Let me start by saying that I come here often for the past few years... Despite this, the lady that works here never smiles... Never!!! She is not friendly & no it is not a "cultural thing". Plenty of Asian business owners smile, make eye contact & are pleasant. This lady is an exception. Knowing that fact...i have gotten over expecting any pleasantries from her. It's a grab & go place, so i walk in grab, pay & go. I mirror the lady by not really smiling or talking either... It's better that way. No expectations from either party. The sushi isn't mind-blowing... It's simple & decent. I don't do the sashimis, i usually come in here with my kids so we order the California, tempura, spicy tuna rolls. So it's worth a try if you have a sushi craving & don't want to spend to much & want it quick. During the summer, we like to get sushi here & eat at the nearby park. read more

This is a really nice place for a quick pick up for sushi and food. I can see that there aren't that many similar purveyors in the area, so Kyoto is really all you get. I would recommend going in earlier in the day, because if you go after lunch, options are limited. My main complaint with the sushi is that there is too much rice, and it's cold (like refrigerator cold, not room temperature). Other than that price is decent. read more

I went here for the first time in my life today. I walked in, pushing my sleeping baby in a stroller, and there was nobody present. I looked at the food and waited for someone to come out but it was silent and nobody was there. After a few minutes of waiting, I walked toward the front counter to look around and see if anybody was around the side corner of the room. Suddenly an old Korean woman pops out of the back room and yells at me angrily and bitterly that she can see me through the big mirror on the wall. I didn't realize that I was being spied on by the FBI. Then she walks off back into the back room. I pick a few trays of sushi and put them down on the front counter and she returns to take my payment. She takes my card and then plops it down on the counter after swiping it and then at the end she hands me the bag of sushi and says HERE. All the time her face is mean and bitter and I just felt like the customer service was awful. I will not be returning here again. Instead I will go to North Berkeley and get take-out from Kirala 2 in the food court because they are at least polite and don't make me feel like some kind of thief or criminal or shoplifter. I'm just a regular mom, who was taking her baby out for the afternoon and wanted some sushi. Some respect would have been nice. read more

Went in an hour and a half before they closed and there was no sushi that was ready. Then when I tried to order the lady said no because it takes too long and she wasn't going to make it. Only thing she said that was available is some rice thick ball with like 3inch thick sashimi placed on top. Can't even call it sushi. The lady was very unwelcoming and she felt like she was aggressively trying to get whoever came in to leave. read more

The owners are the nicest people ever- I buy the party trays for work and school events- they always help, accommodate my timing, are ready with the trays, help me take them to my car, are gracious and appreciative of business. The sushi is fresh- they are wonderful. Prices are also VERY reasonable! read more

Don't get me wrong, my Eel Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Hamachi Roll, and Nigiri Combo were all the TRUTH. Along with that, those four items I just listed above will have you in the hole atleast $30+ for these shit Sushi joints withiin the surrounding area, I walked out spending less than $25. The only thing I would have to say is that the woman in charge of this place didn't speak to me at all, and when she did have something to do/say she had me ready to fight. I understand not trying to be bothered because you may have had a rough day, other customers walked in on bullshit (we're in Berkeley; home of the weirdasses, Feminisits, cutthroat Liberals & Conservatives, hobos, Bohemians, Hippies, Baby Brigaders, obnoxious ass Berkeley High students, Hipsters, Stoners, all that. So I feel you, trust me I do. Personal relationships are rocky, your current finanical standing isn't too hot - I understand it all. However, don't mug me up and down and have a whole ass attitude when I came in there with a smile on my face, spoke, said thank you, gave you a brief history about how I'm glad I found your little gem of an establishment because you have no idea how long I have been craving Sushi but everyone else around here is rather disgusting, overpriced, or a combination of the two, then have the unminigated guall to step to me and invade my personal space and open my bag abruptly like you are just too ready for me to get out of your store while my bag of items it is in my hands when I ask you "Excuse me hun, where are your chopsticks and soy sauce?" At the end of the day I came for the Sushi, not for her. But I'm saying though. read more

Great place to grab fresh sushi fast! The owner can be moody, but if you're polite and have a smile on your face, she warms up real quick. I'm a fan. read more

Decent and dirty cheap sushi place to go. Finally they accept credit card since I don't usually have cash. My regular choice is nigiri set for $9.50 but the rolls are pretty good as well. read more

It is what it is: cheap, agreeable if not unspectacular sushi, plus a bunch of Japanese snacks and candies.

