Koto is a vibrant bar, restaurant, and underground music venue located in the heart of downtown Salem. I enjoy stopping by every now and again when my partner and I are in the area. The inside is quite trendy with the appealing bar as soon as you walk in and homey, yet fun decor. Lighting usually runs warmer and it is unique for an Asian restaurant in that it also makes me feel like to some degree I'm at an Irish pub. Maybe that one is just me, but I'll let you decide that when you visit. For food I usually run basics such as lo mein, chicken fried rice and such- which are delicious. My partner adores the ramen, though I'm not so much a ramen person, but I'll take her word for it. Staff are friendly and quick here. We've had a few hiccups on times we didn't have our usual waitress we ask for including water that was mixed with grenadine upon requesting a Shirley Temple (funny, but the waitress realized and corrected the mistake swiftly). We usually ask for Bing when we're here as my partner is fond of her for how friendly, witty, and overall a joy she is to have around. Nothing gets by her and she is great (give her a raise)! I haven't been to a music show here, but they do a lot of underground shows here if you are into that sort of thing. I plan on attending one of these days. If you find yourself seeking a bite to eat when in Salem, Koto isn't a bad spot to settle down at and is quite nice to visit- particularly at night. read more

A fascinating music venue that also serves Asian foods of various varieties. The chicken pineapple fried rice was decent; nice that there wasn't too much soy sauce, but the pineapple itself had a bit of an odd flavor, and the chicken pieces were too large (though they were tender, and it's good that they used breast meat). The sauce on the cauliflower was too sweet, and should have been a lot spicier (esp. if it's marketed as a Sichuan flavor). The black witch roll had black tobiko, tempura, spicy salmon, and fake crabmeat. It was really good actually; also wrapped in a thin delicate tofu skin (which was not advertised on the menu, but totally should have been!). The flavors were fairly balanced, though again the drizzle was too sweet. But enough about the food, the music was amazing! On this particular night, one was treated to acts local and national, including the frontwoman (Mlny Parsonz) from the band Royal Thunder who was spectacular - knew how to manage the sound in a venue with great dynamic range, louds and softs. This is someone with a history of playing hard heavy rock at big venues and crowds, and likely should have a bigger following; if you weren't one of the 25 people who was 15 feet away from this master musician, you missed out! Kudos for maintaining this great music venue, at a time when people are reaching out for connection and connectivity. read more

Finally, we were able to come in for an in-person meal! We sat at the bar and ordered some drinks to start. I got the purple rain; it's super yummy and pretty balanced but a little sweet for my liking. Hubs got the mai tai, and oooh yeah, look at that beauty! We ordered the Lovers Boat, which had a superb mix of sushi and sashimi; the fish just melted in my mouth! The rolls were delicious, too; the spicy tuna was one of the best I have had! We also enjoyed some Sake with dinner. The ambiance is deceiving for the quality of food you get. Somewhat Chinese restaurant meets a town dive bar. But we were cool with that! There were many bar seats, and just as we were leaving, it looked like a band was coming in to set up and play; wicked cool, Koto! Think this is our new must-go place for our sushi hankerings! (PS., the prices were low, making it one of the most affordable sushi dates!) read more

See all

The BEST Asian food that I have ever put in my mouth. I got the chicken lo mein, and my husband got the chicken fried rice. I don't think I will ever eat lo mein that is as delicious as this was. The chicken fried rice was also really good. I also got a California roll, which was fine. The booth bench that we sat in was the most comfortable seat I've ever sat on in a restaurant. The service was really good. The vibes of the restaurant were also nice. read more

Service depends on what your race is-- if you're white, you'll probably enjoy your time. If you're not, well, you'll be treated like a second class citizen. read more

What has happened to Koto? Service was just okay, and they have cut their menu way down. The sushi was decent but not great, and the Chinese food was overcooked and very dry. They seemed more interested in flipping the table than anything and there were only a few tables of people. Perhaps their primary focus is now the storefront. read more

I went there before and it was GOOD the staff were good and awsome and nice and the food is actually good actual good Asian food and for the other people PLEASE TRY IT read more

Love this place. The sushi is some of the best in the area. They make their rolls big and the fish is always fresh. Definitely try the koto roll and volcano roll read more

See all

Christmas Evening, only asian food open. In that context, Koto was wonderful. While the were doing a lot of takeout business, we dined in. We had three excellent items: -- crab Rangoon, which was pinched, not twisted, and delightfully fried; -- Scallion pancake, also delightfully fried and then sliced; -- Baby bok choy, sauted and tasty, but bland. We also had one plain brown rice, and sesame chicken, which was mediocre. Maybe the chicken had been pre fried and microwaved, but I think they just let it sit around -- the first three came out amazingly quickly, and the rest ten minutes later. Quite disappointing and kind of drowned in the sauce. At first it seemed good that at least some of the food had staggered arrival.... The chicken was garnished with chunks of raw broccoli, no knife to cut. We left much of this dish. read more

