 8 pieces. Just write it next to the roll. 8 pc. It's the way to go. That being said, everything is awesome. My go to is the Sara Roll - it's basically a crunchy with avocado, but they put Sriracha on top. I'm so there. The Funky Margarita is awesome too, and the one that have the avocado on the outside. The gyoza dumplings are AMAZING, the sauce is tangy and awesome and I love the cabbage on the bottom. They always give you a lot of edamame. I've never gotten any of their tempura/teriyaki things, so I can't speak about that.
(5)
Erica S.
I have ordered takeout several times now & every single time I call the wait time is ridiculous. Originally it was bearable at 30 minutes, but tonight they said 45 minutes!!!! For 1 crunchy roll, edamame & a miso soup?! Oh no no. Too many good sushi places uptown for 1 roll to take 45 minutes to pick up.
(1)
Elaine M.
That's right folks, the update was inevitable! It was only a matter of time before I found the rolls that I adore! Funny that they're the first 2 on the Special Roll list and also the most mentioned on yelp. The Sara roll & The Funky Margarita (add cucumber). I had them for lunch today and holy jeez, it was phenomenal. The fish was SO tender, the sauces were impeccable, and the crunchy vs smoothiness combination made my day. I still think they could ease up on the amount of rice but this is a common complaint with a lot of sushi places. I thought the crew was super friendly, they told me to come on over after I was done ordering on the phone and it was ready in the 10 min or less it took me to walk there. I love how they pack everything in the box too, the rolls were separated by foil and the ginger / wasabi were both saran wrapped individually. It was thoughtful as I had to put it in the bottom of a stroller for our walk home and I HATE when my food gets all mixed up! So now I can't tell if my new found love for this place is exactly a good or bad thing, however, as a decent percent of my future paychecks will be going to lunches here.
(4)
Drue H.
I went to Kyoto today with my boyfriend for lunch, neither of us having been there before even though we live in the neighborhood. We looked at the reviews and with three and a half stars we thought we would give it a shot. Oh my god, it was awful. First the positives though. I kinda dug the decor and it looked neat and cute inside. The octopus seaweed salad my boyfriend got was really good, as was the hot green tea that I got, but that was where the good times ended. I ordered a tempura appetizer, which came after the rolls we ordered came, which was no biggie. Then the waiter unceremoniously placed the rolls we ordered in front of us without explanation of what everything was. We had to wait for him to come back around and when I asked him what the rolls were, he seemed a little put out. Again, not a big deal had the food been good. But the rolls, my god, the rolls. Although we ordered five different kinds of rolls they all looked remarkably...the same. That is, a bunch of smallish rolls filled with snowcrab and a slice of avocado. The crunchy rolls had hardly a pinch of tempura in them with a ton of snowcrab. I got a barbecue salmon roll which sounded amazing, but there it was, just a bunch of snowcrab with a touch of salmon, the only flavor was from the eel sauce they drizzled over it. The rice was godawful and tasted like it had probably been leftover from the night before, refrigerated and then mushed up. Completely flavorless and absolutely disgusting. I've literally had better sushi on UNO's campus and it made Rouse's supermarket look like a 5 star sushi restaurant. The tempura was really heavy and tasted like funnel cake batter, it was probably also old. I understand if a restaurant was having an off day, but they should have never turned out this kind of substandard quality to paying customers. We left feeling gross and sick, with a heavy starch taste in our mouths. I still feel sick as I write this. Spend your money somewhere else, people! And Kyoto, get your act together.
(1)
Andrew B.
In my opinion, best sushi in New Orleans. Sara Roll is definitely the way to go. Sometimes can be a long wait or pickup time, that is my only complaint.
(4)
Shannon S.
Kyoto is the closest GOOD sushi restaurant to my house so if I'm in need of a quick sushi fix this is where I will head. I really like the area that this establishment is located and there are several great places to eat clustered nearby. They have a lot of interesting rolls that are unique to them and they are generally very fast with getting your food out. The Poke salad is probably one of the most outstanding things they make here and many of the cooked items from the kitchen are often overlooked but still very tasty. * Quick Tip: If you sit at the sushi bar you get a free bowl of miso soup. ALWAYS sit at the sushi bar!!! It often does get crazy crowded here at night (and especially on weekends) but it has always been a quick lunch spot (if you sit at the sushi bar). Parking can be problematic at times (and I miss the days before Katrina when they wouldn't hassle you about parking in the strip mall parking lot across the street). It is also really nice that you can run to Creole Creamery next door for dessert.
(3)
Kaleb L.
As a long time costumer I have never had a negative experience at Kyoto it makes for a great treat after working out or a little something to brighten up your day when your sad.
(5)
Sarah P.
Kyoto is perfect. It's reasonably priced, especially given the quality of their rolls. A bunch of their special rolls are under $10, and they're worth every penny. The Jones Roll and the Desiree Roll are the two best rolls I've ever had. I just can't decide which I like more! The staff is super nice and attentive. I've struck up a conversation with one of them every time I've been in. Their take out service is nice, too. They call when your food is done, so you don't have to guess.
(5)
Golden R.
The sushi is excellent, but this is THE place in New Orleans for udon. Nebayaki Udon here is SO awesome.
(4)
Laila T.
Hands down, best sushi in the city, IMO. Everything is always delicious. I find their rolls are on the larger side so I always feel like I'm getting a little extra for my money. Whether or not that's true, I don't really care. That's just how I feel. I can't really put my finger on what it is about their sushi that stands out to me, but maybe that's a good thing. A little mystery that keeps me coming back. It seems like once you've tried a few sushi restaurants you've tried them all, but Kyoto stood out to me. You don't have to order a fancy roll to be wowed. Even the old standards are exceptional. Their crunchy rolls are delicous. The restaurant itself is small, but not cramped. It feels cozy, and the service is good. Very friendly wait staff! Bonus: they're right next door to Creole Creamery. Just sayin'.
(5)
Molly B.
Great veggie roll, edamame, and spring rolls. My biggest complaint is that their rolls seem to fall apart. Like on the way to your mouth fall apart. The food tastes fresh, it's fast, and good service. The poke salad is insane, highly recommended.
(4)
Tricia O.
absolutely disgusting. the absolute worst sushi i've ever had. the pieces were too big to eat in one bite, the spicy tuna was brown and absolutely unappetizing my friend and i ordered two rolls of it and ate only one piece. the crab was gross and looked like it had mayonaise in it. almost never want to eat sushi again after this bad experience
(1)
M C.
I've always been a lurker here on Yelp. Always reading reviews but never writing any of my own. Well, I had dinner at Kyoto last Friday night, and the service was so impeccable that I felt obligated to leave a review. I had already been here many times. The food is fantastic (my personal favorite: the stuffed shiitake mushroom appetizer -- heavenly). But you probably already know that. What really inspired me to write this review was the service we received last Friday night. Eight friends and I wanted to go to dinner. Someone suggested Kyoto. I thought that was a bad idea, trying to get a table for 9 people on a Friday night, at a small restaurant, without reservations. But I went with the plan. We showed up at 7:15. I figured it would take us at least an hour to get a table. Instead, after rearranging a few tables, they seated us within 15 minutes. Here's where the really impressive part came: we told them party of 9, but after we sat down, more friends who got wind of our dinner plans started to show up. One by one, friends showed up, and the Kyoto staff happily provided additional chairs to seat all of us. Most restaurants would be pretty grumpy about this. But the Kyoto staff was friendly and accommodating. They managed to get all 12 of our food and drink orders straight, the food came out in a reasonable amount of time, they continued to check to see if we needed more drinks, etc. Then the bill came. We plopped down a handful of debit cards and specified various amounts to charge to each card. The staff at most restaurants, especially on a Friday night, would be pretty annoyed by those types of antics. But the Kyoto staff was friendly and accommodating. I would have thought such a dinner would turn into a train wreck, but thanks to the Kyoto staff, the whole thing came together without a hitch. Thanks Kyoto!
(5)
Whitney J.
My neighborhood sushi joint. I love the food, staff (and fact that I can walk there). I can say, with confidence, that I have yet to have anything from here that has not been fresh. In other words, I've never had a "uh, that doesn't taste right" moment like I've had at plenty of other spots around town. They don't frown on special requests (which I do a lot), which is really great. To name a few gems off their menu: sashimi lunch, poke salad, Duncan roll, Baxter roll and the stella roll. :)
(4)
Elise C.
The food is OK, but the service is really bad. We went on a Monday night, and it took 40 minutes to get an appetizer. It was clear that something went wrong when the people who sat down after us got their food well before we did. I understand things happen, and it wouldn't have been a big deal if they would have at least apologized for the mix up, but there was no effort made on their part to rectify, or even acknowledge the situation. It was poor service, but more than that--rude. I definitely won't be going back.
(2)
Marielle D.
The table service is inconsistent but the fish is always fresh and our food has always arrived quickly. Wish they had a better sake selection, but this is New Orleans so I'm not holding my breath. Free miso soup if you sit at the sushi bar is a plus!
(4)
Graham R.
I frequent this joint because it is a pleasant walking (and drinking) distance from my house and have been going there long enough that the sushi chefs recognize me. Many people may be disenchanted with how swamped the waiters get, but it is a bustling business if you catch them on certain nights. *start your order off with a POKE SALAD as an appetizer, and this will help tide you over til your rolls/ entrees are served. Also, if you sit at the sushi bar, they will give you free Miso. As far as the sushi goes, I find it a very safe bet, never been disappointed. The Who Dat roll is fried oyster with some special sauce, that is my new favorite. Good sake selection (try their unfiltered selections). Not quite suitable for someone in a hurry, but good food, nice environment, and the staff are friendly (to me, anyways).
(4)
A. C.
My chief complaint of Kyoto is that it is FREEZING, so cold that I can barely sit through a meal. Aside from that, though, it is a wonderful restaurant. The sushi is delicious, and I especially love the poke salad. Just don't wear shorts and a tank-top.
(3)
Alexa X.
The rolls are not as good as some other places in town, but then again, the prices at Kyoto is also cheaper. Sashimi is great, definitely better than what some restaurants on st.charles (wink wink) offers. Their sashimi appetizer is a great deal--for $14 you get a whole variety of sashimi and crab sticks. Their poke salad is wonderful--although i would hope for less cucumber and more seaweeds.
(4)
Liz C.
I don't think this place is a good Japanese food. The rolls is ok but for the teriyaki is SUCK!!! The price is inappropriate .... I will not be there again for sure!
(2)
Michael M.
I've only been twice, so I may have to give this place another shot since it has so many good reviews. My first visit was unfortunately plagued with late food, negligent servers, and sloppy rolls. The second visit (a few months later) was better, but nothing that particularly impressed me or provided an experience that I couldn't get from one of my favorites in NOLA. I'm definitely willing to try again at some point.
(2)
Kris A.
We love sushi and were intrigued to try Kyoto when we saw our favorite rock n sake rated #2 under Kyoto in the Best Picks of Gambit readers. We lucked out and found a parking spot not too far. When we first walked in around 7:30 on a Friday night it was hectic. We told them first available and were seated by the sushi bar within 20 min. While waiting, Drew Brees and his wife walked in looking to dine in. :) We noticed the decor was a little strange.They only have absolut and grey goose for vodka choices :( I ordered the poke salad(as recommended by my fellow yelpers) and they did not steer me wrong. It was delish with nice chunks of fresh tuna. We also ate the funky margarita roll (spicy tuna with guacamole on top) and the hamachi kama. The hamachi kama(yellowtail neck) was the smallest we have ever seen and the only disappointment of the night. Sushi rollers were very friendly, my husband had lots of questions that night. I also love the location with creole creamery next door... We will def be back but we agreed that rock n sake is still our #1
(4)
Rachel K.
When I lived Uptown, I ate quite a few more meals at Kyoto than I do now. I like Kyoto, but I don't love Kyoto. Their rolls are pretty safe, nothing too crazy, however, the Funky Margarita is pretty legit. Service is hit or miss; what I mean by this is speed of service. Servers are always, always friendly, however, it is entirely possible to have dinner for two last almost 2 hours. Going for lunch? Only have an hour? Forgettaboutit! We have even gone as early as 11:30 for a lunch hour and have been the only table in the restaurant and yet we still cannot make it out of there in less than hour. Kyoto is solid on the food, but not a place for persons with time constraints. An aside. It's a great place for a Drew Brees sighting.
