Kai Restaurant & Ito En NY Tea Store
(212) 988-7277
822 Madison Ave, New York, NY | Directions
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At a Glance
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100% ambiance
“Interesting and unique food flavors, comfortable atmosphere, knowledgeable service staff, well-thought wine/sake/tea list.”
100% drinks
“good tea”
86% food quality
“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.”
83% menu variety
“This is authentic Japanese food - California roll is not on the menu.”
100% overall
“In constant search of a great Japanese restaurant, Kai brought to you what an experience in the art of kaiseki style dining should be.”
100% service
“The atmosphere, staff and food were all nice, but that's it.”
50% value
“delicious but very small portions”
100% wait time
“Kai is by far one of our favourite restaurants in Manhattan, with its minimalism and simplicity and food served with minute perfectionism.”
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Kai Restaurant & Ito En NY…
From The Owner of Kai Restaurant & Ito En NY Tea Store
ITO_EN
@ITO_EN
The mere chink of cups and saucers tunes the mind to happy repose. ~George Gissing
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10 hours ago
Tips for Kai Restaurant & Ito En NY Tea Store
February 03, 2010
Wonderful Tea. I haven't eaten here, but do stop by for their extensive selection of tea's. Just great!
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Heart
December 17, 2009
Irresistable- a little heaven on madison ave.
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.
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from the owner
over a year ago
Dear Ms. Bachman:
On behalf of Chef Yamasaki and the entire hard working ITO EN family, we thank you most sincerely for having taken time to express your reaction to having spent time with us at Kai. There is no greater goal for Kai Restaurant than to have guests remember us in such a way and to suggest that it be a shared experience with family and friends. No number of stars could match your review.
We look forward to seeing you again in the new year.
Warm regards and many thanks!
All of us at ITO EN
November 07, 2009
where the true things are...
'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.
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Heart
from the owner
over a year ago
Dear jen s tenoir,
The way you have expressed your thoughts on dining with us are every bit as delicately and deftly crafted as the way Chef Yamasaki attends his preparations. We thank you heartily for your time and comments.
Gratefully yours,
All of us at Kai
October 28, 2009
Lunch & Dinner- just divine as always...
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!
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from the owner
over a year ago
Dear Kay Jeans,
We cannot thank you enough for having extolled our dear chef Yamasaki. He is a very shy person but also funny, quirky and a good soul who is utterly humbled and grateful for your feedback.
Domo arigatou gozaimashita!
from the owner
over a year ago
Thanks so much Mayumgrad. We hope you'll visit us again soon.
October 22, 2009
Fabulous and elegant food, and teas!.
Having both the wonderful restaurant, food and the lovely shop in the same location!
Splendid freshly made food, unbelievable choices.
Very hi quality and same with the sake served.
Service is excellent as well.
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from the owner
over a year ago
Hi JOANNA,
We are so gratified by your comments and we promise to ensure that your next visit is equally if not more satisfying.
All of us at ITO EN
October 07, 2009
good tea. you are in for some goooood tea. i love this place and am hooke don going every week.
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Heart
from the owner
over a year ago
Hi boyacasha,
Many thanks for your kind words! We love our regular guests and hope you find something new and interesting each time you stop by.
Cheers!
October 07, 2009
Delicious Japanese Food!!. My boyfriend and I come here at least once a week - we love their japanese food! Probably the best in New York, I won't go anywhere else. It's nice to escape the busy streets of New York City for a nice romantic evening out. Their teas are also to die for, we always finish our meals with a cup of one of their fabulous teas!
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from the owner
over a year ago
Dear MichelleNY,
Our chef and the entire staff work so hard and take so much care with everything that to get feedback like this just does wonders! It means a lot to us. Thanks many times over for your patronage and support!
Sincerely,
All of us at ITO EN
October 07, 2009
Fresh ingredients. I have never had such fresh food from the ingredients to the fish. The food and drinks are amazing the service and food definitely justify the priciness of this restaurant. For those of you who like tea, they have an amazing selection of teas and herbs. highly recommended.
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Heart
from the owner
over a year ago
Dear RRivas,
You may love our chef's blog which we post to our Facebook page (ITO EN) and on our website. His comments are short and sweet and he always like to display photos of the things he's describing. The most recent post was of his house made soba (buckwheat noodles). It's important to Chef Yamasaki to allow the ingredients to speak for themselves without overbearing flavorings or sauces. We're thrilled that you savor the subtle nuances of the cuisine at Kai.
Many thanks for taking time to share your thoughts.
Sincerely,
All of us here at ITO EN
October 07, 2009
Awesome-ness!. I had a really good dinner here and I don't usually write reviews for Restaurants. The food was fantastic and well worth the cost. I would absolutely go back. Thanks!
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Heart
from the owner
over a year ago
Dear Strakssss,
It's such an honor when a person takes time to make a good comment. We also appreciate constructive critiques, but in your case - you took time to weigh in even though it is not something you normally do. It is much appreciated and we do hope you'll visit us again.
Write a Tip for
Kai Restaurant & Ito En NY…
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