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Tokyo Kitchen
Categories: Restaurants Japanese Restaurants Sushi Bars Japanese, Sushi Bars [Edit]
8851 Central AveSte J
Montclair, CA 91763
(909) 625-5588
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
81 reviews for Tokyo Kitchen
Review Highlights
"You can't go wrong whether you do the sushi bar or teppan."
(in 32 reviews)
"...well, they make delicious fried rice, and they put on a..."
(in 13 reviews)
"...on a ball of rice being hugged by two slices of tuna."
(in 3 reviews)
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81 reviews in English
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Review from Tommy K.
Covina, CA
1/10/2012
It was a coupon we found in an Entertainment Book in the late 90's that led us to Tokyo Kitchen first time. Since then it's become one of our most favorite places to eat, and we eat there at least twice a year.
It's very similiar to Benihana, but with lower prices. This is a great place for a group out for the night.
The ginger salad dressing is my all time favorite dressing. I wish they'd bottle it and sell it in grocery stores. They have two dipping sauces; one is a sesame dip - perfect for the shrimp, the other is a peach color, good for the vegetables - or try it with the fried rice, it's really good! I wish they'd bottle and sell the sauces too!
We always order the steak and shrimp, each and every time the shrimp is cooked perfect and the steak is as tender as can be.
Our most recent visit was on a weeknight and they had a good crowd, more people than I'd have expected on a Wednesday night. I'm glad to see this restaraunt is thriving in the bad ecomony, I think that says a lot. -
Review from Melissa M.
Upland, CA
12/5/2011
Okay, now everybody raves about this place so I had to try it one Friday evening. Here is my take:
I had sushi at the sushi bar and I have had better. MUCH better!! Then to the Teppan which was okay but again I have had better. To much hype for a so-so spot. Don't think I will be going back unless the bill is on someone else.
Sorry Tokyo Kitchen :( -
Review from Katie S.
Anaheim, CA
11/19/2011
If you have been to Benihana, than you really need to stop and come here. Yes I've been to Chomp and no it's not even close. Shoguns? You can't tell but I am laughing at you. The only other place that edges this place out is Tsunami's in HB and it's because of the noodles they make!
Tokyo Kitchen is located in a very unassuming strip mall in "why the heck are we in Monclair?", CA. There really isn't any other reason to visit this city. Even the mall makes me think of the 80s and not in the awesome way.
Anyway it's not a chain and I am pretty sure it is family owned. The food is delicious and most of the chefs are actually still Japanese, go figure!
Their seasoned rice which comes with your meal is way better than steamed rice. I have no idea what they do with it and if I didn't LOVE fresh made fried rice I would just stick with this any day.
Your meal comes with lots of food, too much for one person really but it never feels heavy. You start with soup and salad with ginger dressing(looks like barf to me but most people like it) and you head on into dinner. Your entree will afford you all of the following:
Shrimp app
rice
assorted veggies
two homemade and unmatched tasty sauces
and your protein
most entrees even include ice cream. Green tea is still yummy all these years later.
They have a great sushi bar and their alcoholic drinks even have cool souvenir glasses. I love it here, always have.
You need to go, you'll thank me once you forget about the traffic on the 10 freeway. -
Review from Kelly D.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
2/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
typical teppan grill / sushi spot....however their lunch menu is CHEAP!!! i got filet mignon, fried rice, vegetable medley, salad, etc. and spent $12.....what? 12 dollars thats fast food prices! like arnold says "i'll be back"
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Review from Pedro F.
Hacienda Heights, CA
1/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
Good little spot in Montclair, my good friend has been has been talking about this. So we said, why not! It's what you would expect, group seating around stove. Good food, good service, the drinks are refilled quick (don't need to flag them done like some places). The sushi is pretty good, I tried the shrimp tempura and then ordered the steak and chicken which is cooked right in front of you. I will definitely be going back :)
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Review from Ann T.
Upland, CA
1/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
Excellent food, excellent service... can't go wrong here!
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Review from Cecille P.
San Bernardino, CA
Whoa, somebody call the bomb squad, because flavor went off in this place! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this restaurant. My family has been eating here for what seems like forever- every time I go, I meet people who have the same exact story. Tokyo Kitchen is just so legit.
Notes:
+ Pink sauce is bomb on anything- even if its only meant for poultry and seafood.
+ Staff members are so nice- especially when they recognize you.