(3)
Laura M.
This place was great. I walked in at 7:45 on a Saturday night to place a to-go order and was immediately handed a menu. The bar waitress took the time to explain the different rolls to me and offered me a drink while I waited. Once I got my food, it was AWESOME. Everything tasted fresh and the portions were great. I got the rock n roll and the yellowtail sushi, and both were exceptional. I will definitely be making this a regular spot.
(5)
Casey B.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!!!! This place thrives off of rich uptowners! Golden Rectangle people ya know! Newman, Sacred Heart, etc.... Some people love this place. Me personally, i think its just aight.... When we went Saturday the service was pretty shakey. The place was packed even when we arrived at 9:15. THERE ARE AMERICAN ROLLING YOUR SUSHI....gives me the jitters. Highlights: convenience, Sarah Roll, and the Poke(y) salad. I must say the Poke salad and sarah roll are both good value. This place has had the same employees for decades and is owned by a nice family. I would not go out of my way to eat here, but thats the whole problem, it's not out of the way. I'd rather be at Kanno, but my friends would rather stay uptown. Oh well, til next time.
(3)
lauren l.
Kyoto is one of my favorite sushi restaurants in New Orleans.. maybe it's because I've been going there since highschool and it's still just as good! The service is always great and I love the food.. If you sit at the sushi bar you get a free miso soup and your sushi comes out quick. My favorite dish there is the poke salad. It's fresh and healthy made with tuna, seaweed salad, avocado, cucumber, crab and squid salad. I'm also a sucker for the crunchy roll. That's what got me addicted to Kyoto. The first time I tried it I came back to eat that same roll every day for a week! I know.. I'm crazy. But definately try it out. The beef teriyaki is also cooked really nicely with lots of flavor and a perfect amount of tenderness and flavor. Eat there.. i promise you'll enjoy it.. And even if you spill Sake all over the table from a Sake Bomb they will still be nice to you!
(5)
Luke F.
I love the variety here - plenty of great and creative sushi options. The beef/any type of Udon is very delicious as well - could eat this for lunch every day. Always a good option for some takeout dinner during the week or a sit down on a Friday.
(4)
Jordi G.
I feel bad about only giving 4 stars because I really do love Kyoto. I think it is the best sushi in Nola and is definitely my favorite place to get sushi here. The wait is usually worth it and doesn't take THAT long. Everything I've had on the menu is yummy and the service is good. The atmosphere here I really do like, way more than some nearby sushi rivals--sushi brothers, sake cafe, mikimoto, ninja, hana, etc. The list of mediocre sushi goes on but I find kyoto to be the standout. The fish here is very fresh and the thing I love is that it is ALWAYS served at the right temperature. At sushi brothers and sake I find it that sometimes it is too cold and the texture and taste is really lost. They have yummy seaweed salad and a very yummy bbq squid appetizer. For rolls everything has always been quite good. The sara roll is really yummy and is my favorite of the special rolls.The sashimi (i always get different stuff) has always been great, Last time I got the sashimi roll wrapped in cucumber with no rice and it was very nice and fresh and a change of pace. Eel here is always great and this isnt true for everywhere else in nola. Also, I love where it is. There's awesome stuff right around here and creole creamery is a great dessert right next door.
(4)
Bonni T.
I absolutely LOVE the poke salad. I have been a few times JUST for the poke salad. The rolls are "meh," but the poke salad...it makes life better for just that moment. I haven't had another meal similar to it...so...Kyoto wins!
(5)
Casey J.
Excellent casual sushi! This place is not fancy, not trendy, but serves good sushi at a good price. Get the Poke salad!
(4)
Mia P.
Bigger is not better, at least when it comes to sushi rolls. Each piece was at least two inches in diameter which made it very difficult to eat. Eating it with my hands in traditional Japanese fashion, just left me covered in sticky rice, and using chopsticks left us with a pile of rice, fish, and veggies that looked more like a stir fry than a sushi roll. The flavors themselves weren't bad, but I didn't get to enjoy them all in one bite...I should've gone simple and just ordered sashimi.
(3)
Laura C.
Ok... totally my favorite and has been for years. The tabo roll is joyous, the sara and the desiree have been staples for us since before they were on the menu proper, and the poke salad is totally a meal in itself. The box salmon is glorious. And this is the only place that provides me enough sprite and always gives me a lime without blinking. Did I mention the calamari app sauce and cabbage has the perfect amount of tang? Or the fact that their rice is the freshest and the crunchy mix the most rich? I heart kyoto.
(5)
Spenser K.
I'd been to Kyoto before, and was not a huge fan. However, since then I've moved much closer, and figured I'd give it another shot, because sushi is delicious. I'm sooooo glad I came back. I split the Poke salad (which you should split, if you're eating it as an appetizer) and three or four rolls. All of them were delicious, particularly the Who Dat roll (which was on special). The service was good, the atmosphere was pleasant, and it was busy enough that I didn't feel weird, but not so busy that we had to wait. I had a great experience, and am stoked to go back soon.
(4)
Justin L.
Preface: I am not a sushi person for a number of reasons: Price, aesthetics, and taste (which all equivocates to quality). So I hate paying for so-so sushi...unless it is Worth it. But Kyoto's is probably my favorite place to get sushi. Presentation is solid or should I say gi-mong-ous. Their crunchy roll is the Shaq of sushi, dominant in size and amazing in taste. Their eel box (although $20) comes as two rolls, looks like Jessica Simpson but with the voice of Aguiela, lol. Weird reference, I know but it's an amazing combination. Their dynamite and rainbow roll are equally as delectable. If I could post the pics of all the food I ate, you would need a bib b/c your computer would be submerged in drool. Bam. So all in all, I would definitely recommend this place even though I am not a true-sushi person (hence I would give it a S-t-r-o-n-g 4 out of 5). P.s. There are special rolls listed on the wall. Make sure to read it b/c they have things like the Who-Dat Roll and the Ceviche Roll. BTW, my wait on a summer Thursday night took an hour. I guess the wait might be worth it. Peace. As an addendum, I've been to both locations of Sake Cafe, the one uptown and the Kenner. Both are solid but I would rate them a 3 or maybe a low 4 out of 5.
(4)
Sean K.
I don't pretend to have any particular knowledge when it comes to sushi or Japanese food. The closest thing I ever got to "authenticity" was by pointing-to-order sushi and a (too big...) bottle of saki at the Narita airport during a layover. But I like Kyoto - one dish in particular. I give them the silver medal in the cold seafood dish category for their squid salad (after Domenica's octopus carpaccio - gold medal for sure). I order the squid salad every time I eat there. Great flavor, with a judicious restraint shown in their application of the sesame oil/ red chili dressing.
(4)
Rodney H.
I wasn't blown away, but the experience was definitely pleasurable. The edamame was a little overcooked, which was no bueno. They had the consistency of peas. Didn't ruin the experience, though. The Beef and Asparagus Roll appetizer was super tasty, as was the Margarita Roll with crawfish. Washed it down with a couple bottles of warm sake and it made for a nice little date night with the wife. May not be the best place in the city but the service is certainly better than Hana, and the rolls are better than Mikimoto. For middle-of-the-road sushi in NOLA, this one takes the cake.
(3)
sharon m.
I walked in and ordered to go sushi and didn't have to wait long...and that is about the only positive thing I have to say. The rolls fell apart before I could get to into my mouth (I see more complaints about this here) and the roll pieces were separated with slices of lemon which made the sushi tastes like lemon. I will not be going there again. I've had better sushi from Rouses.
(2)
Mia G.
This is our go-to sushi restaurant in the city; reasonable prices, great, creative, fresh sushi and friendly staff. As for being "ameicanized"... Well, for one we are in America and most Sushi lovers tastes have started skewing away from the disciplined Japanese way (I mean, when was the last time that you dipped ONLY the fish side in soy when eating your sushi??) Secondly, I'd challenge anybody to actually find an "authentic" Sushi place in this city....Yeah, that's what I thought... and besides, you can ask for your sushi to be prepared any which way you like there to suit your tastes. So, for fun atmosphere, good sushi for prices that don't break the bank... this is it!
(4)
Connie N.
Delicious sushi; I'm especially a fan of the poke salad and the free miso soup you get if you sit at the bar. Would have gotten 5 stars if it were not for the crappy service I got the last couple of times I ate here. Our waitress was super slow and inexplicably kind of rude. Since Kyoto doesn't split checks--I wish they would at least write how much each item costs on the receipt!--we did the credit card math for her and wrote down exactly how much to put on each card. Despite having done all the math for her, it took ages to get our cards back, and when she finally dropped it off, she did so without saying a word to us. While this hasn't totally ruined my love for Kyoto, I may reconsider going back if we continue to get the same dismissive service.
(4)
Justin R.
I could eat here every night of the week if my wallet would allow me! This is the best sushi I have had in New Orleans! My girlfriend and I always start the eating off with the Poke Salad. Its better than any salad that I have ever had. Tuna, crab, cucumber, avocado, seaweed, squid, and asparagus. Very tasty! As for rolls; Sara, Ashley, the hot box, dynamite, and the crunchy! The service is good and the sake is hot! If you looking for sushi, hit up Kyoto.
(5)
Laura P.
What a great sushi place!! The fish was fresh, and they had great rolls. There were also plenty of other items to choose from that were not just regular rolls like salads and such. I would definitely go for the poke salad...
(4)
Miguel S.
Excellent Poke salad, Ceviche roll, but my favorite is always the Sara roll. Please note, some rolls can be outrageously large; ask the server to request medium rolls. Trust me, you do not want to be struggling to open your mouth and then not being able to bite. Not pretty! Service is nice, non-intrusive , an fast. Ask for Ashley, great service!
(4)
Melissa E.
I love Kyoto!! It's definitely one of my favorites in the city. The Sara roll and the Desiree roll are my favorite, but I also always get the sunomono salad with seafood combo. Kyoto has a great New Orleans family restaurant atmosphere while still having authentic Japanese charm. The only drawback is that it is a bit on the pricy side compared to other sushi spots, but it's worth it!!
(4)
Cindy B.
When I'm in the mood for cheap sushi, I come here. Their poke salad is delicious but the only roll that I eat here is the sara roll. It's great on those days when I'm craving sushi but don't want to spend a ton on specialty rolls.
(4)
Carrie M.
Although I really wish it wasn't closed on Sundays, this is a great New Orleans sushi place. I would say that out of all the sushi places in the area this one is the best for freshness and innovative rolls. As a vegetarian Ninja has more roll options, but your options at Kyoto are all great as opposed to a mixed bag at Ninja. I would ESPECIALLY recommend the Spring Roll and Slow-ya Roll (although make sure to specify no roe or eel sauce if a veggie). As far as my non-veggie friends are concerned it seems like you just can't go wrong at this place. They esp. crave the sara roll and poke salad.
(5)
Haydan B.
Kyoto reminds me of one of those cozy little sushi joints in NY on the corner. The atmosphere is welcoming, especially the small tables in the back. I like that. The sushi is really good too. The only reason this place didn't get 5 stars was well... the rolls are just too big. I've never had California Rolls that are 2 inches wide. The Rock'n'Roll was like 3 inches wide. How are you supposed to pick that up with chop sticks let alone dip it in soy sauce then into your mouth? Really... you kinda need a knife to portion up the roll which is kinda counter intuitive for sushi. The Edamame was actually very good and I like the big glasses of ice tea. For Uptown sushi, definitely try Kyoto!
(4)
Kelsey G.
Sit at the sushi bar and get unlimited miso? Woah, I'm in soup, salad, sushi heaven! Check it out for yourself because their list of specialty rolls is pretty extensive and their kitchen menu isn't too shabby either.
(4)
Lana H.
I lived in an area of Hawaii with a high concentration of authentic and quality sushi, and the quality of sushi at Kyoto compares. I usually go for lunch or an early dinner, and there's always awesome music and great service. Clean, delicious, awesome. Get the Poke Salad or the Chirashi Bowl for lunch-- not only a bargain, but the portions are HUGE!
(5)
Pcake l.
Poke salad is my favorite thing to eat here, fresh and delicious. Some people compare it to the rainbow salad to rock n sake...not the same at all and so much better! I hear Drew Brees likes the poke salad a lot too. I'm just saying...
(4)
Brian K.
