In Koto Asian Cuisine and Bar’s classy, lounge-like dining room, sushi, tempura and other Asian cuisine are served, artistically prepared with quality in mind. Koto, named for a small city in Japan, is new to Antioch, though the company is well-established in New York City. The restaurant offers a full bar and serves both Japanese and Chinese dishes.

One popular menu item is the Hibachi-style meal. Served with miso soup, salad, vegetables, fried rice and a shrimp appetizer, the Hibachi meals range from Chicken ($12.95) to Scallops ($15.95) to Filet Mignon ($18.95). Children’s portions are available. Diners can also order meals such as Teriyaki Tofu ($8.95) or Shrimp ($12.95), or deep-fried Tempura Chicken and Vegetables ($11.95). Appetizers include Wonton Soup ($1.99) and Beef Negimaki ($5.95), rolled beef stuffed with scallions. Lunch specials are available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Koto offers a wide selection of the most well-known Japanese dish – sushi – including hand rolls and nigiri. The sushi Love Boat ($39.95) is a popular item for families to share: 18 pieces of assorted sushi and sashimi, along with one of the chef’s specialty rolls, are served on a traditional wooden sushi boat from Japan. These boats are typically floated to the customer via a channel of water built into the sushi bar. The Love Boat is also available in three larger sizes for big groups or the extra hungry.

For diners looking to purchase individual rolls, the chef’s specialty item is called the Naruto Roll ($13.95). Rolled in a cucumber with chili ponzu sauce, the tuna, salmon, white tuna and crabmeat are wrapped without rice, for those watching their carbs. The rolls are artistically presented on plates decorated with drawings made with various sauces. As Manager Tony Huang put it, “Quality and the best chef can bring out the best sushi for the customer.”

Koto also offers a variety of Chinese dishes. While Japanese cuisine tends to use little sauce, allowing the fish and other components to stand alone, Chinese dishes tend to incorporate a generous portion of sauce as a blending component. Koto’s Chinese menu includes classics such as Sweet and Sour Pork ($8.50) and the spicy Szechuan Shrimp ($10.75), but also offers less common items such as Eel Fried Rice ($7.95) and Shrimp with Lobster Sauce ($10.75).

Since restaurant goers are becoming more health-conscious, Koto makes a special effort to offer healthy options. Brown rice is available as a side dish, and meals are prepared with low-sodium soy sauce. “You need to use the low sodium to taste the fish,” Huang said. The menu also includes a special section of steamed main courses.

Koto Asian Cuisine and Bar, located at 5007 Lone Tree Way in Antioch, is open Mondays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 10 p.m. Call 925-522-8688. A party room and take-out are available.