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    Kyoto

    3.7 (329 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

    Order Kyoto Takeout or Delivery

    Kyoto Photos

    KYOTO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Kyoto

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    Reviews With Photos

    Ten Ju
    Cary N.

    The Japanese restaurant is nice. It has a traditional vibe inside with the Japanese style sliding doors. The service was good; two people during lunch. They were constantly working and attending to tables. The food was good. I ordered the tempura-ju. It was good, the tempura was hot and crispy. The salad was just okay, had a couple wilted leaves but was fine. The hardest part is to find parking. Be prepared to park on the street to come early to find a spot.

    Spicy Tuna Roll

    Kyoto has been my go-to (casual) sushi spot for years and it's about time I left a 5 star review. Thank you for keeping me alive in college and all of the years after!

    Combination Sushi, Edamame
    Michelle C.

    Takeout review - For the quality of fish for what you're getting it's not very good. I'm glad it came with a side salad and miso soup. I've always heard about this restaurant since it's been in business for so long I expected better, but was let down. The positives are that it is definitely popular with the locals and my order was ready when I scheduled my pickup. Maybe dine in experience is better, or maybe what I ordered isn't their best?

    Front
    German R.

    Average experience, things got a bit busy for two servers so it slowed down the service. On the other hand, food was good. The ambiance was nice. Could have been better but we'll give them a second chance.

    amazing !!! first time trying and it did not disappoint!!! will be coming back to try new rolls! we got the volcano roll, energy roll, Crazy burrito roll and daddy roll. and it's pretty affordable for a sushi spot. The inside is nice and cozy love the vibe.

    Miso
    Gus M.

    I have been to many Japanese restaurants in the past, but this one felt a little weird. We were seated at some booth on the left, but we were not offered the interesting compartments to the right. it was kind of cool to see people takeoff their shoes, and be seated on traditional Japanese tables l, close to the floor. Honestly, the food felt bland. I have had sushi at other places, and it's much tastier. The service was very good. I also think the price point was OK. The complementary soup and salad are nice.

    Spicy Yellowtail Roll
    Pierre C.

    The combination boat was a hit with a group of friends. Good mix of cooked and raw options. I ordered a tear roll on the side and it was delicious. We sat in the rooms seated on the floor and were pretty cozy. Service was attentive and food was served quickly. Kyoto is definitely top 5 in my book for Santa Barbara sushi! Thanks again for the wonderful atmosphere and amazing sushi!

    Beef teriyaki combo
    Joe S.

    My wife and I just finished dinner here, a place we've been coming to since the 1990s. As always, the food and service were exceptional. The owners are friendly. The servers are professional and attentive. It's great to find a place that consistently delivers good food and service over the years.

    Sarah S.

    This place is easy to miss behind an electronics repair shop on a busy street corner on upper state street. The outward appearance and lack of tourism doesn't draw the visitors but when the doors open at 5pm it becomes a locals go to spot. The inside looks like it was decorated back in 2000 and never changed. It's your classic sushi restaurant on the corner. I love the U-shaped booths and Japanese shades. Though old, they keep it nice and clean. The staff was super friendly and kind. And you don't hear any of the traffic so you forget you're on a street corner. But if it's a hot day like it was today (100 degrees), which is out of the norm, they don't have AC, so maybe not the best choice. They have a great selection of items, so there is something for everyone. The price of a simple (maki) roll is $6-$8 and for special rolls $12-$16. We got 2 special rolls, 1 maki roll and a drink for $38. My fiancé had the smoked salmon (maki roll) which was alright. He got his favorite baked salmon roll, called the fire roll (special roll) which he loved, but I usually have a piece and I was bummed that they make it spicy. I had the Snake roll (special roll) made with eel and avocado and the eel sauce was delicious per usual and I enjoyed the roll. The consistency made it easy to eat because it was well put together, but the fish didn't seem very fresh like I would have hoped and like I've had from Okie or some of the top of the line sushi restaurants here in Santa Barbara. Unfortunately I got sick (which is why I'm currently editing my review here at 2:30 am) as to warn others. So I won't be coming back here :( I wish I had had a better experience and ending to this place. I'll be going somewhere else for my sushi from now on.

