Kitaro Bistro of Japan

I have a split opinion about Kitaro Bistro of Japan. First, they have the most expensive restaurant facility of any Japanese restaurant I have seen in the St. Louis area. Its an interesting building in itself with huge glass walls on two sides of the restaurant and a very contemporary interior. In this respect, Kitaro wins hands down over any Japanese restaurant in the metro area.

I have eaten at Kitaro several times over the years and my only problem with Kitaro is their prices. They are on the high side, especially at dinner time. I imagine that is because of this expensive facility they have to pay for. The service has always been very good.

Kitaro features both sushi and teppan-yaki where the chef cooks your meal on a large heated steel plate at center of the table where you eat. Kitaro does a good job at both. The sushi is good but it doesn't stand out, particularly.

I would suggest that if you like sushi rolls, you consider their reasonably priced Sushi Buffet lunch that is currently $13 Sunday-Thursday and $17 on Fridays. Its not just sushi, there are a lot of warm dishes to select from as well to choose. They also have a small outdoor area in warmer weather along Highway K where you can enjoy a Japanese beer.

To sum up: Kitaro is somewhat pricey but a nice experience if you aren't too price conscious. If you are a sushi fan in the St. Louis area, you ought to visit Kitaro at least once. If you are passing through the area, Kitaro is very easily accessible off of I-64 at Highway K a few miles west of the Missouri River bridge.