KOCHI Japanese BBQ and Beer — Restaurant in Niagara Falls

We came to Kochi very excited for the cuisine and the experience. Unfortunately, it was quite a let down.

Let me first say that our server, Joey, is the only reason the rating isn’t lower. He deserves 5 stars himself he was very attentive and kind.

I want to make sure others can see this so they know because we didn’t realize - the facility does not have their liquor license. We paid for an uber there with intentions of enjoying some drinks on our date night but found out when we got there the uber was a waste of time because they don’t serve alcohol lol

All of the food you’re given is basically completely unseasoned, something I was not at all expecting. Only one meat we ordered came with a sauce as a seasoning and it seems as though it was just drizzled on moments before so it didn’t even have time to absorb any flavor. The shrimp had no sauce or seasoning as well as the short rib and chicken. The pork belly and the shrimp were the only meats we actually enjoyed. We ordered the salmon, expecting a filet, and were shocked when it arrived as bits of fish in a tin container with tin foil over the top.

We tried the corn (plain corn with a bit of butter in a tin), white rice, green salad, miso soup, seaweed salad (was good), pineapple (simply just pineapple), chicken dumplings (very good), and the final order was the fruit cream cheese ritz.. we were expecting some kind of fruit cream wonton when in reality we got 3 soggy ritz crackers with cream cheese and balsamic vinegar on top. We were shocked lol for the price we had higher expectations.

The environment is nice in concept - industrial and moody vibe. The live music was really too loud and impacted the experience because we couldn’t even hear each other talk over the noise even tho we were in the next room over.

We were also quite shocked (and slightly concerned) when we were given absolutely no guidance on cooking times and when we asked one of the food runners they had no idea how long to cook anything for citing “cook the shrimp longer than anything” ? Luckily, we have been to other experiences like this so we had an idea but this could pose a health and food safety risk for the restaurant if they’re not giving guests any guidance. We also didn’t get a cooked food plate to put the cooked meats on - only a raw plate for each meat.

Overall - I hope they improve in the future so we can return and enjoy the experience :) we chose to go the AYCE route and maybe next time we will try the ala carte menú as that seems to have better reviews…. Either way the staff are very kind and helpful. I appreciated the host for pointing out the restroom location as we were walking by...

Kochi is a Japanese BBQ restaurant and for those who haven't been to something similar yet, it's a place where you cook an assortment if marinated cuts of meat onto a grill on your table. At Kochi, you have the option to eat-all-you-can or go a la carte.

The menu had a solid set of items to choose from ranging from beef, chicken, pork, and seafood. Additionally, they also have pre-cooked items such as takoyaki, salads, cheese balls, bibimbap, and more.

The restaurant is quite large with plenty of seats available. The grill sizes are typical and can grill a good amount of food at a time but that efficiency can deminish the more people there are sharing a grill.

As of mid-April they do not have their liqour license yet so their drinks are limited to mocktails, pop, etc.

The good thing about this place is that the neats are well marinated and flavourful. The service is very responsive and friendly. The ambient is welcoming and well lit.

The things I would look forward to improving or may simply avoid moving forward are mainly food items. Their cheeseballs are drizzled with a strawberry jam type of sauce which is sweet and I personally am not fond of. The cuttlefish is barely seasoned which is surprising considering clams came in a chimichurri sauce which is really good. The assorted mushrooms was not something I look forward to with the pesto-style sauce it came in. The Japanese mayo cabbage salad was literally a heavy drizzle of japanese mayo on thinly sliced cabbage. There weren't any dipping sauces other than a bottle of what seamed to be a sesame-type sauce and a dry spice seasoning.

The items I really enjoyed were boneless short rib in Japanese BBQ sauce, Takoyaki, any beef brisket, kalbi short rib, clam with sake and butter, and mussels with chimichurri.

The items I would never try again and why; edamame (You get the pods coated in some white sauce which tastes off, I would much prefer the traditional edamame appetizer), Fruit Cream Cheese Ritz (literally a ritz cracker with a thin spread of cream chease with something drizzled over that tastes like balsamic), cuttle fish (bland), and Thick Cut Pork Belly (This was without any exageration, literally Ham).

I would like to come again but not for a while. I'd like to see if any changes are going to be made in the next couple of months given that Kochi is brand new and may need some time to develop a...

🌟 A Culinary Oasis in the Mist: Kochi Japanese Restaurant & Beer in Niagara Falls, Ontario 🌊

Tucked just moments away from the roaring cascades of Niagara Falls, Kochi Japanese Restaurant & Beer is a hidden gem that effortlessly marries the tranquility of traditional Japanese dining with the vibrant energy of Ontario’s most iconic destination. Whether you’re a weary traveler or a local craving an escape, Kochi promises an unforgettable journey for your taste buds—and your soul.

✨ Ambiance: Serenity Meets Spectacle Stepping into Kochi feels like entering a sleek, modern izakaya kissed by the elegance of Kyoto. Warm cedar accents, soft pendant lighting, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing the misty falls create a zen-like atmosphere. The hum of conversation blends with the clink of glasses, while the open kitchen teases with the sizzle of bbq meats with seafood and the artistry of meat cuts crafting edible masterpieces.

👨🍳 Service: Warmth Worth Writing Home About The staff at Kochi are as attentive as they are passionate. Our server LUIS, guided us through the menu with the enthusiasm of a culinary tour guide, suggesting pairings and sharing stories of the chefs’ sourcing (the salmon is sustainably flown in from BC!). Every dish arrived like clockwork, presented with minimalist elegance.

🎉 Final Verdict: A Must-Visit in the Falls Kochi isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether you’re toasting with friends after a day of waterfall selfies or savoring bbq as the sunset paints the falls gold, this spot transcends the tourist traps. Pro tip: Grab a window seat at dusk and let the misty vista amplify the magic of your meal.

📍 Kochi Japanese Restaurant & Beer _…Because even Niagara’s thunderous wonders can’t drown out the joy of a perfect bite..🍣🍻✨

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) “Arigatou gozaimasu” never...