Definitely my favorite sushi in the bay! I've been coming here at least once a week for several years, with the exception of a year I lived out of town. The woman who is there all the time is incredibly kind and generous!she seems very serious, but she is also so sweet and friendly so don't be intimidated or take it as rudeness. I remember as a child going in there for sushi and wondering how this one woman made the entire shop look so colorful every day on her own. She has helpers sometimes, but it's really quite impressive how much she does. Unbeatable prices, she'll make anything for you fresh if you ask, and never keeps you waiting. Lots of cute Japanese snacks too! This is a business I'm definitely proud to support. I wish they had bumper stickers! read more

I'm not sure if it's a cultural thing, But when I went in there the older woman that was working the register was super unfriendly. She was not welcome at all. A friend of mine referred this restaurant, however based solely on the customer service I will not be returning. read more

A wonderful place to pick up some fresh sushi on the go. Perfect Bento boxes of Salmon or chicken for the kids, and a quick and easy 8 piece sashimi Bento for $8.00 for myself. If you're not always in the mood for a fancy restaurant, or you have to pick up a healthy meal on the go, before taking the kids to swim practice, then this is the perfect place to go. The owner also makes party platters of your choice at very reasonable prices. Perfect for office parties or birthday parties. I have been treating myself and the kids here for years and love it. Everything is made daily, and tossed at night, so you never get scary sushi leftovers. A fresh in and out survival place for the bay area sushi lover. Parking can be a pain as it is on Solano, and it's hard to find a place so you may have to walk a block or two, but definitely worth it. Prices are reasonable. read more

Overpriced mediocre sushi. I bought a box of salmon nigiri, tuna nigiri and unagi nigiri. Small pieces of fish on top of big pieces of strong vinegar flavored rice. The fish wasn't fresh either. read more

Pretty inexpensive, though it's mediocre. Fish was fresh enough. I was really turned off by the cashier's cold attitude. She was pretty rude when I tried to pay with card and she said there was a $10 minimum. Okay, but why have such a sucky attitude towards someone who is buying something from you? Plus, whoever cut the nigiri seriously does not know how to slice fish. Though reasonably priced, I have had similarly priced sushi at supermarkets that were of far superior quality. I'll be back next time I really have a craving but probably not for awhile. read more

Sub par nigiri, made with a rice mold. Fish was tasteless. California roll was good!!! Wakame and gomae were overpriced. Owner wasn't very friendly as others mentioned. Won't make the effort to come here again. read more

If you need platters of sushi for a party this is the place!!!! The prices are amazing ($40 for large platter and $30 for small platters with both nigiri and maki), the sushi is very fresh and good (not the best in the world, but for the price you can't beat it), and you can bring in pictures of platters either from her website or from other places and she will reproduce just what you want. Pretty awesome!!! We ordered 3 large trays for a Halloween party and our guests were ecstatic! the California Rolls are real crab and are not heavy on the mayonnaise like some places.You will need to pay with a check or cash though, because she does not take credit cards. I have tried several places for sushi platters and this is the best quality with best prices by far! I will definitely order form Kyoto again for the next party. read more

No, it's not a sushi. Sorry for very low quality of food here. I'm feeling like I'm cheated by Yelpers.

Yelp shows this place and another as restaurant but they are not: Kyoto--Deli Yaoyasan--Japanese Grocery Pros: It would be a good place if you live nearby or are tired of making food. It is inexpensive and has relatively good volume. All sushi and food are pre-made and packaged and you pick it up and buy. They have snacks and sweets. Inexpensive. Con: I have to drive a long way to be there, so it would not worth it. Taste is subpar. Nearby groceries, like Tokyo fish and Yaoyasan are better choices for taste. A photo with a booth is probably not this place. There is nowhere to sit down and eat. read more

kyoto made really good and fresh sushi, they have the roll in a refrigerator, i thought it probably not going to be fresh, but it was. I got a avocado roll, and some kind of fish with onion roll, they were both under 5 buc and was pretty good. the yellow tail and the tuna sashimi was really fresh and good to read more

The lady at the store is so nice! The first time I went she went out of her way to make me some sushi even though she was sold out for the day. She suggested me to try the bento which I did on my next visit and it was really good! read more

Decent sushi that you can grab and go. They have a selection of some Asian snacks too.

