Kai Restaurant & Ito En NY Tea Store

The Scene – This tiny sliver of a restaurant, perched above a gallery-like Madison Avenue Japanese tea shop, specializes in kaiseki, a meal of tiny courses traditionally served with tea. The layout is spare, with deep-brown wood floors, straw-colored clay walls and big street-facing windows. A reliable team of servers circulates through the room pouring tea from iron kettles. – – The Food – The kitchen cranks out artfully plated, salubrious fare, with an emphasis on vegetables and seafood. The lightest courses include quarter-sized rolls of tea-smoked duck and…

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User Reviews (30)

ambiance	100.0% positive	“The atmosphere, staff and food were all nice, but that's it.” “It's nice to escape the busy streets of New York City for a nice romantic evening out.” “Interesting and unique food flavors, comfortable atmosphere, knowledgeable service staff, well-thought wine/sake/tea list.” “Having both the wonderful restaurant, food and the lovely shop in the same location!” “Pricy indeed, but atmosphere and the setting pays off (stone dish is very elegant.)”
drinks	100.0% positive	“For those of you who like tea, they have an amazing selection of teas and herbs.” “Interesting and unique food flavors, comfortable atmosphere, knowledgeable service staff, well-thought wine/sake/tea list.” “You can enjoy real Japanese tea, since this restaurant is managed ItoEn, "Teas' Tea" company.” “The food and drinks are amazing the service and food definitely justify the priciness of this restaurant.” “good tea”
food quality	86.21000289916992% positive	“Interesting and unique food flavors, comfortable atmosphere, knowledgeable service staff, well-thought wine/sake/tea list.” “had the black cod with yuzu sauce, which was wonderful.” “must warn the reader that the portions sizes are very small (especially the appetizers), so if you plan to eat until you are full and do not intend to order the chef's special tasting menu, prepare to order and pay for an appetizer (1 dish for each pers” “No food is ever perfect; whatever the however it is.” “Kai is by far one of our favourite restaurants in Manhattan, with its minimalism and simplicity and food served with minute perfectionism.” “The food was fantastic and well worth the cost.” “The food was impeccably presented, every course had an interesting palate of flavors that fused well, fresh and delicious.” “great food” “Having both the wonderful restaurant, food and the lovely shop in the same location!” “will say that the mushrooms were excellent.” “love Japanese food for the simplistic presentation, preparation, and use of superb ingredients and how it concentrates on the quality, taste, and respect for the food, not the chef's ability to create complex sauces or infused tastes.” “If you are someone who appreciates the same things but hope to have food to spare or share, Kai may not be the best option.” “Very authentic and creative Japanese food.” “Fabulous and elegant food, and teas!” “delicious but very small portions” “The atmosphere, staff and food were all nice, but that's it.” “My boyfriend and I come here at least once a week - we love their japanese food!” “Pricy indeed, but atmosphere and the setting pays off (stone dish is very elegant.)” “have never had such fresh food from the ingredients to the fish.” “The food was not very tasty, the portioins were tiny even for such a high quality restaurant.” “Each bite of food at Kai was indeed delicious, fresh, and elegant.” “But remember the food that made you truly, purely happy?” “This is authentic Japanese food - California roll is not on the menu.” “To top off my meal, I ordered excellent Daiginjo type chilled sake which was a perfect compliment to the meal.” “The food and drinks are amazing the service and food definitely justify the priciness of this restaurant.” “Both fusion dished and Japanese dishes are excellent, and service is superb.” “Omakase course is beautiful and so delicious.” “The teas offered throughout the meal are excellent.” “love sushi, japanese, asian fusions, and eat it a lot, and just wasn't amazed here.”
menu variety	83.33000183105469% positive	“This is authentic Japanese food - California roll is not on the menu.” “must warn the reader that the portions sizes are very small (especially the appetizers), so if you plan to eat until you are full and do not intend to order the chef's special tasting menu, prepare to order and pay for an appetizer (1 dish for each pers” “For those of you who like tea, they have an amazing selection of teas and herbs.”
overall	100.0% positive	“In constant search of a great Japanese restaurant, Kai brought to you what an experience in the art of kaiseki style dining should be.”
service	100.0% positive	“Interesting and unique food flavors, comfortable atmosphere, knowledgeable service staff, well-thought wine/sake/tea list.” “She gets 10 for her excellent service and advice.” “It'll turn gracious for your first date, business convention, friendly neighbor's birthday, or just dropping by for a bite at the end of the day.” “The atmosphere, staff and food were all nice, but that's it.” “Again, the waitress was awesome.” “Both fusion dished and Japanese dishes are excellent, and service is superb.” “The food and drinks are amazing the service and food definitely justify the priciness of this restaurant.” “All the staff is absolutely professional!” “recommend this place for people with a sophisticated palate.” “Excellent service.”
value	50.0% positive	“This place puts other overpriced Japanese restaurants to shame.” “delicious but very small portions” “We generally like good restaurants and eat out often but Kai was way to expensive for what we got.” “The food was fantastic and well worth the cost.” “must warn the reader that the portions sizes are very small (especially the appetizers), so if you plan to eat until you are full and do not intend to order the chef's special tasting menu, prepare to order and pay for an appetizer (1 dish for each pers” “If your there, might as well pay up and get the expensive omakase - will not disappoint.”
wait time	100.0% positive	“Kai is by far one of our favourite restaurants in Manhattan, with its minimalism and simplicity and food served with minute perfectionism.”

