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    Kyoto

    3.7 (333 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 9:30 PM

    Order Kyoto Takeout or Delivery

    Kyoto Photos

    KYOTO ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - Kyoto

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    Reviews With Photos

    Ten Ju
    Cary N.

    The Japanese restaurant is nice. It has a traditional vibe inside with the Japanese style sliding doors. The service was good; two people during lunch. They were constantly working and attending to tables. The food was good. I ordered the tempura-ju. It was good, the tempura was hot and crispy. The salad was just okay, had a couple wilted leaves but was fine. The hardest part is to find parking. Be prepared to park on the street to come early to find a spot.

    Landri M.

    Always coming back here time and time again. Great prices , even better food. Cute spot for a date night or dinner with friends. They have private rooms that are so cozy ! Came in close to closing and the service was still great , didn't feel rushed . The tempura calamari was the best i've had in a long time . I honestly didn't know calamari could be tender , i've only ever had very chewy bites before . This was not that , so succulent and thick and tender , perfect tempura. Absolutely delicious. Spicy edamame was also delicious and had the sauce on the side which was nice , but wow !! spicy !!! Most places spicy edamame usually isn't that spicy but they mean it. Still a great flavor ! The combination sushi i will always get , you really can't beat it . 25$ gets you a california roll , which is thick !!! So decadent and delicious, they also give a generous amount of masago on top which taste super fresh . You also get a Maki tuna roll , so yummy and the flavor is addictive. 7 types of nigiri with a amazing fish to rice ratio , not even sure what all kinds you get but omg is it so worth it . I always thought i wasn't a fan of fattier tasting cuts of fish but this stuff just melts in your mouth . Also you get a ginger salad and miso soup !! I absolutely love the miso soup here , creamy broth with tofu and seaweed. Fried Shumai , so flavorful and perfectly cooked . All of their baked rolls are delicious, no misses .This is by far my fav sushi spot in santa barbara.

    Combination Sushi, Edamame
    Michelle C.

    Takeout review - For the quality of fish for what you're getting it's not very good. I'm glad it came with a side salad and miso soup. I've always heard about this restaurant since it's been in business for so long I expected better, but was let down. The positives are that it is definitely popular with the locals and my order was ready when I scheduled my pickup. Maybe dine in experience is better, or maybe what I ordered isn't their best?

    Spicy Tuna Roll
    Hunter L.

    Kyoto has been my go-to (casual) sushi spot for years and it's about time I left a 5 star review. Thank you for keeping me alive in college and all of the years after!

    Front
    German R.

    Average experience, things got a bit busy for two servers so it slowed down the service. On the other hand, food was good. The ambiance was nice. Could have been better but we'll give them a second chance.

    Miso
    Gus M.

    I have been to many Japanese restaurants in the past, but this one felt a little weird. We were seated at some booth on the left, but we were not offered the interesting compartments to the right. it was kind of cool to see people takeoff their shoes, and be seated on traditional Japanese tables l, close to the floor. Honestly, the food felt bland. I have had sushi at other places, and it's much tastier. The service was very good. I also think the price point was OK. The complementary soup and salad are nice.

    Spicy Yellowtail Roll
    Pierre C.

    The combination boat was a hit with a group of friends. Good mix of cooked and raw options. I ordered a tear roll on the side and it was delicious. We sat in the rooms seated on the floor and were pretty cozy. Service was attentive and food was served quickly. Kyoto is definitely top 5 in my book for Santa Barbara sushi! Thanks again for the wonderful atmosphere and amazing sushi!

    Beef teriyaki combo
    Joe S.

    My wife and I just finished dinner here, a place we've been coming to since the 1990s. As always, the food and service were exceptional. The owners are friendly. The servers are professional and attentive. It's great to find a place that consistently delivers good food and service over the years.

    Sarah S.

    This place is easy to miss behind an electronics repair shop on a busy street corner on upper state street. The outward appearance and lack of tourism doesn't draw the visitors but when the doors open at 5pm it becomes a locals go to spot. The inside looks like it was decorated back in 2000 and never changed. It's your classic sushi restaurant on the corner. I love the U-shaped booths and Japanese shades. Though old, they keep it nice and clean. The staff was super friendly and kind. And you don't hear any of the traffic so you forget you're on a street corner. But if it's a hot day like it was today (100 degrees), which is out of the norm, they don't have AC, so maybe not the best choice. They have a great selection of items, so there is something for everyone. The price of a simple (maki) roll is $6-$8 and for special rolls $12-$16. We got 2 special rolls, 1 maki roll and a drink for $38. My fiancé had the smoked salmon (maki roll) which was alright. He got his favorite baked salmon roll, called the fire roll (special roll) which he loved, but I usually have a piece and I was bummed that they make it spicy. I had the Snake roll (special roll) made with eel and avocado and the eel sauce was delicious per usual and I enjoyed the roll. The consistency made it easy to eat because it was well put together, but the fish didn't seem very fresh like I would have hoped and like I've had from Okie or some of the top of the line sushi restaurants here in Santa Barbara. Unfortunately I got sick (which is why I'm currently editing my review here at 2:30 am) as to warn others. So I won't be coming back here :( I wish I had had a better experience and ending to this place. I'll be going somewhere else for my sushi from now on.

