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Kaita Restaurant

4.0 (695 reviews)
Closed 11:30 am - 2:00 pm, 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Updated 1 month ago

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KAITA RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Good for kids
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - Kaita Restaurant

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Brian B.

Authentic sushi restaurant in historic San Jose Japantown. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Japantown has managed to keep its authentic local flavor in a robust constantly changing Silicon Valley.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Well done everyone! My go to dish is a chirashi bowl. Here it is called 'Kaisen Don'. It was a perfect proportion for me. Not too big and tasty. It comes with Misi Soup. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambience is simple and focused on providing an atmosphere to eat.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I didn't feel like lingering after I finished my thoroughly satisfying dinner.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

Takumi A.

Recently revisited Kaita Restaurant in San Jose Japantown and added a nigiri assortment alongside their tonkatsu. The nigiri sushi was solid and technically sound. What stood out was the sushi rice. Each grain was distinct, properly hydrated, and lightly seasoned. On the bite, the rice separates cleanly instead of compressing into a paste - a clear indication of correct water absorption, starch gelatinization, and temperature control. This is rice handled with intention, not shortcuts. The tonkatsu was excellent. The breading was evenly fried and crisp without excess oil, pointing to stable frying temperature and moisture control. Inside, the pork remained juicy and tender, suggesting proper resting after frying so the protein fibers could retain their internal moisture. The baseline items I always order here continue to perform consistently well: Premium kaisendon Tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet / egg sushi) Agedashi tofu This visit, I deliberately ordered both versions of the agedashi tofu - with and without mushrooms. The side-by-side comparison was precise and revealing. The standard agedashi tofu highlights clean dashi and texture control: a crisp exterior transitioning into a custardy interior. The mushroom-enhanced version, which is priced higher, introduces an additional aromatic layer. The mushrooms contribute natural glutamates, increasing perceived umami and extending the savory finish without masking the dashi. Importantly, the frying technique and tofu structure remain identical - the difference is compositional rather than technical. That kind of controlled comparison only works when a kitchen is confident in its fundamentals. A special mention goes to the chūtoro (medium fatty tuna) in the premium kaisendon. Its quality has remained remarkably consistent over the years - clean freshness, defined structure, and a refined, aromatic fat profile that melts cleanly on the palate rather than smearing. This level of stability reflects disciplined sourcing and the owner's insistence on serving fish only at its optimal state. Overall, this revisit reaffirmed why Kaita remains one of the more reliable Japanese restaurants in San Jose Japantown. What's happening here isn't trend-driven - it's physics, chemistry, and restraint applied quietly and consistently. That kind of consistency is engineered, not accidental. Dr. C Food, like engineering, is physics and chemistry under discipline. If it can't be repeated, it isn't quality.

Business Hours
Lloyd C.

I love these small businesses like Kaita (and Ginza beforehand). Specializing in fresh ingredients & the ever-changing/rotating menu items to serve their customers with the choicest ingredients and meals. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Again, the restaurant is simple and cozy, maybe only accommodating a party of 6 or 8 at most.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]They are gear for parties of 1-4 people.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

Katsu Curry
Jen D.

Came here with friends and we enjoyed delicious food, excellent service! [[HIGHLIGHT]]This place is intimate so it can only accommodate a few people at a time but we were never rushed.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I'll be back for sure!

Lunch special
HK H.

I will always stop by when I'm in J-Town. Their lunch specials are always delicious and filling. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The space is cozy and the service is always polite and attentive to refilling my tea.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] This time around, I am also grateful that they tucked away my wallet when I accidentally left it there. Panic averted!

mizutaki hotpot
Tsu-Li L.

