KYOWA in Plymouth

Authentic, delicious food coupled with an attentive and efficient service - this is hands down the best Japanese restaurant in Plymouth.

I’ve visited Kyowa on three occasions the first by far being the best of all three . On this recent occasion I was rushed only had 1hr to eat and yes they did tell you that beforehand but none the less was rushed for sure if we had longer would’ve brought more food but since only had an hour only had two dishes , so I had the seafood Ramen and the chicken gyozas both were very different to the first time trying it from here . The waiter didn’t ask us how the food was which is a simple gesture to be given . The atmosphere we were placed in a corner and my partner is very tall so it wasn’t very comfortable for him let alone me . It was very cramped , we would’ve rather waited to be seated elsewhere but there was no where else it’s like we had the last picking of the table even though we did book . Overall felt very rushed and the food wasn’t too previous standards . I won’t be returning again .

WOW! Just WOW! My partner and I ate here this evening for our anniversary and everything was just perfect. The food was so good we could barely speak to each other, I think we even closed our eyes at some points haha! The staff were so lovely and kind, the chef was incredibly skilled and the atmosphere was intimate and relaxing. The Wagyu beef was like nothing I’ve had before, my partner and I are huge foodies and have eaten Japanese food at many restaurants but this was ASTOUNDING and by far the best sushi I have ever eaten. Not overpriced at all, I would even pay twice over for the experience we had this evening. Purely perfect. I can’t wait to keep coming back until I’ve tried the whole menu! :)

Kyowa deserves all the 5 star reviews. The food, service, and ambience of this tiny modern Japanese restaurant exceeded our expectations.

Kyowa deserves each and everyone of the 5 star reviews! Our first visit and we were glad we had booked, we went early as a pre theatre meal and it was perfect. We cannot add much to the already descriptive reviews, the ambience, staff and food lived up to and beyond our expectations. We chose a selection of dishes with recommendations from the very helpful waitress, each dish was beautifully presented and enhance by homemade soy sauce and wasabi. We hope to return in the not to distant future.

Outstanding! Food, service and atmosphere were fantastic. The beef sushi was the stand out dish

First-class service from the two very helpful and knowledgeable front-of-house team, and first-class food from the head chef and his team. Our first visit to this restaurant, and I would certainly want to go there again. Booking highly advisable — they understandably get very full. There is an official "Ebrington Road" car park conveniently close, just to the north of Ebrington Road in Trafalgar Street which we failed to spot, which appears to charge a very reasonable £1.20 per hour.

Went with a group of friends who had raved about this place, and they weren't wrong. They provided a tasting menu for us, amazing dishes kept on coming, each one as fabulous as the previous one. You can really tell the love and effort that goes into all of the dishes, with great service as well. I'll be returning very soon!

Sensational food, amazingly fresh and beautifully presented. It is a coozy place so book, highly recommend

It was our first time here, booking is recommended. They allocate your table for a set time and you’re expected to vacate it. Didn’t mind this at all - it’s a small, popular restaurant. Overwhelmed by the menu, the waitress was fantastic at guiding us through our menu choices. All the food we had was delightful. We will definitely be back to try more.

Great food. Very friendly staff. Very small venue, but this makes it feel very cosy.

What a lovely place. Staff were wonderful. Everyone was happy, food was great, definitely be returning.

Amazing food and service. Incredible presentation, really attentive friendly staff, highly recommend. Only recommendation, but this is being exceptionally picky, would be to dim the restaurant lights a bit. Great place 👍

Great spot for dinner in Plymouth - food was excellent, staff friendly and welcoming, small & intimate venue. Will certainly be coming back.

I cannot recommend this place enough. We’ve been twice now - the first time we were already thinking about when we could come back whilst eating. Everything they make is incredible. I’ve never been so excited by a restaurant - we’ll find any excuse to go back and try the whole menu! I rarely bother to write reviews - this place is special.

Delicious beautifully presented food with high quality ingredients, in a setting with authentic attractive interiors, prepared quickly and expertly with warm service. The best Japanese restaurant in the South West! This is the only Japanese restaurant we go to as no other gets anywhere near Kyowa.

