Kyoto Palace Japanese Steakhouse — Restaurant in Campbell

This was a real mixed bag kind of experience. My partner and I made reservations for 630p. We arrived right on time, but then had to wait nearly 10 minutes to be seated at a table, and I couldn't understand the delay, as the seats at our table appeared to be available right away.

And then we really had to wait. From when we were seated, we waited an additional 35 minutes at our completely filled table before a server came by to get drink and food orders. This was frustrating, as we were getting quite hungry.

When the teppanyaki chef did arrive, the food was enjoyable. Our food was cooked properly to our order, and was flavorful. A highlight for me was the chicken fried rice and the sautéed mushrooms.

There was slightly too long of a wait between finishing our main course and getting the ice cream dessert.

Ambience wise, the biggest issue was the exhaust fans for the teppanyaki grills didn't seem to be clearing the air enough in the dining area, and it was smokier than I've previously experienced in other teppanyaki restaurants. The decor is dated, but in a way that is sort of endearing to me as a child of the 80s. The interior also felt slightly underlit.

Overall, I don't feel my partner and I got a very good value for our meal, and I'm disappointed to say we won't be returning here...

I have nothing to say about the food or drinks because we left because initial service walking in was horrible. This is a place like Benihanas. I walked to the counter to ask about the bar and the host looked at me, ignored me for about 2 minutes while standing there the entire time, then decided to ask if I had a reservation. He said it was open seating at the bar, I followed in to wait for another person in my party. There was a server who said I could sit anywhere and order food. Once my party arrived, only 2 of us, we waited for a server or bartender. No service. They kept walking by our table multiple times but never acknowledged us. Mind you the server who told me I could sit anywhere bypassed us as well. I guess the bar was self serve with the new air menu. We left to Rock Bottom for a much better atmosphere and service. You can act stuffy if you like but it's customers like myself who like to spend on a dining experience that you miss out on. There are 2 other restaurants similar to this with much better service and I'll spend my money there. That's a sour note in my mouth and hoping others take warning. Sometimes everyone doesn't need a big party or to sit in front of a grill. Drinks and a few apps should be OK to enjoy at this establishment with the same...

Apparently this teppanyaki place has been here forever, can't believe this is the first time I'm trying it!

First, finding the place was a challenge. It's on the second floor and took me a while to figure out and orient myself on the map. I was hoping I could follow the yummy food smell ;)

My friend and I both ordered the lobster/scallop/filet mignon combo meal with chicken fried rice add-on. They were very efficient, we had a reservation and were seated right away with full service. The chef and food material came out very quickly too.

We got the fried rice first, which is unusual. All the food came out well prepared, my medium-rare steak was cooked perfectly. Scallops are also very nice, I know it's very easy to overcook that. My only small complaint is some of the dishes were a little salty for my liking. They also put a LOT of butter. I know butter makes things taste better, but my fried rice was swimming in butter a little, which is unnecessary.

Overall a satisfying meal! I had enough leftover for dinner. It is not cheap but you definitely pay for the quality and service. Will come back if I have teppanyaki cravings in...