Came here a couple of times, both on weekday evenings. First time, we came on a Friday later in the evening as a group of 3. We had to wait about 10-15 minutes for a table. Since the interior of the restaurant is quite small, we had to wait outside. The second time, we were seated right away. I would suggest coming earlier in the evening for no wait. I've tried their Alaska Roll and the Mizutaki hotpot. The roll was pretty standard, the fish was fresh and the ratio of ingredients to rice was decent. I really enjoyed their mizutaki hotpot. The broth was on the milder side, but there were a lot of ingredients! I kept fishing for more items even when I thought I was done. Their other hotpot broths are more flavorful, but sometimes you just want something simpler. It did take a bit longer for the hotpot to come out than the other meals, but that might be because it's in the middle of summer right now (so not hotpot season). I also got their oolong tea, which is refillable! The staff is pretty responsive and came often to refill our waters/drinks. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The interior is not very decorated, but makes it feel more homey.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I definitely recommend coming here!

Alayna K.

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Very authentic and cozy spot.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Dinner was great and dishes were fresh. Lunch Combination bento box was tasty -- the sashimi was fresh and the grilled salmon was great. Salads were not the best. The negitoro don was decent but the soup broth + udon was so flavorful that it made up for it! Would recommend. Cold Soba was pretty standard.

Yakiniku Beef
Alex V.

Came here for lunch and had a great experience! Full disclaimer: I've been here before and the dinner service was pretty bad, though wanted to try out the lunch service. This visit I got the Yakiniku beef lunch special and it came with salad, rice, and miso soup; and everything was deeeelicious. If anything, the beef was slightly overcooked, but still super tender and delicious. The sides were pretty standard, and the service was considerably better than the last time. There was only one server for the restaurant, but she moved VERY quickly, checked on you constantly and just did a great job overall.

Sushi Sashimi Combo
Sujean W.

My family and i came with friends last week and it was my first time trying Kaita. It was recommended by our friends. The restaurant is not to large inside but is cozy and has comfortable seating. We had a party of 6 including 2 toddlers. It was very inviting and welcoming and the kids did great throughout the dinner. They sat in between me and the other mom on their bench seating. Waiters were nice but a bit awkward but no complaints with the service. They got us everything we needed and were very accommodating. I ordered the sushi and sashimi combo for $27. the sashimi was so fresh and deliciousz. It came with Tuna and Yellowtail sashimi slices and 4 additional nigiri which included shrimp, salmon, albacore and yellowtail. There were also a few pieces of california roll on the side. I enjoyed the set and it definitely satisfied my sashimi craving. My husband got the black cod and sashimi combo for $32. I really enjoyed his combo and thought it was a steal. It also came with 7 slices of sashimi on the side in addition to a seared miso black cod, potato salad and a croquette. The miso black cod was cooked to perfection. It was cooked exactly to the right amount so that it was not raw but retained the really soft and tenderness is a sashimi. It was well seasoned with the miso paste. Potato salad was delicious as was the croquette. The meal came with a mushroom soup which had amazing umami. Overall great deal and amazing food. The food is delicious and it's so authentic. I really can't wait to come back. I just wished i lived closer so I can come more often but it'll be a treat every time for me.

Claire L.

Cutest little restaurant in Japantown! Came here for lunch on a Friday and was seated immediately. Forgot what exactly I ordered but we ate tempura, kaarage, sashimi and it came with miso soup and salad. Everything was super tasty! Tempura definitely hit the spot and kaarage was super juicy. Place feels super homey and cute and service was kind! Can't wait to come back!

Hannah Nicole C.

LOVED this place! Food was so good, hidden between other restaurants and shops, Kaita was a nice little surprise for us. My husband and I went for date night and we loved the food we got. [[HIGHLIGHT]]A little tiny restaurant so don't expect apt of space, but what the lack in space they make up for it in flavor![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The people are nice and friendly and are attentive to their customers.

Daikon salad
Sue G.

This was our first time visiting this restaurant. We enjoyed the hot pot pork and Kim chi with the daikon salad which was exactly what we needed, fresh vegetables, a mix of flavors with some shi so and plenty of daikon and a yummy dressing. They had a refreshing iced tea as well as hot tea, we are kind of picky about the iced tea and it was just right. The service was excellent and we plan to be back

Dining room
Alex M.