+ Busboys/Waiters are always on top of drink refills- it always seems like I never took a sip because my glass is magically full every time I pick it up!
+ Chefs are usually funny and great to talk with
+ Steak is SO BOMB- they always make it exactly how I like it.
+ The shrimp is craazzyyy good, I can't even tell you how good.
+ As for scallops, see above.
+ I personally think the lobster is whatevs, but who needs it with shrimp and scallops that taste this good?!
+ When you can, come for lunch. It's cheaper, but they don't skimp on portions at all- you just won't get as much of a show.
+ It's teppan, peeps, so if you don't come with a big party, be aware that you'll be seated with other people.
If you haven't eaten here before, you need to hurry the eff up and get your grub on. -
Review from Oscar M.
Upland, CA
5/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Atmosphere:
Apparently, this place has been here for years and you can tell...but it has whole different feel to it which I liked. (1 Star)
Taste:
The food was GOOD! Made it even better knowing that it was being cooked right in front of you. I liked everything I ordered. (1 Star)
Price:
Sushi places are never cheap but the bill didn't come out that high. That was a plus. (1 Star)
Service:
We were seated promptly. Waitress was really nice. We really loved out cook though. He was funny and entertaining. I will never forget "pipi boy" lol (1 Star)
Overall:
I loved the place. Good food and good people. Definitely going back. (1 Star) -
Review from Angel H.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
8/25/2011
I had never been to a Teppan restaurant and was always told by friends that the portions you get for the price at these types of restaurants never were worth it.
This place was worth it. The portions were great and the prices were reasonable. I left satisfied as did my wife who only ate stuffed mushrooms and California Rolls.
The Sesame Chicken and Shrimp was delicious. As was the Fried Rice.
The Chef was great and very entertaining.
I will definitely return and return with more friends. -
Review from Cesar R.
Pomona, CA
11/6/2011
Quality of food is top notch! Steak and chicken was very tasty. My girlfriend order the spicy tuna roll and she said it was delicious. We split the steak and chicken combo and got short changed on the shrimp. I understand its one order split but the cook gave u a shrimp and a half each!! we should have had at least 4 pieces each. Other than that it was very good. Service was great fast and soft drinks are filled quickly. Don't come here on a budget, prices are expensive. I've gotten full for allot less on good food too.
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Review from Cali g.
Midland, TX
12/30/2011
Out of all the teppan places in the IE this is the place! They do a great job entertaining while cooking a yummy meal! If you are going with a large party make a reservation tho they won't sit you till your entire group is there.....so tell your friends time before the actual time so they are on time ;)....prices for lunch are affordable but since I don't work in area I usually go for dinner but worth it! Oh and if you love spicy chile they have this chile paste that you ask for and it delish with your meal...it's hot so a little goes a long way....and the dipping sauces a good too.
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Review from Keith L.
Claremont, CA
10/16/2011
This place really deserves 3 stars, but I'm giving it 2 to balance out the ridiculously high ratings it gets due to lack of competition in the area.
Went here for teppan. The waitress kept ignoring my friend to give attention to regulars who came later. The chef was somewhat entertaining but the food turned out very average; the filet mignon was definitely not melt-in-your-mouth as some claim. Shrimp and scallops were well cooked but lacked flavor. If you're a fan of having sauce cover up average food though, it might work for you.
Overall the atmosphere feels like a Japanese version of Hometown Buffet. Sadly, probably as good as it gets for Japanese around the area. -
Review from David T.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
12/23/2011
What a show. Fridays are very busy, go another day.
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Review from Mr P.
Los Angeles, CA
5/19/2011
Always a good time, I love this place.
You can't go wrong whether you do the sushi bar or teppan. -
Review from Jenn A.
Rosemead, CA
9/14/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Good sushi and the prices are right!
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Review from Rose A.
Ontario, CA
3/5/2011
I have been going here for 20 years!
used to go about once a month, and have tapered back to a few times a year now... (times are tough. jobs are scarce, and i don't eat out as much as i used to)
the food here is ALWAYS amazing! i'm sorry to say that i've never tried the sushi tho (just not my thing)
i have had DREAMS about the ginger salad dressing -- and it's at THAT point that i realize it's time to go back again!
they've recently changed their brand of green tea ice cream, and i REALLY preferred the other one *pout*
always order the "special" -- steak/chicken with shrimp appetizer and friend rice... edamame (yum) green tea 4 dessert (i'm a creature of habit)
if you're lucky enough to get the chef with the light-up shotglass, you will not be disappointed!!! (sorry. his name escapes me at the moment) i've been to countless other teppan grills, and i'm always bummed that they just don't measure up.
the shrimp sauce should be mass-produced!!! i've TRIED to copy it at home, but always fail miserably :-(
i have introduced SO many friends to this place, and some of them are now as addicted as i am (they have great taste)
keep up the GREAT work guys, and we'll see you again soon!!! =) -
Review from Danny N.
