SKIP Kotobuki in Norfolk - Worst Sushi Experience EVER Kotobuki in Ghent is a disaster. I gave this long-running spot a second chance, after a poor first experience, and it was a mistake. A friend insisted we return, and the service was shockingly bad, the sushi was subpar and the overall experience was the worst. From the moment you walk in, Kotobuki screams neglect: dead plants, servers dressed like they're doing yard work and a pervasive smell of old fry oil. We had reservations for the "traditional Japanese" sunken-table room, where we removed our shoes and climbed into our seats. One dirty pair of slippers sat at our table, while a random pair of construction boots lay abandoned nearby. The "ambiance" was completed by 70s soft rock -- Lionel Richie instead of "traditional Japanese" music. Our server took my order for a dirty Stoli martini, then disappeared for an absurd amount of time only to return and say they couldn't make it -- with no explanation. We hunted through the limited menu while our server vanished completely. The owner eventually stopped by, and I had to specifically request a sushi list. Tired of sitting cross-legged, I briefly put my feet into the pit under the table. Rather than place my bare feet on the filthy floor, I slipped my shoes back on for a moment. That's when the owner's daughter stormed over and aggressively accused me of saying, "Screw you and screw Kotobuki -- I'm not following the rules!" She launched into a rude, insulting lecture about "Japanese custom" while I sat there stunned. I immediately took my shoes off again, just to de-escalate, but the evening was ruined. No customer should be verbally assaulted over something as basic as not wanting bare feet on an obviously dirty floor. In an awkward position, not wanting to ruin the evening, I ordered my food. The sake was watery and flavorless, the house salad was sad, wilted iceberg lettuce drowning in bottled ginger dressing, and the sushi arrived lukewarm with questionable rice that called for a palate blinding amount of wasabi. It was boring, poorly prepared, and far below average. This was one of the worst dining experiences I've ever had. Hand to God! Had this not been a special evening with a dear friend, I would have walked out the second the owner's daughter chastised me at the table. Management at Kotobuki clearly doesn't care about customer service or basic standards -- especially when family members are allowed to treat patrons this way. "Japanese tradition" doesn't excuse poor hygiene, rude staff or substandard food. In America, we have health codes for a reason. If you want decent sushi in Norfolk, go literally anywhere else. Kotobuki is just a lazy dive. There's nothing special on the menu, very little sushi selection and nobody seems to care. If you choose to ignore this warning, lower your expectations folks, you are about to be disappointed. The only thing good about this restaurant, is the opportunity to tell you how much it sucked. read more

Always a fun experience going to Kotobuki! The sushi is great, the tables are unique and the servers and staff are always very friendly and helpful. Ambiance is always nice and calm when we come for dinner. I'm sure we'll be back again next time we're in town! read more

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This restaurant shot to the top of our list. The staff is knowledgeable about celiac and gluten intolerance and cross contamination. They pride themselves on authentic dishes and flavors. The ambiance is quiet, and inviting, perfect for a date night, family dinner, or night out with friends. read more

Kotobuki - Ramen with Miso Base - Japanese Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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I took my daughter here because she wanted sushi. As my adventurous kid we get to try fun places like this her her siblings aren't around. We loved the sushi! read more

Kotobuki - Japanese Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

It saddens me to give a poor review, but it's also important when you're spending $400 (we had 7 adults) that you spend your hard-earned money in a place that brings you joy. Last night was our last time at Kotobuki. Before arriving, I peeked the menu and recent reviews. I was already taken aback by the poor, newest reviews and asked my sister if she had been recently (this spot is in her neighborhood). It was planned, so we went. Low-lights of the meal: Service was ungodly slow. It wasn't packed. When we arrived, 4 other tables in the whole place. No small shared plates were brought for a solid 20 minutes although we ordered multiple shared apps across the table. My grandma finally got up to ask for a fork at the bar. Food took forever to arrive. Salad that was included in a meal wasn't brought. The edamame was overcooked. How do you mess up edamame? It was nearly grey, soft, and barely salted. The sushi was nearly inedible. The cuts were awful (photo included where you know the sushi isn't being served right because of the jagged edges).. The sauces were non existent (other than the tuna tataki that was drowning in 3 sauces). The tempura dinner was inedible. Zero salt (my husband went looking for salt because it's never on the table and the service was .......). Really unfortunate, honestly. read more

