Over the past few years, Baton Rouge has seen a surge in Asian restaurants. Asian cuisine has become one of the most popular food genres in todays culture, and no other food type seems to be exploding in popularity like sushi.

Although new sushi restaurants seem to be popping up everywhere in the capital city area, Derek Chang's Koto has established itself as one of the top original sushi joints in the area. Since 2002, Derek Chang's Koto has introduced many locals to authentic Japanese cuisine in a modernly-classy atmosphere.

When it come to sushi in Baton Rouge, I have yet to find a better place than Derek Chang's. Today I got to be seated at the bar with none other than Derek Chang himself as my sushi chef. Even though he never knew he was being reviewed, he hosted me and my company as if we were VIP guest. We ordered two basic rolls: crunchy and crawfish rolls as well as house salads as an appetizer.

The house salad is amazing and a must have for me on every trip to Koto. It features fresh lettuce and veggies in a rich ginger dressing that is very smooth and not overpowering. Although it is a little difficult and time consuming to eat (Damn those chop sticks! Yes, I still have difficulties with some items) it is definitely one of the best salads I have ever had!

After woofing down the house salad, we talked with Derek as he prepared our sushi. Along with the two rolls we ordered, he prepared a couple more specialty rolls that he insisted we try on the house. One was a yellow fin tuna roll and the other, well I have no clue what it was. All I know is that every roll I ate was amazing. Derek Chang has an amazing talent in preparing his cuisine and no other sushi bar seems to have as fresh of ingredients as Koto. The quality and flavor is simply first-class among other Japanese restaurants.

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Service
When the owner prepares the meals in front of you, you know you are in for excellent service. The place was packed and we got our food very quickly. The staff is friendly and always entertaining.

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Atmosphere
Derek Chang's has recently moved next to Barnes and Noble in the Citiplace center. The new restaurant is very modern and sophisticated. Its very modern with an asian feel thats perfect for a romantic dining experience or for a comfortable atmosphere for you and your friends or family to enjoy a nice meal.

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Derek Chang's Koto‎
3023 College Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
(225) 456-5454‎
www.kotoofjapan.com

I have eaten at Kamado’s many times, and it is definitely one of my favorite restaurants for sushi in the area. On this trip, I ordered my two all time favorite specialty rolls: the 225 Roll and the New Orleans Roll.

The 225 Roll contains crunchy shrimp, crawfish and cream cheese, topped off with snow crab, batter and eel sauce. The 225 is very filling because of the seafood, and features a smoothly seasoned taste that is sweet, spicy and salty.

The other favorite of mine, the New Orleans Roll contains crawfish and avocado and is topped with tuna, snow crab, wasabi and eel sauce. This roll is excellent for those seeking a spicy kick in their sushi.

All in all, the food was terrific as always. Even though I didn’t order this during my review, I strongly recommend the side House salad as an appetizer. It makes for an excellent starter and taste amazing.

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Service
Although the restaurant wasn’t busy during my visit, the food was prepared pretty slowly. However, it was worth the wait and the waitress was friendly and hard working.

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Atmosphere
Kamado’s is a quaint place that has a fine ding feel to it. It’s clean and modern and has a quiet, low-lit atmosphere.  The restaurant has dining tables throughout, a sushi bar for dining, as well as a hibachi room.

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After stopping the bleeding, i moved onto the Sesame Chicken. It had obviously been sitting under a heat lamp for 1, maybe 2 months. The chicken had been turned to mush by the sauce. It is a food texture I never want to try again.

Ok, lets try something else. it can't possibly get any worst, right? The Sweet and Sour Chicken was so dry, it barely slid down my throat and the sweet and sour sauce had a bloody taste to it. I'm gagging thinking about it!

Now the Seafood Delight wasn't that bad. It was just OK and the Cook's Special (pretty much baked chicken) was the only thing I ate more than one bite of. I soon just decided to go ahead and give up.

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Service
The service was good. They seated me quickly and kept my plates picked up. Never had any problems.

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Atmosphere
Chinese Inn has the same atmosphere as every other Chinese restaurant. It's old, has a lot of red in it (forcing communism to be seared into your brain) and the same ol chinese decor. It's pretty large and has plenty of seating which works out perfectly for the 3 people that were in there for lunch.

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There is nothing like Nagoya Japanese Buffet in the area. Here you will find one of the largest buffets in the area featuring Japanese cuisine at its finest. The restaurant features Asian cuisine, Hibachi grill, and a sushi bar. The food is excellent here and features traditional Asian items along with others you won’t find at any other Asian buffet. The sushi is not bad, but definitely not top quality that can compete with other local sushi bars.

During my visit I sampled many different items (way to many to list....man I'm full). By far a favorite of mine are the salmon rolls and the coconut chicken. The coconut chicken is made fresh with quality pieces of chicken and glazed in a coconut sauce that will enlighten your taste buds. It’s what keeps me wanting more of this place. The other favorite of mine are the salmon rolls. These little guys pack a flavorful punch that will make you come back for seconds.

Lets face it, everyone has their favorite food on an Asian buffet, and I guarantee that whatever it may be, Nagoya will have it and it will be tops on your list after trying it.

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Service
Service was great during my visit. They kept me refilled and gave me a warm wet towel at the end of my meal (Does it go on my head?) :)

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Atmosphere
Nagoya has a nice Asian inspired atmosphere. It’s classy, modern, and very large. The restaurant features fish tanks, Asian art, and bar with televisions for the game. Not too cheesy and above most others of its kind.

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