Kyo-Ya Restaurant

Lovely sushi around the corner. I'm writing this after my third time visiting Kyo-Ya since the first time in June 2007. I live in Oregon, but when my boyfriend and I come to San Francisco for business trips, we make it a point to visit this quiet gem. I've never had their main entrees, like their beef or butterfish (although it sounds amazing), but I love their nigiri sushi and their sushi rolls. The yellowtail is superb, it has the distinct flavor of tuna, but more savory and just melt-in-your-mouth good. The spicy rolls are excellent too. It's always been quiet and never crowded when we're there.…

Let's hope it recovers. Kyoya was one of my favorite Japanese cuisine restaurants despite not being open on weekends. No longer. When my office was located near there I used to go so frequently that the staff knew me and, despite busy times, were cordial. The variety and quality of food, even at lunch, were tempting and satisfying. And it's a beautiful place despite the tables being surprisingly cramped for 4 adults. I had been going less frequently but still enough to be remembered. However the last time I invited friends I was surprised to find a change in the lunch format. The big multi-page menu was gone, replaced by a limited selection. My favorite lunch box had been reduced too. And it was crowded, but certainly no excuse for my second favorite server to be impatient with one of my guests who asked for a clarification. She seemed annoyed the entire time. The quality of food was still top notch (such as the sashimi, sushi and beef and butterfish) but the limited choices made me want to consider other restaurants where the staff seems pleased for the patronage and where there is more variety and almost as good quality but at much lower prices. With its sleek decor, variety of food, and excellent cooking Kyoya was almost perfect for me. But I'm not pleased by the recent rationalizations and maybe the staff is unhappy as well.…

Just Appearances. I was highly disappointed by the quality of food here especially the sashimi. The freshness was only average and the selection minimal. I went there three separate times to make sure I did not catch them on a sub-par night, and all three times, I was disappointed. I can only say there three strikes and you're out! There are much better places in the city that serves better food for the money though I have to admit, the Kyo-Ya has a impressive decor.…

Sophisticated decor, well-rendered Japanese cuisine and a downtown location make this upscale restaurant popular with businesspeople.. The Scene
A top destination for visiting businessmen, this upscale Japanese restaurant has an austere, yet refined sensibility. The decor is elegant and minimalist, with clean lines, simple furniture and soft lighting. The dining room is divided into a series of semi-enclosed areas, adding a feeling of intimacy.

The Food
Exquisite nigiri, sashimi and maki emerge from the action-packed sushi bar with freshly grated wasabi. The kitchen's cooked specialties are also outstanding, such as grilled butterfish in a soybean sauce, utterly greaseless tempura and flavorful sukiyaki. Even teriyaki dinners are exceptionally rendered. Culinary adventurers should try the shabu shabu (that's the sound all that meat and veggies make when you waggle them in the dusky broth) or one of the traditional ochazuke dishes meant to end a meal: a soothing, light rice soup with dry seaweed or a fragrant salmon simmered gently in clear-brothed rice soup.…