I loved Kaita! I was walking thru Japan Town and decided to walk in for a bite. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place is typical Japanese, clean and bright with lots of wood furnishings and wall coverings.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service was prompt. I ordered the sushi appetizer. I think it was 1 roll and a few pieces of nigiri. The roll was very small, but delicious. The fish and rice were fresh. Next I had curry with chicken katsu. This was also delicious. Crispy breaded chicken with a hearty curry sauce over rice. Delicious! I took my time, enjoying my meal, not paying attention to the time. When I left the restaurant, I looked at the hours on the sign outside and realized I walked in about 10 mins before they were closing for the afternoon and stayed about a half hour past their closing time! I had no idea. The staff was so nice and never made me aware that I was being absolutely rude. I'm sorry Kaita for not paying more attention to your hours and overstaying my welcome

Sushi bar

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1 month ago

Food is mid, service is mid, [[HIGHLIGHT]]the air conditioning is worse for a restaurant, you wouldn't able to eat hot food.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

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Goodtime Bar

Goodtime Bar

4.7
(239 reviews)
0.9 mi
$$

What a great find…read more -bucatini was phenomenal -aroncini such a pleasant surprise. Amazing taste profile. Just missing a tad of acid like an arugula side w a citrus vinaigrette -pork belly was sticky and fabulous -deviled eggs with roe had a great texture -crème brûlée was spot on. Cold with perfect burnt top and creamy inside.

I am completely obsessed with Goodtime Bar. I can appreciate their unique selection of wine, as…read morethey focus on natural wine. Not my personal cup of tea, but they do also offer sake and a few beers also. The first time we went, we ordered the arancini, bucatini, and the heritage pork katsu. I am a big advocate for trying new things every time I go to a restaurant, but it was so good I ordered the same thing the second time I went. Arancini is flavored with Japanese curry with creamy fontina in the center topped off with kimchi mayo. Holy f. These quite literally put the traditional Italian ones to shame (sorry not sorry). Next was the bucatini. It had tom yum butter, lime, basil- all the fix ins of what you want from tom yum flavors with the luxuriousness added from the butter. It was sinful. Last and certainly not least, is the pork katsu. I cannot even remember the last time I ordered a pork katsu, but something told me to order it. Thank God I did, as it quite literally changed my life. If they ever take it off the menu I am not sure I would be OK. It is crispy and is swimming in this koji butter, but the key is that it is NOT greasy. I quite literally think about it all the time. To the point where I had it twice in a week. Service was great, bartenders are so friendly. The place is cute and vibrant. Keep in mind it is small- limited seating inside and a small patio outside. But so worth the wait. It aint called Goodtime for no reason!

Photos
Indoor seating area
Indoor seating area
Pork Belly w/ caramelized oyster sauce, peach salsa, ngo gai, jimmy nardellos ($24)
Pork Belly w/ caramelized oyster sauce, peach salsa, ngo gai, jimmy nardellos ($24)
A rich sparkling white that's not too dry

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A rich sparkling white that's not too dry
Petiscos

Petiscos

3.8
(657 reviews)
1.4 mi
$$$

A Michelin restaurant in Downtown SJ? Ample parking in the…read morearea, the interior has quite a bit of seating (no outdoor seating). The staff was helpful and answered all of our questions. Food was served fresh and hot. If you come around 7pm or 8pm, you'll probably need reservations. Recommendations: 'Pao de quejio' cheese bread Francesinha sandwich

First time trying Portuguese food! Never had Portuguese food before much less petiscos which is…read morebasically tapas. The food is very similar to Spanish tapas. The flavor profile is slightly different but I could barely notice since I'm not so familiar with the cuisine. Food: Lingicua- dope presentation. It arrives on fire to your table. Pretty cool and the taste is good but ultimately it's just a sausage. Class streamed in white wine/garlic- really tasty. I really enjoyed this dish. It has a very similar profile to other clam/mussels in white wine dishes so I dunno if you necessarily hafta try it here but it was good. Octopus- was also really good but I wouldn't say any better or worse at other places over had octopus Duck rice- this was just ok. Duck was a lil dry. At $45 I wouldn't recommend. The portion is also tiny. I thought it was gonna be like a big paella or something. Overall everything was solid/tasty. Cocktails were surprisingly good. I'll say the only thing is the value/price. Portions are tiny and some things like the rice are really pricey for the portion that you get so I'd def be aware of that.