I wasn't expecting to eat good sushi while I was down south, but this place exceeded my expectations. I ate a variety of their rolls and really enjoyed the crunchy roll and rock n roll roll. Service was good too... and enjoyable atmosphere.
(4)
Todd O.
May be my favorite sushi stop in the city. An old friend made me a chirashi over the sushi bar, turned out to be the most interesting chirashi i've had. Nothing since has beaten the combination, and quality of food that was put on that plate. since then I've returned as often as can afford, and have yet to be disappointed.
(4)
Ar K.
Sat at the sushi bar with my wife, trying to catch a movie at the Prytania down the way... ordered sushi and beer. nothing from the kitchen, only the booze bar and the sushi bar. got the beers, and the typical appetizer soup, and then...45 minutes later..the sushi. as we waited and got progressively steamed, wait staff seemed aware of our lack of food, but chose to talk to each other about it while shooting occasional glances our way, avoiding eye contact. we were talked over by sushi chef and wait staff about our lack of food, again without any recognition that we were sitting right there! hopefully this place will work on its customer service, by the time we got our food we were pissed, not hungry. not going back, unless i see a "fired our night time wait staff" banner hanging out front.
(2)
Jennifer Y.
This is my favorite sushi restaurant in the city by far. I know good sushi...and the rice is important. I wouldn't say their sushi is amazing, but they cook and prepare rice properly and that by itself earns 4 stars (considering we're in New Orleans). The fish is fresh and everything I've ordered has been great. The ambiance is perfect for a sushi restaurant - casual, relaxed, great for any night of the week. This is probably the closest to real sushi you can get in the city. I'm so happy Kyoto exists in New Orleans! If you're used to real sushi and have been unsuccessful in finding decent sushi, check out Kyoto. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
(4)
Christine G.
Kyoto is the perfect neighborhood spot to enjoy incredibly tasty rolls and bump into friends, neighbors, and clients. I love the Sara and the Jones rolls, and the Desiree roll which I only have occasionally is a true treat.
(5)
Taylor R.
The best house salad of any sushi restaurant where I've eaten. Amazing carrot dressing. The sushi is good too. But Sushi Brothers on St. Charles is just as good and a less expensive option. Still go once to try the salad.
(4)
Eliza T.
Uninspired Americanized "sushi" AKA haphazardly cut up raw fish! Got the sashimi dinner. Miso soup was salty and full of MSG. The portions for the sashimi was large...but a lot of mediocre fish (where there were multiple pieces still has bones in them!!!) does not make it a good sushi experience! The only thing semi tasty (still not really sushi the way Japanese chefs meant for sushi to be) on the huge plate of fish is the peppered tuna. Oh, and it was all laid on a bed of yellowing spring mixed greens! First of all, it's greens vegetables past its prime. Secondly, these kinds of greens do not belong anywhere near sashimi! Sadly, people from work love their rolls with stuff like cream cheese and crawfish in them. I love crawfish, and I love cream cheese...just not in a sushi restaurant! Yes, I am proud to be a sushi snob!
(1)
Amy F.
Went here tonight to check out a new sushi place, and we werent disappinted. it's pretty small and cozy so we sat at the sushi bar to get fast service. We got complimentary miso soups for being at the sushi bar, and the miso was delicious, with small mushrooms in it. we ordered the tempura squid which was like their take on calimari, pretty yummy, but got soggy fast. the funky margharita roll with dynamite was really good and pretty big. we almost didn't finish the whole thing! We also got what seemed to be a house specialty because we'd seen about 5 orders leave the sushi bar before we ordered ours--the Poke Salad. Its basically a big pile of every salad they make combined together and is delicious, a little slimy, and better shared. overall a good restaurant and we will be returning!
(4)
Jessica B.
I have been going to Kyoto for a long time, and it is still my favorite sushi in the city. They were one of the firsts to offer creative rolls like the crunchy roll, tabo roll, and junya roll. The staff are awesome and friendly. They are always quick to refill green tea. I love the mushroom appetizer salad - toasted mushrooms, avocado, asparagus and cucumber in a wasabi dressing. SO delicious. The sushi is very fresh and the rice is just the right texture. I also love the house salad and the spring rolls. They are also nice about special requests, something that is very nice. The sushi chefs are well trained and meticulous. It is great that there is a woman behind the bar--she holds her own.
(5)
Nikki B.
Super friendly staff and yummy fresh rolls made for a great quick dinner last night! The menu is quite diverse beyond just rolls - the poke salad, for instance, is KILLER. We had the mushroom appetizer, three rolls, and split a poke salad....you nearly had to roll us out afterwards! With all this food and splitting a large hot sake, the bill still only came to around $46! Will definitely be coming back!
(4)
Cassie C.
This was the first sushi I tried after being in New Orleans, and I was a bit skeptical, but it was truely so good. My boyfriend and I shared the Spicy Shrimp, Rock & Roll, Miami, Special Eel, and the Cruncy rolls and all were really great. I highly reccomend the Rock & Roll and Crunchy Roll....you won't be disappointed! The Duncan and Sara roll shouldn't be passed up either. Take out makes this place 5 stars. Good atmosphere...very relaxed and casual, and service was good, and fast. Peeee Essss If you're ever on the West Coast you have to try Sapparo in Monterey (at the fishermans wharf), hands down the best sushi. And you have to try the house sauce. Mmmmmm.
(5)
Shana S.
I LOVE KYOTO. I have been obsessed with Kyoto since I moved to New Orleans 4 years ago, and have never had a bad meal there. It is my favorite uptown sushi destination by far (especially for the price!!) My favorites: Poke Salad, Sara Roll and Desiree Roll Absolutely amazing. You will not be disappointed.
(5)
JP G.
Casey B. below could not have put it better...
(3)
Susan T.
At first, I was a tad sketchy about this place. My first impression was that the building was too small and my wait would be endless. Later did I know that there was another room toward the back. It's very cute and modernized. The seating is quite tight and but the food was worth it. I would definitely go back again. Dibs on the Tabo Roll.
(3)
Andrew W.
Just had the yellowfin tuna roll and funky margarita roll takeout. Wait was long (45 mins), but sushi was delicious. Large portions and fresh tuna. Worth the wait
(4)
Gabriel F.
Decent, not spectacular. A lot of the more inexpensive rolls are chopped up fish mixed with mayo--not the most appealing. The atmosphere is nice, the location is good, and the staff is friendly. The sushi is good and can fulfill any cravings, but there is better to be had around the city.
(3)
Thomas H.
I saw they had smoked salmon rolls. Wow, that's the same stuff you get in the supermaket. I'm still on the hunt for actual sushi.
(1)
Henry N.
Good enough for this American white boy. I'm sure many sushi snobs will tell you Kyoto is very Americanized sushi and there are other places that are more traditional. Well, that may be, but their food is really good. Great for a dinner date with your sweetheart (dinner with drinks runs you about $100). I've tried Ninja and Sushi Bros., once. Not a patch. It's usually packed here, but I don't recall any exorbitant waits.
(4)
Randy S.
Kyoto is one of my favorite sushi joints and I wish I would eat here more often. It's a cool Uptown neighborhood spot that gets busy later in the evening (so go early). Last night I had the sashimi roll (wrapped in cucumber, no rice) and the popeye roll (BBQ eel with eel sauce) and both were pretty tasty. Though I did see someone nearby with this amazing looking salad that I forgot to ask about - I'm getting that salad next time I go! Also try the soft chell crab roll - delicious!
(4)
Anita M.
I love Kyoto - the sushi is amazing, the staff is very friendly and professional and helpful. The fish is the freshest. Salmon roe is always fresh, not always the case in other places. My favorite is the Poke Salad...give it a try.
(5)
Jeffrey W.
The best sushi in New Orleans; Mikimoto is cheaper (and has a drive-through) and Sake is fancier, but Kyoto brings the quality. Poke Salad is unparalleled and without equal at any other restaurant I've ever found. Rock and Roll is off the hook. Give it a try. Now, if we could only do something about the fact that it's closed on Sundays....
(5)
Courtie D.
I have to agree with several people who reviewed Kyoto previously. Decent food, lame service. We came in late afternoon and placed a pretty substantial order to try several items between the two of us, I recommend the double mushroom rolls- hint the wasabi sauce is already in them- so sinus-clearlingly yummy! Our waitress was terrible. At the beginning of the meal it was obvious she clearly didnt like the fact that we were going to keep her from her sidework and getting out of there as soon as lunch was over. The few things we asked for seemed like impositions- like a fork for example, geez. Another waiter bussed our table and brought our food, she happened to stop by when we were pretty much done (over 30 mins later) to see if we wanted a refill in our empty glasses. When she asked if we needed anything else she even just let all the main meal dirty dishes just sit there so she could get the check to us faster. Try the Duncan rolls, the BBQ squid, and the double mushroom rolls. Pass on the house salad- it looks like the yummy ginger dressing you get at most sushi houses, but tastes like orange italian dressing. Not what you expect when you take a bite. Pass on the grilled fish with vegetables. The salmon was a little dry (but did still taste good) and completely covered in what was supposed to be vegetable(S) in teriyaki sauce. It was pretty much all onions and about three small pieces of broccoli. I think I will keep to my usual sushi haunts in the future.
(3)
Lucy G.
Oh Kyoto, how I adore thee. You must recognize my face by now, as I visit you so frequently and cannot help but always order the same rolls because I find them so droolworthy. Kyoto Sushi bar, a small homey restaurant in Uptown New Orleans, on Prytania, is always busy and is always a favorite for New Orleans sushi. Being a vegetarian, it is sometimes hard for me to find something other than a simple veggie roll at a sushi place, but Kyoto offers many options. Though I cannot personally speak for the fish here, many of my friends love Kyoto for the fish sushi, especially the Pokey Salad, Sarah Roll, Popeye Roll, and Crunchy Roll. (they do have really good crunchies.) It's reasonably priced for really great sushi. The miso soup is flavorful, the edamame steamed perfectly and served hot, green teas, or GIANT soft drinks are always good starters. Kyoto has a lot of interesting beers from which to choose, as well. I always love the tamago sashimi, which is a slightly sweet egg custard mini-omelette over rice and wrapped in seaweed. I've had the double mushroom roll, but as I can't usually handle too much wasabi, I usually opt for something less spicy. The double mushroom roll has a creamy wasabi marinade they must put on the mushrooms. It's good, but a little too spicy for me. I always get the Slow-Ya Roll, minus the tobiko style (no fish eggs for me!), which comes shaped like a large caterpillar. It's a large vegetable roll, with avocado, carrots, sprouts, pickled radish, and cucumber on in the inside, seaweed paper rolled over that, with a white sushi rice rolled over that. It's then topped with large slices of avocado and topped with a sweet brown sauce. Hummina hummina... that is $6.95 for that one roll, but it's enough to fill you up with maybe one order of the sashimi, which comes in two pieces. If you don't like sushi, like my mother, you can get something else from their varied menu. My mom loves their vegetable tempura, and the udon soups are large with lots of noodles. Though I haven't tried any of their teriyaki grilled dishes, they smell amazing and even if I had already eaten, could very easily be tempted to order again. Their sushi is the kind you wish would never end. It's like each bite is so wonderful, you just want to keep eating until you pop. Price wise, it's pretty decent, maybe $3.50-$7.00 a roll, depending on what you order. In large parties, beware, it can be hard to get a table because the place is so tiny, and the check is not itemized, which can be tricky when splitting the bill. The waiters are okay, sometimes you get lucky and get the good ones that are attentive and quick, and other times you get stuck with the airheaded slow-poke who forgets to take your drink order for 30 minutes. It can get pretty crowded at night, so don't expect to be seated right away around 7:00 pm, you'll have to wait, but it's worth it. There are tables, as well as the sushi bar and beverage bar that are available to be seated at and eat your meal. I love the back room, which is a little more secluded for larger parties, with cute stained glass windows. It's my favorite place to get sushi, so g'head and try it. Would I go again? YOU BET
(4)
Michelle B.
Excellent dinner last night with my frequent dining partner Randy. I absolutely loved the sashimi roll since it is sans rice and wrapped in thinly sliced cucumber. They also serve healthy sized mixed drinks, which is always a good thing!
(4)
stephen w.
Great rolls, quick and friendly service, large beverages. Good place to go when you want a quick sushi fix. The Sara and Jones Rolls are great as well as the 'sushi lunch' combo. They beverage servings are huge, a real advantage when you're ducking in for a quick lunch and a break from the heat of the day.