    Appetizer
    Doc Ev E.

    A solid 4. Called to make reservations and even change them and very accommodating. Seated in one of the right side rooms on the lower private table--but honestly was a little too low and crossed legs was a bit difficult on a flat floor and stuffy as was a very warm day. We had different rolls and the one w the salmon stood out to be best of all. The agedashi tofu appetizer was fast and soft but the rest of the meal was slow to come. We did order one more dish thereafter that came extra quick to compensate. We enjoyed this

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    3 years ago

    The rolls were so good and so were the appetizers. Also great atmosphere for group dinners.

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    I come here over and over for their amazing service, consistent food, and fun atmosphere.

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    2 years ago

    Great Customer Service. Love it when the staff welcomes you as your coming in .We had our 1st uni sushi. Kyoto sushi and 3 moons.

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    Good food and service but for some reason there was people screaming in the background.

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    4 years ago

    One of my favorite Sushi places in my hometown. I love the atmosphere, amazing food, and excellent service.

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Fantastic in every way wonderful service fantastic sushi cozy atmosphere highly recommend

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    9 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Ordered takeout and it was delicious! We had the spicy tuna and tempura maki rolls and the energy roll! Definitely recommend Kyoto

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    Page 2 of 9

    Ask the Community - Kyoto

    Are you open Monday?

    Yes they open Monday 11:30AM-2PM 5-9:30PM

    Do you have happy hour?

    I actually not sure about it I been there two times. Thank you

    View All 4 Questions

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    Satellite - Focaccia

    Satellite

    4.6(256 reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$

    I'm really bummed to see the State Street location close, but I'm excited for more events at the…read moreFactory space. Satellite has always been such a gem -- the live music outside, the patio, and sipping some of the best natural wine in town is something my friends and I genuinely look forward to. Their cheese board is my go‑to: easy to graze on while you relax, chat, and enjoy a glass. One of my favorite memories was when my dad called from a Michelin‑star restaurant in Chicago, telling me he'd tried a Santa Barbara small‑batch natural dessert wine. He was visiting the next weekend, and I was determined to find it. Of course, Satellite had a few bottles left. Being able to surprise him with it was such a fun moment -- and honestly, a testament to how thoughtfully curated their wines are.

    The ambiance is the best thing about this place. Cool vibe with outside seating…read more However, the servers were not very friendly. Also, one of us had to wait at least 15 minutes for our dish (Charred Broccolini) after the rest of the table had already been served, and another 3 minutes to get utensils to eat it. With respect to the food, the Yoga Pants salad was the best item. Most of the food we got (Tomato Soup, Grilled Cheese, Ceci Bean Ragu) was very oily, including the Charred Broccolini dish which also lacked flavor. Overall, our experience wasn't terrible, but was disappointing. We would not recommend or revisit Satellite.

    Photos
    Satellite - Cute interior

    Cute interior

    Satellite
    Satellite - Sparkling Wine of Sangiovese. Perfect.

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    Sparkling Wine of Sangiovese. Perfect.

    Tamar - Chicken schwarma

    Tamar

    4.5(157 reviews)
    3.0 mi
    $$

    Glad to have stumbled upon this gem while in Santa Barbara! Tamar has a great happy hour with…read moreaffordable food and drink options. The chicken shwarma sandwich was the perfect afternoon bite; very filling but in a healthy way. It's connected to a coffee shop/bakery and the whole place smells amazing. I loved the open air concept and sat at some tables with windows open to the street.

