Koi Kawa Japanese Restaurant
(210) 805-8111
4051 Broadway St
San Antonio,
TX
78209
29.4639
-98.4651
Neighborhood: Mahncke Park
What People Are Saying About Koi Kawa Japanese Restaurant
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
Nestled at the back of the Boardwalk on Broadway just north of the Witte Museum, it can be hard to find, but follow your nose and you'll be rewarded. Sushi aficionados claim Koi Kawa has the best chef in town. Past the sushi bar, unpretentious seating in an all-glass dining room offers an unobstructed vista of Brackenridge Park and San Antonio River.
The Food
With almost 30 appetizers, it's hard not to start the meal off right. Begin on the light side with the salted, buttery edamame (steamed soybeans in the pod). If you've come for the sushi, try the devil roll, a mixture of fish, green onion and chili paste, surrounded by wasabi-flavored flying fish eggs. A wealth of popular soba, udon and teriyaki dishes round out the large menu.
User Reviews
berkley92
August 23, 2008
The dining experience at Koi Kawa was horrible. Upon entry we were asked to wait for a table, but then no one came to seat us for at least 5 minutes. I understand that a restaurant is going to be busy on Friday night, but they were majorly understaffed. We finally were put at a table BUT THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY AVAILABLE MENUS FOR US!!! A waiter finally came to the table with that deer in headlights look on her face, she was completely overwhelmed, which made us a bit uncomfortable. She got our drink order and wandered off (we still didn't have any menus), and finally returned after another 10 minutes or so. I managed to get up myself and snag some to go menus from one of the two sushi chefs, whom i couldn't help but notice were both drinking beer and taking sake bombs with the customers sitting at the sushi bar (at least someone was enjoying themselves), but after we finally ordered our sushi at least i had an explanation as to why we did not get our food for another hour. The sushi itself was mediocre, the fish itself was fresh enough, but the rolls were very sloppy (i wasn't surprised since the chefs were so inebriated) I can't imagine that it's legal to be wielding those sharp knives while under the influence. The flavor was there but my rolls looked like they were partially chewed already. Also the people at the sushi bar were so loud and obnoxious and vulgar, receiving many a dirty look from the families sitting in the dining room. Bottom line is that that place needs more menus, and a more disciplined wait staff, i don't know how many times a waiter cruised by our table while our drinks remained empty until we received our check. I will never go back there.
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CBHenry
July 16, 2008
My husband and I just dined here Saturday night. Immediately got seated and had a great view of the Park next door. Prices were reasonable and the service was prompt and helpful. My favorite was the special Sara roll, which was divine. My husband loved the tuna sashimi so much, he had to get a second order. We also loved the special shrimp tempura roll. Overall, an excellent experience. We will definitely visit again soon!
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dirk0
June 28, 2008
Dined around 8:30-9pm. Food was very fresh and wonderful, no complaints. Service? What service! There were empty tables everywhere and still had to wait 5 minutes for a refill or 10 minutes for the check. Food also comes slow, but that is to be expected.. be sure to order a quick appetizer. Overall? Meh. It's great if you need to waste time and want great sushi, otherwise try someplace else. Service just leaves a lot to be desired.
read full reviewThe Details on Koi Kawa Japanese Restaurant
Know Before You Go:
Most locals remain loyal to this original location, but for something new, try the smaller Quarry Koi Kawa. It features a sushi conveyor belt.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Carte Blanche, Discover, Diners Club, Visa, MasterCard, Travelers Check
Restaurant Special Features:
Waterfront Dining, View Dining, Group Dining, Dine At The Bar
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
Yes