Cosy, welcoming restaurant! We hadn’t booked but were so lucky that they set an extra table and fit us in. Food was amazing! My daughter said it is the best restaurant she’s ever eaten in!! If we are ever back in Plymouth we will be sure to book and return.

First time in Plymouth and found Kyowa by chance. The salmon sushi and chicken karaage were fresh and prepared to perfection. Then came the Tonkotsu Ramen and Bento Box. For the former, the broth was rich and flavourful and the Bento had many wonderful ingredients. All rounded off with great service. Thank you to the team for finding us a table (make sure you book in advance), we will be back.

Update: In my last two visits, the sushi was delicious, and the takoyaki was some of the best I've ever had. Fried evenly and to perfection. They changed their chef in the kitchen, so I look forward to eating more of the cooked food. Previous review: I'm very happy that we have a restaurant like this in Plymouth. I've ordered takeaway here twice, and the sushi is amazing. The seafood ramen was not bad but wished they had packed the tempura separately since it was soggy when we got home. The beef in the beef don is delicious, but it was a bit salty. Typically, this dish is a bit on the sweet side, so it should add Mirin and sugar in the sauce in the future. The beef don used to be 10 gbp but now 15, so the price almost went up by half of the original price. I understand inflation and costs going up, etc, but I was surprised by that amount of increase.

Best place you can eat in Plymouth

Such attention to detail and care put into the sushi at Kyowa. I had the Kyowa roll and friend had the spicy salmon roll. Both were excellent. Chicken karage was good too.Haven’t been a fan of sushi until recently and this meal has definitely turned me into a sushi lover :))

Amazing dining experience. The chef/owner is passionate about the dishes he creates and it shows in the presentation, attention to detail, creativity, and complexity of the flavors. I didn’t want to touch the soy sauce! It was amazing watching him work! It also has such a lovely and intimate atmosphere with friendly staff.

Absolutely incredible. After hearing a lot of positive things about Kyowa we finally gave it a try ourselves and I can say it’s worth the hype. Incredible food, friendly service and cosy, intimate restaurant. Highly recommend the ramen - the broth is yummy! There’s only 5 or 6 tables in the restaurant so be sure to book ahead.

Went to KYOWA for lunch, was blown away. Clean and with great atmosphere, service was great. Food was delicious and unique, the whole soft shell crab tempura was a highlight. Quite expensive, but definitely worth the money.

I loved this place. Both the waitress and chef/owner were immediately so nice and welcoming. Hands down the best restaurant in Plymouth. They accommodated us even with quite late notice for a booking. The food was incredible and so many vegan options! Such a cozy atmosphere too and reminds me of my trips to Japan with my family. As we paid the bill we booked another table for a few days later. Would highly recommend!!!

This is, by far, the most amazing food I have ever eaten. The presentation is incredible, the staff are amazing, and the taste is unbelievable. If the seats are full, they still do takeaway, so you never miss a chance to try it!

I'm leaving the UK tomorrow, and what I'll miss the most is this restaurant! It's the best sushi restaurant in the world! My favorites are the A5 Wagyu sushi and the top-notch tempura! Both the chief and the staff are very friendly and provide excellent service!

A small but very high-quality Japanese restaurant, which I will count as one of my top restaurant tips.

One of the most welcoming places I've been! Food was delish-i-o to boot!

I think the other reviews do this place justice. Was in the area and thought I'd go try some ramen. Unfortunately they were fully booked but did me a takeout. Best ramen I've ever had If your in the area and looking for something extra special then book a table and go check this place out

Excellent food, staff & service, drove up from Truro to go and it was well worth it 😊 went for some of the more expensive options as a treat, will definitely be back

Finally found a place in England where you can happily eat real Japanese food. Wagyu nigiri and ramen are definitely worth trying, great meat. We ate at the establishment and took some more with us to enjoy the evening. We'll be back.

One of the best places in England. Wonderful food, very friendly and lovely staff. I would like to come back here again!

best vegan ramen and sushi i've had in a very very long time. Superb and friendly service. BEAUTIFUL and DELICIOUS healthy food. I can't recommend highly enough - wish I didn't live 6 hours away or I'd be there all the time! Thank you to the Kyowa team

A small but personable setting nice deco, service and food. The art of the presentation was fantastic.

