Kaito is today’s partner for the “12 Days of Christmas Giveaway:” the prize is $60 in gift cards. Keep reading for how to enter.
I fell in love with Kaito at its original Pleasure Point location on 41st Ave. I’m thankful that after closing that location, it has found a new home in the Capitola Mall, with all of the best menu items moving with it! The offerings include ramen, sushi, curry dishes, and drinks including Japanese Ramune bottled sodas.
Chef/owner Koji Goto makes 10 different types of ramen. For vegetarians, there is Tofu and Vegetable Ramen with vegetarian broth, steamed veggies and tofu. Chicken lovers tend to enjoy the Ja-Ja Ramen (chicken bone broth with miso paste and other ingredients) or the Spicy Garlic Ramen (that same bone broth with other ingredients plus a slice of BBQ pork). Classic ramen lovers usually get the Tonkotsu Ramen: pork bone broth, corn, seaweed, bamboo, green onion, and a slice of BBQ pork. You can also order a half-size of the Tonkotsu if you’re not as hungry. Visit the website or the restaurant directly to see more options.
I always order some appetizers when I get dinner at Kaito. They have really good seaweed salad and Gyoza, among other things. The Gyoza is chicken or vegetable, steamed or deep-fried; my family usually gets steamed chicken Gyoza and it’s gone in a flash. Other appetizers include tuna poke and shrimp dumplings.
Onto the sushi and sashimi. Kaito has traditional nigiri choices, plus several roll options. Signature sushi rolls include the Live Oak (salmon, crab, avocado), the Hook (Unagi, crab, avocado, masago), and Pink Dragon (salmon over California roll). With sashimi, you can order one type of fish (five or eight pieces; I love the ruby-red tuna) or try the Sashimi Sampler with two slices of five different fish (10 total). No matter what you select, you will be impressed by the freshness and the generous portions.
If you’re in a rush, Kaito always has several pre-packaged items ready to go; these are made fresh daily and include sushi rolls, seaweed salad, and edamame.
Last but not least: dessert. They have a few classic Japanese treats like mochi (red bean or green tea) and green tea roll cake.
Need a gift for a sushi or ramen lover in your life? Consider a Kaito gift certificate!
Regular hours: Tues-Sat 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for lunch, 3-8 p.m. for dinner; Sun 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for lunch, 3-7 p.m. for dinner. Closed Mondays. Deliveries available after 3 p.m. Tues-Sun.
Holiday changes to hours: Closed Saturday-Sunday Dec. 25-26 & Jan 1-2
More Info: Kaito Ramen & Sushi, Capitola Mall, 831-464-2586, smilekaito.com, IG @kaitosantacruz
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CONTEST:
One lucky reader will win $60 in gift certificates for Kaito.
To enter, email your name to tara@santacruzfoodie.com by Thursday Dec. 23 at 8 p.m. with the word “Kaito” in the subject line. The winner will be notified via email.
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