user
Kyoto Garden Japanese Restaurant
11 Kloof Nek Rd, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Appearance

Comments
wi
Review №1

Authentic Japanese culinary experience, from the food offering to the beverage selection and even the interior. Highly recommend the sushi and the oysters.

Am
Review №2

Ive been to Kyoto since it opened up. The food is really good but no means cheap. The service is sometimes good, sometimes a bit snooty. Always double check the price of anything you order. I wanted a warm drink and was recommended cherry blossom tea. They brought a cup of tea, and when that was done brought a pot of tea to top up. The bill - for tea alone- at the end of the day- R225!! Unfortunately that ruined the night for me and I wont be rushing back

Ma
Review №3

Not gonna lie: this was one of the best food experiences that I’ve ever had in my entire life. I love Japanese cuisine and this place it’s perfect for whoever is looking for an authentic japanese time. Tasty and beautiful food, kind and elegant waiter and an amazing staff in the kitchen.Strongly recommended.

Br
Review №4

Have you ever had duck. Ive never had duck. This Udon noodles with Duck. My goodness. Absolutely amazing.

No
Review №5

This was such a terrible experience! They overcharged us 4300 for a bottle of white wine, saw the error and gave us problems when it was time to give us a refund. Moreover, their service sucks and they arent professional at all, some customers are preferential treatment. I wouldnt recommend this place. The food is also bland and overpriced!

Ol
Review №6

A filling dining option for regular folks on a night out, but an absolute shrine to a discerning sushi and sashimi-loving palate.Regular ol’ me, appreciated their Japanese take on warm Winter food, without forgoing spices like others usually do. The various textures and light flavors, from seaweed to noodles, were intriguing enough to keep anyone munching until an empty plate remains.

Lu
Review №7

Restaurant overcharged us on purpose by R4,000Came to report and restaurant refused to refund.Spent over an hour, only recieved refund when the police arrived

Co
Review №8

I had really high hopes for this restaurant and unfortunately left feeling disappointed. We did our research and knew the restaurant would be expensive (it was a special occasion) but I don’t believe the cost warrants the dining experience. The prices are excessive and do not always match their online menu prices. This is especially the case with the cocktails which are almost double the price in the restaurant. My partner and I ended up sharing a R200 cocktail (one of the cheaper ones on the menu). The service was lackluster, for these sort of prices I would expect someone to actually engage with their patrons and when we ordered tap water it never arrived (probably because it was free). The food was pretty underwhelming considering the price and we left with an R800+ bill for 3 items for two people (2 mains and a cocktail) and we were still pretty hungry. We were eager to try some of the other food but it was quite frankly unaffordable and we ended up going to one of the restaurants up the road for some drinks and dessert.

Br
Review №9

Our server was exceptionally nice and helpful and the restaurant was very clean but everything else was a little underwhelming. The sushi was fine (I had a hot curry that was actually quite tasty), they have a very limited sake selection (on top of that, the time we went they didnt have the house sake in stock so we were down to two options) and the decor feels a little tired.

Ne
Review №10

Very authentic Japanese restaurant, quality top notch can only recommend highly.

Al
Review №11

Beautiful, healthy, tasty, clean Japanese cuisine.Owner and staff were very friendly.Simple and stylish interior. Warm ambiance. Perfect for a dinner date.

Kr
Review №12

I came highly recommended with high expectations. The service is ok, but a service in a good restaurant looks different. It was disappointing that the menu card was copied on paper. The quality of the food in relation to the prices was very disappointing. Those who expect japanese quality here should better look for another restaurant. The ingredients are good, but the preparation and the overall experience does not justify a visit to this restaurant.

Sa
Review №13

The place looks so promising. Quaint, authentic looking, intimate. The execution is poor though. I was so disappointed because the food was highly mediocre and flavourless for the price. The quality of fish was good but not outstanding. This is important especially for sashimi.I was very hungry amd dissatisfied and stopped eating somewhere around the 7th small plate (which we were sharing between 4). It wasnt filling me or satisfying my taste buds.The best things on the menu are the tuna tartare, the tempura prawn and miso ice cream. Sushi is pedestrian.Save your money and rather visit Izikaya Matsuri for authentic and high quality japanese.

