Tried to make reservations for 5 the night before and they told me that only the large "fish table" (communal table) was available from 6pm to 8pm on Saturday night. They allowed us to sit until 8:15 and I still did not see any other parties waiting for the communal table. It was busy but not packed. More toned down atmosphere than Guu.
Service was efficient and attentive. They were helpful in making suggestions.
Sea urchin shot did not blow me away. Not crazy for the rice. Felt like I was eating urchin cold congee. And quail egg was already broken for us which is unusual. However, in terms of the flavours they were light and independently refreshing.
Sashimi - freshest that I've tasted so far. 7 assortiment $45 gives you 3 slices or portions of various sashimi including sea urchin. Tuna was awesome. Gorgeous display. Would highly recommend.
Draft sake also very good warm as server suggested. We ordered a second round 300ml but was puzzled at getting another bottled kind instead. Doubled checked the menu and discovered it was the one for 16$ sake. Server came to apologize and asked if we'd be ok with drinking this one. We agreed and thought our bill would be adjusted. I didn't double check the bill before paying and realized that they did not adjust the difference of 6$, which is not significant amount but think that if I'm paying for the yummy draft kind I should have been enjoying that instead. The 16$ bottle had stronger alcohol taste. Definitely inferior to the addictive draft kind. So double check your bill if your orders have been mixed up.
All other dishes were good, and better portion sizes than Guu. Atmosphere and spacious design is definitely more chillaxed than Guu. Personally prefer Kingyo over Guu in this regard. Especially in terms of comfort, even the fish communal table is double the size of Guu. The entire time we were there, our table was only seated by another couple at the far corner, so we still had privacy and not worrying about how I can get out of the bench tables without hitting someone like I did at Guu.
At the end of the meal they even gave a little packet of Pocky sticks to my son which was really sweet. Would return for more draft sake, sashimi and carpaccio dishes. A soothing Izakaya joint that hits all the right notes.