    Appetizer
    Doc Ev E.

    A solid 4. Called to make reservations and even change them and very accommodating. Seated in one of the right side rooms on the lower private table--but honestly was a little too low and crossed legs was a bit difficult on a flat floor and stuffy as was a very warm day. We had different rolls and the one w the salmon stood out to be best of all. The agedashi tofu appetizer was fast and soft but the rest of the meal was slow to come. We did order one more dish thereafter that came extra quick to compensate. We enjoyed this

    Sun Shine Roll

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    5 months ago

    food was okay. the rice was a little wet for me. Servers were really nice tho and the vibe is def cool! Best part was the kirin

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    4 months ago

    Nice ambiance, pretty tasty supper, I recommend Kyoto . Prices are a bit steep. Go for a special occasion.

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    2 years ago

    Good solid sushi! Great for takeout or dining in. The sexy cowboy roll is a favorite, along with the state roll.

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    8 months ago

    Kyoto weekly lunch specials are my favorite ! Food was fresh and tasty, service was attentive , and have a good ambiance !

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    I come here over and over for their amazing service, consistent food, and fun atmosphere.

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    2 years ago

    The rolls were so good and so were the appetizers. Also great atmosphere for group dinners.

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    Page 1 of 9

    Ask the Community - Kyoto

    Are you open Monday?

    Yes they open Monday 11:30AM-2PM 5-9:30PM

    Do you have happy hour?

    I actually not sure about it I been there two times. Thank you

    View All 4 Questions

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    Oku

    4.3(1.1k reviews)
    3.2 mi
    $$$
    Rooftop seating
    Gluten-free friendly

    Andreina was our server and provided outstanding service from start to finish warm, attentive, and…read moregenuinely hospitable. She made the entire experience feel elevated and personal. The sushi was some of the best we've had in Santa Barbara fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The ocean view from the second floor made it even more special. What really stood out was Andreina offering my girlfriend a blanket to keep her warm such a thoughtful touch that you don't see often these days. We'll definitely be recommending this spot and coming back with friends. Highly recommend! -Ian Lantz

    My husband and I dined here for an early dinner with a reservation. I think after checking in it…read moremight've taken 5-10 minutes to be sat. Our server was really kind and on point with everything! Everything came out quickly. We ordered the otoro sushi, ikura sushi, rainbow roll, and two orders of the filet mignon. I have zero complaints about the sushi. It was incredibly delicious! I do think the filet mignon had beautiful plating, but it was very underwhelming, and didn't come out the requested way of cooking. I don't think I'd order that again, but we enjoyed our food overall. We chose to dine outside since it was a nice day and I thought that was pretty nice. We did bring our baby and had enough room with a high chair etc. we'd come back!

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    Secret Bao - Kungpao Cauliflower

    Secret Bao

    4.5(708 reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$

    What can I say other than culinary perfection? It's where street food meets casual dining but with…read moremasterfully crafted menu items that will make your taste buds pop! The KFC Bao was exceptional. Crunchy, tangy, sweet, fresh and savory. A delightful dish that had me wanting a second one. The Dolsot Bokkeumbap was also delicious, savory and a bit in the heavy side, it could use something fresh, acidic or sweet to brighten up the dish. The staff was very friendly and recommended the Bao, so they know what is good on the menu. I was sat outside where they have a beautiful little patio with heaters and comfortable seating. Overall this place is a must try!

    Overall the food was very delicious. I would recommend the Bao (both the KFC and pork belly were…read morevery good). The sweet potato dumplings are fried and had a very unique twist for Asian fusion and would recommend. The kalbi was very mediocre, but it was fun for sharing. Day cake was delicious. I would highly recommend since it came out and was very warm. The bingsu was mostly frozen and was not finally shaved in terms of milk ice and the Nutella pairing with it did not go very well. We had a fantastic server (Cathy) who took our orders and was very friendly. The front staff was quite rude when we followed up what the wait time was (might have been because it was busy, but hope that it's a 1x thing and not a pattern). Otherwise, vibes we're very good and I can see why this is a popular spot.

