BYOB Buzz: Kyoto Sushi Restaurant

Kyoto Sushi Restaurant is looking fine after a March 2008 remodel.

Their eats Look behind the sushi bar at Lincoln Park’s recently renovated Kyoto Sushi Restaurant, and you might think for a moment you’re seeing double. Chef-partner Carlo Vizconde (former head chef at Kamehachi) and chef Melvin Vizconde are twins, and they sometimes work side by side.

The brothers teamed up with partners Michelle Ly, Tony Taing and Huy Nguyen to reopen the popular neighborhood spot in March 2008 after several months of renovations. The garden-level space has a new sushi bar, new furnishings and a revamped, cozy red color scheme. All of the usual maki, nigiri and sashimi selections make the menu. There’s also a rotating specials list, which always includes the popular spicy tuna tataki roll ($12): shrimp tempura, spicy tuna and avocado under seared tuna, spicy mayo and scallions. Regulars often make special maki requests of the twin chefs, who are happy to comply.

Your drinks: Just across the street from Kyoto, Park West Liquor & Smoke Shop (2581 N Lincoln Ave. 773-935-8197) sells several types of sake, including Haiku Gekkeikan ($12.99), a slightly dry sake with a light apple aroma. After dinner, consider a bottle of Gekkeikan Kobai plum wine ($8.99).

Kyoto does not charge a corkage fee and supplies sake glasses to guests who request them. Ly says they’ll apply for a liquor license eventually, so BYOB while you still can.

Emily Hiser Lobdell is a Metromix special contributor. metromix@tiribune.com