West Covina, CA
8/10/2011
Great food, just wish our chef was a little more animated and spoke to us. He didn't say anything to us. =(
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Review from Donna l.
Inland Empire
9/29/2011
Best teppan in town. The sushi is ok, but we bring the family here for consistently delicious grill.
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Review from Daniel Z.
Ontario, CA
7/15/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This is the best sushi place I have ever been to! The menu and the prices are similar to Shogun and Benihana, but this place has that extra something. That something is called the Manley Roll. It is a must get! I prefer mine hand-rolled wih soy paper. You can also request the 911 sauce for that spicy kick. Everyone here is very nice, especially the sushi chefs. The sushi bar is limited in seating so I recommend calling for a reservation if you have a group. There have been a few occasions where we had to wait a long time to be seated or we just opted for the Teppan grill section.
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Review from Sid P.
Riverside, CA
I've been coming here for about two years now and have to say it's one of my favorites.
I usually have the Teppan. The chefs are courteous and friendly without being overbearing. They put on a small show at dinner time. While it's not that spectacular, but it is enjoyable. The service is AMAZING! Your drink will be refilled as if by magic.
Now lets talk about the food. That is where this place excels. If you have ever had Benihana or some other Japanese grill, then you will be familiar with the menu. The steak is always cooked to perfection. Dinners come with a grilled shrimp appetizer that makes you wish you had only ordered that. The portion sizes are right for the prices. Dinner comes with grilled zucchini and onions and rice, fried rice is extra. Taste is what this place does right.
I would recommend this place to anyone. Plan to spend an hour to an hour and half here. Lunch prices are a little cheaper, the food is the same but without the show. -
Review from Tory T.
Claremont, CA
8/19/2011
I've been going to Tokyo Kitchen for nearly twenty years, and I'll never stop. The sushi is consistently good, the service is always stellar and it's always a good time, whether it's date night sushi or big teppan table birthday party. The albacore sashimi is out of this world.
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Review from Moe T.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
7/30/2011
One of the few places where you always get what you expect. I wouldn't really call this a "sushi joint" like so many others have commented, their specialty is their teppan, which they do well. Their filet and their seafood combo are both delicious as well as most of the other options on their teppan menu and the portions are very satisfying.
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Review from Jane D.
Inland Empire
12/21/2010
This year my brother's and I wanted to take our dad somewhere new. I was told about Tokyo kitchen by a friend and decided to try it out. As soon as we walked in we were greeted and taken to our table. The place had a relaxed and comforting feel to it that was very inviting.
The cooks are nice, entertaining, fast and efficient, just the way i like it. I ordered the steak and shrimp combo. The salad had a delicious tangy dressing, and the soup was simple and surprisingly Delicious for just broth. The shrimp and steak ( cooked in front of you on a large open grill) was cooked to perfection. The fried rice and vegetables were seasoned perfectly and work well as a side dish.
My dad was very impressed and happy we decided on some where new. i will definitely be back soon! -
Review from Fern R.
Upland, CA
6/7/2011 7 Check-ins Here
They Used To Serve Good Food, Now The Food Is A Tasteless Bland Mess!!! We Recently Went For A Birthday Party And They Tried To Cram More People Than The Half Side of Grill Can Hold. Our Whole Party Had To Complain Before They Put Us At An Appropriate Table. They Tried To Sit 13 People On One Half Of The Grill, They Finally Sat Us At The Full Grill When We All Complained. Oh And We Had Reservations But They Didn't Have a Full Table To Accommodate Us Until We All Complained. Service Was Rude, Manager Was Also Rude...What A Waste, It Used To Be Good, Now Extremely Crappy. The Fish Had No Taste, The Beef Had No Taste The Sushi Was Lousy!
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Review from Shalay C.
Chino, CA
8/1/2010
I've been coming to Tokyo Kitchen since I was a little girl. I'm 24 and married now, and it still holds a dear place in my heart.