Kotobuki - Japanese Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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This is definitely in my top ten places to eat. The food is amazing and the service is impeccable. Being a vegetarian is not always easy unless you're eating at Kotobuki. On top of having a nice selection they are very accommodating to change most dishes into a vegetarian version. I like that there's two types of seating. We usually do traditional table and chairs but they also offer traditional Japanese seating. When you find yourself in the area, stop by an amazing meal that will have you coming back again and again. read more

Kotobuki - Japanese Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

It's so hard to find vegan sushi - luckily Kotobuki has a whole vegan menu! This place is very casual and our waiter was so kind, truly killing it despite being the only waiter there on that night! The Veggie Spring rolls are a solid appetizer, and my favorite rolls were the Volcano and the Wrapped Salmon, was not a huge fan of the Mango Salsa roll. I really appreciate their variety of mock meats/seafoods to incorporate into their rolls so vegetarians are not left with cucumber rolls. My parents also loved their Udon soups and non-vegan sushi as well. read more

Kotobuki - Vegan sushi (volcano, veggie lovers, mango salsa roll, and hugged salmon) - Japanese Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Incredible sushi, incredible food for non-sushi eaters like my husband, fantastic welcoming staff - feels like you're eating with your family!! Thank you, Machiko-san and family!! We are lifelong fans! read more

Delicious!!!! This place is quaint and the food was good. They were able to accommodate my preferences and the have a great selection of sushi. I enjoyed it so much that I'm currently sitting in it now. The service was spot on. Very personable and provided not too much or too little attention while I was dining. Highly recommend read more

2024 Not much has changed but slightly better. Still very slow service, this time they said someone called out sick. Sushi quality is fine. Had the sushi sashimi combination. Prices are steep but that's everywhere i suppose. 2021 I haven't been here in probably 4 years but I just Came for lunch with coworkers. Had the sashimi combo and the quality of the fish is just ok. Small pieces of fish also The service is so slow it took almost an hour and all 5 of us ordered sushi and they weren't complicated orders, we're talk tuna avocado roll type stuff read more

Kotobuki - Japanese Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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I wished I could have dine- in, but had to resort to take out. From the outside looks plain, but when you enter it nice clean modern and traditional Japanese seating. I did order avocado with eel, oshinko roll, tuna roll and tuna/salmon avocado roll. I always compare how much rice they use, and by looking at the pic's it seems to be even proportions. All of what I ordered was eaten fast!! I will definitely come back and try the Japanese seating area experience! read more

Kotobuki - Outside - Japanese Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Kotobuki had a good vibe and is always busy with customers. The takoyaki appetizer was not as good as I thought it would be because the dough was not fried enough, so it was pretty gooey inside. The chirashi bowl was very good and had a lot more sashimi than I thought there would be. The rice underneath all the sashimi has furikaki on it, so it made the bowl extra special. The parking here is only street parking, but there are a lot of spots for street parking on 21st street. read more

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I've visited Kotobuki a couple of time now, and I really enjoy coming here! Definitely a solid spot in Norfolk. First, the staff is always kind and welcoming. The decor itself seems a bit dated, giving the same vibe of traditional sushi bars and restaurants when sushi burst on the food scene. It's kept tidy though which is always a plus. I think it's been in business for awhile. I've always dined with a friend and I've had several things from their menu: - Sushi sashmi combo lunch special - Pork katsu bento box - Crazy Angel roll - Sushi-sashimi dinner The sushi-sashimi lunch and dinner come with a soup and salad. The sushi has always tasted fresh. The pork katsu was tender, as well as nice and crispy. A few things to note: *one of the unique things about Kotobuki is that they have tatami seating (low tables where you sit criss-cross applesauce) *they are known to have one of the most extensive vegan sushi menus in the area. It's a full pager with a chock full of options which I'm sure all our vegan friends are finally feeling seen and heard with a sushi menu almost as long as ours. Note to self: try the grilled squid and octopus salad next time! Go out and support! Enjoy, Friends! read more