Si
Review №14

Terrible experience. Incomprehensible waiters. Cold grill plate food. Ludicrous wine price( only sell by glass). Good sushi nonetheless.

Ja
Review №15

Just wow. The food was amazing. The miso was the best I have ever had. The sushi was incredibly fresh and had a perfect ratio of rice to fish. The wasabi was also super hot and genuine, as was the ginger. The mussels were flavourful and the noodles perfectly cooked. The warm sake was also divine. Lastly, the cherry blossom and sesame ice cream is a must have and rounded off the meal perfectly. You must visit! But it is quite pricey!

Je
Review №16

Symplistic yet stylish. A great wine & whiskey selection to compliment superb food. On the pricey side, but driven by the area and generation...

Co
Review №17

Mind blowing. Superb. Loved everything from the cocktails through to the desserts. Cant recommend it highly enough. One of the best evenings out Ive ever had!

Ma
Review №18

Too expensive and not so great as in reviews. I would go somewhere else instead.

RO
Review №19

Really beautiful restaurant, lovely staff and great atmosphere. I have been to Japan and was hoping to have ramen that came close to the standard and sadly I didn’t not enjoy any of the meals especially considering the higher price point.

Pe
Review №20

A hidden treasure! The sushi is made by Japanese sushi chefs and is the real deal. The meso broth was delicious and meso ice cream is my new favorite flavor.

Jo
Review №21

Friendly, fast service, freshly prepared food and lots on the menu to choose from. Had the chefs platter and Japanese beer.

Mi
Review №22

Big disappointment. R700 FOR 100ml of sake is criminal.

Bi
Review №23

Best Japanese spot in the whole of Cape Town! Their scallops just melt in your mouth so fresh and succulent 😍

Se
Review №24

Best seafood in CT with a strong Japanese influence. The service was excellent and the owner was personally ensuring our experience was the best. Definitely a repeat indulgence

Li
Review №25

This is by far the best sushi bar you’ll find in CapeTown. Portion sizes from rolls, nigiri and sashimi were accurate. Fish was fresh and cut with accuracy. Other than sushi the restaurant offers a versatile menu including multiple soups, grills and tempura dishes. I liked the restaurant so much and was missing authentic sushi I visited it twice during my stay.

Se
Review №26

Nothing short of the finest quality! absolutely blown away at the extremely kind and knowledgeable staff, especially our host whos name I unfortunately do not remember.The decor and overall atmosphere you are met with is so peaceful and pleasing! And of course, the food is just too good to describe; simply delicious. I recommend their wagyu beef and the Sautee 👌🏽100 will be visiting again. 5/5

Li
Review №27

Unfortunately extremely overpriced, save your money and go eat at Three Wise Monkeys in Sea Point, much better value for money. Very pretty interior and very nice hostess, just a shame everything is overpriced.

Ni
Review №28

Came highly recommended. Called in to make a reservation, received a lax greeting and was told to reserve on the website. Not what I expected from an ‘award-winning’ restaurant.

Ca
Review №29

This is a really amazing little place. A bit on the pricey side, but worth the experience.

Ch
Review №30

Japanese as it should be. Great sea soup. Excellent barman.

Da
Review №31

We went to Kyoto Garden in February and had the pleasure to be served by Léa, a French waitress who was absolutely lovely and very knowledgeable about the menu and the different dishes offered by the chef. We sat at the bar and had a good time but unfortunately could witness how the owner of the place is managing his team from an iron fist! That was really sad to witness honestly. You could tell the staff was a lovely bunch but were not allowed to speak to one another unless required. This was really the downside of this experience and I would have happily left a 5-star review but I want the management to know that his customers can feel the toxic atmosphere he is spreading around the restaurant by micro-managing his staff. Managerial skills to be improved for sure!

Ka
Review №32

Small and nice! Good quality

Sh
Review №33

My pallet was not impressed and my wallet is still processing. Until convinced otherwise, this will be my first and last Japanese experience.

