We received a gift card for this restaurant, the Hoffman Estate one was close by, but when we read the fine prints on the back of the card, it was only valid for the Crystal Lake location, so we had to drive 30 minutes to get there. We were not a fan of the Japanese table grill food, so we opt for the non-grill section of the restaurant; which was much less busy than the grill section(it was Friday night), so we were seated pretty quickly. We ordered several Maki, some sushi, and Udon Soup, most of the food was OK but nothing to write home about, but some of the Maki Roll was too heavy on the sauce and too light on fish. However, the service was fast and good, their prices are quite reasonable, we ordered a lot because we wanted to use up the gift card, but still ended up with some leftover value. Overall, I think they are OK, but I don't think we will come back if not for the gift card.
Insality
I'm sad that we have to permanently walk away from Kyoto's. We've reached a point where the quality and taste no longer outweighs the cost.We have been loyal customers since the early to mid 90's, very loyal.Back in the 90's, Kyoto's had the longest lines and wait times. Why you ask, because, the food would melt in your mouth! The taste was out of this world, the atmosphere would leave you with great memories, and the marvelous staff went above and beyond. Kyoto's mouth watering ginger salad dressing, sea food that teased your taste buds, steaks that melted in your mouth, the best fried rice that even restaurants in Japan couldnt match, sashimi that left you craving more, and the best Hibachi show around.When Kyoto's moved into their current location, we experienced small changes with the quality of the food, portion size, and price. Nothing serious, just seemed like small adjustments were being made because of their new surroundings.Since then, we have slowly been experiencing a drop in taste and quality over the years. Our latest meals were horrific to say the least. Tough steaks, chicken that chewed like rubber in one meal, and extremely overcooked and dry in the next, overcooked shrimp, fried rice that had little to no salt, soy sauce, or teriyaki, vegetables with an onion that was just quartered and mixed with 2 pounds of carrots, watered down soup, watered down ginger sauce, sashimi proteins shrinking in size, prices going up, and the list goes on.We gave Kyoto's the benefit of the doubt over the years, because their food was unmatched by any of the best restaurants I've been to in Japan, but we've reached a point where the quality and taste no longer outweighs the cost.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 2
Christopher Sass
Short version: Our waitress changed our bill to give herself a $50 tip and when we called Kyoto to report it they acted like it was no big deal.Long version: We had issues with our food being prepared, items missing, etc. So when our $118-ish bill came we tipped a flat 15%. Imagine my surprise when the next day the pending charge changes to a finalized charge and we find that the waiter had decided to change the bill and treat themselves to a $50+ tip.When we brought it to managements attention they had the nerve to call it a "mistake". No one makes a mistake of entering "5 0" and hitting enter on a restaurants point of sale system.This employee knew what they were doing and were clearly hoping that the charge would go unnoticed. It probably isn't the first time they've done this and it's clear from the response we received that Kyoto management is indifferent to their staffs thievery.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 1
Meagan Sass
Had a meal at Kyoto last night. The waitress changed our tip amount by double. I will never be back here again.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Anastacia Rasch
Chef Ceaser was a blast! We enjoyed our meals and come here often. Prices have increased and it seems we get less food each time we come in, at least compared to our neighbors at the table. Places is always busy and no matter a reservation or not it’s always a wait in the crowded entry so be prepared for that. Go closer to closing time for a better environment
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hibachi Steak
Jaye Lee Passage
Best local Japanese. Love Kyoto. Do not visit nearly enough. I had the salmon teriyaki dinner. My husband enjoyed customized sushi.
Wow! What a place. First time there. Won't be the last. Ask for Chef Benny!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Rice, Sushi, Tempura, California Roll
Viv Park
Server was great, as was our chef.Outstanding service and delicious food.We haven’t been to one of these chef on the table japanese grill places in a while, but it was fun coming back for the foreshow. Most of the tricks haven’t changed much. You get the big fire ball at the beginning, the volcano, Choo Choo train… and of course, the delicious food.Our fried rice was a bit undercooked, but still somehow delicious lol.Probably the whole atmosphere and how the chef made the whole experience engaging.We had the filet mignon and shrimp.There are two types of shrimp - with egg yolk or with garlic - and both are amazing. I leaned a little more toward the egg yolk.I was full on the veggies!But the the food kept on coming… after the grilled veggies, you get your fried rice, then your filet mignon, some service shrimp, then the shrimp you ordered, and last the filet mignon. Definitely made me a second and third meal at home with the leftovers. So while the $49 price tag may seem high, note that you’re getting 2-3 meals here.Overall, a delightful experience, both for your eyes as well as for your tastebuds!
