Kyoto Restaurant
| Address: | 1864 Rio Hill Center, Charlottesville, VA 22901, USA |
| Phone: | +1 434-923-8889 |
| Site: | wix.com |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Working: | 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM Closed |
Location
Photos 56
Reviews 15
CO
Corrie Davidson
Hidden in a strip mall off Rt 29 in Charlottesville, this little oasis of a restaurant was a welcome respite from the fast food chains that surround the area. The staff is amazingly friendly, eager to please, and very attentive - down to the detail of making sure my pot of Fresh Mixed Fruit Tea was sweetened to the right degree (it was, and is a soothing nectar that I will dream about whenever I am sick) and that I ate my pork bun at the right temperature. Paper cranes and swans suspended from the ceiling in a colorful origami display lend some whimsy to this dimly-lit, and nicely appointed strip-mall restaurant. The music varies from delicate harp melodies to simple bird calls, complimented by the light trickling of water from the entryway fountain. The kitchen is separated by glass, giving the feel of a market shack at one end and only adding to the ambiance. While the majority of the menu will look like any Chinese take out place in America, the teas (served by the pot) and the freshness of the foods preparation elevate this from just a lunch and dinner destination, to a place to come for a comforting hot beverage and snack anytime. Try the dim sum menu for small portions. The Gyoza was fresh, light, crispy and flavorful. The Pork Bun was more like a giant steamed dumpling than the ones Ive had over the years, but it was still good. The steamed dumplings were actually quite large and doughy - almost a meal in their own right. Everything was so fresh! The fried bananas were a delightful way to cap off the meal, with a light crispness, drizzle of honey and smattering of sesame seeds.
FR
Frank Ashley
As someone who works in the culinary field and has prepared most cuisines, I was quite pleased with Kyoto restaurant. The service was timely and polite. The lady who waited on me and my wife was quick to take our order and did much more like pouring our hot tea and clearing our used dishes as we finished with them. The food was amazing both in flavor and esthetics. My wife had the sweet and sour shrimp was delicious and a very reasonable portion for the price. I had the Kyoto curry, it was a little different in that it wasnt spicy at all and it was thickened with potatoes but it was wounderful very flavorful and aromatic. If you are on the fence about Kyoto go for lunch it is much cheaper and you can try them out before you pay for a big dinner you may not like. I love this restaraunt and will return often.
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A Private User
My friend and I were planning to eat lunch at a Thai restaurant but the place was closed on Monday so we decided to give Kyoto a shot since we were already there. When you first walked into the place you could not help but to think you are in Japan. The place is well kept, the hostess and waiter greet you right at the door as you walked in. The food was well prepared, rich flavors and decoration (love the carrot butterfly). After our lunch, I happen to noticed there were some Dim Sum pictures. My friend never heard of Dim Sum or know what they are so I told him lets try it! The Dim Sum was out of this world, I highly recommended to anyone to give it a shot if you never had Dim Sum, especially the Xiu Mai and the 4 little shrimp steam dumplins.
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A Private User
They have gone all out to make this casual eatery a great place to sit in while you eat. The ambiance is just right. The service is top notch. They arent even afraid for you to see their cooks at work as the back of the restaurant is windowed so you can see all. The food was beautifully presented and the prices are average. The only small fault I could find was that their dim sum menu was so limited and some of the dumplings werent fresh. The food is great, just dont expect anything approaching a China town dim sum experience.
ST
Steven Snider
Kyoto, or should I say "Land of Many Dreams", is a magical place. When I walk in, I know that Ill be greeted warmly. Soon, Ill be sitting in a cozy booth, sipping on my favorite Citrus Honey Tea, preparing to order a tempura bento box. Will it be scallops today? I think so! It may take longer than other places, but the food is prepared with care, and its simply more time to enjoy the serene music and calming atmosphere. Parking is a snap, and you can always walk off your meal at TJ Maxx afterwards. What a treasure!
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A Private User
I had some business in Charlottesville, VA yesterday and found the KYOTO purely by chance for lunch. The service was excellent! I was alone and they also gave me a local newspaper and a book to look at while I waited for the meal. The food is obviously all cooked fresh and was delicious. The place is spotlessly clean even the bathrooms. I plan on going back for a another meal soon. Great little place and most highly recommended. I know where to eat next time when I am in town.
MR
Mrs. G
This is my favorite restaurant in Charlottesville. I think the only explanation for why its not more crowded is that its not in a popular area. Everything Ive ordered here was delicious and fresh, but I especially love their terriyaki bento boxes. The bento boxes give you a lot of food for a very reasonable price: soup and salad to start, then meat, rice, gyoza, tempura vegetables, seaweed salad, and a slice of pineapple. I highly recommend this place.
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A Private User
Weve been going to Kyoto for several years now. My wife (a scrutinizing vegetarian) has found several items she enjoys there. Ive always liked everything Ive eaten there as well. And the staff is one of the friendliest and most courtious in C-ville. The only confusion is with the name, its really not a traditional Japanese restaurant (no sushi). But who cares? I would recommend Kyoto to anyone who likes Asian style food. Dave Cox
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A Private User
Just went there for the first time last night, unparalled service and food. Family owned (i think) and operated, this place is great! Its in the strip mall by Dicks Sporting Goods, next to the tanning place. The restaurant is clean, and the atmosphere is mellow. Im definitely making this place a favorite!
LA
Laura McKenna
From out if town needed a quick place to eat.Found unexpected greatness.kids loved the udon soup not on menu but made it for them. Prices were great and service was over the top. Friendly family atmosphere. If we lived in the area we would be here all the time.
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A Private User
Highly recommended!! My wife and I ordered beef lo mein and kung pao chicken tonight and it was fabulous. Everything tasted very fresh. The service at the restaurant is also second to none.
CH
Christopher Denny
Few places have ever provided me such welcoming and wholesome service. The food was excellent too. Would definitely recommend and will visit when I come back to town again.
HE
Heather Wilson
Great place for vegetarians and vegans! Vegetarian soups, spring rolls and tofu versions of the standard Chinese favorites. I recommend the Kung Pao Tofu.
MI
Michelle Bolding
Amazing. I are there for lunch today (Dec 20, 2011). The waiter was fantastic and the food was great. They also have great lunch specials.
SI
Simply Satisfying
The owners are two of the sweetest people you well ever meet...they treat everyone like family.food is always great! Love this place!