Wi
Review №34

I have a basic idea of what Japanese food is about, so no expert. My food was excellent (had tempura oysters for starters which is probably one of the best tasting things Ive ever eaten). Service very good. Pricey, but worth it, I didnt walk away feeling ripped off. Excellent wine selection.

Sa
Review №35

Food and service was great! The tuna sashimi melted in your mouth.

Ta
Review №36

The ambiance was okay. The decor was simple but well thought out. Helpful manager when we arrived with a pram.We didnt try the sake, but the S.A wines on offer were good. The food was a let down though. The Udon noodles dish l ordered, the Sauteed seafood and the rice my partner ordered where lukewarm, and somewhat bland. Given the average ratings on Google, we were expecting a lot more, but were sadly left disappointed.

Mo
Review №37

My 1st time here. What an experience. Real Japanese cuisine served by staff that are are knowledgeable, very friendly and made me welcome. Food was fantastic. Ambience is relaxed not too noisy. Thank you for great evening out

Su
Review №38

I would say I was wrong picking up this restaurant as an option, the type of food they serve is not my type. We tried different dishes but we didnt like them, even the desert wasnt good. Except the service, it was nice and the staff was cool.

Ri
Review №39

Food was delicious. Very fresh and simple

Fr
Review №40

Food was good, but very expesive for what it is. This restaurant should be at +-R300 per person (for meal and drinks), not R500. Menus were badly photocopied pieces of paper - that immediately drops the perceived value. Sushi portion was very small for R230. Two tiny scoops of ice cream for R80. Seating felt too cramped - we practically sat on the tables next to us, and could have a quiet conversation with the surrounding tables, if we so chose (this is not a good thing). The venue and food wasnt bad, but it also wasnt worth it. Unfortunately, one of many such venues in Cape Town.

M
Review №41

Worst Japanese food ever. Nasty meat. Menu is mostly raw. Slow service but friendly. . Never again.

So
Review №42

The atmosphere is relaxing and the seafood absolutely delicious. They also serve cocktails and have extensive wine list, and an amazing whiskey collection. Attention to detail was fabulous.What a lovely gem!

Al
Review №43

I normally enjoy this restaurant, but this week my wife and I were placed at a table with a HUGE lamp on the side (most tables now), almost preventing you from seeing the person across the table. These two seat tables are already very small without 30% of the table was now being occupied by this lamp. I asked whether it could be removed or placed on the floor, but was basically warned not to touch the lamp. The waitress seemed quite aggressive about this. Finally, we were relocated to another table which had a smaller lamp (not blocking eye level) for dinner. Meal was fine but VERY expensive. The desserts were disappointing. I have felt in the past that the high cost was still worth the experience at this restaurant, but now that has changed. Cant imagine I will be back in a hurry.

Ar
Review №44

Exquisite, and let me elaborate on that. We try to make a point of only listing really really exceptional places on both ends of the scale. This is one of them. It appears that its owner managed, which makes all the difference in the world. Its a pleasant comfortable dining experience, the restaurants simple elegant lines and clean crisp spatial features are draped with beautiful textures and warm lighting. In customary Japanese fashion its relatively compact whilst pulling off a neat trick of still feeling generous. Staff is very very well trained and attentive but discretely so as to not be overbearing. The sushi chef helped his apprentice gracefully and gently, such a pro. The sushi and sauces, brines, wasabi, fermented ginger etc appear to be made freshly and especially in-house, in true small boutique eatery. The Asian whiskey selection is also quite impressive.

Ca
Review №45

Beautiful restaurant, amazing service, great food.

Ca
Review №46

One of my most underwhelming experiences to date from a food perspective ..staff were friendly and helpful and venue was very pretty. Was expecting a lot more for the price of the meals. I would rather go to Pot Luck, chefs warehouse or Foliage. Better value for money..Dropped R1000 on 5 small plates 1 beer and 1 cocktail and 1 water.. So many other options out there.. Wont see me again.

