Kyoto Japanese Restaurant, Salt Lake City

It's sad to partake in the decline of one of Salt Lake's most venerable, and my traditionally favorite, sushi bars: Kyoto. Since back in the day, over ten years ago, when dear old Rocky oversaw the sushi chefs, Kyoto has been, for me, the standard of excellence in sushi. Make no mistake, the restaurant's tempura is still the best to be found. But their sushi, under the current guidance of Akira, Old Rocky's protegee, has suffered from a lack of enthusiasm and care. Much the way a seemingly bored Akira treats his guests. Tonight we started with 4 dishes: seaweed and squid salad, baked mussels, mussel shooters and raw oysters. Every dish was drenched in chili spice. Even the oysters. It was as if chili or hot spice is now the fallback flavor in all their sushi recipes. Unfortunately, hot spice mangles the delicate flavor of most fish, and certainly oysters. When I had the temerity to ask about the liberal use of chili spice, I was treated to hastily and resentfully prepared sushi the rest of the evening. Including a broiled fish appetizer that was the consistency of shoe leather. I've been going to Kyoto's for 15 years. Sadly, it's time to move on. Thanks for the great meals and memories, Kyoto.

great place for the whole family-we always enjoy it and the price is reasonabile

I can't get enough of this place I love the sushi the servers are a little unfriendly but great great sushi

I am from California and we went for my husbands birthday and we loved it. The service was amazing and even though we arrived late for our reservation, we were sat promptly. The food was really really good. Everything was a delite. I recommend this place to every sushi and japanese food fan.

My husband enjoyed his nagiri selections, but my meal was rather disappointing. The salad that came with my meal was essentially iceberg lettuce drowned in yellow dressing - I'd hoped for something more authentic, maybe seaweed or pickled cucumber salad. My entree was the seafood/vegetable soup, which was just plain bad. The seafood in it was overcooked, chewy and fishy smelling - with the exception of the imitation crabmeat. The only vegetables in it were scallions, undercooked mushrooms, and tons of unwashed cabbage (I could SEE the dirt!!) Maybe I just ordered the wrong entree? Perhaps this restaurant is better known for its sushi - which I normally love, but I am currently pregnant so that's out for now. The only other cooked options (other than my bad soup) are something Teriyaki, or something Tempura - both very Americanized versions of Japanese cuisine.

Is it expensive? What is the price ranges? I would love to come here to eat but afraid the price is out of my reach. Thanks

I lived in Japan for a year and I'll tell you what... This is the most amazing Japanese food I have eaten here in the states! I absolutely loved everything about it. :)

This is a great place with really good food. The tempura veggies and the sushi is sooo good. I love the atmosphere and the option to sit on the floor. Great location and prices are reasonable.

Let me just say this isn't the location that I go to. There's one on 900 S that's just south of Vanwinkle's intersection. It's owned by Ray and her husband, in fact, her husband is the chef. This was the first place I ever ate sushi at. Ever since I've gone restaurant to restaurant, desperate to find sushi that are as good as these guys- it's never been the same. And it's not just the sushi, it's everything! The rice, the duck, the meat... everything is so good! Me and my husband go every chance we get the extra cash to spare, we've become regulars at Kyoto's! You know it's high quality stuff when the Chef himself comes out to ask how everyone is enjoying his food.

very bad smell from the fish. I eat the same fish other places and I did not feel that smell before. Fried onion was too oilish, I felt a little bit ill after I ate.