Viv P.
Server was great, as was our chef. Outstanding service and delicious food. We haven't been to one of these chef on the table japanese grill places in a while, but it was fun coming back for the foreshow. Most of the tricks haven't changed much. You get the big fire ball at the beginning, the volcano, Choo Choo train... and of course, the delicious food. Our fried rice was a bit undercooked, but still somehow delicious lol. Probably the whole atmosphere and how the chef made the whole experience engaging. We had the filet mignon and shrimp. There are two types of shrimp - with egg yolk or with garlic - and both are amazing. I leaned a little more toward the egg yolk. I was full on the veggies! But the the food kept on coming... after the grilled veggies, you get your fried rice, then your filet mignon, some service shrimp, then the shrimp you ordered, and last the filet mignon. Definitely made me a second and third meal at home with the leftovers. So while the $49 price tag may seem high, note that you're getting 2-3 meals here. Overall, a delightful experience, both for your eyes as well as for your tastebuds!
Bobby Schmidt
Amazon food, great host, amazing cook!! Definitely all around great experience!!
Lots of fun. Fresh food cooked in front of you. I really enjoyed it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cheryl Black
Love this place. Get reservations for the hibachi tables & prepare to wait anyhow. But the food is worth it. Dont forget the house teriyaki!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
lauren knight
We ordered the combination Steak and Chicken for dinner and the steak was so tuff and chewy you had to spit it out!! So over-priced for what you get!! Haven't been there in over a year and won't be
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
Lauren K.
We went there last night and ordered the combination Steak and Chicken. The steak was so tuff and chewy that you had to spit it out! Definitely not worth the money you spend! They rush you out as well so you can't even relax and try to enjoy your meal! I haven't been there in over a year and won't go back! There's other places I can spend my money and enjoy the food. Without a drink it was almost 50.00 Definitely not worth it
Mitch Tallungan
Food is always great when we go. We had a cooking table last night that we shared with another family. The one downside is that it can be pretty loud with everything going on but that's to be expected. Service is always decent but can be a touch slow some times. The chefs are always great!
We received a gift card for this restaurant, the Hoffman Estate one was close by, but when we read the fine prints on the back of the card, it was only valid for the Crystal Lake location, so we had to drive 30 minutes to get there. We were not a fan of the Japanese table grill food, so we opt for the non-grill section of the restaurant; which was much less busy than the grill section(it was Friday night), so we were seated pretty quickly. We ordered several Maki, some sushi, and Udon Soup, most of the food was OK but nothing to write home about, but some of the Maki Roll was too heavy on the sauce and too light on fish. However, the service was fast and good, their prices are quite reasonable, we ordered a lot because we wanted to use up the gift card, but still ended up with some leftover value. Overall, I think they are OK, but I don't think we will come back if not for the gift card.
I'm sad that we have to permanently walk away from Kyoto's. We've reached a point where the quality and taste no longer outweighs the cost.We have been loyal customers since the early to mid 90's, very loyal.Back in the 90's, Kyoto's had the longest lines and wait times. Why you ask, because, the food would melt in your mouth! The taste was out of this world, the atmosphere would leave you with great memories, and the marvelous staff went above and beyond. Kyoto's mouth watering ginger salad dressing, sea food that teased your taste buds, steaks that melted in your mouth, the best fried rice that even restaurants in Japan couldnt match, sashimi that left you craving more, and the best Hibachi show around.When Kyoto's moved into their current location, we experienced small changes with the quality of the food, portion size, and price. Nothing serious, just seemed like small adjustments were being made because of their new surroundings.Since then, we have slowly been experiencing a drop in taste and quality over the years. Our latest meals were horrific to say the least. Tough steaks, chicken that chewed like rubber in one meal, and extremely overcooked and dry in the next, overcooked shrimp, fried rice that had little to no salt, soy sauce, or teriyaki, vegetables with an onion that was just quartered and mixed with 2 pounds of carrots, watered down soup, watered down ginger sauce, sashimi proteins shrinking in size, prices going up, and the list goes on.We gave Kyoto's the benefit of the doubt over the years, because their food was unmatched by any of the best restaurants I've been to in Japan, but we've reached a point where the quality and taste no longer outweighs the cost.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 2
