
Kengo Sushi & Yakitori
An intimate Japanese restaurant in Toledo, renowned for its impeccable sushi and yakitori, offering an upscale and authentic dining experience.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Kengo Sushi & Yakitori

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An intimate Japanese restaurant in Toledo, renowned for its impeccable sushi and yakitori, offering an upscale and authentic dining experience.
"This is the best sushi you're going to get in the Midwest."
Arrive Early or Wait
With only 23 seats, expect a wait on weekends. Consider arriving early or joining the waitlist.
Book Omakase Ahead
Reserve in advance for the exclusive Omakase experience at the sushi bar, curated by Chef Kato.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Japanese, Sushi, Yakitori
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Omakase Experience
Chef Kengo's curated twelve-course tasting menu of sashimi, nigiri, and rolls, paired with sake.

Impeccable Sushi & Yakitori
Fresh, high-quality fish and expertly prepared yakitori sticks, including pork belly and wagyu.

Intimate & Cozy Ambiance
A small, 23-seat space offering a quiet and upscale dining experience perfect for a special night out.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early or Wait
With only 23 seats, expect a wait on weekends. Consider arriving early or joining the waitlist.
Book Omakase Ahead
Reserve in advance for the exclusive Omakase experience at the sushi bar, curated by Chef Kato.
Splurge on Quality
Expect to spend $80+ for a satisfying meal. The high quality of fish and preparation is worth the price.
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early or Wait
With only 23 seats, expect a wait on weekends. Consider arriving early or joining the waitlist.
Book Omakase Ahead
Reserve in advance for the exclusive Omakase experience at the sushi bar, curated by Chef Kato.
Splurge on Quality
Expect to spend $80+ for a satisfying meal. The high quality of fish and preparation is worth the price.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kengo Sushi & Yakitori is widely praised for its exceptionally fresh and delicious sushi and yakitori, often described as the best in the Midwest. Diners rave about the quality of the fish and the skillful preparation, especially highlighting the Omakase experience. While it's a small and intimate setting, the cozy atmosphere and friendly service contribute to a memorable dining experience, though the price point is considered high by some.
"Honestly, I don’t know how this ended up in Toledo of all places, but this is the best sushi you’re going to get in the Midwest.
The quality of the fish and the technique of the chefs are impeccable, making Kengo a true gem. That being said, you’re going to be dropping quite a bit of cash, but you can rest easy knowing that it’s going to be worth it. Omakase aside, expect to spend at least 80+ dollars on a meal. Of course this all depends on what you get, but why would you go to a nice sushi place and not buy the nice sushi?
Side note: get there early and be prepared to wait on weekends. You’re not the only one who wants good sushi and it is a small restaurant."
Mike Stram
"One of the best places for Sushi and a great addition to the Kengo Resturants.
This is a good spot, eat some sushi & yakatori. Absolutely delicious, fresh, clean sushi.
10/10 would recommend the Wagyu Roll.
10/10 would recommend the Unagi (Eel).
10/10 would recommend the porkbelly yakatori.
Filling? Not really, was a bit of a downer but if you're okay with a 30-50$ total just to feel satisfied, not bad!
The tempature of resturant was perfect. Had the A/C on during a high tempature spring day.
Bit crowded! And very long wait times! Worth the wait."
Spencer Brann
"In Toledo, Ohio there is the restaurant Kengo Sushi & Yakitori. A small Japanese restaurant. There are no reservations, but there is a waiting list. After a relaxed 30-minute wait, 3 seats were free for us at the bar. The staff are super friendly and attentive. The food couldn't be fresher. It was very, very tasty and we were always able to order more to try many of the dishes on offer. It may be a high-priced restaurant, but the food is unique."
Ivonne Vogel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Omakase is a chef's-choice tasting menu, typically featuring around twelve courses of sashimi, nigiri, and unique rolls, expertly curated by Chef Kengo Kato.
Reservations are not accepted for general dining, but Omakase experiences at the sushi bar can be reserved in advance.
Kengo Sushi & Yakitori is considered upscale. Expect to spend $80+ per person for a satisfying meal, with Omakase being a higher-priced option.
The restaurant is quite small, with only about 23 seats, so arriving early or joining the waitlist is recommended, especially on weekends.
Popular choices include the Wagyu Roll, Unagi (eel), pork belly yakitori, otoro, chutoro aburi, and various fresh nigiri selections.
The intimate setting and high-quality, exquisite food make it a popular choice for a special sushi date night.
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Hungry? Try One of These "Best Toledo Restaurants Near Me"
If you are searching for a culinary experience that will transport you to another place without ever leaving the comforts of Toledo, then consider dining at Kengo Sushi & Yakitori. With just more than 20 seats in the restaurant, this is a quiet respite where you can go to clear your mind as you fill your belly — and your soul — with delicious food. This hidden gem can be found on Saint Clair Street in Toledo, and it is open for dinner service Tuesday through Saturday.
10 Things You Can Do in Toledo, OH This Weekend
From their intimate 23-seat space on the southern edge of Downtown Toldeo, Kengo Sushi & Yakitori is a local favorite for fresh sushi and mouth-watering yakitori sticks. For a one-of-a-kind experience, try the Omakase, where Chef Kengo delights diners with a twelve-course chef’s-choice sampling of sashimi, nigiri, and unique rolls, paired with authentic sake. 38 S Clair St Toledo, OH 43604 (419)214-0574
The 10 Best Places to Get Dinner in Toledo, According to Yelp
From the chicken meatballs and pork belly to the grilled squid and traditional sushi rolls, everything is memorable and mouth-watering at Kengo. Created by Kengo Kato and Joshua Wagy, this Toledo original is a 23 seat Sushi and Yakitori restaurant with first come first serve seating. That is, unless you want to make reservations for OMAKASE at the sushi bar and leave your meal up to the chef!
Authentic Japanese ramen shop to open in downtown Toledo
To show satisfaction, customers are being encouraged to "slurp loud, eat fast", as the motto of Kato Ramen states. To Chef Kengo Kato, digging in is a sure sign of approval from the customer. The loud slurping is also functional, allowing guests to enjoy the full flavor of hot ramen without burning their mouths in the process.
Things to Do in Downtown Toledo This Weekend
Near Fifth Third ballpark on South St Clair Street, Kengo offers traditional Japanese cuisine in an intimate, 23-seat setting. In addition to a rotating selection of fresh nigiri, sashimi, and a unique assortment of maki rolls, Kengo offers mouthwatering yakitori. Wash down your meal with an ice-cold Sapporo or a cup of sake!
Restaurants & Bars | Hollywood Casino Toledo
Hollywood Casino Toledo has partnered with Kengo Kato, Owner and Head Chef of Kengo Sushi, to offer his authentic Japanese flavors right here inside Hollywood Casino Toledo!. Shobu by Kengo features high-quality, fresh ingredient sushi, with a one-of-a-kind dining experience to match.
Highest-rated Asian Restaurants in Toledo, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (47 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Japanese, Sushi- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 38 S Saint Clair St, Toledo, OH 43604-8736- Read more on Tripadvisor
Best sushi here? : toledo
if you are looking for sushi on sunday, TJ Hibachi in the franklin park mall is open sundays, as well as Tougen. Also Kengo can be hard to get into, so we usually go the easy route (but I agree, they are amazing).
Social
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