Kimono Japanese Restaurant in Salisbury Earns 5 Stars

Steve Mensing & the RFP Staff

♦ Yana Marentek, a hard-working businesswoman and owner of Kimono Japanese Restaurant on 1621 West Innes Street in Salisbury, N.C., is a native of Indonesia.  Ms. Marentek immigrated to the United States in order to pursue her dream of opening a restaurant.  An early riser, she drives in from Winston-Salem to Kimono Japanese Restaurant Monday through Saturday.  The restaurant is closed Sundays.

Kimono possesses a genuinely warm and friendly staff who connect with customers.  The service here is one of the many pluses found at Kimono.  Each employee will patiently take the time to explain any dish on the menu.  Other customers, besides noting the speed, care, and efficiency of service, almost universally remark about the welcoming atmosphere.

The afternoon we arrived we inquired about the upbeat music playing softly in the background which turned out to be contemporary Christian music.   Ms. Marentek related that she came by her faith in Indonesia. Each morning prior to opening, she and the staff take turns leading prayers in both English and Spanish.  She and her staff give thanks for the success of the business and for the many diners who patronize the restaurant.

The menu features many items that someone might expect in high-end Japanese gourmet restaurants in San Francisco, Manhattan, or Santa Cruz, yet the menu prices are extremely down-to-earth student friendly. The faire is healthy, made fresh and from scratch, brimming with garden fresh vegetables, and delicately seasoned.  Kimono possesses a colorful sushi bar and Hibachi grill which adds flavor to the air.  For vegetarians, Kimono serves a tofu platter rivaling the more high-end restaurants in larger cities.

On the days we visited last week we noted our foods freshness (absolutely nothing frozen), delicate flavors, and its artistic presentation.  Some vegetables took on the appearance of exotic Asian flowers.    At our table RFP staffers ordered handmade spring rolls, Hibachi chicken, Winston-Salem Roll (a big favorite), Tempura Crab Roll, and Nirgiri Sushi.  Between wows and oh my’s–our staffers took a zesty roller coaster ride of the palate.  The food was memorable and a pleasure.  Needless to say we will be back for more.

A trip to Kimono Restaurant is like dining in the host’s home. You will not be disappointed with the tasty quality of the food or the healthy portions.  And if you enjoy pleasant service, the efficiency and hospitality of the staff, and outstanding cooking you would be forced to give Kimono five stars.  We did.

Kimono Japanese Restaurant, 1621 West Innes in Salisbury, N.C.  Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Monday through Saturday.  Closed Sundays. Take out & Patio Dining available.  Call: (704)-762-9993

Kimono Japanese Restaurant’s Facebook presence:

https://www.facebook.com/KimonoOfSalisbury