(4)
Allison M.
Kyoto is a nice little neighborhood sushi joint. It's not fancy, and coming from San Francisco, the fish is underwhelming. However, every time I've been (4 times), I've had lively or interesting conversations with either staff or customers. There are a few staff people who look and act like this is the first job they ever had, and there are some who are very comfortable and at ease with serving. They make a giant salad full of all sorts of yumminess that's filling enough for 1 meal that I think is called the Poki Salad. Quite good.
(3)
David K.
Staffed by an anonymous crew of ninja-outfitted college boys for whom this is obviously their very first job, and they only took it because Mom & Dad cut off the allowance. Tolerable sushi - the fish itself was good, the rice too sweet and had an odd flavor, and the rolls were over-rich. Sucky tempura. The least "Japanese" sushi place I have eaten at.
(3)
Megan L.
Oh dear - the poke salad. I eat it and think "I could die right now. No, really, I could." I wake up craving this thing. It is a combination of every decadent ingredient you could ever imagine - like it should be served to you while you lie belly up on a satin bed spread and consume so much of its deliciousness that you need to then vomit in a gold toilet only to return and eat more of it. Also - the crunchy roll. I recently convinced a dinner companion that the poke salad was all I needed. Only to then ask for a slice of his crunchy roll. And another. And subsequently eat all of it.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Christopher W.
Came here for my third sushi meal and it was great. The fish was fresh and the flavors were fantastic. The price was a little high but the product was well worth it. The service and layout of the shop is perfect as you sit along the sushi bar and watch your meal being prepared right in front of you. I loved this place and will be back.
(4)Jeanne H.
good stuff. I've loved everything i've ordered from here. The Poke Salad is a bit addictive.
(5)Alex J.
Kyoto is my favorite sushi in New Orleans. Granted, we don't do sushi incredibly well here. But Kyoto has a few things down. They are not overpriced, which is unlike so many sushi places. I could easily eat here for under $10 with smart choices. But I never order smart with sushi and end up getting 2-3 times as much as I should have. The more traditional rolls are done correctly. The fancy, "American" rolls (inside out, fried things in them, etc.) are also really well done. Nor do they charge an arm and a leg for them. They have a mix of good, traditional rolls, and a solid presentation of other interesting and worthwhile rolls. Vegetable and double mushroom rolls are highly recommended, especially for vegetarians. The tabo roll is so big it's basically physically impossible to eat. But it's awesome to try. The one knock I have on the place is that the table service is always a little unpolished. I need to just start sitting at the sushi bar.
(4)Steve S.
Horrible. I have friends that rave about this place and have also read good reviews, so maybe it has gone downhill recently. I have been here twice, the first time was simply mediocre, but the second time it was horrendous. My green tea came out so hot that the server couldn't hold the glass, which caused him to drop the glass on the table, almost spilled on me! -Gyoza were only pan fried on one side, very dry, they tasted old. -Hamachi Kama was lackluster and slightly fishy, very small portion too. -On the yellowtail nigori, the rice was undercooked to the point that it still had crunch to it, they also smeared Wasabi all over the rice, but the fish itself was decent. -In fact, all the sushi rice was pretty bad; it was very bland and not very soft and sticky like it should be. -Octopus nigori was not cleaned property and very chewy, also had the Wasabi smeared all over the rice. We also had 3 other rolls, none of them were particularly good. Also, what is up with that giant vagina shaped decoration on the wall in the dining room. Weird. Definitely save yourself from being disappointed, go to Mikimoto or Asuka instead
(1)Felice H.
Start with the Poke Salad. I always order something different here. It's always good.
(5)Helen L.
Well I was disappointed this time. I've been here several times years ago and I remember the food, service and atmosphere were better. I ordered the grilled salmon lunch with a small salad and white rice. I was not given a choice of fried rice or white rice. The food and service was alright.
(3)Andrew W.
Food took too long to come out. We had ordered to go dumplings, spring roll, and a sushi; the whole order took 1hr to come out. They apologized and said their kitchen was backed up but apparently this happens a lot here. Food was decent but on the pricey side. I do like the location it's convenient if you want some dessert afterward you're right next to yogurt land and creole creamery.
(2)Jen L.
With a heavy heart, I have to drop Kyoto down to 3 stars. They have been my go to sushi place for over a decade but not anymore. First it was poorly cut fish (on a couple of occasions) to the point that I could gnaw through a piece of tuna. Then on my last take out order, I opened up my box of sushi and the white fish stunk up my kitchen with the ammonia smell. Old fish is just not acceptable. There are just too many good sushi spots around. If I crave seaweed udon, I'll still pop in but order with care.
(3)Sareena N.
Kyoto is my hands down favorite place for sushi in New Orleans. The fish is always fresh and the service is decent. We always sit at the sushi bar so we can spy all the beautiful dishes going out. The popular poke salad is a standout, with chunks of tuna mingling with avocado crabstick, cucumber, seaweed salad, squid salad, asparagus, and spicy chili dressing. The salmon is always melt in your mouth creamy and the funky margarita roll is pricey, but delicious.
(4)Matthew A.
The worst service I have ever experienced in my entire life, we were there for 2 and a half hours and the food was not great at all
(1)Mark W.
Worst Japanese restaurant I've ever been to. The place needs a thorough cleaning from top to bottom. Took almost an hour to get our food and it wasn't even that busy. When the food did arrive its quality was questionable at best. My wife actually didn't eat some of her fish because it smelt gamy. It's like the place is being run by dysfunctional Bohemians that are allergic to soap. I'm sure if there were some nearby competition this restaurant would be out of business!
(1)David G.
I haven't had much sushi since ive moved to NOLA but I'm a big fan of this place. Definitely come back
(4)James G.
My favorite sushi place in town for the price. The poke salad and the Sara roll will change your life.
(5)Alex E.
Quick service, good sushi, great atmosphere. Chicken teriyaki is good too. Have been here upwards of 30 times. Friendly, local staff. Love this place!!
(5)Morgan F.
Kyoto is one of my, if not my most favorite sushi place in New Orleans. I used to live in a closet of an apartment off of Prytania, and would walk down to order a Poke Salad (tuna, crabstick, cucumber, avocado, seaweed salad, squid salad,asparagus, and spicy chili dressing) sans squid and grab a bottle of wine from the 24 hour CVS for dinner. I have since upgraded to ordering what sounds like a call girl list of rolls including the: Desiree Roll - dynamite, crawfish, and crabstick are rolled together and then tempura fried and served with a creamy wasabi sauce Sara Roll - spicy shrimp and avocado with crunchy and chili sauce on top Funky Margarita Roll - crawfish mixed with crunchy then topped with slices of tuna and fresh salmon and finished with a spicy avocado sauce Definitely plan on going here with a little snack in your belly, cause the wait for a table might make you a little hangry (hungry + angry). The front room has some great tables and the traditional sushi bar. The layout and feel of the back rooms isn't my fave, but I find this is where I usually end up. The service is pretty efficient, so I never feel forgotten back there. If you're not the waiting type and aren't the best with the ol' chopsticks (hello, friend) , I'd order to-go which is sometimes a 45 min. wait, but at least you're waiting in the comforts of your home and can ravage your rolls without judgement when you get them home, or in your car...I'm not judging.
(5)Ben T.
Went here this evening with my gf. Been to this location once before. Sushi is pretty good quality for the area. Last time we sat at the sushi bar where we were entertained by an elderly female sushi chef (a first for us!) This evening we sat in the back room. A bit awkward and out of the way. Got four rolls to share. Spicy tuna was the consensus favorite. Problem was that we order gyoza dumplings that failed to come out as an app until after we finished eating the rolls. Would still go back but hope the service is a tad better.
(3)Anna P.
There was a roach on the wall, and some gnats flying around our food. Everything else was great. Get the poke salad.
(3)Michael M.
I love Kyoto. It's the best sushi in town. The staff are awesome and they have really great rolls. The funky Margarita roll is fantastic. The poke salad is great. The udon soups are delicious.
(5)Sara U.
Here is what I like about Kyoto: They have rolls with a variety of protein options. About a year ago, I got extremely sick a few hours after eating sashimi and a sushi roll (NOT at Kyoto) that had a ton of snowcrab in it. I think it was a virus, but even so I associate the two and I want to barf even thinking about snowcrab or sashimi. So the problem is this - many sushi places put effing snowcrab in every roll! There have been restaurants where I have to get something lame like teriyaki chicken and rice because there is nothing on the menu I can stomach. Additionally, the rolls we got were not excessively large. This drives me nuts when that happens! I cannot comfortably eat a humongous sushi roll without feeling like I'm gagging myself, how is that enjoyable? So that wasn't the experience here which I appreciated. I got the popeye roll which had salmon, asparagus, eel sauce, garlic and something else. Tasty. They also played classic rock (my personal fave) while we dined! Not too silent like some sushi places - makes the atmosphere feel a little more upbeat.
(4)May W.
I wanted to like you Kyoto, I really did. But you have really gone downhill. Over 10 years ago when I used to eat here, they actually served some of the best Japanese food in the city. Tonight, they served some of the worse. I was part of a big table tonight and got a chance to try a little of everything. I personally ordered a crunchy roll and their seafood udon soup. Kyoto seems to be obsessed with HUGE rolls. When my crunchy roll finally came out (sushi came out way after our kitchen food), it was bigger than my mouth hole. If I wanted a big roll, I would have ordered a specialty rolls- not a roll that every sushi restaurant has on their menu. Crunchy rolls are pretty standard fares- and they're usually on the smaller side. These were filled with day old crunch (no longer crunchy- just really greasy), cucumber, avocado (which would have been great and creamy if they didn't use day old crunch), and a piece of a crab stick. I took one bite and moved on to someone else's roll- forgot the name but sliced cucumber filled with 3 types of fish, squid salad and crabmeat. The crabmeat was really good and made me wish my crunchy had that in it. Then my seafood soup finally came. And it was extremely fishy. Again I took one bite and didn't touch my food for the rest of the night. I was hoping that a sushi place would know how to clean and serve seafood, but Kyoto has proven me wrong. To add insult to injury, it took over 40 mins. to get our bill then over 20 mins for her to swipe our credit cards. Go next door to LaThai or across the street to La Crepe Nanou if you want good food. If you want sushi, you're better off staying in your car until you St. Charles or leave the parish. Why don't we have a decent sushi place within the city??
(2)Brittany G.
I went here three years ago and loved it. When I went back last weekend, it was a completely different experience. First off, the restaurant was not crowded at all. We waited about 45 minutes for a table and then the wait for the food and the bill were even longer. The food was nothing to be desired. The crunchy roll wasn't great and neither was the salad we ordered. The Desiree roll was pretty good, but def not worth the long wait. Best part was that the creole creamery is next door, so dessert was good!
(2)Stephen F.
If the service was lousy, the atmosphere unpleasant, and most of the dishes on the menu inedible, I'd still give Kyoto five stars. Why? Because THAT'S HOW GOOD THE POKE SALAD IS. But the staff is friendly, the prices are reasonable and in line with expectations, the accommodations are pleasantly snuggly, and the rest of the menu is quite good. I have returned many times over the past four years, and will continue to do so.
(5)Samara T.
Yep, I'm going to say it too. Order the Poke salad. It is big enough for 2 to split as an appetizer, or to have as an entree. This is the best "salad" I've ever eaten at a Japanese restaurant. The fish is fresh, the sauce is tasty, and the mixture of seaweed salad, fresh asparagus, mushrooms, and herbs are heavenly.
(4)Cassandra D.
POKE SALAD. That's all I've had from Kyoto and it needs to happen again. It's a slice of sushi heaven. The poke salad (a meal, not an actual salad) is a compilation of tuna, crabstick, cucumber, avocado, seaweed salad, squid salad,asparagus, and spicy chili dressing. The serving size was large, but since I have zero self-control, I finished almost all of it. The atmosphere is casual and the service is great; Steph was our waitress and she was friendly and personable and timely. After, I walked over to Kingpin to grab a beer, as if I wasn't stuffed enough. The food was affordable, I think mine was only $10. I haven't had anything else from there, but I will definitely go back, at least to see Steph and order a Poke Salad.
(5)Jessica E.
