Kokoro Restaurant

Amazing hidden gem. Quiet atmosphere and excellent service. The inside is very nice and neat looking. The sushi was amazing. Wish I tried the sushi for two but it was just me. Saw a couple getting it and the sushi chef explained it all to them. Very friendly.

Food: 10/5 Service and Setting: 4/5 Value: 3.5/5 Kokoro restaurant has truly stolen my kokoro (heart) with the honesty and quality of their food. Located in an unassuming, honesty run down plaza, Kokoro’s entrance leaves very little expectation. Parking is easy. Their window treatments make them look like they are closed, but don’t let that fool you. The interior is clean, Japanese inspired, with no gimmicks. Natural wood is the theme and makes the small restaurant feel cozy. Service is very kind. Though slow at times, the servers are all very attentive and detailed. You don’t need a reservation for lunch but I would definitely make one for dinner, particularly on the weekend. The magic is in the food, especially their dinner. Chef Akio Ishito is truly a gem and I am so honored to have been able to try and enjoy his food (he is alive, I realize that this sounds like he isn’t oops). “Omakase” Sushi Course: 100/5 I won’t mince my work. PHENOMENAL. SPECTACULAR. AMAZING. Chef Akio Ishito definitely has the sushi rizz as he gingerly formed the rice and expertly sliced his fish. Bangers on top of bangers on top of bangers, I was basically walking from side to side. All of the pieces of sushi had a unique charm, ample amounts of wasabi underneath, and years of experience ingrained into them. Cuttlefish, toro, uni, toro, this insane shiso hand roll, anago, are just a few standouts. The chef would explain to us what he was serving each time and we would be given hot dishes in between (these were also bangers). Before they serve dessert, the servers will ask if you want to order anything else to make sure sweets do not come out prematurely. The ending with panna cotta and tea was a great way to round out the meal. For the first time, I truly want to come back and support the food and art at this restaurant and I hope that all of you do as well. Mackerel Battera: 5/5 A form of sushi not often served, Battera is a pressed sushi with more densely packed rice with marinated radish on top. Imagine like a Spam musubi. This dish in particular tasted “special” and I knew that Kokoro was doing something right. It tastes like sushi but something is different, come try it! Lunch Unagi Bowl: 4/5 The unagi bowl comes with eel, egg, inure, shrimp, and Kanpyo rice. All of the ingredients are very fresh and expertly prepared. We all have had the experience of ordering an unagi bowl and having it literally just be a piece of fish over rice. I felt that this was lovingly and thoughtfully crafted. The only downside was that the portion is a bit small and pricey, but the quality is definitely there. The miso soup the meal comes with is also a bit elevated and has a “gourmet” taste for a lack of better words. Sushi Lunch: 4.5/5 What Kokoro does better than any other sushi restaurant I have eaten at is their rice. Perfectly seasoned, perfected formed, and perfectly cooked, it truly is a masterclass in its preparation and is the ultimate vehicle for toppings. All of the sushi was phenomenal in its quality, freshens, and preparation. Even the American friendly cooked shrimp was prepared with respect and was a step above other sushi restaurants’ preparations. A bit plain Jane, but perfect for a simple lunch. Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura: 2.5/5 A bit shocking, but the tempura was not that good. A bit too oily and not very crispy, a definite low point. Better than all you can eat, but definitely not worth the price they are charging. Good thing they keep things traditional and not add tempura into their rolls. Housemade Panna Cotta: 4.5/5 Rich, creamy, and tastes almost exactly like White Rabbit candy. This Panna Cotta is pretty sweet, not as sweet as most American desserts, but much sweeter than most Asian ones. With a warm cup of tea, the perfect dessert.

An absolute gem of a place. Most omakase restaurants especially in California are full of flash and don’t feel authentic. The chef here clearly cares about the food he puts in front of you and each piece is packed away beautifully with high quality fish, years of experience, and a touch of love. The environment is incredibly intimate and service was phenomenal. Will definitely be back!

If you love sushi then this is the place for you! I unfortunately couldn't take any pictures of the sushi I ate because I was way too distracted eating it. Very high quality sushi made right in front of you. The chef takes a lot of care making each piece and each roll of sushi, and it shows. This is definitely my new favorite sushi restaurant. After your food do your taste buds a favor by finishing off with some green tea and panna cotta (dessert) trust me you will want more than just one of those!

Hands-down one of the best, most authentic traditional Japanese sushi spots I've ever been to outside of Japan. If you're looking for rolls with sauces go somewhere else. If you're looking for the best chirashi rice in the world, made with house-pickled kanpyo, then this is your place. Decisive, strong, and gracefully balanced flavors. It's a treat, but it's not for everyone - I repeat, if you're looking for stuff with avocado, sauces, etc. this is NOT your place (and what you're eating is not sushi btw).