Em
Review №47

My first time there and was pleasantly surprised. A quieter venue surrounded by not so quiet ones.Excellent cuisine and attentive waiting.

Pi
Review №48

Decidedly average. Overrated, overpriced and lacks ambience. From the photo copiedMenus to small portions to average waiters would not recommend. There are far better sushi and fusion options at better pricing, better service and better quality. This is the 3rd inside guide recommendation that has left us disappointed.

Za
Review №49

Prices are definitely aimed at (very wealthy) foreigners. It would actually be quite challenging finding prices this high even in Manhattan!Potential cheaper than an equivalent meal in Kyoto though.The food is pretty good. And the dessert portion sizes will assist you in staying true to any get thin diet you may be on.

Pe
Review №50

Delicious food, but a bit overpriced

An
Review №51

Incredible restaurant and really in my wife and mine top Japanese restaurants in the world! Highly recommended! The place has a very nice lighting which makes it perfect for a romantic dinner. Great staff and delicious fish.

Di
Review №52

I visited Kyoto to treat my friend for his 30th. Over the years I have heard only good things of Kyoto with special mention of the authentic ingredients applied to their sushi offerings.We opted to enjoy their sushi as a starter with their winter special as the mains.The sweet blue prawn sushi was a real treat with melting in the mouth texture and a slight sweet taste. The fatty tuna was also highly enjoyable.The waiter was a delight with good tips and knowledge on the menu and compliments.The ambiance was cozy and quiet and the food service was timely and un -rushed. A truly enjoyable experience.

Mi
Review №53

Kyoto Garden remains one of the top 3 spot in Cape Town for consistently great sushi and Japanese cuisine, my fourth visits in recent years, every single items were spot on, always good and last night was the best service ever, did not get her name, all I could remember is she just started and she is studying to be a graphic designer, faultless delivery, attentive yet unobtrusive, it was perfect, thank you.Highly recommended.Ps: one suggestions to the management, try serving the red wines cooler if not chilled in summer 😀

St
Review №54

This place has a great look and feel. The sushi is delicious and the Whisky selection is brilliant if you love Whisky good spot to go he has a great selection of Chinese Whisky. Also the place fills up and then has a awesome vibe.

Na
Review №55

I dined at Kyoto Garden some time last year (2017) and till this day i can taste their delicious food and amazing cocktails. The staff are great and so is the owner. Definitely recommend this one :)

Ch
Review №56

Dinner for two. Speciality menu of Japanese meals. Good Japanese beer and whiskey choices with a varied selection of local wine. Mid to high price range. Parking very limited- Uber instead.

Gr
Review №57

Fancy sushi. Im told by my betters that its excellent sushi. My food was delicious but just a bit small at the price. For foodies I guess its top notch. Ill have to give it another try when Im not needing meat and potatoes.

De
Review №58

Food was Excellent and exceptional Service!

Bu
Review №59

Disappointing experience with non authentic over priced Japanese food. I was shocked with the dishes that was served.. Me being Japanese.. Non of the dishes made sense and certainly not authentic Japanese at all. Infact I felt offended with the menu and the price this restaurant is charging on most dishes. The service was excellent but if youre looking for a good authentic Japanese food, this isnt the place youre looking for. I suggest the restaurant should research what authentic Japanese food really is before serving and pricing their menu.

Ja
Review №60

Menus were photo copied pieces of paper and seats next to bathbroom smelled like urinals. Food was good

Ga
Review №61

Fresh, uncomplicated Japanese cuisine. The whole experience is wonderful, the service impeccable and it still manages to achieve a cosy and intimate atmosphere. One of my favourites!

Ga
Review №62

Really amazing traditional Japanese cuisine. Excellent service and well presented food. A must. Slightly on the pricey side.

Jo
Review №63

5 stars mall

ph
Review №64

Excellent Japanese experience

Ma
Review №65

Nice atmosphere, great location, excellent sushi, best tuna tartar ever, very friendly service. Pricey though

Fe
Review №66

A masterpiece. Winter special was soo good and I never had such a good miso ice cream in my life. Finishing with warm sake was the epitome.