Recently went here with a friend after seeing all the great reviews on Yelp. We ordered the Kyoto Appetizer, Poke Salad, Cucumber Roll, Combination Box, and Sashimi Roll. The poke salad was good, but didn't blow me away like I expected it would from all of the reviews. It was similar to salads I have had at other restaurants. However, it was still very yummy, a generous portion size for the price, and definitely something I would order again. The Kyoto appetizer was bland. The Combination box fell apart a little, but was still delicious. My favorite was definitely the Sashimi Roll, which was several kinds of fish, seaweed salad, and squid salad wrapped in cucumber. My only complaint for that one is I wish the cucumber was sliced thinner and pieces cut in 6 instead of 4. Where they are now, it is impossible to eat it all in one bite. Overall, good meal and would definitely come back here again to see what else they have to offer.
(3)Chamberlaine B.
Although New Orleans boasts a good number of sushi restaurants, Kyoto is by far the best value. As a college student, money matters, but as a foodie, taste and quality matter even more. Kyoto offers beautifully crafted rolls at affordable prices. If you are looking for an authentic atmosphere, then Kyoto may disappoint- the decor is relatively eclectic, the lighting isn't too good, and it's usually crowded... but isn't the fact that it's crowded despite its atmosphere a really good sign? (Just be prepared to wait about 20 minutes for a table on a friday/saturday night.) Their specialty rolls are always fun, but the simple crunchy roll is to die for. They offer a variety of other non-sushi dishes too that are sure to suit any taste. No matter what you decide on, I highly recommend beginning your meal with the cucumber salad. P.s. if you sit at the sushi bar, you get free soup!
(5)Nathaniel S.
The food is not bad but they have a huge bug problem, there were roaches crawling all over the wood paneling on the wall by our table, literally coming out of the woodwork. We told the hostess on our way out and she did not seemed surprised as though this has been a problem for them in the past. They barely apologized and did not give us our meal free or a gift card. No matter what the food is like, this is unacceptable for any restaurant and they really should not even be open until they have controlled this issue.
(1)Grace B.
Food tasted okay while we were eating it, but within an hour after eating, both my husband and I had diahhrea....we were fine before we arrived, and both had the same results. Called the restaurant, and they called us back; said we couldn't have possibly gotten ill from their meal because that would have to take 8 hours to hit, and we would have to be vomiting. That's ridiculous for them to make that medical assertion and show such a lack of concern. I note another review noting their partner got ill as well....so maybe they do not keep their sushi cold enough on ice or have other food sitting out picking up bacteria. Who knows, but it wasn't up to snuff as far as I'm concerned.
(1)Maura Z.
Kyoto is by far my favorite sushi place uptown. The people in there can be a little pretentious but I typically walk in there and only make eye contact with whoever I'm with. The Holli Salad (off the menu) is great. Snowcrab, asparagus, avocado and roe atop delicious briney cucumbers!! I think about the Holli Salad all the time. I look out the car window on long drives and daydream about it. The Duncan roll is my favorite (snowcrab, avocado, crunchy). The "crunchy" they use is uniquely Kyoto. A while back I got to talking with the sushi chef at Wasabi in Lakeview about how he worked at Kyoto for a long time, he told me how they make the crunchy...too many ingredients to remember, but its delicious. Its magic. I think a lot of things are magic. One thing that always irks me about Kyoto is the weird service style. Ive never had a truly bad experience but sometimes the service is really slow and occasionally you'll have a meal where a different person brings you everything (drink, food, refills?, check, return credit card). Its like, who am I tipping? Whats happening here? Kyoto is pretty much always busy. Expect to wait. Also, they tend to take long vacations during holidays. One year (around Mardi Gras I think?) they were closed for 2 weeks. We were like whaaaaaa
(4)Ricky D.
Excellent sushi rolls. They have the basics, but also offer creative daily special rolls as well. Great spot to check out for lunch or dinner.
(5)Ashley H.
I've found myself sitting at the sushi bar at Kyoto a LOT recently. Like twice a week, sometimes more. Granted, it is just down the street from my house. But, I'm not afraid to venture out of my area for some good food. I just really enjoy coming here. The staff is friendly, the sushi chefs are entertaining and the rolls are good. I agree with the comments about them falling apart, but I've just learned to accept that as part of the package. It's not like this is only place where I've had a roll fall apart on me. Did I mention that I've been eating here a lot lately? I blame the Sara roll. Those little dots of rooster sauce on top just call to me. Plus, they don't judge me if I order the big Sapporo with only one glass.
(4)Andrew W.
I'll start by saying that the tempura cheesecake was amazing. If you're just in the mood to drink sake and eat fried cheesecake, this might not be a bad option. I really wanted to like this place. I heard so many great things about Kyoto. Maybe I've been spoiled by too much good sushi, or maybe this is just some pretty boring sushi, or maybe both. Now don't get me wrong, it's not like sushi-at-a-Chinese-buffet bad, but then again it's an actual sushi restaurant so the expectations are much different. Not sure what was up with the guy making the rolls, but every single piece was too big to put in your mouth and tasted like mushy sushi rice. I hope I caught Kyoto on a bad night, but won't be going back regardless.
(2)John L. H.
Kyoto let me down. For many months I have been wanting to try Kyoto. I had heard good things, but could never seem to get there when it was open. A friend and I finally made it there a few nights ago and I was a bit disappointed. It wasn't bad, but it didn't live up to the hype I had created in my mind. As we arrived we were told there were no tables and we would need to wait. We didn't have an issue waiting, but when the hostess offered us a table under the stairwell, we said we would try it. She did say that some people don't like the table, and I quickly learned why. The table was literally under a stairwell which created serious headroom issues. Besides that, it was so dark that we had to use the light on my phone to read the menu. Realizing this table was the worst in the place, we requested to be moved. They honored our request, but that table was awful. Granted, they did ask if we wanted it, but if so many people don't like it, why have it in the first place? Once seated we ordered salmon sashimi and two specialty rolls (Stella and Funky Margarita). The sashimi was very fresh, and very good. The specialty rolls were also good, but seemed a bit over priced for what we received. While the ingredients were very good, the rolls seemed small in comparison to other restaurant's specialty rolls. I don't know if we went on an off night, or if something else was going on, but we didn't really feel welcomed the entire time we were there. Service was OK, but it wasn't very friendly or attentive. I would like to try Kyoto again, but this experience has definitely caused it to lose some of its allure.
(3)Philip K.
I love Kyoto. I think they have some of the best value, freshest, and tastiest sushi in NOLA. They have a really cook sushi bar which is always a plus. You should definitely take an opportunity to sit at the sushi bar because it is one of the best in the city. The poke salad will totally set you meal off just right. It is the perfect starter and is hugely delicious. I've also just gotten the sashimi dinner and was not disappointed. The fish is varied, super fresh, and expertly cut. Do not pass up Kyoto when craving a sushi night. Amazing.
(5)Bianca R.
Tried this again. Epic fail. What takes so long just to take someone's order? The food was fair, far from stellar. This is not my first disappointing experience at Kyoto, but probably my last.
(1)Marielle S.
My experience here was SO disappointing. I had been waiting for months to go to Kyoto. I had never been and I had always heard how fabulous it was. I was pretty excited when I was finally able to make it here for dinner after the St. Patrick's Day parade. First of all, when we walked in, the first table at which we were seated was located under some stairs. It was so dark I could barely see my menu and I was with my friend who is 6'5" and he could barely fit. I would have totally understood if there were no other tables available, but there were, so to be seated under the stairs was not only ridiculous, it was insulting. In fact, never seat anyone under there. EVER. Remove that table completely. It's insulting, when you have two dining areas, to ask a paying customer to sit in the "connection" between the two rooms. When we were reseated in the actual dining room, we ordered some soup, the salmon sashimi, the stella roll and the funky margarita roll, which we had heard were the best special rolls that they had. The soup was pretty good and it's hard to mess up raw salmon. The two special rolls, unfortunately, were nothing special. Sure, they were good, but they didn't seem much bigger than the regular rolls that you would get at any other restaurant. My friend noted that the rolls were expensive for what you got and the tables were really close together. The latter I can understand, because the place is small, but when I order a special roll and I pay "special roll" prices, I expect it to be a good size and something, well...special. I might go back to Kyoto and give it another try, but I think I will stick to my favorite sushi place, Hana, where the special rolls are huge and good and definitely worth the money.
(3)Allison K.
Came here while on a bachelorette party in town. They were able to accommodate our large party, which was a major plus. I will say, i am pretty particular in what i like and don't like when it comes to sushi. I only eat tuna or salmon, so that already limits my options. While here I got the funky margarita roll. It was really good - my only complaint (which normally should never be a complaint) was the pieces of fish on top of the roll were huge! They were basically the same size as the pieces that are just fish on rice so I had a lot of difficulty eating these without making a mess. They tasted delicious, I just prefer to be able to pop each piece in my mouth and not worry about having to cover my entire face as I attempt to chew. Everyone seemed to enjoy their meals so it was a good choice.
(3)Rene D.
The service is kinder, the poke salad is gone, and more rolls to soothe the American palate than ever. Does every menu in town have to pander to a damn football team? Props to the female sushi chef behind the counter. Even in the 21st century, that's a rarity.
(3)Tah K.
It's just gotten worse. I think the original owner is no longer there. It is Filthy. Unkempt. Sticky.Sad. And on top of it all, friend got ill last night. She even sent her first dish back as it was not good (waiter sniffed & Agreed).
(1)Felicia H.
It's so rare that I go to a sushi restaurant and not order rolls, but my friend insisted that I would love the poke salad. LOVE is an understatement! It came piled high with avocado, asparagus, cucumbers and ahi and a big smiley face in siracha sauce. The portion size was filling for dinner and could easily be split as an appetizer. Best part was, my dinner salad cost $9! Believe the hype people and try the salad. My friend got the seafood combo cucumber salad that was also super delicious and I would definitely recommend that as well. I found the servers to be prompt and attentive. Sitting at the bar, the chefs kept us stocked on ginger and it's always enjoyable to watch the art of sushi rolling.
(4)Alexandra R.
This is probably my favorite sushi place to sit down with friends. It always has a great atmosphere and the servers usually know what's up. Great sushi. Downside? I don't think I've ever come here without a wait. However, the guy who takes your name always offers you a drink - so problem solved! My favorite is the poke salad. It's cucumber, squid salad, asparagus, avocado, tuna, and I always sub snow crab for the crab stick. As for extra siracha if that's what you're into (I definitely am!). Although you can find this under the sushi rolls and it's dubbed a salad- its massive and can definitely be split or maybe even serve as a meal. The miso soup here is really different than most other sushi restaurants- it has mushrooms. It's good, but i'm not gushing about it. All of the rolls are delicious and the rice is always done perfectly. I usually go for the duncan roll and add some tuna. They are always flexible about what you want on your rolls- a plus! Saw Alan Arkin last time I was here. NBD, just eating some damn good sushi.
(4)Laney P.
My favorite sushi place in the world. I love it. I love the same serves that have been there for years, I love the unchanging but always clean decor, I love the febreeze in the bathroom. I love it. Now a word of advice: unless you like HUGE rolls that fall apart and you can't wrap your mouth around, order them in 8 pieces. Just write it next to the roll. 8 pc. It's the way to go. That being said, everything is awesome. My go to is the Sara Roll - it's basically a crunchy with avocado, but they put Sriracha on top. I'm so there. The Funky Margarita is awesome too, and the one that have the avocado on the outside. The gyoza dumplings are AMAZING, the sauce is tangy and awesome and I love the cabbage on the bottom. They always give you a lot of edamame. I've never gotten any of their tempura/teriyaki things, so I can't speak about that.
(5)Erica S.
I have ordered takeout several times now & every single time I call the wait time is ridiculous. Originally it was bearable at 30 minutes, but tonight they said 45 minutes!!!! For 1 crunchy roll, edamame & a miso soup?! Oh no no. Too many good sushi places uptown for 1 roll to take 45 minutes to pick up.
(1)Elaine M.