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Kotobuki was a pleasant surprise and a pleasant experience in the heart of Ghent. FOOD: My buddy and I ordered so much sushi, as you can see in my picture :) We ordered tuna, salmon, and scallops, and they had toro, so we asked for that. I ordered the mixed vegetable tempura - delicious! This was lunch, so I ordered green tea to drink. SERVICE: Friendly and attentive! This was such a pleasant experience. Lunch wasn't too busy; I think there were 6 tables used. LOCATION: Okay, we sat at their Japanese-style tables, and let me tell you, I was surprised they even had it there! So unique!! Will I come back? 100%!!! read more

Kotobuki - Japanese Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

This is the most authentic Japanese restaurant I've been to in the 757! The yakisoba is amazing and they have soo many vegan sushi options. They're always so nice and helpful too! read more

Christmas Eve, I was a unfortunately went this place and ruined my holiday, I entered this place and the lady who work there she give me the bar seat, since Christmas Eve I prefer seat at the table so I asked nicely ( can I seat at the table ? ) She say ( No we don't have tables right now, Is here okay or No ? ) Way she talk very aggressive and rude, I pointed empty table and ask her nicely ( if you don't mind may I seat there ? ) She say ( No I didn't clean that table yet is that clean table to you ? I said we don't have tables is that clean table to you ?? Have a good night ) she sigh and walk a way and blah blah blah talk her self Well Wowwww, I was a think like what the hell was that ?? I should left there but I didn't because I'm not the person just walk a way so I seat, I told someone that what just happened and he asked her why she do that, and her answer was a amazing, Her answer was a ( yes I did, I did so what ? I didn't give to her table, why ?? because I don't want so ?? ) She had chance to apologize to me but she bring it Checks instead apologize, Is seat too expensive for me I guess ?? Okay if you don't want give me seat it's fine, at least talk nicely or say something else, not face to me dumb lie's with the ugly attitude garbage talk, All we know what we deserve when we go to any restaurant, we just want have a good meal and cozy night ?? She definitely have a problems, I didn't mad at her or any words I just laughed, she look old enough, she so ugly, I mean her Aditude, I don't judge peoples appearance, I feel sorry for her that her age as grown woman no educated poor aditude,lucky her this place is her mothers restaurant so she will never get fired otherwise who hire her as employee? By the way her brother work there too, he's such nice and sweet guy, not like her, If you ? work at your family business will you try your best what you doing or because you will never get fired anyway so just whatever and talk garbage to their customer because you want? I'm pretty sure Normal person will not act like her for sure, Are we go there spend our money and ruined our day ?? Like me even Christmas Eve ?? I definitely not recommend this place, You will spend your own money to get ruined your day, Food Expensive compared to other's but you get poor customer service, There is a lot of nice restaurants why should we go this place?? Basically I was a there Spend my money to ruined my Christmas Eve and I regret it, read more

Kotobuki - This table was a that table she told me it's not clean, maybe this table too expensive for me - Japanese Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

I got the Kentucky Roll and Bhudda Roll. I don't like seafood so this was my first time trying sushi (vegetarian sushi). It was pretty good! They have a wide variety of vegetarian options. Would go back again. read more

Kotobuki - Kentucky Roll and Bhudda Roll - Japanese Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