Quite simply the best sushi experience I've ever had. Very attentive, lovely atmosphere and mind blowing food. Couldn't believe the value for money, fantastic.

This place is fantastic. The wagyu is divine

The food is so tasty and very delicious and the ambiance is cozy. How I wish they will make the place bigger as they are always full.

Superb quality and service highly recommend

Wow, wow, wow! Second time here and it certainly didn't disappoint. The staff are lovely and the food is exceptional. Will definitely be returning ☺️

Definitely the best and most authentic Japanese restaurant in the south west with amazing food at a reasonable price. One of the best meals I've had and the staff are very helpful and lovely. If you want to eat in I would book to avoid disappointment as there is a limited number of tables but definitely worth it.

OMG! The food was amazing and the service was brilliant. The staff were so helpful and attentive. I'm so pleased we went and I can't wait to go back. We got the medium sharer and a copy of extras. The staff are happy to offer advice. I even enjoy sake, for the first time ever! It was the cheapest one but so tasty, no nasty after burn. They even make their own soy sauce! The prawns katsu were some of the best prawns I've ever had. The wakame was delicious, and I was disappointed I had to share the edamame; they were so good. I will be back with friends. The main thing is to book as there are only a few places and you will be disappointed to miss out!

Absolutely love this restaurant! I always like to try a different sushi (favourites being the wagyu and their truffle rainbow one) and my partner's favourite is the Kamo crispy duck. Their Tonkotsu Ramen is so good, especially if you add some of the chef's chilli oil to it! All the staff here are incredibly friendly. The service is brilliant. Highly recommend here! Our favourite place!

Food here is probably the best Japanese Cuisine I have ever had. The staff where lovely and the chef is clearly extremely talented and dedicated to authentic Japanese food. I cant wait to go back. A real gem in Plymouth and a must try if you are here

After hearing loads of amazing feedback about Kyowa we thought we would give it a go and I am so glad we did! The food was absolutely incredible. I loved that the restaurant is only small, the whole experience felt more personal, especially with the chef preparing everything in-front of you. We tried many amazing dishes but my personal favourite was the A5 wagyu sushi, we weren’t sure about everything that came with it, however it was a taste sensation, the tempura prawns were the best prawns I have ever eaten, they were melt in the mouth. The staff were amazing and service was great. I really cannot wait to return again! Just out of this world and such an incredible place, you can tell how much love has gone into Kyowa and all of it’s beautiful food. Thank you for a great evening!

Without a doubt, THE best sushi in the South West. Incredible

Great Ramen best one I eat so far. Delicious wagyu sushi and amazing customer service. The best Japanese restaurant. Worth of try and visit. When you visit Plymouth that's the place where you need to go!!!

Excellent food. Beautifully presented. Friendly staff.

Wonderful! Small but beautifully formed. Being small you need to book but it is so worth the effort.

I can’t believe this restaurant is in Plymouth. I’ve eaten in Nobu quite a few times and I honestly think the best sushi is here. The chef is very humble and very open. When I come back to plymouth this is the number one place I will book.

The service was great and the vegan sushi platter and vegan ramen were both exceptionally tasty.

This place is AMAZING 😍. I lived in Japan for a number of years so I know what Japanese food should taste like. Kyowa is a piece of Japan in Plymouth. Honestly I don't have words for how fantastic it is. The food is so beautifully made with obvious love and presented so beautifully too. But the food pushes boundaries. One of the dishes I ate was wagyu sushi. I'm a bit of a purist 😀 so was intrigued to try it. I thought it would be overpowering, it wasn't, it was delicate and so full of flavour. The tempura is the best I've had in the UK and finally authentic ramen 🍜..... possibly my favourite ever food. I can't wait to go back and work my way through the menu 😆😍. The chef clearly adores his job, it's art. Thank you for a wonderful experience.