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Dining area from the front
Dining area from the front
Seafood rice
Seafood rice
Bar seating

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Bar seating
Dan Izakaya

Dan Izakaya

3.8
(1.5k reviews)
5.8 mi
$$$

Food: 8.8/10 on Beli Will come again!! Their sashimi salad…read moreis SO GOOD they give u sm high quality sashimi (sake, toro, and hamachi) and a lot of salad for $23.99!!!! It was the favorite dish for all four of us at the table. The crispy rice onigiri was also delicious but imo there wasn't enough filling. Service 10/10 We came in around 8pm and the waitress let us know that the kitchen is closing soon right when we were seated, we had enough time to order and they asked one more time before truly closing. We requested to move to the tatami after another party left and they were super nice about it!!! Ambiance: 7/10 It's a bit dark and slightly cramped, but i dont think it can be helped. Tatami experience 10/10!!One more thing - my friend said their prices haven't changed since she was little, she used to come w her family.

It's been years since we've been here, but my cousin and his wife were visiting from an area of…read moreSoCal where they have little authentic Japanese food, and we remembered that this wasn't your typical Japanese place that has simplified bento boxes. We're glad we picked here to show them what the Bay Area can do in terms of more authentic Japanese food. The decor is traditional and not fancy, but comfortable and clean. The shishito peppers were really tasty, not too hot, pleasantly hot. Edamame was typical, nothing really special, but it's a bit difficult to really elevate edamame. The braised pork was good and the lean parts were easy to selectively eat. Nothing here is aggressively seasoned, but also not at all bland, so it's a good balance of flavorful but not overbearing. The grilled chicken wings were okay, but nothing outstanding or memorable - but simple and fine. Our "main" dishes, the deluxe meshi, nike tofu, and okonomiyaki were all great! Really enjoyed all of them and they were again flavorful, authentic tasting, and generous portions to share. Wish this were a little closer to where we live, but we enjoy coming here whenever we do and I recommend this for trying more traditional dishes when you want something different than simple teriyaki and sushi rolls.

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Inside
Inside
Gyu Tongue
Gyu Tongue
Niku Tofu

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Niku Tofu
Habitant

Habitant

3.8
(21 reviews)
3.3 mi
$$

OK, so I absolutely love this place. I would go to this place quite often. this particular day the…read morebartender was completely busy making wonderful drinks and a glass broke. She caught the manager and the manager was very lazy. The manager would not help. She spent more time calling to get someone above her by request because we couldn't believe the lack of managerial help displayed I have never in my life, seen a Manager see their staff with so much to do yet wasn't willing to do a thing to help her she just directed her. The manager's mannerism was highly unprofessional and unpleasant to see everyone in the bar that day couldn't believe it. Despite all of this, the ambience was always cute and the food was always good. I enjoy the tacos and the drinks. It's too bad it close but we enjoyed going.

I have been eating here for over five years. This is the first time that this has happened to me…read moreand My Son. We ordered two Nordstrom's burger and one was made very salty so the waiter took the burger away and brought me another burger, but I was under the impression that it would be free because he took the salty burger away so I was charged for three burgers and he did not tell us anything. I did not realize until I got out of the mall, but I was charged for three burgers. I tried calling the store but There was no answer.

