KITA Japanese Kitchen + Bar — Restaurant in Whitehorse

The Best Japanese Restaurant in Yukon!

As a seasoned vanlifer journeying from Vancouver through the Northwest Territories and Yukon, I can confidently say that Kita offers an unparalleled dining experience that balances top-notch quality with reasonable prices up north.

Ambiance & Service: Kita’s atmosphere is as inviting as it is refined. The restaurant maintains impeccable cleanliness, setting the stage for an authentic dining experience. the artwork on the wall are well designed and decorated.

The background music features trendy Japanese tunes that contribute to the ambiance without overwhelming conversation.

Special mention goes to our server, Michael, whose courteous and friendly demeanor elevated our meal. His professional presentation of the dishes, including seasonal specials and restaurant signatures, was spot on. His approach was never pushy; instead, he offered personalized suggestions that enhanced our dining experience.

Kita’s service is undeniably fine dining grade, a true gem in Whitehorse.

Culinary Highlights:

1. Hot Sake: The hot sake at Kita is a must-try (especially In a raining day) Served at the perfect temperature, it arrived in a beautifully chosen ceramic flask and cup, adding to the authentic Japanese vibe. The sake itself was of high quality—smooth and easy on the palate, with just the right amount of warmth to bring out its delicate aroma.

2. Black Cod: This dish was a standout. The black cod was seasoned to perfection, with a crispy skin that contrasted beautifully with the tender, melt-in-your-mouth flesh. The accompanying vegetables added a fresh and balanced touch, harmonizing wonderfully with the fish.

3. Negituna Roll: This classic maki roll was an exercise in precision and freshness. The fish was incredibly fresh, the rice perfectly cooked with just the right amount of vinegar, and the seaweed retained its crispiness. Kita nails the art of crafting a quintessential Japanese maki roll.

4. Chop Chop Roll: Don’t be fooled by the playful name—this roll is seriously delicious. The scallops were bouncy and fresh, seasoned just right, and the mayo was expertly balanced, complementing rather than overpowering the other flavors. It’s a delightful combination that’s sure to impress.

5. Tuna Tataki: The tuna tataki was another highlight, showcasing sashimi-grade fish with seasoning that was spot on. The garlic crisps on top added a fun and flavorful crunch, perfectly complementing the tender tuna. The vinegar in the seasoning was balanced, ensuring it didn’t overshadow the dish's natural flavors.Final

Verdict: For anyone who appreciates Asian fusion cuisine or authentic Japanese food, Kita is an absolute must-visit while in Whitehorse, Yukon.

The quality, service, and atmosphere combine to create a dining experience that rivals even the best restaurants in...

I'm going to write a brutally honest review here. We were going to try out Sakura but they were closed so we decided to come here instead. The food was very average for a very high price and very small portion. I'm not from around here, but grocery prices here are the same where I live and I've had wayyyyyyyy better tasting sushi for a smaller price (even without the authentic tag). When we got our takeout, I thought they were missing something because the bag was so small. I was very surprised. We went outside to check before leaving. Most of the food was okay, but the salmon aburi was so bad. You know it's bad if it tastes like butane gas and the texture is nothing like salmon. Maybe if the taste was better it would be acceptable... I'm not sure how they are authentic when they don't know how to properly sear their fish and are speaking Mandarin to each other. Also that small amount of food took a long time to be ready. I was hoping to eat some tasty sushi that night but was disappointed. We had to order pizza after we checked the portions because clearly it...

Update May 1, 2024 - came to Whitehorse to visit. The location is more busier than I remember. Food presentations have improved. Food tastes better. Great atmosphere and staff service. Definitely have to keep coming back to try more items whenever I’m here. Loved the seasonal themed menu covers!

I don't live here, but I regularly visit whitehorse for work purposes. I find each time I'm around in whitehorse I do make an effort to come to Kita to have lunch and/or dinner. Atmosphere is great. Food is good. Staff is good too. Checks all check marks of what I'm looking for. There's healthy choices too which I see on the menu. Arriving on an evening flight, my first stop for dinner was to Kita sushi. I had the Hamachi Carpaccio with monkfish liver (was too hungry and forgot to take pictures) and the chop chop roll. Take my and other reviews with a grain of salt. But I would say though. Try it for sure. I don't think it would...