The sushi is fresh and delicious. I've eaten sushi all over the IE, in L.A., and in San Francisco. Tokyo Kitchen definitely holds its own. The sushi chefs are also very friendly and talkative, which I like.
This is my favorite Teppan grill restaurant. It blows away Wabi Sabi, and especially Benihana, which in my opinion is bland and overpriced. Obviously, your experience can vary according to which chef you get. I've gotten chefs that basically go through the motions, flip a few shrimp tails into their hat, and serve delicious food. And I've had chefs that make it an unforgettable experience. I don't even know if they're supposed to do this, but one time we were sat at a table with other young people and our chef gave the guys "challenges" and then gave them shots of the alcohol he pours on the fire! He called it Fear Factor, and we were literally crying in laughter.
Overall, I take it for what it is. If I'm looking for the best steak in town, I'm not going to a Japanese restaurant, I'm going to a steakhouse. They do seafood well, they make delicious fried rice, and they put on a good show. Can't really ask for much more from a Teppan grill. -
Review from Cynthia G.
Ontario, CA
7/31/2011
Great Sushi at an affordable price! 8)
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Review from Monica M.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 7/12/2011
I'm sorry. No one comes close to Tokyo Kitchen's shrimp sauce and their fried rice. I am craving their food so bad right now. Sucks that they close at 9pm on weekdays.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/6/2009
Why is it so dark in this restaurant? I almost bumped into that big, black panda statue thingy in… Read more »
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Review from Nye T.
San Mateo, CA
8/18/2010
Went there to eat lunch with a fellow chef...
- Took about one minute before we got sat by the manager, there were only 3 tables and no one at the sushi bar, what ever...
- Waitress: I saw her 3 times. When we sat down, when she brought my table drinks, and when she gave me the bill. No good.
- Our chef: Didn't speak to us. We had the Mexican chef, ( not like it matters what nationality one is but just get the job done correctly) , he could have at least described what he was doing, crack a smile, a joke. My fellow chef tried to talk to him the entire time. They must have a "No conversation with the teppan chef while he cooks" rule, because the other chef who was done stayed and talked to his table for at least 15 minutes, while the table next to me was waiting to get cooked for, at least he was there i suppose. No tricks, no nothing. I would have had a better time ordering my food to go and eating it outside.
- Food: Yuck. Fried Rice was tasteless. Sauces were runny, as if they added water. Steak was not that bad though, Salad was whatevs.
Whats the point of going there to eat when first of, I can cook better food than they any day. We got bean sprouts and Mushrooms. I think I'm biased upon electric grills, i hate them. Electric grills are owner's cheap way to get around things.
-Sanitation: Bathroom was OK. One star up on a gas station restroom, but not by much. The teppan grill was dirty. (i know, they are used all day) like i said, we came for lunch, and it seemed as if it had been used 15 times before us, which would be impossible considering the time. Nasty dusty air condition unit blowing into the sushi bar. Thanks. Everything else was mediocre.
- Atmosphere: Dark in the day time, I'm sure they open their blinds or something, however their windows face west, and the sun rises in the east, so no sun will directly contact the window during lunch hours. what ever. their call. The Bar area reminded me of a tropical bar with all the lights and stuff. They should set up more TVs. especially with their, " No talking with the Teppan Chef while he cooks" rule. I was BORED
- Overall: If you have read all my complaints above and made it this far, you probably know my overall experience. I apologize, Tokyo Kitchen, 1 star. -
Review from Steve J.
Upland, CA
2/16/2011
This place has always been a long time favorite! The food is delicious and the service is great!
This is an excellent choice for large parties and get togethers. Personally I think it's a better choice than some of the local competition. -
Review from S J.
Culver City, CA
2/15/2011
A solid 4.75 stars.
I'll admit, the first time my husband brought me here (when we were dating a million years ago), I was pretty skeptical. There was no way this was going to be good.
Boy, did I eat my words.
The sushi is fantastic, the service so friendly, and even the teppan was pretty good (and I'm not really a fan of teppan).
I knocked off a quarter of a star because the last time we were there, the sushi chef (who must have been new?) was all over the place in cutting our pieces. Some pieces were huge and fat; others were thin and raggedly cut. But really, that was about as close to faulting this place as I could get. -
Review from Arya A.