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They call this medium rare.....?????
They call this medium rare.....?????
Nordstrom San Jose Habitant
Nordstrom San Jose Habitant
Nordstrom San Jose Habitant - Soft Tacos

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Nordstrom San Jose Habitant - Soft Tacos
Los Gatos Soda Works

Los Gatos Soda Works

4.5
(398 reviews)
10.1 mi
$$

My fave cocktail bar been visiting since they opened pre-Covid deserved an update to my original…read morereview. 24 visits and counting at the time of this review's post and have paid it forward recommending it to my friends and them to theirs. Food: 4.5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 4.5 Cost to worth it rating: 3 Opentableable: no but toast tab Return worthiness: yes Eve award: best quality cocktails in taste and presentation Highlights: - Cocktail quality: everything is top notch and fantastic - Cocktail uniqueness: drinks are truly their own creations you can't find elsewhere. Love the creativity. - Fun glassware: for some they have great receptacles to go with the personality of the drink - Theatrical ones: those are the creme de le creme and so much fun. I've had them all. Faves of those: -- Dead men tell no tales: pirate themed comes in a chest you can open and the drinks are in diamond shaped glasses. But it's not just a fun show. The drink is amazing. A smooth, complex, clarified bunch. 5 stars -- Magic carpet one: when they had that it was one of my faves I'd order regularly. 5 stars -- Rinse and repeat: one of their classics which comes in a bathtub complete with foam and a rubber duckie. Refreshing and not sweet. 4.5 stars - New for the summer. Tried a few -- Bear necessities: little honey bear with cantaloupe, white miso, and sauvignon blanc. Quite delicious and summery. 4.5 -- Open container: artsy clear version of a paper bag. Interesting ingredient mix with Havana club rum, fermented pineapple, almond milk, and others. Little bit sweet. 4 stars - Their now more standard drinks are still some of the ones I still rely one. Faves of those: -- Studio 54: vodka based with lemongrass and bubbles served in a shiny colored disco ball glass 5 stars -- Man and his mule: peppercorn version of a mule and love the peppery kick. 4.5 stars -- Grand larceny: punch of a spirit forward cocktail my husband loves. 4.5 stars - Rotate out cocktails ever so often to maximize the fun - Halloween and Christmas they go all out with their unique menus and decor: no generic national pop ups for them and I look forward to it every year. - Food items: high quality as well. Some of my go tos -- Crab toasts: 4 little pieces of lovely toast with a dollop of avocado mousse and a heap of dungenous crab topped with lemon beurre blanc. My fave snack I always have to get. 5+ stars -- Grilled cheese: wonderful combo of white cheddar, monterey jack, and provolone with a bit of truffle flavor--not too much--on a nice fluffy roll. Served with soup to dip it in--often times a nice tomato. 4.75 stars -- French dip: solid version on the same type of roll. 4.5 stars - Can make reservations now online which makes it a lot more convenient - Wines: have a fabulous wine by the glass list but I can't ever pull myself away from the cocktails - Bourbon/whiskey: have a stellar collection and knowledgeable staff to tell you about them (but again never get to it) - Staff: friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable - Atmosphere: relaxed yet fun Midlights: - They used to have a nice nut mix I enjoyed but not on the menu anymore Lowlights: - Books up for the holidays so grab those reservations when you can

Not sure why we never got around to trying this place before. Came in with some clients and was…read morehonestly pretty impressed. The service was great, the drinks were delicious, and the light bites were surprisingly good across the board. We had the Kobe "Eye of Ribeye" Steak Tartare, Prime Rib Beef Dip, Heirloom Tomato & Burrata, Lobster Roll, Black Truffle Deviled Eggs, Dungeness Crab Toast, and the Hamachi Crudo. The only thing that wasn't really our favorite was the deviled eggs, but everything else was solid. Overall, a great spot for a drink and a few bites. Definitely one of those places I'll be coming back to, especially since there are still quite a few things on the menu I'd like to try.

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Indoor/outdoor seating
Indoor/outdoor seating
Rinse and Repeat
Rinse and Repeat
Sleepy Hallow Drink

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Kaita Restaurant - japanese - Updated July 2026

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