That's right folks, the update was inevitable! It was only a matter of time before I found the rolls that I adore! Funny that they're the first 2 on the Special Roll list and also the most mentioned on yelp. The Sara roll & The Funky Margarita (add cucumber). I had them for lunch today and holy jeez, it was phenomenal. The fish was SO tender, the sauces were impeccable, and the crunchy vs smoothiness combination made my day. I still think they could ease up on the amount of rice but this is a common complaint with a lot of sushi places. I thought the crew was super friendly, they told me to come on over after I was done ordering on the phone and it was ready in the 10 min or less it took me to walk there. I love how they pack everything in the box too, the rolls were separated by foil and the ginger / wasabi were both saran wrapped individually. It was thoughtful as I had to put it in the bottom of a stroller for our walk home and I HATE when my food gets all mixed up! So now I can't tell if my new found love for this place is exactly a good or bad thing, however, as a decent percent of my future paychecks will be going to lunches here.
(4)Drue H.
I went to Kyoto today with my boyfriend for lunch, neither of us having been there before even though we live in the neighborhood. We looked at the reviews and with three and a half stars we thought we would give it a shot. Oh my god, it was awful. First the positives though. I kinda dug the decor and it looked neat and cute inside. The octopus seaweed salad my boyfriend got was really good, as was the hot green tea that I got, but that was where the good times ended. I ordered a tempura appetizer, which came after the rolls we ordered came, which was no biggie. Then the waiter unceremoniously placed the rolls we ordered in front of us without explanation of what everything was. We had to wait for him to come back around and when I asked him what the rolls were, he seemed a little put out. Again, not a big deal had the food been good. But the rolls, my god, the rolls. Although we ordered five different kinds of rolls they all looked remarkably...the same. That is, a bunch of smallish rolls filled with snowcrab and a slice of avocado. The crunchy rolls had hardly a pinch of tempura in them with a ton of snowcrab. I got a barbecue salmon roll which sounded amazing, but there it was, just a bunch of snowcrab with a touch of salmon, the only flavor was from the eel sauce they drizzled over it. The rice was godawful and tasted like it had probably been leftover from the night before, refrigerated and then mushed up. Completely flavorless and absolutely disgusting. I've literally had better sushi on UNO's campus and it made Rouse's supermarket look like a 5 star sushi restaurant. The tempura was really heavy and tasted like funnel cake batter, it was probably also old. I understand if a restaurant was having an off day, but they should have never turned out this kind of substandard quality to paying customers. We left feeling gross and sick, with a heavy starch taste in our mouths. I still feel sick as I write this. Spend your money somewhere else, people! And Kyoto, get your act together.
(1)Andrew B.
In my opinion, best sushi in New Orleans. Sara Roll is definitely the way to go. Sometimes can be a long wait or pickup time, that is my only complaint.
(4)Shannon S.
Kyoto is the closest GOOD sushi restaurant to my house so if I'm in need of a quick sushi fix this is where I will head. I really like the area that this establishment is located and there are several great places to eat clustered nearby. They have a lot of interesting rolls that are unique to them and they are generally very fast with getting your food out. The Poke salad is probably one of the most outstanding things they make here and many of the cooked items from the kitchen are often overlooked but still very tasty. * Quick Tip: If you sit at the sushi bar you get a free bowl of miso soup. ALWAYS sit at the sushi bar!!! It often does get crazy crowded here at night (and especially on weekends) but it has always been a quick lunch spot (if you sit at the sushi bar). Parking can be problematic at times (and I miss the days before Katrina when they wouldn't hassle you about parking in the strip mall parking lot across the street). It is also really nice that you can run to Creole Creamery next door for dessert.
(3)Kaleb L.
As a long time costumer I have never had a negative experience at Kyoto it makes for a great treat after working out or a little something to brighten up your day when your sad.
(5)Sarah P.
Kyoto is perfect. It's reasonably priced, especially given the quality of their rolls. A bunch of their special rolls are under $10, and they're worth every penny. The Jones Roll and the Desiree Roll are the two best rolls I've ever had. I just can't decide which I like more! The staff is super nice and attentive. I've struck up a conversation with one of them every time I've been in. Their take out service is nice, too. They call when your food is done, so you don't have to guess.
(5)Golden R.
The sushi is excellent, but this is THE place in New Orleans for udon. Nebayaki Udon here is SO awesome.
(4)Laila T.
Hands down, best sushi in the city, IMO. Everything is always delicious. I find their rolls are on the larger side so I always feel like I'm getting a little extra for my money. Whether or not that's true, I don't really care. That's just how I feel. I can't really put my finger on what it is about their sushi that stands out to me, but maybe that's a good thing. A little mystery that keeps me coming back. It seems like once you've tried a few sushi restaurants you've tried them all, but Kyoto stood out to me. You don't have to order a fancy roll to be wowed. Even the old standards are exceptional. Their crunchy rolls are delicous. The restaurant itself is small, but not cramped. It feels cozy, and the service is good. Very friendly wait staff! Bonus: they're right next door to Creole Creamery. Just sayin'.
(5)Molly B.
Great veggie roll, edamame, and spring rolls. My biggest complaint is that their rolls seem to fall apart. Like on the way to your mouth fall apart. The food tastes fresh, it's fast, and good service. The poke salad is insane, highly recommended.
(4)Tricia O.
absolutely disgusting. the absolute worst sushi i've ever had. the pieces were too big to eat in one bite, the spicy tuna was brown and absolutely unappetizing my friend and i ordered two rolls of it and ate only one piece. the crab was gross and looked like it had mayonaise in it. almost never want to eat sushi again after this bad experience
(1)M C.
I've always been a lurker here on Yelp. Always reading reviews but never writing any of my own. Well, I had dinner at Kyoto last Friday night, and the service was so impeccable that I felt obligated to leave a review. I had already been here many times. The food is fantastic (my personal favorite: the stuffed shiitake mushroom appetizer -- heavenly). But you probably already know that. What really inspired me to write this review was the service we received last Friday night. Eight friends and I wanted to go to dinner. Someone suggested Kyoto. I thought that was a bad idea, trying to get a table for 9 people on a Friday night, at a small restaurant, without reservations. But I went with the plan. We showed up at 7:15. I figured it would take us at least an hour to get a table. Instead, after rearranging a few tables, they seated us within 15 minutes. Here's where the really impressive part came: we told them party of 9, but after we sat down, more friends who got wind of our dinner plans started to show up. One by one, friends showed up, and the Kyoto staff happily provided additional chairs to seat all of us. Most restaurants would be pretty grumpy about this. But the Kyoto staff was friendly and accommodating. They managed to get all 12 of our food and drink orders straight, the food came out in a reasonable amount of time, they continued to check to see if we needed more drinks, etc. Then the bill came. We plopped down a handful of debit cards and specified various amounts to charge to each card. The staff at most restaurants, especially on a Friday night, would be pretty annoyed by those types of antics. But the Kyoto staff was friendly and accommodating. I would have thought such a dinner would turn into a train wreck, but thanks to the Kyoto staff, the whole thing came together without a hitch. Thanks Kyoto!
(5)Whitney J.
My neighborhood sushi joint. I love the food, staff (and fact that I can walk there). I can say, with confidence, that I have yet to have anything from here that has not been fresh. In other words, I've never had a "uh, that doesn't taste right" moment like I've had at plenty of other spots around town. They don't frown on special requests (which I do a lot), which is really great. To name a few gems off their menu: sashimi lunch, poke salad, Duncan roll, Baxter roll and the stella roll. :)
(4)Elise C.
The food is OK, but the service is really bad. We went on a Monday night, and it took 40 minutes to get an appetizer. It was clear that something went wrong when the people who sat down after us got their food well before we did. I understand things happen, and it wouldn't have been a big deal if they would have at least apologized for the mix up, but there was no effort made on their part to rectify, or even acknowledge the situation. It was poor service, but more than that--rude. I definitely won't be going back.
(2)Marielle D.
The table service is inconsistent but the fish is always fresh and our food has always arrived quickly. Wish they had a better sake selection, but this is New Orleans so I'm not holding my breath. Free miso soup if you sit at the sushi bar is a plus!
(4)Graham R.
I frequent this joint because it is a pleasant walking (and drinking) distance from my house and have been going there long enough that the sushi chefs recognize me. Many people may be disenchanted with how swamped the waiters get, but it is a bustling business if you catch them on certain nights. *start your order off with a POKE SALAD as an appetizer, and this will help tide you over til your rolls/ entrees are served. Also, if you sit at the sushi bar, they will give you free Miso. As far as the sushi goes, I find it a very safe bet, never been disappointed. The Who Dat roll is fried oyster with some special sauce, that is my new favorite. Good sake selection (try their unfiltered selections). Not quite suitable for someone in a hurry, but good food, nice environment, and the staff are friendly (to me, anyways).
(4)A. C.
My chief complaint of Kyoto is that it is FREEZING, so cold that I can barely sit through a meal. Aside from that, though, it is a wonderful restaurant. The sushi is delicious, and I especially love the poke salad. Just don't wear shorts and a tank-top.
(3)Alexa X.
The rolls are not as good as some other places in town, but then again, the prices at Kyoto is also cheaper. Sashimi is great, definitely better than what some restaurants on st.charles (wink wink) offers. Their sashimi appetizer is a great deal--for $14 you get a whole variety of sashimi and crab sticks. Their poke salad is wonderful--although i would hope for less cucumber and more seaweeds.
(4)Liz C.
I don't think this place is a good Japanese food. The rolls is ok but for the teriyaki is SUCK!!! The price is inappropriate .... I will not be there again for sure!
(2)Michael M.
I've only been twice, so I may have to give this place another shot since it has so many good reviews. My first visit was unfortunately plagued with late food, negligent servers, and sloppy rolls. The second visit (a few months later) was better, but nothing that particularly impressed me or provided an experience that I couldn't get from one of my favorites in NOLA. I'm definitely willing to try again at some point.
(2)Kris A.
We love sushi and were intrigued to try Kyoto when we saw our favorite rock n sake rated #2 under Kyoto in the Best Picks of Gambit readers. We lucked out and found a parking spot not too far. When we first walked in around 7:30 on a Friday night it was hectic. We told them first available and were seated by the sushi bar within 20 min. While waiting, Drew Brees and his wife walked in looking to dine in. :) We noticed the decor was a little strange.They only have absolut and grey goose for vodka choices :( I ordered the poke salad(as recommended by my fellow yelpers) and they did not steer me wrong. It was delish with nice chunks of fresh tuna. We also ate the funky margarita roll (spicy tuna with guacamole on top) and the hamachi kama. The hamachi kama(yellowtail neck) was the smallest we have ever seen and the only disappointment of the night. Sushi rollers were very friendly, my husband had lots of questions that night. I also love the location with creole creamery next door... We will def be back but we agreed that rock n sake is still our #1
(4)Rachel K.
When I lived Uptown, I ate quite a few more meals at Kyoto than I do now. I like Kyoto, but I don't love Kyoto. Their rolls are pretty safe, nothing too crazy, however, the Funky Margarita is pretty legit. Service is hit or miss; what I mean by this is speed of service. Servers are always, always friendly, however, it is entirely possible to have dinner for two last almost 2 hours. Going for lunch? Only have an hour? Forgettaboutit! We have even gone as early as 11:30 for a lunch hour and have been the only table in the restaurant and yet we still cannot make it out of there in less than hour. Kyoto is solid on the food, but not a place for persons with time constraints. An aside. It's a great place for a Drew Brees sighting.
(3)Laura M.
This place was great. I walked in at 7:45 on a Saturday night to place a to-go order and was immediately handed a menu. The bar waitress took the time to explain the different rolls to me and offered me a drink while I waited. Once I got my food, it was AWESOME. Everything tasted fresh and the portions were great. I got the rock n roll and the yellowtail sushi, and both were exceptional. I will definitely be making this a regular spot.
(5)Casey B.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!!!! This place thrives off of rich uptowners! Golden Rectangle people ya know! Newman, Sacred Heart, etc.... Some people love this place. Me personally, i think its just aight.... When we went Saturday the service was pretty shakey. The place was packed even when we arrived at 9:15. THERE ARE AMERICAN ROLLING YOUR SUSHI....gives me the jitters. Highlights: convenience, Sarah Roll, and the Poke(y) salad. I must say the Poke salad and sarah roll are both good value. This place has had the same employees for decades and is owned by a nice family. I would not go out of my way to eat here, but thats the whole problem, it's not out of the way. I'd rather be at Kanno, but my friends would rather stay uptown. Oh well, til next time.
(3)lauren l.