We went here for my brother's birthday celebration and it was a great experience. A bunch of our party was running late but the staff was so patient and kind. Our waiter, Justin was friendly and provided great service, even when the restaurant started to really hit the dinner rush. The food was delicious (teriyaki wings were sooooo good!) and it was great to know that members of the group with gluten sensitivities were able to have safe options to enjoy. Thank you, Kotobuki staff! read more

On my first visit to this area, I was so lucky to have my tour guide, Yoonie L select Kotobuki for lunch! This spot is well known for having a wide variety of vegan sushi offerings, but we came for the real deal. I was not disappointed. We ordered the Katsu-Don, the sushi and sashimi combination, and the Crazy Angel roll. The sushi was super fresh, and I loved the Crazy angel roll. For the amount of food we recieved, the price was really affordable as well. Our server was friendly, and this spot has ample tables, a large sushi bar, and an area to dine seated on the floor as well. There is street parking in the area that seems easy to find. I would definitely make this part of my regular rotation if I lived in the area. read more

This restaurant is in my top 3 restaurants in thr 757. Sushi is Top notch. Food and service is always on point. Family owned and operated. Always gives authentic Japanese atmosphere and vibes. Beautiful and regal atmosphere. read more

My original review of Kotobuki was written in May of 2021. After a few recent visits this year, I decided to write an update. Kotobuki is a family owned Okinawan style Japanese restaurant that first opened on 21st Street in the Ghent section of Norfolk back in 1999. The interior is spacious and radiates with a warm and inviting old school feel. A traditional Japanese seating area is available in the rear with low tables and seats, where you can dine with your shoes off. The mother and daughter who own this restaurant, and all of their other staff members, have always been friendly and made me feel at home. Their menu offers a number of traditional Japanese and Okinawan dishes, traditional sushi and sashimi, as well as the usual American style sushi rolls. A page of vegan sushi rolls is provided as well. I recently enjoyed the following: NEGITORO ROLL: This is one of their Specialty Rolls and one that comes with fatty tuna and scallions. The tuna is prepared by scraping the meat from the skin and bones from its belly, which is combined in minced form with the chopped scallions. The result was a delightfully crunchy and tasty roll that exploded with flavor and texture. The tuna was sublime. The version served here was a uramaki style "inside-out" roll with the rice on the outside and the seaweed on the inside. This roll is usually prepared in the more traditional maki style with the seaweed on the outside and the rice on the inside, which is my preference. The uramaki "inside-out" roll is an American invention that was created for those who did not like seeing the seaweed on the outside. As much as I liked this roll, I would have liked it even more prepared in the more traditional maki style. My Rating: 4.5 Stars. SPICY TUNA TEMAKI HAND ROLL: A temaki hand roll is one in which the fillings are enclosed inside a wrap of seaweed shaped like a cone. I reviewed their regular Spicy Tuna Roll two years ago, which is a uramaki style roll first created in Los Angeles during the 1980s. Serving the Spicy Tuna Roll in temaki form makes it more traditional with the seaweed on the outside. The chef uses his own original spicy mix instead of the more usual "spicy mayo" mix that has never agreed with me Mayo is not even a traditional ingredient in Japanese sushi. The late celebrity chef and food journalist, Anthony Bourdain, was once asked in an interview what he considered to be the biggest crime committed against sushi. His answer was mayonnaise. I loved the subtle spice and depth of flavor of the chef's spicy tuna mix, as well is its combination of textures enhanced by the crunchy cone shaped seaweed. My Rating: 5 Stars. NATTO MAKI ROLL: This is a traditional maki style Japanese roll that does not show up on the menus of many Japanese restaurants, including this one. I read about this roll from a number of articles describing traditional "must try" Japanese rolls and ordered it as an off-menu item. Natto is a traditional Japanese food made with fermented soybeans. The roll is made with fermented yellow soybeans as its only filling. It delivers a distinctly strong and earthy scent and flavor that can be an acquired taste for many people. I had a head start by being raised on fermented tofu as a child from my mother's Asian cooking. My server, who was one of the owners, was amazed that I knew about this roll. She further described Natto as having powerful probiotic properties and other health benefits, which were supported by the articles I read. I have now tried the Natto Maki Roll at three different Japanese restaurants in the area, and this one is the best of the three. Its depth of flavor evoked fond memories of my mother's fermented tofu dishes. My Rating: 5 Stars. THE NATTO BOWL: Natto is also available here in a rice donburi style bowl dish as another off-menu item. The one I ordered here came with fermented yellow soybeans over sushi rice and topped with bits of scallion and seaweed. It was delicious and filling. My Rating: 5 Stars. NUTA: This is an Appetizer dish made with either Tuna or Octopus in a Soybean sauce, combined with seaweed and other ingredients. I chose the Octopus, which was tasty and tender. The sauce, seaweed and other ingredients combined together beautifully. My Rating: 5 Stars. I also enjoyed two old favorites once again, which were described in my original review: JAPANESE EGG DROP SOUP: Served piping hot with a rich, silky, and velvety taste and texture, it was every bit as good as before. My Rating: 5 Stars. TUNA TATAKI: Sliced Seared Yellowfin Tuna In Ponzu Sauce. The tuna slices were tender and delicious, bathed in a ponzu sauce with an incredible depth of flavor. The Tuna Tataki served here still remains as the best I have tried in this area so far. My Rating: 5-Plus Stars. I will be stopping into Kotobuki more often to try some more of their traditional Japanese specialties, sushi, and sashimi. My upgrade to a 5-star rating comes without hesitation. read more

