Reserve now:
Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VTReservations
Restaurant Reviews List >
Boston / New England Restaurant Reviews >
Vermont Restaurant Reviews >
Burlington, VT Restaurant Reviews >
Japanese Restaurant Reviews
Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT Reviews List
Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT
We are Vermont's premier Japanese restaurant, serving our guests for 11 years, since 1999. Come enjoy our Japanese ambiance with a pond full of koi fish and running water --always a hit with kids. We have plenty of free parking and a full bar stocked with fine wines, beers, and a variety of liquor. We look forward to serving you and your family in the near future. We have four options of dining in our establishment. Hibachi, dining room, tatami and sushi bar. Please specify the type of dining experience you'd prefer under special notes. For weekends and holiday please inquire within to confirm your reservation. Thank you.
See more Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT details
61 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 61 reviews
5 stars
(19)
4 stars
(35)
3 stars
(3)
2 stars
(4)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- good for groups(45)
- special occasion(37)
- kid-friendly(28)
- hot spot(15)
- fit for foodies(11)
- neighborhood gem(10)
Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT Reviews List
Review 1 for Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Open Table_IM Review
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We went to the restaurant for Mother's day. It was a bit noisy and busy but overall the services was very good, food was excellent. Our hibachi chef was very entertaining and my 3 granddaughters thoroughly enjoyed the show and the food. The Host was extremely calm and helpful. Food was cooked perfectly and delicious. I would recommend to others. If you want a quieter atmosphere you can request a smaller room towards the back of the restaurant."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion, great for lunch, kid-friendly
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 2 for Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great service and food.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The service and food are always exceptional and the entertainment of the chef is great fun! Its a nice easy going place to have a family get-together. The Sushi bar is absolutely fabulous!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 3 for Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
A great place for kids
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The drama of the hibachi grill excited the kids at our table and at several others. The level of proficiency of the chefs left a lot to be desired. It seemed they couldn't wait to finish their routine and move on to another table.
The consistency of the diced veggies lack precision. The cone of fire within the onion was a fizzle. I've seen LED candles which had more spark.
Waitress seemed to forget about our table. Water glasses went unfilled, additional glasses of wine were not offered and soft drinks for the kids were not re-filled.
What was very strange is that she never offered dessert. Who does not offer dessert to a table with several children.
I guess the mandatory 18% gratuity caused her not to work too hard!"
The consistency of the diced veggies lack precision. The cone of fire within the onion was a fizzle. I've seen LED candles which had more spark.
Waitress seemed to forget about our table. Water glasses went unfilled, additional glasses of wine were not offered and soft drinks for the kids were not re-filled.
What was very strange is that she never offered dessert. Who does not offer dessert to a table with several children.
I guess the mandatory 18% gratuity caused her not to work too hard!"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: kid-friendly
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 4 for Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Business Team Dinner
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a great experience with a group. The restaurant was a great location with good food and not too noisy. The food was excellent and the preparation was entertaining. Looking forward to my next visit to Koto."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for lunch, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 5 for Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Birthday
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Went to celebrate my fiances birthday. It was good. We both love sushi and enjoyed our meal. Only thing was the occasional noise from the Hibachi grill but we tried to sit far away from it. Service was good."
Dined on 4/29/2013
Special Features: special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 6 for Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great entertainment for kids
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great entertainment for kids special night out!"
Dined on 04/26/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 7 for Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Show!
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great place to have a fun time with family or guests. The hibachi grill is great and the showmanship is awesome to watch!"
Dined on 04/18/2013
2008
Special Features: kid-friendly, special occasion, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 8 for Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We've eaten here several times
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We've eaten here several times for both lunch and dinner and have always enjoyed the food and the great service."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 9 for Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Sushi in Burlington has no equal
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good sushi, fast, impeccable service was my latest experience at Koto. Honestly, when my girlfriend craves sushi, we come to koto, and 9 out of 10 times it does great!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 10 for Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
reliably decent sushi. Wouldnt
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"reliably decent sushi. Wouldnt call it the best sushi restaurant definite;y the one i frequent the most."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2005
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 11 for Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Party of 12 friends
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Always awesome to enjoy dinner here with friends!"
Dined on 04/07/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 12 for Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Went for the teppenyaki and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went for the teppenyaki and it was entertaining and delicious, it is the only destination for Japanese cuisine in VT in my opinion. Will definitely visit again!"
Dined on 03/27/2013
2013
Special Features: kid-friendly
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 13 for Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Koto always puts on a good
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Koto always puts on a good show as you watch your food be prepared in front of you at the Hibachi grill. The food was wonderful, although at this particular occasion it was a little more peppery than usual. Kids portions are generous and definitely allows for leftovers. The prices are $20+ for an adult meal and around $10 for kids."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 14 for Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
First and not my last time!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was our first time to this restaurant and we will be back.
