Kyotofu

07/02/2008 Posted by Foodie7004

Went here on a Tuesday evening with an out of town friend after hearing positive reviews. This place is not on the same level as Chikalicious, I can tell anyone that much. Upon arrival, there was a wait of about 10 minutes (without acknowledgment from the hostess) even though there was 2 available tables in the back and empty chairs in the front. The service was horrible. Since this was my first time here, I figure I check out the dinner menu. Upon reflection, the dinner menu was relative small and not really meant to be a "dinner" menu, more like an appetizer menu. We ordered the 4 dish sampler (sausage, grill chicken on bun [better deal going to White Castle for the same type of burger size],2 pieces of smoke salmon onigiri, and 1 shishito pepper), all of which is nothing to write home about. Originally, we came here for the desserts.We initially ordered 3 desserts after asking the waiter about the portion sizes (i.e. Strawberry Shortcake, Black Sesame Sweet Tofu, and Warm Miso Chocolate Cake). After specifically requesting that the 3 desserts and dinner sampler be served at the same time, they were not. We wait for about 20 minutes after receiving the sampler and was then told that the they ran out of the Black Sesame Sweet Tofu. So, we instead chose another dessert dish, the "Signature Sweet Tofu". Then, we waited again, and so more, until finally, the female hostess came to the table and ask us if we would like to order desserts...We mentioned that we had already ordered. When the desserts finally arrived, the waiter brought only 2 of the 3 that we originally ordered, so we decided to cancel the 3rd dessert order, ate the 2 desserts (tasted okay, not spectacular), paid and left. The entire duration was over 2 hours for 1 sampler and 2 desserts. So, I would not recommend this place obviously, for the poor service, or the desserts. It is "over-hyped" by the novelty of the dessert creation and Tofu. You are better off going to Chikalicious or Cafe Mozart.

Pros: None

Cons: Horrible Service and over-hyped desserts

06/14/2008 Posted by littlemissnyc

It's been a little while since I've been to Kyotofu, but they really deserve a great review from me, so I want to share what I remember of my experience! I came to Kyotofu on Valentine's Day--I had thought my date and I were just picking up some dessert to go, because until I came in, my impression from walking by on the outside, was that it was mainly a to-go place, but boy, was I wrong!! I was completely unaware of the beautiful mod back room with cream banquets and ceiling and dim night time lighting. It felt like I was transported to an eclectic, beautiful restaurant in Miami! We had the Valentine's Special, which was a prix-fix menu of three desserts and a complimentary cocktail. Like I said, it had been a little while since I went, but I remember there was a first course of a sweet tofu gelatin, another course of chocolate fondue & one more--everything was amazingly delicious! We were never rushed between meals & our server was extremely courteous! I have to admit, when we asked her a question we had a little trouble understanding the answer, but she was very sweet & it doesn't matter 'cause everything is so good anyways! Very romantic atmosphere! Definitely the kind of place to go & try lots of the different small plates. There was a fabulous cappuccino cocktail that is still calling my name! It's so great going there knowing that what you're eating is actually good for you! Kyotofu is a must-go!! Also, the profile photo is from the back room looking towards the front. In the front there is also a small bar with seating there & on the perimeter. Even better, the kitchen is directly across from the bar, so if you're in the front, you can watch the fascinating process of your own wonderful meal being prepared!

Pros: Fantastic menu, wonderful romantic atmosphere, very nice staff!!

Cons: Had slight difficulty understanding server, but DON'T let that keep you from going!

02/17/2008 Posted by mslovely99

Met my friend there for afternoon dessert, overall a wonderful experience. The place, the menu and ambience is identical to Chikalious, but so much easier to get into. They even had a small lunch menu, which was small-portioned but nonetheless delicious. Friendly staff, clean and simple. There was a wait for my soymilk quiche, but well worth the wait. I also recommend the cheesecake. Not a place to eat a full meal, but great for an impromptu date spot. Will definitely come again.

Pros: Ambience, desserts

Cons: small-portioned

10/14/2007 Posted by ssbailey

I came here with some friends from out of town and was embarrassed to have done so. Two of the people in our large party didn't order their own desserts (they shared others') and when it came time to pay the bill, we were informed that those people would each have to pay a share charge. Not only was this not mentioned on the menu or when we ordered, but when the bill actually came, they charged EACH of us - even those that did order dishes - a share charge! The dessert wasn't that great anyway, but it's the service that will keep us from ever coming back.