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I so badly wanted to love this place. I heard good things from a vegan page I follow on Facebook. Unfortunately we did not enjoy it and the experience was extremely blah. Not sure what was going on with the servers but they were not lively nor attentive. It was not busy so I couldn't use the excuse that they were overwhelmed. They weren't rude at all but definitely not personable. I chose a vegan hot pot and sadly I dislike it so much. I took one bite and it was tough to get pass that. I was truly thankful that they took it off my bill. They didn't have to, but I'm grateful for that gesture. The vegan yakisoba was dry but thankfully it wasn't too bad and I was able to eat that and get full. The vegetable gyozas and edamame were good and really the only two items I can truly say were good. My husband got a few pieces of sushi and unfortunately he didn't enjoy them. He said they were dry and the sushi we had just a few days before at a different location was definitely better. Again, I really wanted to love this place as I was excited about the variety of vegan options. It just wasn't for us. read more

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This place small and boutique, I was a walk around and I realized I'm hungry so in there. Overall so disappointed, Very rude server and poor quality food compare to the price, I regret, Just right next door Korean place I should be there, How ever I will not again this place, totally waste, I do not recommend this place to anyone, nope read more

I was so excited to check this place out, learned of it through TikTok. Sadly wasn't impressed, we ordered the takoyaki, chicken teriyaki, and the creamy California roll. Takoyaki was good, I would order that again. The serving size on the teriyaki chicken was comical in my opinion. It did come with miso soup and a house salad both were very good. Creamy California roll was okay for what it was. This was one of the most underwhelming spots we've been to. No music. Okay service. Check came out to $45 rounded up. Overall we won't be back. read more

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Dined with friends last night. Hamachi sushi was soooo disappointing. Severely overcooked & dry, and extremely small portion, over all food are very thin small pieces. First time there in quite some time, will not return. Service is horroble, also food not so much. super rude server, I won't again, under the table so massy it make me lose my appetite, not a fun experience ! read more

Food are pretty good, not the best I've ever had but for a place in Virginia its pretty good, service was good, the wait is just a little but they were busy so understandable. Love takoyaki balls, they did better then some places I have tried nearby, heard the mussels and crabmeat was popular but I think its ok, it could be more flavorful. Sushi was actually good, I had the Crazy Angle, Volcano roll, and 2 more i dont remeber lol read more