My wife and two children had an absolute fabulous time marvelling the chef and the quality of the food. We made our reservation on line, got a call back to confirm, arrived early and subsiquently we were sat earlier than our initial reservation. The Bartendress was busy but very attentive, the hostess was swamped but very cordial and the service was prompt. We sat with an additional 4 people who were enjoying themselves as much as us. The food was fresh, cooked to perfection which tells me (ex chef)it was not an accident that we stumbled on this gem in South Burlington. We highly recommend you give this place a try when you are looking for a fun night out!"
My wife and two children had an absolute fabulous time marvelling the chef and the quality of the food. We made our reservation on line, got a call back to confirm, arrived early and subsiquently we were sat earlier than our initial reservation. The Bartendress was busy but very attentive, the hostess was swamped but very cordial and the service was prompt. We sat with an additional 4 people who were enjoying themselves as much as us. The food was fresh, cooked to perfection which tells me (ex chef)it was not an accident that we stumbled on this gem in South Burlington. We highly recommend you give this place a try when you are looking for a fun night out!"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 15 for Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fresh Sushi; Lively atmosphere
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Good experience at Koto. Started out with one of the special rolls - which was huge - and quite good, very fresh. We had Bento Box entrees, which were also very good quality. I wouldn't recommend the chicken in it (dry breaded chicken strips), but everything else was great. It's a busy place (especially if you do hibachi), so reservations are a must. The staff were very friendly. It can be loud during peak, but we were able to have good conversation in the dining room section. In sum, a good experience and will be going back!"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 16 for Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Not impressed
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was okay but I'm not a lemon person and the lemon added to the chicken on the hibache kind of killed it for me. Our hibache cook was very nice and presented the food well. We were seated by the kitchen entrance which had so much traffic it was very distracting. I wish there was some sort of shades to block out the kitchen traffic, especially when the waitress came running back asking/yelling for help upfront. There is not a lot of space at the table around the hibache so after eating the soup, salad, 2 drinks per person and sauce dishes with 7 people there wasn't a lot of room to be able to eat. I have been to other hibache grills before an the dishes were cleared as you finished your course. I was not impressed overall."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 17 for Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
My only dislike was it was
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My only dislike was it was a little pricey to return on a regular basis. I would love to go often but at the price range it would be a special occasion place. Our bill was 142$. For 4 ppl and we all drank water."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 18 for Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent service, excellent food!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We attended Koto Japanese Steakhouse with our six children and they were very accommodating. The service and food were excellent and we would definitely recommend it to others."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 19 for Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food and Entertaining!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Koto is always a great time for a group of people whether they be kids, adults or a mix. We have been there multiple times and have never had a bad meal or service. It's entertaining and fun!"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 20 for Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Complete Japanese experience.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Sushi and food in general were very good, our server was extremely generous of her time and we enjoyed our diner.
Lot of possibilities: You can eat at Japanese grill, order Japanese meal from the menu, sit at the sushi bar or simply order from the sushi list.
Ideal for group celebration: If you're looking for a calm romantic sushi place in Burlington you might want to select another place."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 21 for Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
High entertainment value for
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"High entertainment value for children at the hibachi tables. Food portions were generous and delicious. Not something we could afford often but would certainly return."
Dined on 02/26/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 22 for Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The show is always a big part
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The show is always a big part of the experience and it was terrific. The food was perfect and the service was first class."
Dined on 02/25/2013
2013
Special Features: kid-friendly, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 23 for Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
It had a nice way of making
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It had a nice way of making dinner an event."
Dined on 02/20/2013
2013
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 24 for Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Our first time here. Was
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our first time here. Was a lot of fun and the food was pretty good. The hibachi chefs are a riot."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 25 for Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our waitress was very good
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our waitress was very good and accommodating, we had a special meal request at the hibachi. Normally, I just have my meal cooked in the kitchen, but she said she'd talk to the chef to cook it on the hibachi first. I am definitely impressed and looking forward to come back."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: kid-friendly, special occasion, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 26 for Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food is always great at
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food is always great at Koto's. My kid's love it ( I do too). I make a reservation just a few hours before heading out there; I mentioned that we were celebrating a birthday. After dinner they brought a dessert and sang Happy B-day. I didn't have to mention it at all, they were ready!"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 27 for Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Food, Great Show
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The hibachi chefs are great. Their antics get the table going. The food is fresh and best when cooked right in front of you. I had the sirloin steak and shrimp. Everything was done perfectly. Treat yourself to a scorpion bowl to really set the mood."
Dined on 12/31/2012
2012
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 28 for Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I recently took my girlfriend
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I recently took my girlfriend out to Koto on a Saturday night. We made reservations through OpenTable which was fantastically easy. We loved the rolls (highly recommend the Godzilla) and will definitely be returning in the near future!"
Dined on 01/19/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Ratings-Only Reviews for Koto Japanese Steakhouse - VT
Based on the average of (33) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
5 out of 5 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic