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Sushi Kiyono
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Sushi Kiyono
8.1
Family-operated traditional sushi bar run by an Okinawan master chef since 1992. The lunch nigiri sets offer exceptional quality at reasonable prices with generous cuts of pristine fish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna Biscuits, Dr. John Hand Roll, Halibut Carpaccio
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Three-decade legacy with same Okinawan chef maintaining traditions
Who should go: Sushi connoisseurs seeking authenticity over trends
When to visit: Early lunch at 11:30am beats crowds
What to order: Nigiri lunch set, toro hand roll, miso black cod
Insider tip: Ask for daily specials not on menu
Logistics & Planning
Parking: 2-hour street parking on side streets, paid garage on Canon Drive ($3/hour), valet not available
Dress code: Business casual minimum - collared shirts common at lunch, no athletic wear
Noise level: Quiet - intimate sushi bar setting allows easy conversation
Weekend wait: Walk-ins usually seated within 15 minutes
Weekday lunch: Peak 12-1pm can mean 20 min wait, come before noon or after 1:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - cucumber/avocado rolls, vegetable tempura, agedashi tofu
Vegan options: Very limited - cucumber roll, edamame, seaweed salad (confirm no fish stock)
Gluten-free options: Yes - sashimi, nigiri without soy sauce, tamari available on request
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if your date appreciates authentic sushi - intimate counter seating creates connection, quiet enough to talk, impressive without being showy
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes - small 8-seat counter plus 4 tables means locals know to call ahead for dinner, but lunch and early dinner typically have openings
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - traditional sushi bar atmosphere, limited kid options, better for teens who eat sushi
Best For
Better for: Authentic technique and generous cuts at fair prices - beats trendy spots charging double for half the quality
Skip if: You want creative fusion rolls or Instagram-worthy presentations - this is old-school excellence
Sushi Kiyono
8.0
Low-key neighborhood gem with colorful paintings and a stunning sushi bar serving traditional Japanese dishes alongside creative Asian fusion. The calamari tempura roll wrapped in delicate soy paper exemplifies their innovative approach.
Must-Try Dishes:
Calamari Tempura Roll, Mushroom Miso Soup, Chef's Nigiri Selection
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Authentic neighborhood spot without pretense
Who should go: Couples wanting relaxed, quality sushi
When to visit: Early dinner for quieter atmosphere
What to order: Calamari tempura roll, chef's special nigiri, miso soup
Insider tip: Ask for daily specials not on the menu
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking usually available on side streets, metered until 8pm ($2/hour)
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - anything from nice jeans to business casual works
Noise level: Moderate - intimate enough for conversation without raising voices
Weekend wait: 30-45 min walk-in, reservations recommended Friday/Saturday
Weekday lunch: No wait, plenty of bar seating available
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable rolls, tempura, and appetizers available
Vegan options: Limited - cucumber/avocado rolls, edamame, seaweed salad
Gluten-free options: Yes - sashimi, most nigiri (request no soy sauce), tamari available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - intimate without being too formal, moderate noise allows conversation, and sharing sushi is interactive without being messy
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights usually yes with short wait, but book ahead for weekends. Bar seating often available for walk-ins
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids - they have tempura and teriyaki options, though atmosphere leans romantic in evenings
Best For
Better for: Creative rolls at neighborhood prices - more innovative than typical strip mall sushi but without Nobu pretension
Skip if: You want omakase experience or ultra-traditional preparations - try Sushi Zo or Kiriko instead
Sushi Kiyono
7.8
This neighborhood gem serves creative fusion rolls alongside traditional nigiri, with standouts like their calamari tempura roll wrapped in delicate soy paper. Family-owned since 2008, the warm service makes regulars feel like valued guests who are remembered by name.
Must-Try Dishes:
Calamari Tempura Roll, Dr. John Roll, Spicy Tuna Biscuits
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Staff remembers regular customers and their preferred orders.
Who should go: Families and locals seeking quality without pretense
When to visit: Early dinner before 7pm for easy seating
What to order: Mix tempura box, specialty rolls, halibut carpaccio
Insider tip: They serve single pieces instead of pairs for easier sampling
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking with 2-hour meters until 8pm, small lot behind restaurant fills quickly after 6:30pm
Dress code: Casual - regulars come in everything from workout clothes to business casual
Noise level: Moderate - lively family atmosphere but conversation-friendly
Weekend wait: 20-30 min typical, call ahead for parties over 4
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating before 12:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cucumber, avocado, veggie tempura rolls plus inari
Vegan options: Limited - veggie rolls without mayo, edamame, seaweed salad
Gluten-free options: Partial - sashimi and certain rolls, but soy sauce contains wheat
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want relaxed vibes - it's cozy without being too intimate, and sharing rolls creates natural conversation
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights usually fine, but Friday/Saturday after 7pm expect a wait - they take your number and text when ready
Is it kid-friendly? Very - high chairs available, staff brings kids' chopstick helpers, and they'll make simple rolls not on the menu
Best For
Better for: Neighborhood regulars who want consistent quality without the scene - better value than trendy spots on Robertson
Skip if: You're seeking Instagram-worthy omakase or ultra-traditional edo-mae style - this is fusion-forward comfort sushi