    Photos
    Secret Bao - The bar

    The bar

    Secret Bao - Sweet Potato Dumplings

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    Secret Bao - Yum ... just this is enough

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    Sushi Bar 29 - Hurricane Roll - amazing

    Sushi Bar 29

    4.4(181 reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$

    The fish here is so fresh and they have some great happy hour deals. I especially enjoyed the…read moresalmon, white fish (which is usually my least favorite cut), scallops, and the yellowtail. Besides sushi and sashimi, they also have options like katsu curry, nabeyaki udon, and sukiyaki. However, I think you should at least try some of the fresh fish especially the sashimi. I shared the sashimi dinner along with ordering calamari, salmon nigiri, and spicy tuna. All were great. In particular, the spicy tuna roll had a pepperiness to it that was unique and also really enjoyable. The salmon was thick, fatty, and buttery. I really enjoyed the flavor of the calamari too. The restaurant is dark and casual, good for a casual date night or dinner. The service was also great too. It's a busy place and there's ample parking in the lot next door.

    We came in Saturday at noon to the empty restaurant hoping to get a good fresh meal... ordered soft…read moreshell crab sushi, salmon teriyaki sushi ( on happy hour list) and lobster roll. All came out testing terrible very fishy and overcooked. The rolls were way too big and falling apart..the waiters didn't even check with us on size of edamame dish bring a very little happy hour size..miso soup wasn't hot as it should be. It was very disappointing needless to say we will not return. After just testing and complaining we weren't even offered any discount on the food ( we left most of it) . The place is empty for the reason! Wouldn't recommend anyone

    Photos
    Sushi Bar 29 - Bar TV

    Bar TV

    Sushi Bar 29 - Chapala Roll - so freaking good!

    Chapala Roll - so freaking good!

    Sushi Bar 29

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    Sama Sama Kitchen - Morning After ($24) Nasi Goreng Jawa w/ Chicken Satay

    Sama Sama Kitchen

    3.9(732 reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$

    We came here for a late lunch as we saw it holds Michelin Bib…read more Sweet: great menu options. So many tasty choices. We ordered the Vietnamese chicken wings and braised pork noodles. Both very delicious. The wings were all flats so that was a plus alone. Full of good flavor and very crispy. The noodles were delicious as well. I recommend both. The restaurant is decorated very nice and the server was attentive. Sour: the restaurant was very clean but it bothers me so much when some places have a designated area that flies like to circle around that tends to be near the bar. I wish there could be more control to prevent that. I did really enjoy the meal but the portions were small. If it wasn't so good I would almost say the prices weren't worth it. You can definitely share but I would get at least 3 options for 2 people. My husband and I weren't that hungry so it was a decent amount since it was such a late lunch and we were thinking about getting something else shortly after. Overall I hope we are in town again soon as there are other things I'd like to try.

    The chicken wings were absolutely amazing - if you do nothing else, order those!!! The Vietnamese…read morestyle was my favorite. The shaved bok choy and duck salad was SO good as well!!! The duck was excellent, and didn't feel too fatty - it was perfect. The drinks were good as well - had the spritz. Our servers were so polite and friendly, and honestly just felt like we were around friends. I like that this place, like many jn Santa Barbara, pays their staff a living wage and so you end up with a more authentic interaction that doesn't feel forced. The aesthetic was beautiful - perfect for a lunch date or for a dinner before sunset. Open air seating, beautiful decor, overall a lovely experience!

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    Sama Sama Kitchen - Ig : @dawntc

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    Sama Sama Kitchen - Braised Pork Mie Goreng ($23)

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    Sama Sama Kitchen - Morning After ($24) Nasi Goreng Jawa w/ Chicken Satay

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    Kyoto - japanese - Updated May 2026

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