    Tamar serves up delicious Middle Eastern cuisine! They share their restaurant with Dart Coffee Co…read more It's a beautifully decorated space inside and outside. They have white lanterns hanging around the exterior and on the ceiling of the interior, which add an element of fun. It is quite cramped in this space, so they also offer outdoor seating and there was even patio seating in an area across the street. I was able to quickly place my meal and received a buzzer to let me know when to pick it up at the counter. The food was incredible! I ordered the falafel plate and a lamb kofta sandwich. The sandwich was loaded with veggies and the lamb had such delicious flavor! The falafel plate was so filling and came with a good amount of items. They gave us pickled cabbage, carrots, and cauliflower, which I still miss! Wish I could've bought a bottle of them! SO GOOD. The meal was filling but not heavy! It was perfect. The only issue that I'd like to point out, which isn't big but did bother me was that the water station that they offered didn't have any indication of which silver cups were clean and which were dirty. I asked a guy who was sitting next to it and he said, "Drink at your own risk." Also, if you're not a fan of little birds flying around during your meal, you might have an issue. They aren't scared of going around people. One jumped on our table and I had to move our drinks away. Aside from that, it was a solid meal and we still enjoyed ourselves!

    Photos
    Tamar - Interior

    Interior

    Tamar - Chicken Shawarma Plate served with cabbage salad, hummus, torshi, amba aioli, zhoug, and 1pc. pita

    Chicken Shawarma Plate served with cabbage salad, hummus, torshi, amba aioli, zhoug, and 1pc. pita

    Tamar - Chicken Shawarma Plate served with cabbage salad, hummus, torshi, amba aioli, zhoug, and 1pc. pita

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    Chicken Shawarma Plate served with cabbage salad, hummus, torshi, amba aioli, zhoug, and 1pc. pita

    The Daisy Restaurant - perfectly toasted fresh sourdough, house smoked trout, divine pickled beets, spicy carrots (amazing), red onion, curried cauliflower, dill

    The Daisy Restaurant

    4.7(282 reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$

    Loved The Daisy! Great spot for a wonderful lunch. The ambiance is relaxed and bright. Perfect for…read morea summer brunch with the girls. The patio is perfection. I ordered the tarragon chicken sandwich (it was delicious! It was flavorful and fresh- the perfect amount of mayo, on soft sourdough bread) and shared the hummus plate. The hummus is a MUST BUY! It was tangy, smooth, and the bread was garlicky and warm. Loved this appetizer! There was a summer spritz on the menu that was refreshing, ice cold, and not too boozy. Wonderfully balanced and completed the meal.

    I have been to The Daisy many times and I am never disappointed! The food is so fresh and flavorful…read moreand the portions are generous! My favorites are: The little gems salad with chicken added. You have to get the green goddess dressing! They make it in house and it's the bomb!! The bahn mi sandwich. It has house made tender brisket, fresh pickled veg on a baguette. So delicious! You can also get it as a salad! You'll never even miss the bread! The Daisy burger. Big meaty patty, with melty cheese, piled high with lettuce, tomato and red onion with a special sauce on a buttery brioche bun! You can really sink your teeth into this one! It also comes with a generous portion of perfectly crispy on the outside tender on the inside fries! Mmm mmm!!! They get really busy so come early!! Definitely a must try!

    Photos
    The Daisy Restaurant - Counter/bar area

    Counter/bar area

    The Daisy Restaurant - Brisket banh mi

    Brisket banh mi

    The Daisy Restaurant - Bar area and tables

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    Bar area and tables

    The Blue Owl - Pork.Banh mi ($16|dry meat) and Strawberry Walnut salad ($15|overpriced, but very good)

    The Blue Owl

    4.4(815 reviews)
    2.4 mi
    $$

    We could hear live Blues playing down the street which meant there was life. We had just left the…read moreSanta Barbara Bowl and wanted something to eat after the show ended at 9pm. Not much was open which is how we ended up here. The place was super hot so we decided to order our food to go and there was a super annoying drunk guy ahead of us in line. I felt bad for the 17 yo employee stuck interacting with them. We ordered a sandwich with shrimp in it. L said it was good but the title shouldn't mention shrimp as they were super teeny tiny and basically non existent. I got the gluten free fried rice bowl with chicken spicy. It was not spicy at all, and the chicken was a bit dry, however I could taste the flavor of the chicken and the meal was bland enough that I knew I would be okay. Earlier in the day before the bowl we went to a winery and I had a headache, so this food for me last night worked especially since we picked it up to go and had it at our Air BnB.

    Horrible customer service . Walked in no hello no let me help you . Stood there like a donkey…read morewaiting for some one to even acknowledge a customer. The front of house person knew I was there and still no word. The cooks back there looked super lazy and not even a hello. Me and Another customer were just looking at each other. We both walked out- the front of house or customer rep didn't look bothered. Owner : hire someone who has basic customer service skills. It's not that hard or do self check out. We might prefer AI. Horrible wasted time on my break going to a lousy place

    Photos
    The Blue Owl - Menu

    Menu

    The Blue Owl - Large Fried Rice

    Large Fried Rice

    The Blue Owl

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    Kyoto - japanese - Updated September 2026

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