Koh-Ya Fortitude Valley

Posted by: Vrushali | 2 May 2010, 7.24pm

We went with a group of friends on a busy Saturday night. The place was quite noisy, but there are small screened off tables, that are cosy and did the trick for us. There are little barbeques set into the tables that make the cooking and eating a fun experience. The beef was phenomenal, very succulent and tasty. We also had the bbq eel in a hot pot, which was delicious, edamame and kimchi. The only low point in the food was the kimchi, which simply did not taste like traditional kimchi. We had to ask for water and cutlery more than once too. However, the staff are very friendly and the service is prompt. The prices are reasonable and competitive, corkage is cheap and we got a free stading ice bucket for the wine. Overall, a fun experience. The yelling welcomes, albeit slightly alarming, are a nice touch! I will definitely visit again.

Food:			Visit: Sun 2 May 2010 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: HungryIndaBelly | 16 June 2009, 4.58pm

Koh-ya can present as a bit of a food eatery place; tiled floors, chairs scattered around the place, decor that is better suited to cafeteria. But it has its pluses; the booths at the back (screened off from the larger part of the restaurant) are cosy and somehow seem more elegant. And you definitely get less noise (the main area can be quite noisy). The booths seat about 6-8 people.

Cooking your own food on the grills (set into the tops of the tables) makes eating a fun adventure. I've been twice and opted for the basic buffet. The best part was the squid for me. The ray wings were good too; though, get someone who is handy at cooking to do the honours. I think it's impossible to NOT have a chewy ray wing amongst it all, but with a good cook, the number of impossible-to-eat pieces of ray wing was considerably less.

Other favourites were the edamame, the Japanese curry, the various cuts of beef, and the ray wing dipping sauce! (Hang onto it; use it to dip in the other meats you cook!)

Koh-ya can cater for very, very large groups. If you want to get 20 people together for dinner, they have tables, with many grills set into the large table surfaces.

I'd go again with friends. I wouldn't go for a special dinner for two (you'll end up seated at the 'cubicle' style table, staring at posters on the wall and wishing the place wasn't so noisy and the wait stuff weren't rushing past you).

Food:			Visit: Tue 16 June 2009
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Posted by: Susan789 | 21 August 2008, 10.29pm

I took my husband and a couple of friends here for his 23rd birthday. We enjoyed the buffet very much. I'm really glad I took the advice of other reviewers and tried the yukke and dried ray wing; they were definately memorable. This was my first Japanese restaurant experience (not counting sushi bars) and I would most certainly go again in the future. Loved the sashimi too. Yum.

Food:			Visit: Tue 19 August 2008 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: Dal food lover | 25 May 2008, 6.31pm

We've been dine at Kohya since 2007. We then become regular customers there.
The most popular dishes are salmon or tuna avocado salad. They go well with any grill barbecue.

The barbecue is unique, the taste is so different from anywhere else. Very recommend for those who want to try DIY barbecue.

Food:			Visit: Sun 25 May 2008 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: JonnieC | 28 December 2007, 4.10pm

I have to say that my dining experience at Koh-Ya was fantastic given the reasonable prices of the meals. Corkage is only $2, but when you BYO, you get a free-standing ice bucket to put your wine in! The food was fantastic, this is the perfect place to go if you aren't sure of everyone's budgets because there are options where you can spend a small amount for a meal, or you can splash out and buy the more expensive meals. There are also small meals, large meals etc so if you are starving or just want to pick, there's something for everyone.

The service was fantastic, every staff member is Japanese which I think is fantastic, it just adds to the experience, and all staff members give service with a smile and a fantastic polite attitude!

I highly recommend this place, I took visitors from New Zealand and they have just said this place is what makes Fortitude Valley one of the most cultured and enjoyable experiences of coming to Brisbane.

Given the fact that the prices at this place are extremely reasonable, this place is fantastic and highly recommended!

Food:			Visit: Thu 27 December 2007 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: ConSpinaci | 29 August 2007, 9.15pm

Some say you can judge an Asian restaurant by how many Asian people eat there. Are they homesick? Not at Koh-Ya. Excellent quality food, which it must be when some of it is designed to be eaten raw. Don't be afraid to try the yukke ('you-kay'), it is delicious. Another favourite is the dried ray-wing, reminiscent of 'fish jerky'. Lets not forget the edamame, the ultimate beer snack. This restaurant has 'buffet' options where you have 90mins to order as much as you like from a specific menu. You don't walk away hungry! Excellent value for money.

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Posted by: PETIT GURUME | 5 April 2007, 3.39pm

Unless you are a poor and hungry student, go for the premium meats. Not quite the kobe beef in Japan but pretty close and much better than any of the so-called wagyu served in the steak houses. Simple stuff, wagyu tastes best when served Japanese style. Run by young but top-notch Japanese management who knows about yakiniku.

Food:			Visit: Thu 5 April 2007
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