Kyoto Japanese Restaurant -Food CA (Near Crystal Lake)

Christine Dathe Nando Milano is our absolute favorite restaurant in Champaign. We’ve been there many times and are never disappointed. The food is consistently excellent—perfectly seasoned, beautifully presented, and always delicious. The restaurant is small and cozy, which makes every visit feel special, especially when the outdoor seating is closed. The servers are extremely friendly and attentive and have a wonderful talent for making you feel truly welcomed—almost like you have the place to yourself. My personal highlight is the Brussels sprouts appetizer. It’s an incredible flavor explosion and easily one of the best dishes you can find in Champaign. Highly recommend.

Rachel Fuys This place is incredibly welcoming and charming! I sat at the bar and was taken care of by two wonderfully kind and hospitable bartenders, Darin and Julie—they were fantastic. I ordered the mezcal margarita from the signature cocktail menu, and since I don’t usually love overly smoky mezcal drinks, Darin thoughtfully adjusted the recipe to suit my taste. It was perfect! Parking was easy on the side of the building, the food was delicious, and I highly recommend this spot!

Jill Belter Excellent experience and we will be back. Awesome food. I had the Korean bbq chicken bowl and it was amazing!

Jordan Gary I’m convinced S.K.Y. could hand me a menu written in Wingdings and whatever I randomly pointed to would still taste great. But let’s skip the suspense: the Hamachi Sashimi is the star, the headliner, the reason to book a reservation. Order one if you’re polite, two if you’re sensible, and three or four if you’re honest with yourself. It was the best thing we ate all week and could easily be its own tasting menu. The Warm Mushroom Salad followed the Hamachi, which was unfortunate—for the salad. Tough act to follow, though still perfectly fine if you enjoy being reminded of your earlier, better choices. Maine Lobster Dumplings: generous portion, legitimately delicious. Slow Roasted Prime Rib: also generous, tender, and cooked exactly the way you hope but rarely get. Spice Roasted Cauliflower: if you insist on vegetables, these at least reward your virtue. Desserts are not optional. The Banana Budino is the second-best thing on the menu and fully aware of it. The Carrot Cake is excellent—so good it practically files a complaint if you skip it. In short: go for the Hamachi, stay for everything else, leave wondering how soon you can justify your next visit.

Jessica Lawson Aba is delightful! I enjoyed everything from the entrance to the service and the vibes. Olivia was our server and her recommendations were spot on. She took care of the table’s allergies without hesitation and was super friendly and attentive. I ordered steak frites, mushroom hummus, and the “Say Less” mocktail. I would come back and order the exact same thing tomorrow as long as Olivia is my server. Outstanding all around! Compliments to the chef!

Chelsea Beran My husband and I worked with the incredible owners to host a private dinner in their banquet room after our small wedding ceremony. It was wonderful! Debbie was extraordinarily helpful, the food was delicious, the atmosphere was charming and beautiful, the staff was warm and friendly, and the fees were absolutely unbeatable. We will come back often for anniversaries and date nights for sure!