Cons: Lousy service, rude staff that tries to cheat you

1 out of 3 people found this review helpful

07/09/2007 Posted by mollyw504

Kyotofu just might be one of my new favorite restaurants in the city. I visited this outstanding eatery with a friend, and both of us agreed that the unique food and cool ambiance, made for a out-of-the ordinary night on the town. The deliciously cool cocktails were just what we needed to beat the heat. The innovative use of soy provided the great taste of Japanese cuisine with a new twist. Lastly, make sure not to skip dessert. The decadent tastes were just what I wanted to finish off an amazing night. I am so excited about this new discovery, and I recommend everyone stop by and find out for themselves why Kyotofu really is such a delicious surprise.

Pros: Food, Cocktails, Dessert, and Ambience are AMAZING!

Cons: None

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

05/03/2007 Posted by ronh

This is the second dessert restaurant that I've been to and I've yet to be wowed. I suppose I have higher expectations than I do when I go to a regular restaurant, and I can think of more memorable desserts at some of them. I went with a friend. We shared the tasting menu then ordered another dish (the "parfait" which was really an ice cream). Apart from the somewhat strange tasting tofu cheese cake it was all quite nice, and in the case of the molten chocolate cake, really quite good (remarkably fragrant). But nothing that stood out as particularly distinctive. Somewhat annoying was the fact that the sauces listed on the menu were only streaks on the plate that we were lucky to get a wiff of. The space is great, white and enveloping.

Pros: ambience

04/30/2007 Posted by owensjg

Yummy! Roughly 25 of my friends joined me at Kyotofu in celebration of my 35th birthday celebration in late April of 2007. I reserved the main dining room, which was stunningly designed, for several hours with appetizers, desserts, and drinks served throughout the night by a staff of friendly waitresses. The owners, who are super friendly, were on hand overseeing every detail of the entire event. Every appetizer, dessert, and drink they served was yummy! I highly recommend Kyotofu as a place for pre-dinner drinks and appetizer or post-dinner drinks and dessert. However, depending on how hearty of an eater you are, the appetizers can be heavy enough to constitute a meal as well. I also discovered this weekend that Kyotofu is open for baked goods and light lunch. I'll definitely go back on a regular basis! Several of my friends liked it so much that they went back to Kyotofu the day after my event.

Pros: Ambience, Friendly owners, Unique desserts

03/29/2007 Posted by killerrobot

What a nice little place. A friend and I went there on friday night for the 4th time and it gets better with every visit. The service is great, really sweet waitstaff to pair with a sweet menu. we have never really had to wait as it has always been just two of us, but it does get a little crowded in the front during peak hours. We have sat at the front "bar" area and in the back dining room. Both areas are nice; the back is comfy and you seem to always make friends with the people sitting next to you and the front is fun because you get to watch the kitchen staff make masterpieces on plates and the bartender shake cocktails. All about the presentation. The owners(at least i think they were the owners?) have been there and talked to us every time we have visited. They must sleep there! We especially like the black sesame tofu and the ginger rice pudding. We have tried almost every coctail on the drinks menu and they are fantastic(try the bellini and wasabi bloody mary), plus we like to look at the smoking hot bartender! He can come over to my place for drinks anytime! Its our new favorite spot.

Pros: food, drinks, staff, ambience

Cons: some of the portions are small for the price.

03/28/2007 Posted by feifeiny

The place and decor is very cute and nice. Very clean and great place for catching up and conversation. But that is where it ends. The drinks are not strong. I had a guava ginger type of martini. While it was yummy it basically tasted like guava juice. also the slice of ginger garish looked like a tumor growing off the martini glass. it was huge at least 2 inches wide and a bit distracting when drking from it. the other drk i had was a sake-tini. again not strong but the cucumber garish was not a dainty slice on the rim of the glass. o no, it was a full blown cucumber stick plopped into the glass. not only that but it was rather big abt qtr of a cucumber (if u qtred a cucumber and cut it in half) and it was frozen!! or so i found out after trying to bite into it. the dessert was jus ok at best. i had some sort of strawberry concoction and it was nicely presented but i didnt care for all the fruit flavored jello type cubes. the chocolate cake was jus ok as well. nothing i would rave abt. overall cute place but look elsewhere for good quality dessert and drks.

Pros: Nice decor, cute atmosphere

Cons: weak drinks, just ok desserts

01/26/2007 Posted by bizzyscho

Went there last week for late night cocktails and desserts. Delicious sweet tofu (similar to flan) and cookies, beautiful setting, and excellent plating (i watch a lot of Iron Chef). Portions are just right, cocktail menu is surprisingly expansive for those of us who don't *love* sake, and friendly/helpful waitstaff and/or owners around to guide you through the menu.

Pros: food, atmosphere