10/10 what an incredible restaurant. The chef is clearly skilled and highly trained (in Japan). The staff are warm, welcoming and friendly whilst also offering a high standard of service and always happy to help. This is by far my favourite restaurant in Plymouth and hands down the best Japanese restaurant in town. Not only is the food and service to an incredible standard but the price is very fair for what you get. My favourite place for date night or a small family catch up! The only thing to be aware of here is that there is not a high number of tables or seats in the restaurant so I wouldn't try booking in for more than 4 people. This however does give you a very exclusive feeling when inside eating and I very much enjoy the environment created. No where better to go, don't second guess it, book in and you will be extremely happy with your choice!

This was our second time here, we were so impressed with our first visit that we booked straight away for the next month. The food is amazing and delicious, made with love and care by the friendly chef. Atmosphere is great, food quality is superior and staff very attentive and friendly. Highly recommend this place, probably the best sushi I ever had!

A wonderful eatery. Very interesting and calming atmosphere. Delicious sushi, particularly crispy duck makimono. Very intricate attention to detail and attentive service. Would definitely recommend!

An amazing experience! First time visit and definitely not my last. The atmosphere is beautiful and enjoyed every aspect. Food was of the best quality and was amazing to have the opportunity to go. Definitely going again very soon!

Food simply out of this world and staff are fantastic 👍

Amazing food and service. The staff are friendly and the dishes are sublime

Great food. Will definitely eat here again.

Excellent food, would really recommend the tempura prawn and mango sushi, and lovely staff that all had a great eye for detail. I am definitely planning to go back.

Still wonderful. Make sure to book ahead of time.

This is undoubtedly the best restaurant in Plymouth. As a Londoner living in Plymouth I often miss the restaurants but Kyowa is a game changer. The maki are beautiful, delicious and filling. The Takoyaki are sooo so good. My favourite was a toss up between the soft shell crab tempura and the sashimi. I’m getting hungry just writing this review!! Service is also excellent. You will not be disappointed.

Lovely little sushi place, delicious and super friendly service. They were happy to accommodate our little one in her pram. Just wish there was a baby changing station in the bathroom. Can't wait to go back. Would recommend booking as limited covers

The Japanese restaurant provided with excellent service. The ramen broth was rich, and the saltiness was just right. However, the taste of the fried chicken affects the broth, giving it a slightly burnt flavor. It would be better if the fried items were served separately. Also, the seats in the shop are limited. Waiting on site without a reservation may take some time.

Fantastic fresh and authentic food and great service ! Highly recommend it for delicious ramen and sushi. Also just so incredibly friendly and forthcoming . We wish them and wish we lived close by to go there all the time !

Nothing more to say than it being the BEST SUSHI we have ever had! Thank you!!

What a suprising gem! Beautiful food, lovely customer service, our waiter was very kind, owner is smiley and welcoming :) Food is freshly prepared in the front with a burst of flavours, a must try.

Food was great, restaurant is super nice!

Quite literally the best food we have ever had. Everything about this place is amazing, the chefs and staff are so friendly, passionate and talented. Huge thank you for an amazing dinner, we will be bringing everyone we know here from now on! Top tip - get the A5 Wagu, it is more than worth it!!

This place was soooo good. Best restaurant in plymouth

Unbelievably tasty food and fantastic service! All of the staff were delightful. The menu is extensive and the food is incredibly good. We had a lovely time for my friend’s birthday - and we will definitely be back!

Amazing food and service. Very intimate atmosphere and the staff are great.

Excellent food. Sushi, tempura soft shell crab and raven were out of this world. Customer service was amazing too. Can't wait to return.

Outstanding. Genuinely some of the best sushi I have eaten in the UK. perfectly fresh, generous portions, beautifully presented and delicately balanced flavours. I’d post photos but we were too absorbed int eh food to bother!

Delicious food beautifully presented and friendly service. Highly recommended. Can't wait to come back to try everything else. You definitely need to book in advance. So worth the wait.

Fantastic and the chef has amazing music taste

Exceptional. 10/10 and can't wait to go again.

the best most authentic food I’ve had! The atmosphere of the restaurant is perfect and the food was so amazing and worth more than the price :) and as a vegan i could easily find options for me

I've heard so many good things about Kyowa and it lived well beyond my expectations. The atmosphere was great, the staff were all so attentive and the food was out of this world.