An
Review №67

I was refused a meal by the manager because I was wearing a sleeveless shirt and that was after we already entered and sat at a table. They must mention dress code on google/tripadvisor (there was no mention) if thats so important.So dont go there after enjoying a hot summer in Capetown or just carry a shirt.

Si
Review №68

Pushed sale of drinks. 3 people ordered the miso soup, but couldnt finish it because it was so salty. Booking system too restrictive. Cancellation fee applies if you booked a larger group. Ramen was more of a noodle soup. Sushi was fresh. The set menu is a nice option to try their range of dishes

Ar
Review №69

One of the best Japanese restaurants in Cape Town in my opinion. Would definitely recommend the Kyoto Cosmo and Scallops (melt in your mouth).

Ma
Review №70

Amazing ambiance, excellent owner & host, spectacular food!

Si
Review №71

Quite overpriced. The food was good but not in line with the price it had. Tried Wagyu beef but to be honest I don’t think it’s worth R160 for that 5 think slices of beef

An
Review №72

Really fantastic food. The fish is extraordinary, best tempura Ive ever had and we had a great pudding of miso ice cream which is the perfect mix of sweet salt and cream.

st
Review №73

I ate just sushi & sashimi and oysters too... Top quality. Obviously the price matches with the quality.

Hl
Review №74

This remains the best dining experience of my life. Great place with some great food.

Le
Review №75

The sushi is completely overrated! We followed the recommendation from ‚The Inside Guide‘, but can‘t recommend it....especially not for the price. Sorry guys, but this needs to improve!!!

mo
Review №76

Friendly sraff; knowledgable; great setting etc. Value for money - not so sure!

An
Review №77

One of the best meals I had in years. The balance and clear flavours of the food is fantastic. I am still tasting the ocean...

Se
Review №78

Sushi was amazing, and the staff were very friendly.

Es
Review №79

Really tasty food in a great environment. The food is quite pricey but their winter special is great value for money.

Ta
Review №80

The best sushi in Cape Town, you certainly get what you pay for

Re
Review №81

Cute place, ask about their special winter menu if visiting in winter. Thank me late ;)

D
Review №82

What a over priced restaurant! Ridiculous! Considering how many great sushi restaurants there are out there... yes sure some serve better quality than others and Kyoto have great selection with real wasabi root from Japan, but no need to charge equivalent to the restaurants in Japan 😂

Ky
Review №83

An authentic Japanese dining experience nestled in the upper reaches of Cape Town, with enough fusion options available to satisfy more Western palates.The food is expertly prepared, the sushi selection is diverse, fresh and impressive, all housed in a comfortable, intimidate setting.My advice if youre coming here for sushi - forego the table booking, and sit at Koyama-sans sushi bar.

Da
Review №84

The food here is like a love letter to the ocean. Amazing flavours impeccable prepared. Highlights were the miso soup and the salmon in the Atlantic dish... and the surprise miso icecream. Charming host and waitstaff.

Bi
Review №85

A little piece of Japanese heaven in the hustle and bustle of Cape Town. Freshest ingredients, innovative cooking (...and cocktail mixing) at its best, fantastic service.

Pa
Review №86

Good food and service... just way over priced

Pr
Review №87

Food was nice (albeit uncessarily pricey). Service fallen way below expectations, and the owner, also the maitre d’, very brisque and very short (almost rather unpleasant).

La
Review №88

One of our favourites. They never disappoint.

Mo
Review №89

What an amazing experience. The staff were amazing and atmosphere and company was great.

An
Review №90

Good sushi. Decent service. Decent price.

