After repeatedly going through each sushi item I ordered to ensure it was gluten free with the waiter, and he assured me it was all gluten free, I took a bite into the spicy salmon roll and immediately tasted tempura flakes. My items never got entered as gluten free to the chefs. I spoke with the hostess and manager and they seemed to understand the importance of celiac disease and gluten free so if you go I highly suggest to ask to speak with one of them. My waiter did not understand gluten free. Also, to make a dinner worse, my non celiac boyfriend got suspected food poisoning post dinner :/
I went with friends after reading the 2 reviews here. I was the only one with a gluten allergy. the server did not seem knowledgeable about gluten at all (he asked if I could eat chicken and recommended a sushi roll that had chicken tempura and I had to explain that this was breaded and I couldn't eat it unless they had a GF breading). My friends were concerned and wanted to go elsewhere but this is where we agreed and I told them it would be ok. Short story, I got sick. I only ate the rolls the server said I could have (originally he said I could only have the tuna roll and that was it). The food was good but getting sick was not.
About the same time I was diagnosed with celiacs, Koto opened in downtown Salem. One of the hardest things to have after my diagnosis was sushi because sushi rolls touch so many different surfaces in a kitchen. Looking for a new place after a couple bad experiences, I called Koto. The owner, Annie, was so friendly and better yet, knowledgable about gluten allergies and safe practices. Although they do not have a gluten free menu, Annie kindly showed me which items I could have and what she could change to make it safe for me. I was able to have sushi safely for the first time in 6 months. The staff was knowledgable as well and if they had any question, they went straight to Annie, the owner. My experience was wonderful and I would highly recommend this place to anyone who is gluten intolerant or has celiacs. They are a hidden gem!