I had high hopes for this place because a friend recommended their futomaki rolls. I didn't get that rockstar experience. I called ahead to order two large trays of sushi, one futomaki tray and one combination tray. the place opens at 11AM, however, I needed to pick up the food early to head to a baby shower so the woman on the phone said it would be fine to pick up at 10AM. Very accommodating. So far so good. When I arrived, there was only one tray. I asked the lady where the second tray was and she said that I only ordered one. Apparently, she thought I ordered just one combination tray that included futomaki. So I asked if there was any way for her to make another tray soon since I had was intending to bring two trays to the baby shower. She reluctantly said she could make another tray and it would probably take 10 mins. I said I'd wait. So it turns out she took the futomaki out of my combination tray then added some additional futomaki from some other order that she was packing together and made one large tray. It came out a bit skimpy and being that I was about to pay $78 for two large trays, I felt inclined to ask if that really was a large. She said yes. I felt I got jipped but didn't want to argue since I was in a rush and she was nice enough to correct the order and accommodate my pick up time. So I took my two "large" trays and left. As for the taste, I thought it was just OK. I wasn't completely impressed. But perhaps, I caught her on a bad day... read more

I love that place ! I love how fast I can get sushi here . Usually I take spicy salmon roll , California roll and few more different ones with unagi and shrimp . They all are really good and super testy . The owner is very nice lady and she always ready to help you with your last minute party plate order . Love that place and always send my friends here !! read more

The first time I came, I had their futomaki and unagi nigiri . The futomaki was horrible ... it tasted very off . I think the spinach made the futomaki taste weird . The unagi nigiri was mediocre . It was nice and hot because the lady made it right after we ordered it which was nice but the unagi somehow lacked flavor . The second time I came, I had their salmon nigiri , maguro nigiri , hamachi nigiri , white tuna nigiri , mackerel nigiri , and spicy tuna roll . All of the nigiri was not bad except for the fact that the salmon , maguro , hamachi , and white tuna nigiri all tasted the same . I couldn't tell the difference between them for some reason . The spicy tuna roll was disappointing . It could've been spicier and it could've used more avocado . If you decide to come here , I would only recommend getting their fresh fish nigiri . read more

Ordered two rolls: salmon and avocado, and negihama. The rice was extremely dense and somewhat sour, the seaweed was thin and soggy, and the fish was borderline inedible. It's probably the worst sushi I've ever had. I didn't finish either roll - tried feeding the fish to my cats, who also weren't interested in eating it. The woman at the counter was also somewhat rude. I'm not sure how this place has 4 stars on yelp. read more

Yummy, fresh, and great prices /Take out place, not a dine in restuarant. Platters are just either $33 for a small or $38 large, checkout their website for more menu info. There is a hot display for the rice bowls/bento like box 4.99 and then a cold display for the variety of sushi rolls, etc. A Must TRY if you're in the area!! You won't be disappointed. read more

Been going there for over 15 years and this is the only place I prefer getting sushi. Solano is a great place to grab some California rolls, sit in a nearby park, eat lunch and watch people walk by. read more

Bento-lady, as we affectionately refer to the woman who fronts this fabulous sushi operation, is a master of her craft: cheap tasty sushi. Considering the price, the sushi seems even tastier in my mind because it actually is better than some pricier to-go sushi (as in sushi from Berkeley Bowl or Suruki's). The nigiri-California roll combo is my personal favorite, and I've been known to hike for hours in the Marin Headlands fueled only on the combo paired it with some oshitashi. The solo California roll at $3.50 is such a steal that upgrading to a roll enveloped in tobiko for $1 more isn't going to break the bank. While the cash or check only policy isn't usually an issue for me, there was a time during finals one semester when I was in my there-is-no-way-I-can-cook-for-myself-and-write-this-paper mode and I absentmindedly brought my credit card with me instead of my debit card AND had no cash on me. I also didn't realize this until after I had agonized over which delicious package of sushi would be coming home with me and was standing at the counter, resulting in one of those awkward moments that I imagine is akin to forgetting your wallet on a first date. When I realized I didn't have cash, I excused myself to run (literally) down to the Bank of America nearby. It was a sad moment when, standing in front of the ATM, I looked at my credit card in disbelief, desperately wanting it to be my debit card. Shuffling back into the store, I explained my situation to Bento-lady, and she ever-so-kindly told me that I could drop by to pay her for the sushi whenever I could. I was saved! The next day I dropped in to repay her and even gave her the extra few dollars in change because I was so thankful for not having to (a) drive all the way home to find my card or even worse (b) cook for myself that night. Kudos to you, Bento-lady! read more