St
Review №91

Best sushi, fresh food and the interior is to die for...number one one to do list

Je
Review №92

Very delicious sushi, but simply too pricey.

sp
Review №93

Extremely disappointed . At these kind of prices one would expect value for money. This was meant to be our 30 year marriage celebration. Nothing to celebrate food wise.For starters my wife had the Ecstacy.Ecstaticallly poor , raw uncleaned prawn , chewy octopus and way overcooked more like steamed scallops . Not a sear or grill mark in sight.I had The Sea. If youre going to serve expensive seafood like scallops and prawns in a fish broth at least respect the ingredients.But lets move on.For main we both thought the Alaskan Night sounded interesting.Alas it was damn disappointing.5 slivers of seared salmon; 2 bland tough scallops and a minute piece if Alaskan king crab in the shell , 2green beans 2 aspraragus sprigs and a lemon wedge.Thats it We ordered a bowl of rice with mushrooms and salmon caviar @R95 to fill the void.Dessert of sesame ice cream was on the house because of it being our anniversary. Vanilla ice cream mini balls covered in sesame seeds does not a desert make Thanks but that too failed to make this e6xperience a memorable one.So my 2 stars i award to the barman, mixed a darn good cocktail.Far too pretentious and overpriced.

M
Review №94

Instantly forgettable!!! What a waste of time and money in this place. Upscale - more like Upshit sushi and service!!!

Fr
Review №95

Very nice restaurant with japaneze Vibe. Quality is Always top. I would strongly recommand.

Lo
Review №96

Expensive but a stand-out experience. Everything was incredibly delicious, and wide selection of foreign beer.

Ch
Review №97

Good Japanese food, but not quite as good as what I was expecting for the price you pay.

Ro
Review №98

Fantastic food, very nice venue amd great service.

Pa
Review №99

Quality of the food was good but not superior, interieur nice but cold atmosphere and service. Portions are small and totaly overpriced. After a starter and main we were still hungry and ordered a pizza. Definite not worth it.

Mo
Review №100

Amazing Sushi,recommend Ecstasy as starter-sauteéd prawns,scallops and shiitake mushrooms. Fine selection of the best Japanese whiskeys.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
3.7 Rating
  • Address:11 Kloof Nek Rd, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
  • Site:https://www.kyotogarden.co.za/
  • Phone:+27 21 422 2001
Categories
  • Japanese restaurant
  • Restaurant
  • Sushi restaurant
Working hours
  • Monday:12–10PM
  • Tuesday:12–10PM
  • Wednesday:Closed
  • Thursday:12–10PM
  • Friday:12–10PM
  • Saturday:12–10PM
  • Sunday:12–10PM
Service options
  • No-contact delivery:Yes
  • Delivery:Yes
  • Takeaway:Yes
  • Dine-in:Yes
Health and safety
  • Reservations required:Yes
  • Mask required:Yes
  • Temperature check required:Yes
  • Staff wear masks:Yes
  • Staff get temperature checks:Yes
  • Staff required to disinfect surfaces between visits:Yes
Offerings
  • Alcohol:Yes
  • Beer:Yes
  • Cocktails:Yes
  • Coffee:Yes
  • Small plates:Yes
  • Spirits:Yes
  • Vegetarian options:Yes
  • Wine:Yes
Dining options
  • Lunch:Yes
  • Dinner:Yes
  • Dessert:Yes
Amenities
  • Bar on site:Yes
  • Toilets:Yes
Atmosphere
  • Cosy:Yes
Crowd
  • Groups:Yes
Planning
  • Accepts reservations:Yes
Payments
  • Debit cards:Yes
Similar organizations
  • NobuOne&Only Cape Town, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
  • J & S sushi197 Blossom St, Bridgetown, Cape Town, 7769, South Africa
  • Blue LotusShop 5-6 Shoreline Centre Main Rd Hout Bay Cape Town ZA 7806, Main Rd, Cape Town, South Africa
  • DingDong Tachinomi Bar47 Napier St, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
  • Hokkaido Restaurant & Take awayBrackenfell Blvd, Klaradyn Retirement Village, Cape Town, 7560, South Africa
  • Ding.Dong11-15 Jarvis St, De Waterkant, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
  • Chef Taki58 chestnut ridge, 8 Parade Ring Rd, Milnerton, 7441, South Africa
  • Active Sushi on Bree4 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
  • Haiku Cape Town CBD58 Burg St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
  • Obi RestaurantShop 2, 14 Long St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa