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

Response from this business

merchant783090– November 11, 2009 at 12:49:59 PST

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

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

great

by Mayumgrad

Really enjoyed it. great food

• Pros: The best
• Cons: None

Fabulous and elegant food, and teas!

by JOANNA

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.

• Pros: The very caring and talented chefs and places both shop/rest
• Cons: A little costly

good tea

by boyacasha

you are in for some goooood tea. i love this place and am hooke don going every week.

• Pros: tea, asian food

Response from this business

merchant783090– October 09, 2009 at 12:33:42 PDT

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!

Delicious Japanese Food!!

by MichelleNY

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!

Response from this business

merchant783090– October 09, 2009 at 12:35:27 PDT

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

Fresh ingredients

by RRivas

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.

• Pros: amazing food
• Cons: none

Response from this business

merchant783090– October 09, 2009 at 12:40:47 PDT

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

Awesome-ness!

by Strakssss

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!

• Pros: Great Saki
• Cons: none

Stick to the prix fixe

by justaddwater

The $85 seasonal prix fixe meals are recommneded. I think these would get nods from most NYC foodies.

The $200 omakase was a disappointment. It was not any better than the prix fixe. Average quality ingredients (and quite frankly, the chef's good-but-not-remarkable skills) didn't not justify the $500 bill for dinner for two. I expected more.

• Pros: Prix Fixe menus are good
• Cons: Omakase do not live up to expectations

Mishima Beef

by gkao007

Japanese Kaiseki is equivalent to Seasonal Tasting Menus here in the States.

But at Kai, they prepare their cuisine with American ingredients. This challenge poses some difficulty because there are certain boundries professionals in the kitchen do not cross in order to preserve the traditions of one's culture. But what ever it is they do, it's working and I get floored each time I go.

It's good to know, time and time again, their monthly menus come through and it always highlights the best in seasonal ingredients.

Chef Yamazaki has been heading the kitchen at Kai since shortly after their opening, and has prepared some amazing meals for me.

I recommend this place for people with a sophisticated palate. It's undeniably some of the best Japanese food one can get in the city.

And if you can, try their Mishima (Japanese Beef) Steak dishes. It will make you re-think life.

• Pros: Impressive location
• Cons: Limited seating