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Nice friendly establishment. Food was outstanding , I had the chicken teriyaki box ,highly recommend. read more

Kotobuki - Chicken Teriyaki box - Japanese Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Such a hidden gem! If you're looking for delicious sushi this is your place! The staff was friendly, the ambience was calm, and the food was delicious! Recently moved here from California and was craving decent sushi but haven't been able to find a good one until stumbling on this place, they're excellent! Ordered seaweed salad, crab meat mussels (the best mussels i've ever had at a restaurant!!), crazy angel roll, moon beach roll, and tempura fried oreos for dessert! I enjoyed how the server suggested a new dessert as my initial choice of tempura fried ice cream wasn't being served today. i appreciate helpful suggestions instead of leaving it at "we're out". Thank you for an amazing experience and food, i'll definitely be returning! read more

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Delicious sushi with a huge vegan option menu. Friendly service and yummy. We'll definitely be back!

They do NOT serve fried rice at all and the lady was rude about it over the phone. Will not be coming back.

The Sushi selection was rather finite and average. Premium sushi items like Uni / Giant Clam / Conch / blue fin toro weren't available. Sweet shrimp was simply a joke. Those tiny little chopstick like shrimps ain't even qualified to be called "sweet shrimp" Overall, the eel sauce was abusively used on both cut rolls and soft shell crab. The eel sauce posed such a strong sweetness, and you simply couldn't taste the actual "sushi" favor or the anticipated fried favor of the soft shell crab. Soft shell crab's crunchiness was also disappointing. Instead of eel cause, it should have come with ponzu sauce. The soy sauce that came in that mini sauce pot looked niche, however, it needed to get diluted a bit or else it's just way too salty. Most genuine sushi restaurants would prepare that soy sauce with great attention because it could really ruin your sushi tasting experience. In the end, I considered that the service was good although a little bit under staffed. One waitress and one sushi chef simply could not keep up when there were 3 tables of customers. The restaurant itself has a rather clam atmosphere and not noisy at all with the exception of sushi chef listening to a Korean radio show the whole time. I wasn't annoyed by all means. read more

Horrible service. I had a reservation for 6pm. There was 8 of us. There were 2 people currently in the restaurant eating. It took 20 minutes to get served water. Our food didn't come for another 25 minutes and 3 people didn't get their food until most of us had finished eating. The waitress is rude and I caught her rolling her eyes at a couple of people as they tried to order their food. We were never offered anything else to drink or even asked if we wanted refills on water. She NEVER came to out table to check on us after our food was served. I had to go to the cashier and ask for our check. The service was TERRIBLE. I'm going to go as far and say I think it was racial. The food we just okay. Needless to say we didn't leave a tip at all. I will never go there again. read more

My husband and I have been consistently coming to Kotobuki since moving to Ghent in 2015. As a vegan and a foodie, I have raved about this place to everyone I know for many years. We have spent anniversaries and birthdays here and it has always been a special place for us. We experienced loss recently and decided to spend our kid free night at a place we love to cheer us up. Unfortunately we were forced to walk out early because we could no longer ignore the unwarranted mistreatment from the owner Patricia. We are always kind and so easy and she treats us as if we are an inconvenience every single time-It makes no sense!! You ask her a question or make an incredibly simple modification and she looks at you like you have three heads, it's so cringy and dramatic. Her attitude is god awful and it's going to eventually ruin her business. Her excuse tonight was that she is short staffed- but she's been saying that literally for years, she just doesn't want to split tips with another server and the restaurant suffers. Either that or that it's hard for her to keep staff because I imagine she's an absolute nightmare to work for!!! It's truly a shame because her son and mother are lovely and have always been so kind to us and the food is great. You NEVER know what someone is going through, ALWAYS choose kindness!!!!!! Never will we go here again and we will tell everyone we know to steer clear of her wrath. The economy is too unstable right now to give your business where your business is not welcome!!! read more

