New York Meets Japan at Koto Teppanyaki and Sushi

The in Redwood City recently just got a little longer on Feb. 1, with the introduction of the new at the intersection of Veterans and Main.

Upon entering the new Koto restaurant, one is greeted by sleek, modern decor - and the choice to go left, or go right.

The left side of the restaurant is devoted to sushi. Several smaller tables are gathered around a sushi bar with a full, diverse menu.

The right side of the restaurant is bigger and contains larger tables, each with a Hibachi grill in the middle.

Koto's Teppanyaki menu - meaning, fresh food cooked on a Hibachi grill - is extensive, offering everything from steak, to salmon, swordfish, lobster, chicken and tuna.

Kevin Lin, who owns the restaurant with his father and a silent partner, says it is similar to the type of food you'd see at the well-known Benihana chain, but that he likes to add a little flair from his hometown.

"We're from New York, so our style is different," he explains. "Different way of cooking, different sauces."

In addition to Teppanyaki and sushi, Koto also offers several unique desserts, such as Tempura cheesecake, Tempura banana, and the popular Japanese favorite, deep-fried ice cream, as well as mochi ice cream, and traditional chocolate mousse.

The restaurant also has a private room with its own Hibachi grill for parties or large groups, which can seat up to 25 people.

Lin says business has been a bit slow in the restaurant's first 10 days, but that he looks forward to Koto's beer and wine license coming through soon. He is considering a bigger grand opening celebration once that happens.

In the meantime, he is offering 15 percent off for diners for the entire month of February.

Lin says he is happy with the choice he and his partners made to open Koto in Redwood City.

"It's a good area, with a big population," he explained. "There's not many restaurants like this between San Francisco and San Jose, so we thought, Redwood City is right in the middle."

Lin hopes many will come and give the restaurant a try, soon.

"Come in and give us a try!" he said. "We are the best, and we have the best chefs."

Koto Teppanyaki and Sushi is located at 373 Main St. Call 650-368-3888. Visit www.kotojapan.net.

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