Kokoro Japanese Restaurant in Monterey Park

Better than I expected. I dont usually go to Monterey Park to eat sushi, but just happened to when I visited Kokoro recently. This is a casual Japanese eatery that has sushi and other Asian foods, even Korean-inspired dishes like bbq short ribs. The food was tasty all around. I give them big props for using high quality fish for their sushi and sashimi. For the most part, it was melt-in-your-mouth, flavorful, and fresh. It definitely felt more elevated than what the casual atmosphere is like.I think the raw marinated crab and shrimp is also a winner here. Its pretty much like what you find at Korean seafood restaurants, but the difference is that it is reasonably priced here compared to what Korean spots charges these days. I mean, $35 a crab. Not terribly bad compared to market value.Yes, this spot is safe. I would definitely come back again.

Found this place on Yelp in MPK.I liked that they had non-sushi dishes so my friend could have her sushi and I could still enjoy other food! I had my eyes on their teriyaki chicken plate and it turned out to be good!I like the interior and the chairs were comfy.Service was slow but the waitress was very nice and gave us some kind of salmon roll on the house for us being patient! That was a nice surprise and we really appreciated the acknowledgment!There is a big parking lot outside as well.

Mediocre sushi with unexpected flavors.I wanted to try something new in my area and Kokoro showed up with several 5 star reviews. I did feel a little pressure to write a good review to get free Mochi ice cream, but withheld because it wouldnt be my honest opinion.The service was great because we were the only ones in the restaurant. The businesses in this plaza dont get as much attention as it deserves.The ambiance tries to be fancy with chandelier lighting, but the quality of the sushi didnt suit the vibe. We ordered the Bridge Combo which came with rolls filled with cream cheese. I dont particularly enjoy my rolls with cream cheese. Thats my fault. I should have asked what will be included in the chefs choice before ordering. The presentation of their dishes is beautiful, but doesnt justify the price for me.The Jelly Drink (ice) was not what I was expecting. It tastes like seltzer water with cherry/strawberry purée. Tiny bits of jelly float on the bottom.Unfortunately, I dont think I would come back despite my conflicting thoughts to support this new business.

So I have been hearing a lot about this place. However I noticed something. They appear to be under new management by sign. They seem to let go of wait staff and went with tablet ordering. The food was good but tablet failed to load 3 categories and was pretty buggy. We couldnt order. We noticed several other tables had same issue. Folks were disappointed. So it was good but this system seems new. Hopefully they will work it out.

The service was great, everyone was helpful, and they were able to seat us quickly. Keep in mind if you order the bridge it might take slighter longer than the rest of your food. All in all the sushi is delicious.

Sushi is great! Chirashi is a little different than what i thought it looked and taste more like poki bowl with 3 kind of fish only but tons of salad between fish and rice. Its more like korean style i think🤔 it still tasted good, just it is not a japanese style of chirashi bowl.

This place is so good. Stopped by for their bento box promo and it’s a great variety of options in the box. Everything tasted fresh and it’s a great balance of rice to other ingredients. The establishment it’s self is very clean and the staff was super friendly. We were given a complimentary baked salmon roll (not pictured) and it was stacked with delicious salmon.This was our first time here and certainly not our last.

All the food I had was really good! Went to this place upon my friend’s recommendation and it was truly satisfying! Diana the manager was so kind and caring. Definitely will visit here soon!

KOKORO its amazing!!! 👏🏼👏🏼...hands down the best 👌🏼 sushi 🍣 you will try. Everything was delicious!!!The staff is very welcoming and attentive. The food its of great quality!!We order the spicy Korean ramen, it was so tasty!The chicken teriyaki bento box was exquisite!!!We also order the stuffed mushrooms, we recommend it 100%...We were blessed with a baked salmon roll (I think i got the name wrong)on the house, and let me tell you, it was really delicious. The salmon tasted so fresh!Overall, you want to come here with your significant other or with your whole family, believe me you will enjoy anything you order.Thank you Kokoro Japanese Restaurant for taking good care of us, we definitely will see you again!What are you guys waiting for?...head over Kokoro and have the best sushi ever!!!

Very friendly staff! Its my first time here and I ordered the Basic Salmon Roll. I eat a lot of sushi and dam the fish was fresh. The miso soup was really good aswell. Highly recommend going here the place is nice and clean. 😊😊