Short version: Our waitress changed our bill to give herself a $50 tip and when we called Kyoto to report it they acted like it was no big deal.Long version: We had issues with our food being prepared, items missing, etc. So when our $118-ish bill came we tipped a flat 15%. Imagine my surprise when the next day the pending charge changes to a finalized charge and we find that the waiter had decided to change the bill and treat themselves to a $50+ tip.When we brought it to managements attention they had the nerve to call it a "mistake". No one makes a mistake of entering "5 0" and hitting enter on a restaurants point of sale system.This employee knew what they were doing and were clearly hoping that the charge would go unnoticed. It probably isn't the first time they've done this and it's clear from the response we received that Kyoto management is indifferent to their staffs thievery.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 1
Had a meal at Kyoto last night. The waitress changed our tip amount by double. I will never be back here again.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Chef Ceaser was a blast! We enjoyed our meals and come here often. Prices have increased and it seems we get less food each time we come in, at least compared to our neighbors at the table. Places is always busy and no matter a reservation or not it’s always a wait in the crowded entry so be prepared for that. Go closer to closing time for a better environment
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hibachi Steak
Best local Japanese. Love Kyoto. Do not visit nearly enough. I had the salmon teriyaki dinner. My husband enjoyed customized sushi.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Rice, Sushi, Golden Sauce, Chicken Noodle Soup, Salad Dressing
Wow! What a place. First time there. Won't be the last. Ask for Chef Benny!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Rice, Sushi, Tempura, California Roll
Server was great, as was our chef.Outstanding service and delicious food.We haven’t been to one of these chef on the table japanese grill places in a while, but it was fun coming back for the foreshow. Most of the tricks haven’t changed much. You get the big fire ball at the beginning, the volcano, Choo Choo train… and of course, the delicious food.Our fried rice was a bit undercooked, but still somehow delicious lol.Probably the whole atmosphere and how the chef made the whole experience engaging.We had the filet mignon and shrimp.There are two types of shrimp - with egg yolk or with garlic - and both are amazing. I leaned a little more toward the egg yolk.I was full on the veggies!But the the food kept on coming… after the grilled veggies, you get your fried rice, then your filet mignon, some service shrimp, then the shrimp you ordered, and last the filet mignon. Definitely made me a second and third meal at home with the leftovers. So while the $49 price tag may seem high, note that you’re getting 2-3 meals here.Overall, a delightful experience, both for your eyes as well as for your tastebuds!
Server was great, as was our chef. Outstanding service and delicious food. We haven't been to one of these chef on the table japanese grill places in a while, but it was fun coming back for the foreshow. Most of the tricks haven't changed much. You get the big fire ball at the beginning, the volcano, Choo Choo train... and of course, the delicious food. Our fried rice was a bit undercooked, but still somehow delicious lol. Probably the whole atmosphere and how the chef made the whole experience engaging. We had the filet mignon and shrimp. There are two types of shrimp - with egg yolk or with garlic - and both are amazing. I leaned a little more toward the egg yolk. I was full on the veggies! But the the food kept on coming... after the grilled veggies, you get your fried rice, then your filet mignon, some service shrimp, then the shrimp you ordered, and last the filet mignon. Definitely made me a second and third meal at home with the leftovers. So while the $49 price tag may seem high, note that you're getting 2-3 meals here. Overall, a delightful experience, both for your eyes as well as for your tastebuds!
Amazon food, great host, amazing cook!! Definitely all around great experience!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Lots of fun. Fresh food cooked in front of you. I really enjoyed it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love this place. Get reservations for the hibachi tables & prepare to wait anyhow. But the food is worth it. Dont forget the house teriyaki!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We ordered the combination Steak and Chicken for dinner and the steak was so tuff and chewy you had to spit it out!! So over-priced for what you get!! Haven't been there in over a year and won't be
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
We went there last night and ordered the combination Steak and Chicken. The steak was so tuff and chewy that you had to spit it out! Definitely not worth the money you spend! They rush you out as well so you can't even relax and try to enjoy your meal! I haven't been there in over a year and won't go back! There's other places I can spend my money and enjoy the food. Without a drink it was almost 50.00 Definitely not worth it
Food is always great when we go. We had a cooking table last night that we shared with another family. The one downside is that it can be pretty loud with everything going on but that's to be expected. Service is always decent but can be a touch slow some times. The chefs are always great!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Teppanyaki, Hibachi Steak, Miso Soup, Sushi, Hibachi Steak and Shrimp