KAITO

Address:	830 41st Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, USA
Phone:	+1 831-464-2586
Site:	smilekaito.com
Rating:	4.6
Working:	Closed 12–2:30PM 12–2:30PM 12–2:30PM 12–2:30PM 12–2:30PM 12–2:30PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 42

Matt Leonard

I was pleasantly surprised to find such good ramen in Santa Cruz. Im a huge fan of ramen. I grew up in Los Angeles, arguably the best city in the country for ramen. Ive been to some of the best ramen shops in LA, Chicago and even Japan when I was younger. My point is that I know ramen. Im not saying this is one of the top ramen shops in California. It isnt. But it was great ramen. Ive been spoiled with ramen so when I go to random ramen shops Im usually disappointed, especially if they arent in major cities. Given that Santa Cruz is so small and this is the only real ramen place, I was expecting average/mediocre ramen. I was so pleasantly surprised to be wrong. I had the tonkotsu ramen and would definitely recommend it. The broth, noodles, pork, and vegetables were all great. This is a solid ramen shop.

Fidel M

well, It did not start out too well. waiter didnt seem to catch my order at all. One of my friends ordered Udon Noodle soup, and my other friend and I ordered Sushi to share, requested some appetizers and an order of Miso Soup for also. When reading back the order he left off my Pink Dragon and the Miso Well , the Udon Soup came first, then the Sushi, but no plates. We were expecting them to eventually arrive but they didnt. Anyway, 5 minutes later we managed to flag the waiter down and asked for plates and for the rest of our order - the apps and Miso soup should have arrived first right? The food was good and the Miso was pretty awesome. But the service could have been a lot better.

Aurimas Liutikas

I was fairly disappointed with this restaurant given all the positive reviews. We got to sit down quickly, but then had to wait 20 minutes for our waiter to get our order. In the mean time when I tried to ask a bypassing waiter for attention he told us that we are not his table. The menu looked very promising with a list of nice broths and good prices, however our ramen arrived lukewarm. The pork was delicious, but the broth was just not flavorful enough. Overall this place is not the best place for ramen given that you can drive to south bay and have some delicious ramen there.

陳俊安

還不錯的日式餐廳，有附設停車場，但數量不多，用餐環境舒適，適合全家聚會，咖哩微辣較不適合小孩，叉燒拉麵湯頭濃郁，十分推薦，炸餃子、炸雞肉也很棒，辣蒜叉燒拉麵湯頭稍清淡，若能更濃郁會更棒。

Heather Cheng

KoJi (owner/Sushi chef) is a very nice, relaxed, gentleman. His staff are a very happy crew, also. Comfortable, casual atmosphere...small seating area, of traditional Japanese (take off your shoes and sitting on grass mats) seating; and regular chairs/tables, included....and chairs in front of the Sushi Bar....SaYoNaRa!

isaiah davis

Konabawa folks ^-^ Im normally super picky with Japanese food especially having been to Japan an had the real home made ordeal and I must say besides sushi totoro KAITO is by far the best sushi place to eat at in santa Cruz county the 5 dragons (5 different rolls) are a must try as well as the Takoyaki balls

Ben Blanchard

My family and I have been here several times and its always fantastic! The crew is amazing, super friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is perfect, not too quite, and never too loud to have a conversation. We love this place, please support them so they stay right here!!!

wardawg51

Always a great experience, absolutely delicious food, Masters sushi chef, the owner is awesome, i recommend it to everyone & anyone i can, beats shadowbrooks &chaminade, every ways possible, if you DONT eat at kaito, youre only cheating yourself off an awesome evening

Anna Barnes

I LOVE the ramen. And its worth it to order the egg in it. Sushi is ok. And the drinks you order by the can or bottle, theyre also over priced. But if you just order your food to go and take it to beer30. Its a perfect dinner. ;)

NISHCHAL CHAUDHARY

I have enjoyed my sashimi ordered at the sushi bar every single time and the price has been very fair. The ramen is decent too but the sashimi is what talks for me (Specially when I let the chef decide the choices).

Douglass Perry

Our family loves this restaurant. The soba and ramen are excellent and tasty, the sushi selection is a little limited, but good quality, and the range of appetizers is traditional and delicious. Were regulars!

Daniel Mekis

Really the only place for Ramen in Santa Cruz. The Tonkotsu is the best, especially if you add an egg, and extra pork and ask to have it grilled on the side. Sometimes a bit inconsistent, but a great Ramen

Marlene Flores

Came for the ramen since there arent any other places in town. I was surprised they charge additional fees if you add condiments you would expect to have on the ramen such as corn and green onions.

Roger Volden

Pretty okay for the area (there isnt much Asian food around Santa Cruz thats worth getting). They put corn in their ramen which is kind of weird. Service is good and the food is priced decently.

Patrick Hung

Weve been going to Kaito since it first opened. It boasts the best (the only) ramen, freshest sashimi in the Santa Cruz area; we no longer go anywhere else for Japanese food.

Trisha Liu

Best ramen in the Santa Cruz area! I like the Tonkatsu and also the Spicy Miso ramen. You can order them with extra steamed veggies. The deep fried chicken gyoza are a must!

Gabriel Kipping

The atmosphere is splendid, semi intimate, and relaxed. Koji, the owner, is a great guy and very friendly. The food is delicious and authentic. I totally recommend it!

Lauren Nivon

The food is absolutely phenomenal, service is great, and prices are great. The ramen is some of the best Ive had and thats with me being an L.A. native. Must try :)

Jordan Temkin

Being Japanese, it was very refreshing to find a Japanese restaurant run by Japanese people. If you want true, authentic Japanese food. Kaito is your spot.

David Folch

Koji and his staff are super friendly and of course the food was delicious, really liked the vegetable gyosa (steamed) and the rolls. Plus Asahi on tap!

Dave Haenze

Great service, amazing atmosphere and decor. Pretty decent prices, and the food is stellar! Enjoyed the ramen dishes that Ive tried here.

rae hamra

Nice staff good food. Its small so often a wait. But the ramen is great comfort food I often think of a bowl when I dont feel good.

stephan cavelti

The sushi rolls are great, nice balance between all the ingredients, super friendly service, will be back for sure.

Bill Schwartz

If youre a ramen nerd like me, you wont be disappointed. It isnt a side dish like at most Japanese restaurant.

nima hooshdaran

Ordered the Tonkotsu Ramen, it wasnt anything special. But it had a cute little Japanese restaurant feel

Joy Yang

Nice service. Porkchop was good. But the soup of ramen taste like from pre-mix soup powder.