This was our first visit and we will most certainly be back. The food was delicious and there is such a wide choice. The range of sushi was outstanding and the presentation was first class. Our grandson wanted sushi for his birthday meal, he got home and his first words were “ that was the best”. An ideal venue for a quiet relaxing superb meal.

A real treat, staff excellent, and to watch the chef prepare the food, he is an artist. Food was absolutely delicious, and will 100% be back again.

Absolutely beautiful and delicious Japanese food. I will definitely be back.

Friendly, accomodating, and delicious food.

Absolutely delicious and great service!

Simply the best sushi I have ever eaten. Bravo.

A warm welcome, great service and the most amazing food. Everything we had was delicious and the sushi was the best I’ve ever had.

Absolutely delicious food (esp chicken katsu noodles, Kyowa Maki, gyozas) & very friendly staff

5 stars does not do what we experienced tonight justice. Flawless service and food. Absolutely sublime food and service… thank you 🙏🏻🙏🏻

Beautifully authentic, high quality, flavoursome Japanese food in a clean, light setting. It's a bit more expensive than similar offerings, but you're paying for the extra quality, and I'd say it's worth it. The chef is very friendly and happy to have a quick chat about the food if he has a moment! It's very small and very popular, with good reason, so booking is a must for the evening. Lunch times occasionally have space for walk ins.

Wonderful little Japanese restaurant! The tuna sashimi and tonkotsu ramen were particularly impressive, but we saw the sushi chef preparing some plates of sushi with incredible care and attention to detail - definitely will be back to try more things!

By far the best sushi in Plymouth

Really beautiful little sushiya. We had not booked but they very kindly managed to squeeze us in with a table. Both the service and food were exemplary. Everything was beautiful and delicious and I really want to go back when I have a bit more time to enjoy more from the menu. My favourite was the kabocha korokke. Thank you so much Kyowa for a wonderful experience that was over too soon!

What can i say, i came here today to celebrate my birthday with my boyfriend, and we both can agree it was the best food we had ever had in our lives. I messaged a few days ago to book a table in advance and mentioned how i would be on a tight time but they were extremely accommodating and assured me of the quick service ( which i can say was exceptionally quick and amazing!) We were seated on our table and welcomed by very friendly staff. Our waiter (James i think his name was) Was so polite and friendly. We ordered and i think no longer than 10 minutes later our starters and sushi arrived. I have no words…they were out of this world. I have never tasted such fresh and delicious sushi in my life. We had the Crispy duck roll, Ryu Dragon roll and the Takoyaki. Not long after we finished our main course came out. We had the Katsu chicken ramen and the Tonkotsu Ramen. The broth was so flavourful and delicious and the toppings were cooked to perfection. This was definately the best dining experience i have ever had. To add on, The chef was extremely friendly, he came out to greet customers and was a pleasure to talk to. Not to mention the decoration and cleanliness of the restaurant was beyond perfect. The only complaint i have is that the place isn’t bigger because i would love to bring everyone i know to come here!

Lovely food and great service. We ordered all the maki rolls and tempura. Next time we shall order the rest. Must visit while in Plymouth.He does a live show of the sushi and its definately worth the prices.Nice small restaurant beautifully decorated too.

Ate here today and have to say it is the best Japanese restaurant we have ever visited. 10/10 would recommend.

Perfect … just difficult to get a table at times 🙌

Came for dinner last night and my god the best sushi I’ve ever had. This small place knocks kuku off its feet… so much nicer. Our waiter was so lovely too and made us feel welcome and well looked after. My new favourite place for sushi, wow!

Great Japanese food, served by a waiter who works to the highest standard of hospitality. He knows in detail how to make customers feel welcome, looking after them without being invasive. What can I say, this restaurant for now seems to have found a winning formula, well done.

Cute little place that serves the absolute best sushi I've ever had. They have melt in your mouth fish and boast a brilliant range of vegetarian and vegan options too. Cannot recommend enough

Stopped by this sushi place this evening and it was absolutely great! We ordered the A5 wagyu caviar truffle makimono, Kamo crispy duck makimono, and tuna + salmon sashimi which were all delicious. The staff were super friendly, and we didn't have to wait long at all for the food to come. It’s a great spot for both quality and quantity, highly recommend if you're in the mood for top-notch sushi. Will be back for sure!