We came here on a whim in Salem the weekend after Halloween. Overall it was fine, but we wouldn't come again. The pros: - a ton of vegetarian options (the vegan tuna roll was just okay, but the danny roll was really good) - outdoor seating The cons: - lipstick stains on some of the cups - a hair in one of the cups - dirty tables - 2 of the 3 drinks we ordered were not very good - edamame was not fresh - food was just mediocre overall - service was just okay read more

Will still maintain that avoid the dinner and lunch hours and you will get decent service even if you go in October. The Koto roll isn't on the regular menu (which is tailored to tourists) but if you request it they can do it for you. I only go here for the Koto roll so I was happy to hear that they could make it for. It really is a thing of beauty! The fire roll was also good, with the jalapeños providing a great kick! As usual, love the food, the ambience is pretty nice, and if you avoid the rush hours, the service is pretty good too! read more

Koto Asian Fusion - Koto Roll and Fire dragon maki - Asian Fusion Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

Staff is extremely rude and will follow you out of the restaurant and accuse you of being a lair by using the bathroom. Story time: today me and group of friends did intend of eating here for dinner. Menus were handed to my group and was sat outside. Me and another friend, when in to use the bathroom. There was a sign outside, saying that the bathroom was only for paying customers. But we were going to be paying customers. So we told the hostess we were sitting outside and we were going to eat and SHE allowed us to use the restroom. In between using the restroom, the people In our group decided not to eat at this restaurant and go to a better one. I had no idea of this information since I was using the bathroom. When I exited the restroom, it felt like she was waiting for me to exit and asked me "what happen to my friends ?" I was confused because I was not with them. She then proceeded to say well they got up from the table and the restroom was only for paying customers. Which I understand, but I have no control of my friends getting up from the table when I am not with them. So she accosted me and followed me out and called me a liar! Because we used the bathroom. How was supposed to know my group got up ? Her telling me well the bathroom is for paying customers only, like what else she wanted me to do I already used the bathroom ? She embarrassed me and yelled at me in the middle of the street and made me come out of my character resulting in a shouting match on the street. I can say never go here the place is dirty and empty and extremely rude staff and to be honest they might be racist. Because me a Latina from New York was yelled at but called a liar. But the girl that I went to use the restroom with is half Asian and nothing happened to her. DON'T GO HERE EVER !!!! read more

This place was incredibly disappointing. With it being right I the main area of downtown Salem, we expected it to be decent since that's the touristy area. Man, were we wrong! The food seemed to not be worth its cost AT ALL. It was completely bland, flavorless... I ordered ramen and felt like I was actually eating something from a package, which honestly I could make better at home! We also ordered pork katsu, which couldn't have been dryer and crustier if possible. We also had crab rangoons, which considering they're a fried appetizer I figured you can't really mess up or judge them too hard on. Where we were seated, there were pieces of paint missing from the wall. The drinks were served in what honestly looked like plastic cups from the dollar store of something and just didn't feel clean to drink from. I will say, our waitress was decently friendly so there was THAT. I definitely won't go here again or recommend to anyone in the Salem area or visiting. read more

See all

Very good fried rice! Not the nasty yellow rice of many quick china food places. Their fried rice was very good. Terriyaki chicken was good. Which I would have tried their sushi, it looked good, I just couldnt spend the $30 for 8 pieces of sushi. I can buy the whole fish for that at my local Japanese grocery store. read more

The food at this establishment was full of flavor, mixed with the comforting environment and excellent service this was an amazing place to eat at. read more

Service was fast and food was great. General zao's chicken was saucy and bomb! Sushi chef's making amazing dishes! read more

The food here is super good. Highly recommend the crab rangoons, they're so crunchy and the sauce is so good that comes with it. The service is okay staff is friendly and I was quickly served. The environment is cool and has a spooky vibe in October time. read more

Koto Asian Fusion - Pikachu painting - Asian Fusion Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

See all

The food was AMAZING, and we had the sweetest server. She was cracking jokes with us throughout our time there. It was our first time in Salem and we chose to sit outside on the patio which was clean and decorated with flowers. The food came out within 15 minutes and we got 4 rolls. The bathrooms were very clean as well. read more

Ate here a few days ago and happy with the food and service. Ordered takeout and very impressed with fast delivery and food was delicious. Loved the fried rice and chicken katsu. read more

If I could give this place zero stars, I would. This was one of the worst dining experiences I've ever had. The host was rude, the owner even worse, and the food came out undercooked and far from fresh. The only saving grace was the servers, who were the only ones that treated me with basic respect. The overall attitude of the management and front-of-house staff was completely unprofessional. This place needs serious work--not just in the kitchen, but in how it treats its guests. I do not recommend this restaurant. read more

Walked in and immediately got a table for 5 at 1:30p on a busy October Saturday. Sushi was very fresh and delicious! Fun drinks and decor!!