Kyoto is one of my favorite sushi restaurants in New Orleans.. maybe it's because I've been going there since highschool and it's still just as good! The service is always great and I love the food.. If you sit at the sushi bar you get a free miso soup and your sushi comes out quick. My favorite dish there is the poke salad. It's fresh and healthy made with tuna, seaweed salad, avocado, cucumber, crab and squid salad. I'm also a sucker for the crunchy roll. That's what got me addicted to Kyoto. The first time I tried it I came back to eat that same roll every day for a week! I know.. I'm crazy. But definately try it out. The beef teriyaki is also cooked really nicely with lots of flavor and a perfect amount of tenderness and flavor. Eat there.. i promise you'll enjoy it.. And even if you spill Sake all over the table from a Sake Bomb they will still be nice to you!
(5)Luke F.
I love the variety here - plenty of great and creative sushi options. The beef/any type of Udon is very delicious as well - could eat this for lunch every day. Always a good option for some takeout dinner during the week or a sit down on a Friday.
(4)Jordi G.
I feel bad about only giving 4 stars because I really do love Kyoto. I think it is the best sushi in Nola and is definitely my favorite place to get sushi here. The wait is usually worth it and doesn't take THAT long. Everything I've had on the menu is yummy and the service is good. The atmosphere here I really do like, way more than some nearby sushi rivals--sushi brothers, sake cafe, mikimoto, ninja, hana, etc. The list of mediocre sushi goes on but I find kyoto to be the standout. The fish here is very fresh and the thing I love is that it is ALWAYS served at the right temperature. At sushi brothers and sake I find it that sometimes it is too cold and the texture and taste is really lost. They have yummy seaweed salad and a very yummy bbq squid appetizer. For rolls everything has always been quite good. The sara roll is really yummy and is my favorite of the special rolls.The sashimi (i always get different stuff) has always been great, Last time I got the sashimi roll wrapped in cucumber with no rice and it was very nice and fresh and a change of pace. Eel here is always great and this isnt true for everywhere else in nola. Also, I love where it is. There's awesome stuff right around here and creole creamery is a great dessert right next door.
(4)Bonni T.
I absolutely LOVE the poke salad. I have been a few times JUST for the poke salad. The rolls are "meh," but the poke salad...it makes life better for just that moment. I haven't had another meal similar to it...so...Kyoto wins!
(5)Casey J.
Excellent casual sushi! This place is not fancy, not trendy, but serves good sushi at a good price. Get the Poke salad!
(4)Mia P.
Bigger is not better, at least when it comes to sushi rolls. Each piece was at least two inches in diameter which made it very difficult to eat. Eating it with my hands in traditional Japanese fashion, just left me covered in sticky rice, and using chopsticks left us with a pile of rice, fish, and veggies that looked more like a stir fry than a sushi roll. The flavors themselves weren't bad, but I didn't get to enjoy them all in one bite...I should've gone simple and just ordered sashimi.
(3)Laura C.
Ok... totally my favorite and has been for years. The tabo roll is joyous, the sara and the desiree have been staples for us since before they were on the menu proper, and the poke salad is totally a meal in itself. The box salmon is glorious. And this is the only place that provides me enough sprite and always gives me a lime without blinking. Did I mention the calamari app sauce and cabbage has the perfect amount of tang? Or the fact that their rice is the freshest and the crunchy mix the most rich? I heart kyoto.
(5)Spenser K.
I'd been to Kyoto before, and was not a huge fan. However, since then I've moved much closer, and figured I'd give it another shot, because sushi is delicious. I'm sooooo glad I came back. I split the Poke salad (which you should split, if you're eating it as an appetizer) and three or four rolls. All of them were delicious, particularly the Who Dat roll (which was on special). The service was good, the atmosphere was pleasant, and it was busy enough that I didn't feel weird, but not so busy that we had to wait. I had a great experience, and am stoked to go back soon.
(4)Justin L.
Preface: I am not a sushi person for a number of reasons: Price, aesthetics, and taste (which all equivocates to quality). So I hate paying for so-so sushi...unless it is Worth it. But Kyoto's is probably my favorite place to get sushi. Presentation is solid or should I say gi-mong-ous. Their crunchy roll is the Shaq of sushi, dominant in size and amazing in taste. Their eel box (although $20) comes as two rolls, looks like Jessica Simpson but with the voice of Aguiela, lol. Weird reference, I know but it's an amazing combination. Their dynamite and rainbow roll are equally as delectable. If I could post the pics of all the food I ate, you would need a bib b/c your computer would be submerged in drool. Bam. So all in all, I would definitely recommend this place even though I am not a true-sushi person (hence I would give it a S-t-r-o-n-g 4 out of 5). P.s. There are special rolls listed on the wall. Make sure to read it b/c they have things like the Who-Dat Roll and the Ceviche Roll. BTW, my wait on a summer Thursday night took an hour. I guess the wait might be worth it. Peace. As an addendum, I've been to both locations of Sake Cafe, the one uptown and the Kenner. Both are solid but I would rate them a 3 or maybe a low 4 out of 5.
(4)Sean K.
I don't pretend to have any particular knowledge when it comes to sushi or Japanese food. The closest thing I ever got to "authenticity" was by pointing-to-order sushi and a (too big...) bottle of saki at the Narita airport during a layover. But I like Kyoto - one dish in particular. I give them the silver medal in the cold seafood dish category for their squid salad (after Domenica's octopus carpaccio - gold medal for sure). I order the squid salad every time I eat there. Great flavor, with a judicious restraint shown in their application of the sesame oil/ red chili dressing.
(4)Rodney H.
I wasn't blown away, but the experience was definitely pleasurable. The edamame was a little overcooked, which was no bueno. They had the consistency of peas. Didn't ruin the experience, though. The Beef and Asparagus Roll appetizer was super tasty, as was the Margarita Roll with crawfish. Washed it down with a couple bottles of warm sake and it made for a nice little date night with the wife. May not be the best place in the city but the service is certainly better than Hana, and the rolls are better than Mikimoto. For middle-of-the-road sushi in NOLA, this one takes the cake.
(3)sharon m.
I walked in and ordered to go sushi and didn't have to wait long...and that is about the only positive thing I have to say. The rolls fell apart before I could get to into my mouth (I see more complaints about this here) and the roll pieces were separated with slices of lemon which made the sushi tastes like lemon. I will not be going there again. I've had better sushi from Rouses.
(2)Mia G.
This is our go-to sushi restaurant in the city; reasonable prices, great, creative, fresh sushi and friendly staff. As for being "ameicanized"... Well, for one we are in America and most Sushi lovers tastes have started skewing away from the disciplined Japanese way (I mean, when was the last time that you dipped ONLY the fish side in soy when eating your sushi??) Secondly, I'd challenge anybody to actually find an "authentic" Sushi place in this city....Yeah, that's what I thought... and besides, you can ask for your sushi to be prepared any which way you like there to suit your tastes. So, for fun atmosphere, good sushi for prices that don't break the bank... this is it!
(4)Connie N.
Delicious sushi; I'm especially a fan of the poke salad and the free miso soup you get if you sit at the bar. Would have gotten 5 stars if it were not for the crappy service I got the last couple of times I ate here. Our waitress was super slow and inexplicably kind of rude. Since Kyoto doesn't split checks--I wish they would at least write how much each item costs on the receipt!--we did the credit card math for her and wrote down exactly how much to put on each card. Despite having done all the math for her, it took ages to get our cards back, and when she finally dropped it off, she did so without saying a word to us. While this hasn't totally ruined my love for Kyoto, I may reconsider going back if we continue to get the same dismissive service.
(4)Justin R.
I could eat here every night of the week if my wallet would allow me! This is the best sushi I have had in New Orleans! My girlfriend and I always start the eating off with the Poke Salad. Its better than any salad that I have ever had. Tuna, crab, cucumber, avocado, seaweed, squid, and asparagus. Very tasty! As for rolls; Sara, Ashley, the hot box, dynamite, and the crunchy! The service is good and the sake is hot! If you looking for sushi, hit up Kyoto.
(5)Laura P.
What a great sushi place!! The fish was fresh, and they had great rolls. There were also plenty of other items to choose from that were not just regular rolls like salads and such. I would definitely go for the poke salad...
(4)Miguel S.
Excellent Poke salad, Ceviche roll, but my favorite is always the Sara roll. Please note, some rolls can be outrageously large; ask the server to request medium rolls. Trust me, you do not want to be struggling to open your mouth and then not being able to bite. Not pretty! Service is nice, non-intrusive , an fast. Ask for Ashley, great service!
(4)Melissa E.
I love Kyoto!! It's definitely one of my favorites in the city. The Sara roll and the Desiree roll are my favorite, but I also always get the sunomono salad with seafood combo. Kyoto has a great New Orleans family restaurant atmosphere while still having authentic Japanese charm. The only drawback is that it is a bit on the pricy side compared to other sushi spots, but it's worth it!!
(4)Cindy B.
When I'm in the mood for cheap sushi, I come here. Their poke salad is delicious but the only roll that I eat here is the sara roll. It's great on those days when I'm craving sushi but don't want to spend a ton on specialty rolls.
(4)Carrie M.
Although I really wish it wasn't closed on Sundays, this is a great New Orleans sushi place. I would say that out of all the sushi places in the area this one is the best for freshness and innovative rolls. As a vegetarian Ninja has more roll options, but your options at Kyoto are all great as opposed to a mixed bag at Ninja. I would ESPECIALLY recommend the Spring Roll and Slow-ya Roll (although make sure to specify no roe or eel sauce if a veggie). As far as my non-veggie friends are concerned it seems like you just can't go wrong at this place. They esp. crave the sara roll and poke salad.
(5)Haydan B.
Kyoto reminds me of one of those cozy little sushi joints in NY on the corner. The atmosphere is welcoming, especially the small tables in the back. I like that. The sushi is really good too. The only reason this place didn't get 5 stars was well... the rolls are just too big. I've never had California Rolls that are 2 inches wide. The Rock'n'Roll was like 3 inches wide. How are you supposed to pick that up with chop sticks let alone dip it in soy sauce then into your mouth? Really... you kinda need a knife to portion up the roll which is kinda counter intuitive for sushi. The Edamame was actually very good and I like the big glasses of ice tea. For Uptown sushi, definitely try Kyoto!
(4)Kelsey G.
Sit at the sushi bar and get unlimited miso? Woah, I'm in soup, salad, sushi heaven! Check it out for yourself because their list of specialty rolls is pretty extensive and their kitchen menu isn't too shabby either.
(4)Lana H.
I lived in an area of Hawaii with a high concentration of authentic and quality sushi, and the quality of sushi at Kyoto compares. I usually go for lunch or an early dinner, and there's always awesome music and great service. Clean, delicious, awesome. Get the Poke Salad or the Chirashi Bowl for lunch-- not only a bargain, but the portions are HUGE!
(5)Pcake l.
Poke salad is my favorite thing to eat here, fresh and delicious. Some people compare it to the rainbow salad to rock n sake...not the same at all and so much better! I hear Drew Brees likes the poke salad a lot too. I'm just saying...
(4)Brian K.
I wasn't expecting to eat good sushi while I was down south, but this place exceeded my expectations. I ate a variety of their rolls and really enjoyed the crunchy roll and rock n roll roll. Service was good too... and enjoyable atmosphere.
(4)Todd O.
May be my favorite sushi stop in the city. An old friend made me a chirashi over the sushi bar, turned out to be the most interesting chirashi i've had. Nothing since has beaten the combination, and quality of food that was put on that plate. since then I've returned as often as can afford, and have yet to be disappointed.
(4)Ar K.
Sat at the sushi bar with my wife, trying to catch a movie at the Prytania down the way... ordered sushi and beer. nothing from the kitchen, only the booze bar and the sushi bar. got the beers, and the typical appetizer soup, and then...45 minutes later..the sushi. as we waited and got progressively steamed, wait staff seemed aware of our lack of food, but chose to talk to each other about it while shooting occasional glances our way, avoiding eye contact. we were talked over by sushi chef and wait staff about our lack of food, again without any recognition that we were sitting right there! hopefully this place will work on its customer service, by the time we got our food we were pissed, not hungry. not going back, unless i see a "fired our night time wait staff" banner hanging out front.
(2)Jennifer Y.
