This Boise restaurant just closed after decades. It’s ‘bittersweet,’ but here’s what’s next.
Kyoto Japanese Steak House said goodbye to customers Monday during a final day serving teppanyaki-style steak and sushi rolls.
The Boise restaurant at 6002 W. Fairview Ave. has closed. Owners Vincent and Le Wang, who took it over in 2001, are retiring.
“... The restaurant will be under new management after Monday, March 29,” Kyoto posted on its Facebook page two days ago. “They would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all of their customers over the years, especially to those that became extended family. ... They’ve witnessed so many customers getting engaged, celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, bringing in their little ones and seeing them grow up, and much more — so this decision has been a bittersweet one for Vincent and Le. However, they would like to end their legacy on a high note and on a big milestone — 20 great, wonderful years.”
Kevin Wang, the couple’s son and a sushi chef, said in a Facebook message that the restaurant will be closed until the new buyer decides to reopen — probably a few weeks, but there’s no definite time frame. Wang, who handled social media for Kyoto, also indicated that longtime customers might be in luck.
“We are still in the process of finalizing things with the new buyer,” he explained, “and won’t be able to speak upon their behalf. They will be taking over the name and the restaurant once everything is settled, but to our understanding, it’ll still be operating as Kyoto Japanese Steak House.”
Kyoto has been around for a long time. Exactly how long? The Idaho Statesman archive includes a restaurant review of Kyoto as far back as 1992. And the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office includes an initial business filing in 1990.
Decades later, Kyoto was still strong enough to survive during the coronavirus pandemic. And Yelp reviewers definitely still appreciated the menu and showmanship.
“Food is always fantastic,” one wrote in September. “Hibachi is entertaining. Make sure to make reservations. Or you could be sitting for awhile waiting.”
This story was originally published March 30, 2021 at 4:00 AM.