Claremont, CA
This place is one of those diamond-in-the-rough sushi restaurants! Though technically a Tappen-themed restaurant. There is a sushi bar that seats 12-14 people comfortably in the corner. The bar has one exceptional chef out of three: Supi (pronounced "soh-bee"). And he stands out from the rest of the chefs by his friendly, yet professional demeanor.
He is one of the few chefs around that goes out to the market and selects his fish in the morning! The fish is usually decent to above average. Don't expect the freshest-tasting, vividly colored fish you'll ever eat! But rather, it is above avg and it is very reliable fish. Never had an upset stomach the days before, or was ever dissatisfied with my food. I admit, I am spoiled, ad I've been to far better sushi places in LA- yet this is a noteworthy place to look at in the inland empire!
Friday-sat. nights are the prime nights to come and they usually have seats available until 5/6pm.
The service is excellent! Louis, the main waiter assigned to the sushi bar, remembers your face and even your favorite drink! (just make sure you get to know him) He is constantly watching over the patrons and quickly cleans the plates, refills drinks before you know it, and is very polite when talking to you. Overall, excellent sushi restaurant! Just needs to have more sushi bar seating, and a few more talented and social chefs. -
Review from Tania S.
Downtown, Los Angeles, CA
It may look a little sketchy from the outside, but the food is pretty tasty.
This was only my second time here, and I must admit the first time I came it was way better, but it was good nonetheless.
Our cook was not up to par. he under cooked my steak and over cooked my mushrooms and rice.
but I'm not discouraged, I'd gladly go back, the ambiance and the over-all taste of the food was still good.
OH, and of course the soup/salad/ice cream inclusions were also a big plus.
SO, this wasn't exactly the best teppan-steak house, but it's local and and good enough. -
Review from Bob C.
CA
8/3/2008
Wandered into this place after going to Dulce and realizing they were already closed (note at 8).
Did not realize it was a teppan grill until we sat down. I just blurted out "yes" when they initially asked, "grill?"
I have to be honest, this was my very first Teppan experience. Never been to Benihana or similar places. So, I decided to go for it and order the Filet Mignon and Lobster special.
The special came with Miso soup (okay), salad (ugh, too much dressing), grilled mushrooms (overdone), and grilled veggies (nothing special).
The meat courses included a grilled shrimp appetizer (overcooked), the filet mignon (cooked nicely), and the grilled lobster tail (nothing special).
I finished the meal with some green tea ice cream (WAY too sweet, was there tea flavor in there?!).
With respect to the "show," I thought that other than the onion volcano, it was boring. Plus, our chef just wasn't talkative or entertaining other than some fancy cutting of the meats. -
Review from Susan H.
West Covina, CA
10/31/2007
Food: D-
Value: F
Service: C
Decor: Japanese teppan restaurant w/ small sushi bar
Return Rate: Never, Never, Never
This is the worst Japanese restaurant I have ever been to. I believe people like the huge portions, but Benihana serves fresher food ... hands down. Just forget about how much cheaper it is than Benihana and run. I had tummy problems for two days ... I took my royal position on the toilet throne for TWO DAYS and according to the nature channel, I should build a shigloo so that I can save face from my roommate.
Here's what we ordered for our business lunch:
* ALBACORE SUSHI: C- ($4.50)
* YELLOW TAIL SUSHI: C- ($4.50)
* SALMON ROLL: F ($5.50)
First of all, they put mayo in their salmon roll and a lot of it. It was really nasty.
* STUFFED TOMATO: C- ($9.50)
A sushi ball of rice with tempura crunchies wrapped with two slices of tuna sashimi and topped with a spicy mayo seafood mixture of crab and raw scallops.
This was a unique idea, but they need to get a hold of the mayo addict and send him to counseling.
* DELUXE TOKYO LUNCHEON: D ($17.75)
Teppan Shrimp Flambe, Filet Mignon, and Scallops
They used the small, frozen, and tiny SHRIMPS and SCALLOPS that barely had any flavor. Again, they served it alongside a mayo type sauce. The FILET MIGNON had no flavor. This dish included EGG FRIED RICE (and when I say egg fried rice, I mean, just the egg and just the rice), SALAD, STIR FRIED BEAN SPROUTS, and ICE CREAM. All were below average and lacked salt and pepper (excluding the ice cream of course). Come on now, how can they just serve bean sprouts ... that's a poor man's side dish ... not for a meal that cost 18 bucks!
