Downtown Toledo finally has the puzzle piece found in every great metro area: An excellent sushi experience.
Kengo Sushi & Yakitori is now open at 38 St. Clair St., next to Downtown Latte. The menu changes every day; co-owner Josh Wagy (Smashing Toledo) said one of the goals for the restaurant is to sell out as much of the menu each night as possible. Wagy’s partner, Chef Kengo Kato, was formerly a sushi artist at both Koreana and Sakura.
Kato was trained in New York City—his father was also a sushi chef—and has worked all over the U.S. Wagy met Kengo while he was at Koreana, and their friendship was born from a mutual love for sushi and their creative, innovative appetites. The passion for good eating comes through in this new venture; the changing fresh seafood menu reflects classic sushi, yakitori flavors and recipes, while allowing the chef to experiment.
Uniquely fresh
The 20-seat space is casual, and quality is evident in both its food and ambience. An intimate interior with beautifully stained wooden tables, minimalist, modern decor and cheery staff make for an appealing and welcoming atmosphere.
The menu at Kengo is a la carte—order what you like, it’s all good. On Wagy’s recommendation, we started with the yakitori, enjoying several variations on the classic Japanese dish of skewered meats. Chicken thigh, pork belly, and chicken meatballs were cooked on Kengo’s custom-built yakitori grill, and were delectable, crispy, and flavorful.
Sushi is fresh and hand-selected by the chef. The menu offers a variety of fish and other traditional Japanese delicacies, including eel and urchin. Sushi can be ordered as either sashimi or nigiri to preference, and you can choose between spicy tuna or salmon maki.
Artfully good
The sushi arrived, carefully presented on wooden planks. The tuna and madai were excellent; both fresh and generously portioned. The sushi came with the chef’s homemade soy sauce blend, real wasabi—Wagy explained, “none of that fake stuff”—, and spicy-sweet pickled ginger. Hand-selected draft beer, wine, and sake (on tap) are available to enhance the flavors.
Wagy described the adventure of Omakase ($68) as “letting the chef take you for a ride.” It’s a limited-availability option that gives patrons the opportunity to let the chef’s skills and imagination run wild, when Chef Kengo presents traditional Japanese techniques and flavors for a unique experience.
Kengo Sushi & Yakitori is a welcome addition to Toledo cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a place to dine before a weekend show, or you’re in need of a post-work escape for the evening, you won’t be disappointed.
Kengo Sushi & Yakitori, 28 S. St. Clair St. 419-214-0574, kengotoledo.com
