Kaita

215 Jackson St, San Jose, CA 95112, United States
+1 408-287-5551
$$$ Japanese restaurant
(168 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

Welcome to Kaita, a charming Japanese restaurant located in the heart of San Jose's vibrant Japantown at 215 Jackson St, San Jose, CA 95112. Here, you’ll not only experience authentic Japanese cuisine but also immerse yourself in the welcoming atmosphere that embodies the warmth and hospitality of traditional izakayas.

The moment you step inside Kaita, you're greeted by a blend of contemporary decor and classic Japanese touches, creating a cozy yet stylish environment perfect for both casual dining and special occasions. The ambiance enhances the culinary adventure awaiting you, inviting you to explore a menu filled with tantalizing selections.

At Kaita, flavor takes center stage. Their menu features a delightful array of dishes, perfect for sharing—ideal for those who love to explore various tastes. Start your meal with Cold Tofu (US$3.75) or the savory Pot Stickers (Gyoza) (US$4.50), both offering a delicious introduction to your dining experience. For something hearty, indulge in the Tempura chicken, beef & salmon teriyaki (US$12.95), or the versatile Sushi Sashimi Combo (US$14.75), where fresh ingredients take the spotlight with each delectable bite.

Customer reviews often highlight the quality of the food, with diners praising Kaita’s ability to deliver well-prepared and generous portions. One guest, Carrie Tam, fondly recalls the negitoro don, declaring it "some of the best fish I’ve ever eaten." Another satisfied diner, G Lee, appreciated the solid service and quick turnaround on orders, stating, "We had a solid time at Kaita, pretty good overall." While some have noted room for menu innovation, the consensus is that Kaita offers a satisfactory, satisfying meal that keeps patrons coming back for more.

However, not every experience is flawless; a few customers pointed out minor inconsistencies in dish preparation. For instance, Izzy H mentioned that while the sushi dishes were fresh and tasty, the beef dish fell short of expectations, being a bit chewy and bland. Yet, reviews emphasize the overall customer experience, with friendly service and a special daily menu that adds to the excitement of each visit.

Kaita stands as a testament to Japanese culinary tradition in a warm, inviting setting. Whether you're seeking an after-work meal, a family dinner, or simply a cozy spot to enjoy delicious sushi, Kaita promises a hearty and wholesome dining experience that caters to your cravings. Make sure your adventures through Japantown include a stop at Kaita—you won't be disappointed!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Serves small plates
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid street parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

,

5:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

,

5:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

,

5:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

,

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Saturday

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

,

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

168 Reviews
Leng Ooi

11 Sep 2025

Izakaya place that serves good small tapas to go with drinks. The dishes are done well although I did hit a much too chewy piece in the plate of beef tongue. Will try other items on their menu the next time.

Mike G

13 Aug 2025

The menu is pretty uninspiring, but the food is well made. Portions are big and the prices are very fair. Simple dishes done well. They might benefit from some more interesting menu items.

G Lee

05 Aug 2025

We had a solid time at Kaita, pretty good overall. The service was on point: we got seated fast, had enough time to figure out our order, and the food showed up quick. Could’ve used a smile or two, though—they were polite but not exactly warm and fuzzy. They’ve got a regular menu plus a whiteboard with specials, which is cool. We went for the pan-cooked miso cod special and the sushi-sashimi combo. Pair those with the soup and salad, and you’ve got a decent-sized meal. The salad dressing was tasty, maybe a little sweet for my liking. The miso soup? Super good, no notes there. The sushi and sashimi were a win for me. The fish was fresh—you could really taste it—and the piece selection were nice. Seems like they care more about quality than piling your plate high, which I’m all for. The ginger stood out big time—so smooth and sweet, not that harsh stuff you get some places. The rice, though? Kinda dry. I’m guessing it was just an off batch, no biggie. The miso black cod was solid too. Funny thing—it didn’t actually have miso, but some other soup I’d never tried before. Still delicious, though! That dish came with a little sashimi on the side, which was a nice bonus.

Carrie Tam

25 Jul 2025

I went to this place once because my Japanese friend said it seemed like home food and it really did not disappoint. Went again and brought my whole family and each meal was just excellent. I got the negitoro don (special menu, on white board when entering) and it was some of the best fish I’ve ever eaten. Would 100% hands down come again and again.

Izzy H

09 Jul 2025

Went to Japantown in San Jose and a friend of mine recommended this restaurant. We waited about 15 minutes for a table. The service was fast and the male server was very polite and always had a smile in his face. All the dishes we ordered was really tasty and fresh except for the beef dish. We were expecting it to be tender and juicy but it was chewy and a little bland.

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