Unless you have a strong stomach, I wouldn't even give this restaurant a thought ... do not waste your time. -
Review from MeChan W.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
7/14/2009
Forget all the tricks and knife throwing crap i love this place cause unlike benihanas the food is not over priced and is actually seasoned well, your not paying for a name and very bland food.
The food is great and the atmosphere is very pleasant and cool you are not afraid to have a little fun, i love this place. -
Review from Pam S.
12/29/2009 1 photo
Thomas Jefferson and I went here for Dinner this past weekend and ate at the Sushi Bar I had 2 Geisha's (excellent liqqa beverage) and he had something like I think a Mai Tai and Sake... All was good.
We ordered a HUGE amount of Sushi and was very very satisfied had a dynamite roll, eel special roll, scallops, mushrooms and onion concoction that was extremely delicious. I had been to Toyko Kitchen in the past (as it is in my neighborhood) and could recall the excellent beverages :) and the Teppen kitchen that they are well known for but if you are looking for something light to eat... such as Sushi head over to Tokyo Kitchen in Montclair don't let the outside fool you.
Respectfully ReviewedListed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Angela S.
Fullerton, CA
8/19/2008
i LOVE this place. Me and a group of friends try to go every couple months. .. we eat at the grills.. i usually get shrimp and filet mignon it is soo DELISH!!! my favorite part is the rice.. they have a secret sauce, almost tastes like thousand island that you put on the rice.. SOOO awesome.. its about $15-30 for a plate.. but i always have more than enough for left overs.
They also have a great mango sushi roll.. everything is YUMMY!!! -
Review from Kat G.
Los Angeles, CA
1/6/2007
When for the first time this week. From what I hear, this place has been around forever (more like 15 years, which is forever in small business years). I went for lunch. In comparison to other such establishment where the chef grills right in front of you, this is quite reasonable. You get your choice of soup of salad (dressing awesome, by the way), fried rice, and meat (Only one veggie dish. This place is not recommended for vegetarians). I had the shrimp and scallop combo, which was delightful.
I was less than thrilled with their deep-fried ice cream action. It was probably because I was expecting something like Kabuki (green tea with chocolate sauce on the side), but it was more like a strawberry shortcake.
If you want light-show action, you'll probably want to drive down Foothill to Shogun. Tokyo Kitchen's got that for dinner. However, food+show=mo' money.
By the way, if you're there for lunch, swing by the reptile pet store for a bit. It's fun, but kinda gross.Listed in: Food in the IE
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Review from Lindsey H.
Los Angeles, CA
9/8/2007
Man-friend & I just got back from a fantastic dinner at the sushi bar. The young sushi chef that works there is amazing. Tell him you want 'something with (insert name of favorite fish here)' & he'll give you a little piece of heaven on a plate.
I highly recommend the Stuff Tomato (there is no tomato in this dish. It's a round of sushi rice wrapped with two slices of tuna sashimi & pilled high with a spicy sea food mixture of krab, raw scallops & tempura crunchies mixed with that yummy spicy sauce), the Kim's Special (cooked white fish with onions & crunchies, topped with spicy tuna) roll & have the dude just make you something with your favorite fish, anything. They are amazingly creative. We had them make us two special rolls, one with yellow-tail & one with salmon. They were amazing, I can't even describe them... mostly because forget what was in them.
This place isn't just a sushi bar. It's also a Benihana type place, when you sit at big tables with multiple people & they cook the food in front of you. It looked pretty good, we'll have to go back & check out that part of the restaurant.
It's a great place for birthdays. They give you a paper hat & take your picture. It's awesome.
One of the best sushi restaurants in Southern California, stuck in a shitty strip mall in Montclair. Fuck yeah! -
Review from Weston T.
Claremont, CA
12/4/2007
Honestly, one of my favorite sushi places is just down the street from my house - out here in the Inland Empire (or the gateway to the Inland Empire). I have found that they use excellent fish and do excellent presentation. Yes, they tend to lots of mayo-laden "sushi" for people who aren't into the whole "raw fish" thing. But I must say that they got me into trying sushi through that approach, and then I was able to move into the more traditional items. No, I am not a true sushi snob, but I do appreciate a good piece of nigiri. And, yes, I have eaten at Katsu-Ya several times. I still like Tokyo Kitchen.
I have eaten the teppan once or twice at this place. It is tasty, since it is mostly butter (or margarine?). Not my thing, really. When I go, I go for the sushi bar.
This place is sort of a night-life spot in an area that lacks much night life. Therefore, be prepared to wait.