We had a large party and one of our guests of honor wanted sushi. We called ahead, and they seemed to be able to make it work. We had a party of about 14, including 4 small kids. After arriving it was clear this was probably not the best place to take kids. The restaurant is sort of small, but I saw they had a seating arrangement where you take off your shoes and sit which is neat. We ordered miso soups, salads, gyoza, udon noodle appetizers, and chicken teriyaki. The miso soup is some of the best tasting I've ever had. The salad was fresh and the ginger dressing had a peanut-y taste. It was incredible. My son loved the stir fried noodles and my daughter really enjoyed the chicken teriyaki. The sushi was all incredible. It was fresh and so tasty. If I lived nearby I'd probably go here more frequently. read more

Me and my wife thought we would be treated with at least a little grace coming here with a baby. The hostess immediately scoffed at us and gave us attitude. She acted like she was better than us and pushed us out. She acted disgusting and like she didn't want to be there at all. The sushi bar was the only part open so she tried her best to let us know that the kitchen was closed in a demeaning way. Kotobuki, we will not be back. If you're looking for good service, don't come here if the girl with the AirPod in still works there. read more

What an awesome surprise! I always thought this was JUST a sushi place. My friend invited me to come eat here and it is way roomier than I expected, dont let the front of the shop fool you. The menu is extensive and exciting to look through. There's everything from sushi, rice bowls, udon, and more! I ordered...a lot...okay so dont be judgemental. I havent been this excited over a menu in a lonnnnggggg time. Anyways, I got the pork katsu roll (freaking awesome), salmon nigiri, egg cake nigiri AND a ten-don bowl. Yeah, you're right, it's a lot of rice. And yes, you're right again, I didnt finish it all. I decided to at least finish the sushi portion of the meal and ate a quarter of the rice bowl, then took the rest home. Oh yes, it also came with miso soup and I ordered a hot green tea. I DID have a piece of my friend's volcano roll and it was so good. Probably the best one I've had. The was everything was served was so professional and classy. The establishment itself is very clean and spacious. We kept being attended to, which I loved. Even on a slow day, some other places will be slow about serving you, but this place was on top of it. Thank you!!!!!!! Definitely going back before I move overseas! read more

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I love Japanese food and so picky about it but this one I can said it good! The sashimi (raw fish) are good! Have a good quality really fresh fish The ton Katsu is good but I should say it's a little bit over cook or the pork that their using is not that good but not bad at all! Oh I love there miso soup! I like the ambiance and also it's a respect as a Japanese tradition to remove your shoes before sitting in the table and staff is so attentive making sure you have everything! Also the waiter who serve us can speak Nihongo! I can practice my nihongo with her!lol The serving is a good size amount and the fast serving of food! read more

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Tried Kotobuki for the third time hoping for a different outcome however I was left with the same sentiment regarding the food. The last time I went here was in December 2019 during their lunch time. It's now September 2022 so here we go. We ordered the Chirashi and Katsu-Don. The Katsu-Don was plated nicely however taste, texture and rice portion were off. The Katsu was soggy. There was no crispiness whatsoever and the pork lacked flavor and was over cooked leaving the meat extremely tough. The menu says it comes with vegetables- there was only sautéed onions and bits of steamed egg. Literally only onions. The rice could have been cut in half to balance the portion of meat and there should have been vegetables. The Chirashi wasn't bad but it was nothing to rave about or get again. I want to like this place so much but the flavors, or lack there of, are consistently underwhelming. read more

Kotobuki - Katsu-Don - Japanese Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Just tried to go. They are open until 11. They had an open sign but when I asked if it was okay we seated ourselves since no one came to greet us they said they were no longer seating at 8pm. Used to be my favorite place. I don't know what happened but horrible service. read more

Second time here and it is the best sushi I have had in US. wait staff are attentive and kind and I have ordered the Moon Beach roll twice and will be back for more. read more

Kotobuki - Moon Beach - Japanese Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia