The LKF Joes: Kyoto Joe has been around for two decades, and together with its sister establishment Tokio Joe, are known as Lan Kwai Fong’s original Japanese restaurants. The LKF institution has now relocated to a glitzy new space at California Tower, and will continue to serve izakaya-style favorites, including fresh seasonal ingredients straight from Japan. And of course, robatayaki specialties — which Kyoto Joe is famous for — will remain on the menu. 

Look & Feel: California Tower’s restaurants and bars are known for their outdoor terraces and gorgeous views, and Kyoto Joe is no different. Inside, the color red takes center stage — it’s inspired by the city of Kyoto’s famous Fushimi Inari Shrine. There’s also a robatayaki and tempura bar, where diners can watch the chefs hard at work. 

On the Menu: Expect super-fresh ingredients. Fish is flown in from Japan four to five times a week. There’s also A4 Wagyu from Saga, pork from Miyazaki and hanamidori chicken from Kyushu. Kyoto Joe’s greatest hits, like spicy toro tartar ($220) and sea eel tempura ($150) are must-tries. From the robatayaki grill, try the Wagyu tenderloin ($120) and pork sausage ($35). No Japanese meal is complete without extravagant sushi and sashimi platters. The premium sashimi selection ($680, six varieties, three pieces each) gets you toro, salmon and yellowtail, plus chef’s choices. 

Great For: Diehard fans of Japanese who turn their noses up at subpar meals — they won’t be disappointed here. 

FYI: Say hi to the restaurant’s formidable manager Carol, who’s renowned for her memory prowess when it comes to customer preferences. 

Check out Hong Kong’s newest restaurants and bars here.

This writeup was based on a complimentary media tasting.