02/03/10

Wonderful Tea

by J Stiglitz

I haven't eaten here, but do stop by for their extensive selection of tea's. Just great!

Pros: Great Tea

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12/17/09

Irresistable- a little heaven on madison ave

by zoey bachmann

A stunning presentation on a plate one after another..with a blend of authenticity and quintessential quality from Executive Chef Yamasaki. I recommend you once dine at the counter seats (open kitchen) and meet the adorable chef, who nurtures your dish with extreme care for detail and finishing. experience how warmful he is and meaningful his dishes are.

No food is ever perfect; whatever the however it is. But remember the food that made you truly, purely happy? perhaps with your beloved friends, or with brothers, mom and dad? I remember mine.,it was here at Kai.

Pros: earthy lunch and heavenly dinner
Cons: is there?

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11/07/09

where the true things are..

by jen s tenoir

'A little house' as the last stop of Manhattan's dining venue. It'll turn gracious for your first date, business convention, friendly neighbor's birthday, or just dropping by for a bite at the end of the day.

Chef Yamasaki so exquisitely embodies the inherent storminess of all valuable things: an ingredient, a season, a culture, and wonder. And it is so tender, so impecable, and so Yummy!

Occupy the dubious, Obey the venturous..

and oh yes, i love to lunch there as well.

Pros: Chef Yamasaki's Omakase
Cons: none

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10/28/09

Lunch & Dinner- just divine as always..

by Kay Jeans

I've commercially participated in experiencing at every exceptional Japanese cuisine in nyc. and I'll tell you one thing, "Kai is a knockout!" Chef Yamasaki's intimate delicacy devours your appetite. The truth shall be found in Chef Yamasaki's hands. I love him and his restaurant.

The door is open for everyone, who dreams of such bliss.

Don't forget to try Kagoshima or his Omakase!

Pros: Excecutive Chef Yamasaki
Cons: None

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10/22/09

great

by Mayumgrad

Really enjoyed it. great food

Pros: The best
Cons: None

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What People Are Saying About Kai Restaurant & Ito En NY Tea Store

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02/03/10

Wonderful Tea

by J Stiglitz

12/17/09

Irresistable- a little heaven on madison ave

by zoey bachmann

11/07/09

where the true things are..

by jen s tenoir

10/28/09

Lunch & Dinner- just divine as always..

by Kay Jeans

10/22/09

great

by Mayumgrad

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