Ken's Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in Rancho Cucamonga

On 11/29/2022 at 7:20PM, and I have just left Ken’s Japanese Restaurant which is located at 10006 Foothill Blvd, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 97130. I have been in the area for less than a week. When I arrived, I was told I could not dine in, which was odd, as there were several other separate parties eating there inside. I was forced to order a take-out order and leave. I generally am used to spending hundreds of dollars on omakase alone, but couldn’t even get past the door. When I inquired about this, their answer was, “these customers have been loyal during covid, thus allowing access.” Is this a like a night club in Hollywood or Dubai? Even then cash is king. I left ordering otoro, bluefin tuna, and blue crab to go, which isn’t the same as eating it dining in. I didn’t want to order more due to the experience I have received.

That has been the worst discrimination I felt in my life. In the early 80’s I was one of the few Asians who grew up in Bellflower, CA and have never felt that way. I have also lived in different countries around the world and other states and have never ever experienced that. To a certain extent, shouldn’t customers be treated with the same level of respect? Is this a like a night club in Hollywood or Dubai? Even then, cash is king. I just don’t get it. Ken’s has a lost a customer for life, as I would never consider ever going there again, nor do I recommend...

This is the epitome of the “hole-in-the-wall” restaurant with exceptional cuisine. If you’re craving sushi beyond the standard fare you see in most sushi places, this is your spot. Your server will give you a menu and mention any deviations there might be in availability. What they probably won’t tell you is that there is a stash of chef’s picks you’ll never see on the menu. If you feel adventurous you can ask for the chef to put together a dinner of his special choices. Besides fish of the best quality you are apt to see micro greens, plants and herbs accenting the flavors of their creations. Some of their specialties are finished with simple sauces possessing complex flavors that accentuate the qualities of the fish. I have had a couple of dining experiences here where I left thinking, “Wow, that was a remarkable meal.” I have eaten fish that I’ve never heard of before and fish that I never wanted to try before because I trust these guys. Don’t judge Ken’s by the appearance of the exterior or the décor inside. Judge them by the food they’ll prepare for you. I like to sit at the sushi bar watching them prepare items for other guests. When I see something interesting I ask them what it is and order one for myself. In my opinion they distance themselves from almost every other sushi restaurant in the...

Hands down, this is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Southern California!

I moved to the Inland Empire a couple of years ago and I’ve read many good reviews of Ken’s Japanese Restaurant on Google and Yelp. I decided to give this restaurant a try and it truly lives up to the hype.

I chose OMAKASE (Chef’s choice course), and it was amazing! It was the best Japanese meal that I’ve ever had so far.

What I love about this restaurant: Fresh ingredients: I can taste the freshness of all the seafood dishes I had. Great hospitality: the moment I stepped in the restaurant, I was greeted by the great waiters. The chef also came out to ask me about the Chef’s choice course and explained what those are. The experience: the restaurant and its ambiance remind me of those authentic Japanese restaurants I visited in Japan.

I love this restaurant and I will definitely come back!

PS: Thank you, Victor! Your hospitality and great personality have made my dinner an...