Visiting from out of town- we enjoyed the food so much we ate dinner there twice!! The drinks were great and the service was awesome as well!!! read more

Koto Asian Fusion - Pork ramen, octopus balls, and volcano roll! Yum yum - Asian Fusion Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

See all

Food was mid and not worth it. Service wise they are nice. The location and energy was cool.

We're back! Visiting Leo and Annie's sushi restaurant is our favorite part of coming to the Northshore. We always get our sushi fix and the best Asian liquor drinks around. Thank you staff and owners for the best vacation experience. read more

Koto Asian Fusion - Lovers boat - Asian Fusion Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

See all

Giving a 4 Because my sushi was bomb but the service was a 1 star. In the month of October they automatically get 18% gratuity on any size party so our server didn't pay us any mind. We waited 40 min to flag her down for refills. She forgot my sushi and my moms salad. So by the time we got our food the rest of the table was finished eating. Our table was dirty we had to use wet ones to clean it off before we sat down. If this is the only place available then hit it up but there are better options. read more

Koto Asian Fusion - Red dragon - Asian Fusion Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

So disappointed in both food and service! We ordered some sushi and a bowl of nabeyaki udon. This is NOT udon at all. This is a bowl with plain soup, noodles, chicken breast (?!?) and some carrots, tomato. When you're serving udon, ramen or any kind of noodles, please make sure you know them right. Nabeyaki doesn't support to have chicken breast in there One of the tip for future customers: don't go here! read more

Koto Asian Fusion - Is this udon? NO!! This's the worst - Asian Fusion Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

PROS: This place was very nice. Had a stage that holds event, large for a asian place, nice food and a huge variety on the menu. The waiter was very nice and understood english well. CONS: The bathroom was very small for the size place this ws OVERALL: I would definitely come to this place, just use the bathroom beforehand read more

See all

The food was honestly a 5, but wasn't bad. As for the service, it was terrible. They were so rude and charged us for two salads that seemed like it came with the meal. When choosing a Salad or Soup for your Box, not all of the salads come with your meal even if they are under the same topic. Only a garden salad comes with it, which they didn't specify. The Ambiance was pretty nice, looked really cool. But I wouldn't recommend coming specifically because of the service. read more

Koto Asian Fusion - (Sm) Miso Soup - Asian Fusion Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

See all

I don't know what's going on at Koto these days, but we got terrible takeout last night. The Mongolian beef was just Mongolian veggies, the chow mein was bland and overly soupy, and it's $8 for two spring rolls? Seems to me they've gone a bit too far with cost cutting and the food was just so blaaaaand. Total bummer. read more

As a big ramen lover, I decided to go to this place. I'll be brief - I didn't like it. neither the atmosphere nor the service. The service is a rude woman, even my wife noted. The ramen soup was one of the most tasteless I've eaten, the egg in the soup was terrible. but the cherry on the cake is right in the dining area there is a bucket of dirty water where she dips a rag and then wipes the table with this dirty water. Incredible unsanitary conditions! Where is the management looking? and in addition, ramen costs $ 18, which is more than 10% more expensive than in the most expensive city in the world - New York. Why is that all of a sudden? read more

See all

The seating outside was cute and even during a storm, we are covered by the umbrella and outside barrier. The service was amazing and the food even better than expected! read more

See all

We stopped in at Koto to enjoy the outdoor street seating to soak up the weather and people watching! We had Ramin chicken noodle soup and the Chasu noodle with udon noodle, and a Spider Roll. Our drinks were lemon drop martini and a one of their specialty drinks (which I can't remember the name) that was really tasty. Service as good and pricing was what you would expect. If you are in this area, give it a try. read more

I'm a frequent regular at Koto and it is most definitely the best place to get any sort of Asian style food. I've really been feeling the salt and pepper beef recently, but the same style in chicken wing form is just as good. The bartenders are wicked sociable. Lily and Vicki during karaoke night always kill it especially when it's busy. It's a nice spot to bring a date or hang out with friends. Annie is always welcoming and brings snacks from next door for everyone to try too! read more