Kyoto hits the spot. Super fresh. You'll think owner lady's not around - but she's actually behind the one way mirror and can hear everything you say. Lmao. read more

I love their sashimi and sushi rolls. I had them cater for a small event and their platters are just as delicious as their small mini meals and the prices are such a steal! read more

This place gets five stars for the good quality that's offered at a very reasonable price. Call an hour ahead and you can get a big circular platter full of rainbow roll, nigiri, California roll, inari, tuna roll and others for $38. Enough to feed four. This place is the real deal for take-out sushi. Won't break the bank like Kirala 2 (which is also very good, but so expensive). As others have mentioned, the sushi maker/owner/cashier is a character. Her friendly personality adds to the delight of buying Kyoto sushi. read more

if you're in a rush, get the (~$8-11) prepackaged ones with the fish or chicken. the pickles and little marinated delights that come with it are beyond your expectations and so amazing. everytime i go there, they never let me down. read more

I went to this place at least once every week for lunch but today I'm highly disgusted I went and got my usual teriyaki salmon bowl started eating only to see a thick black hair I walked back and put it on counter lady didn't even check just gave me my change like she was used to it just disgusting read more

I came here today for a really quick bite since I was starving and really couldn't find any other restaurants to eat on this street. The sushi was amazing and fresh, the lady who works behind the counter was friendly and provided great customer service. I would definitely come back however I live an 1.5 hour away. read more

I tried the spinach appetizer, and it's really good and crunchy. You can barely taste the spinach which imo is really good. It taste like sesame seed. If your on a diet, you know spinach is one of those vegetables you should eat. I might try the seaweed next. But the spinach is worth checking out. As usual, the lady is busy at the back making fresh batch. I went there around 3 p.m.. read more

I believe this was our third time ordering sushi from this place. I love how we can modify the sushi tray order by replacing other types of sushi. I gave it three stars, because I find that they put too much rice in the sushi. I also taste a lot of vinegar in the rice and it is more sour than any other sushi I've eaten. Other than that, it's a good price for sushi party trays or take-outs. Must try! read more

I was really happy with my take out dinner from Kyoto. Fresh and fat nigiri, and tasty chicken dumplings. The fish was clean and bright tasting, perfect. Great value for the price, a really good option for take out dinner. read more

Freshest fish every time! I have been going there for two years and I've never eaten even a questionable piece of fish! I always leave with a smile a a huge bag of sashimi and rolls. My daughters think the lady Meme is their long lost Asian grandma because she treats them that way. Most of the time she means business but she is a teddy bear when she has the time. She runs a honest business - still not sure how she can get by with such inexpensive prices! She even told me that if you mix soy sauce and lemon it makes ponzu sauce. So I make it fresh every time I have Kyoto Sushi. Kyoto Sushi I hope you never leave me! read more

Came here yesterday to grab some quick sushi after the raving reviews. Sushi was good for take out. The woman inside however must of been having a bad day from what I've read. She seemed ticked off that we had come in. My wife noticed it too. Maybe just a weird fluke. The sushi wasn't anything special. I would definitely look somewhere else if I did it over again. But in a pinch it's reasonably priced, decent sushi. read more

I have to admit that we were a little leery of paying such a reasonable price for a tray of sushi. Kinda funny that you have to pay a lot to feel like something is of quality sometimes. Well, this was reasonable AND very good sushi. This is the perfect place to get a lot of sushi without braking the bank. I wouldn't say the service was bubbly and smiley, but it was straight forward. And like I said, what mattered was the food and it was very good. We'll be back for sure. read more