This is my favorite sushi restaurant in the city by far. I know good sushi...and the rice is important. I wouldn't say their sushi is amazing, but they cook and prepare rice properly and that by itself earns 4 stars (considering we're in New Orleans). The fish is fresh and everything I've ordered has been great. The ambiance is perfect for a sushi restaurant - casual, relaxed, great for any night of the week. This is probably the closest to real sushi you can get in the city. I'm so happy Kyoto exists in New Orleans! If you're used to real sushi and have been unsuccessful in finding decent sushi, check out Kyoto. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
(4)Christine G.
Kyoto is the perfect neighborhood spot to enjoy incredibly tasty rolls and bump into friends, neighbors, and clients. I love the Sara and the Jones rolls, and the Desiree roll which I only have occasionally is a true treat.
(5)Taylor R.
The best house salad of any sushi restaurant where I've eaten. Amazing carrot dressing. The sushi is good too. But Sushi Brothers on St. Charles is just as good and a less expensive option. Still go once to try the salad.
(4)Eliza T.
Uninspired Americanized "sushi" AKA haphazardly cut up raw fish! Got the sashimi dinner. Miso soup was salty and full of MSG. The portions for the sashimi was large...but a lot of mediocre fish (where there were multiple pieces still has bones in them!!!) does not make it a good sushi experience! The only thing semi tasty (still not really sushi the way Japanese chefs meant for sushi to be) on the huge plate of fish is the peppered tuna. Oh, and it was all laid on a bed of yellowing spring mixed greens! First of all, it's greens vegetables past its prime. Secondly, these kinds of greens do not belong anywhere near sashimi! Sadly, people from work love their rolls with stuff like cream cheese and crawfish in them. I love crawfish, and I love cream cheese...just not in a sushi restaurant! Yes, I am proud to be a sushi snob!
(1)Amy F.
Went here tonight to check out a new sushi place, and we werent disappinted. it's pretty small and cozy so we sat at the sushi bar to get fast service. We got complimentary miso soups for being at the sushi bar, and the miso was delicious, with small mushrooms in it. we ordered the tempura squid which was like their take on calimari, pretty yummy, but got soggy fast. the funky margharita roll with dynamite was really good and pretty big. we almost didn't finish the whole thing! We also got what seemed to be a house specialty because we'd seen about 5 orders leave the sushi bar before we ordered ours--the Poke Salad. Its basically a big pile of every salad they make combined together and is delicious, a little slimy, and better shared. overall a good restaurant and we will be returning!
(4)Jessica B.
I have been going to Kyoto for a long time, and it is still my favorite sushi in the city. They were one of the firsts to offer creative rolls like the crunchy roll, tabo roll, and junya roll. The staff are awesome and friendly. They are always quick to refill green tea. I love the mushroom appetizer salad - toasted mushrooms, avocado, asparagus and cucumber in a wasabi dressing. SO delicious. The sushi is very fresh and the rice is just the right texture. I also love the house salad and the spring rolls. They are also nice about special requests, something that is very nice. The sushi chefs are well trained and meticulous. It is great that there is a woman behind the bar--she holds her own.
(5)Nikki B.
Super friendly staff and yummy fresh rolls made for a great quick dinner last night! The menu is quite diverse beyond just rolls - the poke salad, for instance, is KILLER. We had the mushroom appetizer, three rolls, and split a poke salad....you nearly had to roll us out afterwards! With all this food and splitting a large hot sake, the bill still only came to around $46! Will definitely be coming back!
(4)Cassie C.
This was the first sushi I tried after being in New Orleans, and I was a bit skeptical, but it was truely so good. My boyfriend and I shared the Spicy Shrimp, Rock & Roll, Miami, Special Eel, and the Cruncy rolls and all were really great. I highly reccomend the Rock & Roll and Crunchy Roll....you won't be disappointed! The Duncan and Sara roll shouldn't be passed up either. Take out makes this place 5 stars. Good atmosphere...very relaxed and casual, and service was good, and fast. Peeee Essss If you're ever on the West Coast you have to try Sapparo in Monterey (at the fishermans wharf), hands down the best sushi. And you have to try the house sauce. Mmmmmm.
(5)Shana S.
I LOVE KYOTO. I have been obsessed with Kyoto since I moved to New Orleans 4 years ago, and have never had a bad meal there. It is my favorite uptown sushi destination by far (especially for the price!!) My favorites: Poke Salad, Sara Roll and Desiree Roll Absolutely amazing. You will not be disappointed.
(5)JP G.
Casey B. below could not have put it better...
(3)Susan T.
At first, I was a tad sketchy about this place. My first impression was that the building was too small and my wait would be endless. Later did I know that there was another room toward the back. It's very cute and modernized. The seating is quite tight and but the food was worth it. I would definitely go back again. Dibs on the Tabo Roll.
(3)Andrew W.
Just had the yellowfin tuna roll and funky margarita roll takeout. Wait was long (45 mins), but sushi was delicious. Large portions and fresh tuna. Worth the wait
(4)Gabriel F.
Decent, not spectacular. A lot of the more inexpensive rolls are chopped up fish mixed with mayo--not the most appealing. The atmosphere is nice, the location is good, and the staff is friendly. The sushi is good and can fulfill any cravings, but there is better to be had around the city.
(3)Thomas H.
I saw they had smoked salmon rolls. Wow, that's the same stuff you get in the supermaket. I'm still on the hunt for actual sushi.
(1)Henry N.
Good enough for this American white boy. I'm sure many sushi snobs will tell you Kyoto is very Americanized sushi and there are other places that are more traditional. Well, that may be, but their food is really good. Great for a dinner date with your sweetheart (dinner with drinks runs you about $100). I've tried Ninja and Sushi Bros., once. Not a patch. It's usually packed here, but I don't recall any exorbitant waits.
(4)Randy S.
Kyoto is one of my favorite sushi joints and I wish I would eat here more often. It's a cool Uptown neighborhood spot that gets busy later in the evening (so go early). Last night I had the sashimi roll (wrapped in cucumber, no rice) and the popeye roll (BBQ eel with eel sauce) and both were pretty tasty. Though I did see someone nearby with this amazing looking salad that I forgot to ask about - I'm getting that salad next time I go! Also try the soft chell crab roll - delicious!
(4)Anita M.
I love Kyoto - the sushi is amazing, the staff is very friendly and professional and helpful. The fish is the freshest. Salmon roe is always fresh, not always the case in other places. My favorite is the Poke Salad...give it a try.
(5)Jeffrey W.
The best sushi in New Orleans; Mikimoto is cheaper (and has a drive-through) and Sake is fancier, but Kyoto brings the quality. Poke Salad is unparalleled and without equal at any other restaurant I've ever found. Rock and Roll is off the hook. Give it a try. Now, if we could only do something about the fact that it's closed on Sundays....
(5)Courtie D.
I have to agree with several people who reviewed Kyoto previously. Decent food, lame service. We came in late afternoon and placed a pretty substantial order to try several items between the two of us, I recommend the double mushroom rolls- hint the wasabi sauce is already in them- so sinus-clearlingly yummy! Our waitress was terrible. At the beginning of the meal it was obvious she clearly didnt like the fact that we were going to keep her from her sidework and getting out of there as soon as lunch was over. The few things we asked for seemed like impositions- like a fork for example, geez. Another waiter bussed our table and brought our food, she happened to stop by when we were pretty much done (over 30 mins later) to see if we wanted a refill in our empty glasses. When she asked if we needed anything else she even just let all the main meal dirty dishes just sit there so she could get the check to us faster. Try the Duncan rolls, the BBQ squid, and the double mushroom rolls. Pass on the house salad- it looks like the yummy ginger dressing you get at most sushi houses, but tastes like orange italian dressing. Not what you expect when you take a bite. Pass on the grilled fish with vegetables. The salmon was a little dry (but did still taste good) and completely covered in what was supposed to be vegetable(S) in teriyaki sauce. It was pretty much all onions and about three small pieces of broccoli. I think I will keep to my usual sushi haunts in the future.
(3)Lucy G.
Oh Kyoto, how I adore thee. You must recognize my face by now, as I visit you so frequently and cannot help but always order the same rolls because I find them so droolworthy. Kyoto Sushi bar, a small homey restaurant in Uptown New Orleans, on Prytania, is always busy and is always a favorite for New Orleans sushi. Being a vegetarian, it is sometimes hard for me to find something other than a simple veggie roll at a sushi place, but Kyoto offers many options. Though I cannot personally speak for the fish here, many of my friends love Kyoto for the fish sushi, especially the Pokey Salad, Sarah Roll, Popeye Roll, and Crunchy Roll. (they do have really good crunchies.) It's reasonably priced for really great sushi. The miso soup is flavorful, the edamame steamed perfectly and served hot, green teas, or GIANT soft drinks are always good starters. Kyoto has a lot of interesting beers from which to choose, as well. I always love the tamago sashimi, which is a slightly sweet egg custard mini-omelette over rice and wrapped in seaweed. I've had the double mushroom roll, but as I can't usually handle too much wasabi, I usually opt for something less spicy. The double mushroom roll has a creamy wasabi marinade they must put on the mushrooms. It's good, but a little too spicy for me. I always get the Slow-Ya Roll, minus the tobiko style (no fish eggs for me!), which comes shaped like a large caterpillar. It's a large vegetable roll, with avocado, carrots, sprouts, pickled radish, and cucumber on in the inside, seaweed paper rolled over that, with a white sushi rice rolled over that. It's then topped with large slices of avocado and topped with a sweet brown sauce. Hummina hummina... that is $6.95 for that one roll, but it's enough to fill you up with maybe one order of the sashimi, which comes in two pieces. If you don't like sushi, like my mother, you can get something else from their varied menu. My mom loves their vegetable tempura, and the udon soups are large with lots of noodles. Though I haven't tried any of their teriyaki grilled dishes, they smell amazing and even if I had already eaten, could very easily be tempted to order again. Their sushi is the kind you wish would never end. It's like each bite is so wonderful, you just want to keep eating until you pop. Price wise, it's pretty decent, maybe $3.50-$7.00 a roll, depending on what you order. In large parties, beware, it can be hard to get a table because the place is so tiny, and the check is not itemized, which can be tricky when splitting the bill. The waiters are okay, sometimes you get lucky and get the good ones that are attentive and quick, and other times you get stuck with the airheaded slow-poke who forgets to take your drink order for 30 minutes. It can get pretty crowded at night, so don't expect to be seated right away around 7:00 pm, you'll have to wait, but it's worth it. There are tables, as well as the sushi bar and beverage bar that are available to be seated at and eat your meal. I love the back room, which is a little more secluded for larger parties, with cute stained glass windows. It's my favorite place to get sushi, so g'head and try it. Would I go again? YOU BET
(4)Michelle B.
Excellent dinner last night with my frequent dining partner Randy. I absolutely loved the sashimi roll since it is sans rice and wrapped in thinly sliced cucumber. They also serve healthy sized mixed drinks, which is always a good thing!
(4)stephen w.
Great rolls, quick and friendly service, large beverages. Good place to go when you want a quick sushi fix. The Sara and Jones Rolls are great as well as the 'sushi lunch' combo. They beverage servings are huge, a real advantage when you're ducking in for a quick lunch and a break from the heat of the day.
(4)Allison M.
Kyoto is a nice little neighborhood sushi joint. It's not fancy, and coming from San Francisco, the fish is underwhelming. However, every time I've been (4 times), I've had lively or interesting conversations with either staff or customers. There are a few staff people who look and act like this is the first job they ever had, and there are some who are very comfortable and at ease with serving. They make a giant salad full of all sorts of yumminess that's filling enough for 1 meal that I think is called the Poki Salad. Quite good.
(3)David K.
Staffed by an anonymous crew of ninja-outfitted college boys for whom this is obviously their very first job, and they only took it because Mom & Dad cut off the allowance. Tolerable sushi - the fish itself was good, the rice too sweet and had an odd flavor, and the rolls were over-rich. Sucky tempura. The least "Japanese" sushi place I have eaten at.
(3)Megan L.
Oh dear - the poke salad. I eat it and think "I could die right now. No, really, I could." I wake up craving this thing. It is a combination of every decadent ingredient you could ever imagine - like it should be served to you while you lie belly up on a satin bed spread and consume so much of its deliciousness that you need to then vomit in a gold toilet only to return and eat more of it. Also - the crunchy roll. I recently convinced a dinner companion that the poke salad was all I needed. Only to then ask for a slice of his crunchy roll. And another. And subsequently eat all of it.
(5)