Kaiamo — Restaurant in Bucharest

A CULINARY EXPERIENCE IN BUCHAREST : QUALITY WITH ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

In my personal opinion, based on my previous experiences, this is a good restaurant with good products and techniques. However, it doesn't seem to stand out particularly in Bucharest.

What can you expect? • An industrial and modern-style restaurant with an open kitchen. • Fine dining restaurant. • Excellent service, very detailed and attentive, the best part of the experience. • Varied tasting menus, from 9 / 11/ 15/20 courses, depending on the time of arrival. • Prices between 120-160 euros per person. • An approximately 3-hour experience with quality products.

My experience: I chose an 11-course menu. All the dishes stood out for their quality, technique, and flavor. The experience began with a lavender-scented towel, followed by 3 starters: • Romanian sushi with pork: remarkable. • Reinvention of the vegan egg with cauliflower and smoked yolk: outstanding. • Smoked tartare: remarkable.

The menu progressed from vegetable dishes, fish, meats, to dessert:

Beetroot rose with rose perfume: remarkable, although the aroma might confuse the Romanian experience (it transports you to Morocco or India). Savory croissant-shaped bread with butter: remarkable. Snail, mushrooms, and seaweed: personally didn't like it. Reinterpretation of truffle with polenta, cheese, and mushrooms: outstanding. Earth and sea transition snack. French oyster: excellent product, outstanding, although questionable in a Romanian menu (Romania isn't known for its oysters). Fish and beans: remarkable. Fish with crispy and chia rice base: outstanding, the best dish on the menu. Sea and meat transition snack. Tenderloin with mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and hazelnut puree: remarkable, although some ingredients are out of season (mushrooms, hazelnuts...). Tenderloin with vegetables: remarkable. Wafer (similar to a taco) with meat: remarkable. Transition snack with a seed: outstanding. Galicia-inspired presentation with mango sphere: outstanding, although I would refine the presentation to make it more country-specific. Mexican wafer with apple compote, cinnamon, and sweet-and-sour sauce: good. Dessert of two bonbons presented in a game box. Price per person: 758.24 RON // 153 euros.

There are some details that affect the experience: • The music is not suitable for this type of setting; it sounds more like club music than ambient music. • The concept based on Romanian food is a bit vague, as there are several seafood/fish dishes, and Romania is not particularly known for these products. • I noticed that they don't use seasonal products. Although the ingredients are high quality and organic, many seem to be from greenhouses and not in their natural season. • The service pace is quite slow. Although it improved when I mentioned the delay, it would be ideal to maintain a more dynamic pace, avoiding waits of 10-15 minutes between dishes, unless the group prefers a slower pace. • The location of the restaurant lacks charm. • Interior noise is an issue. Between the music and the lack of soundproofing, it can be uncomfortable, especially if there is a large group nearby. • It would be beneficial for large groups to have a more private area.

The ventilation in the restaurant is not very effective, and sometimes the smell reaches the dining tables. For an open kitchen restaurant, this is a significant issue. They should either fix the ventilation problem or install a transparent glass barrier around...

Response: This is not a fake review. I simply didn’t enjoy it. Just take it as it

Good luck

Response2: too much cauliflower too much demi-glace staff was too young and unexperienced prices are way too high for what the restaurants offers atmosphere is too haotic

That being said, respectfully, learn to accept bad reviews

Response3: I must admit, I was quite stunned by the venomous tone of your reply. It’s not every day that I encounter a response so bitter and uncalled for — especially one from an establishment that prides itself on providing a dining experience. If this is what happens when someone dares to express dissatisfaction, it’s no wonder your restaurant has failed to engage with constructive criticism in the past.

But let’s not focus too much on my personal opinion, which clearly seems to have caused you significant distress. I do apologize for triggering such an emotional reaction, but it’s clear that my simple feedback on food, service, and atmosphere hit a nerve. And honestly, given the tone of your response, I think it’s safe to say that what I mentioned wasn't all that misplaced.

Your dismissive comments about my experience — including questioning the validity of my review and mocking me for not providing “proof” of my visit — are troubling. What’s more troubling, though, is the level of personal animosity you’ve chosen to display. It feels as though rather than taking the opportunity to reflect on feedback, you’ve let your emotions dictate how you handle criticism. That’s not just poor customer service — it’s a sign of deeper frustration that perhaps deserves attention.

Please understand, I’m not here to belabor the point about the cauliflower or the demi-glace, or even the chaotic (sorry for the missing "c") atmosphere I described. I’m more concerned about the way you’ve responded. It seems that this isn’t just about a negative review — it’s about something much more personal. Maybe it’s stress, perhaps it’s burnout from the hospitality industry, but your response, laced with resentment and bitterness, paints a picture of someone who could use a bit of support.

If you’re willing to hear it, I’d be more than happy to help you navigate what appears to be a deeper issue. I’m no therapist, but it’s clear to me that the way you’ve handled this interaction might indicate that you’re struggling with the weight of your work and the demands of the industry. If you need someone to talk to, feel free to reach out. Sometimes a little reflection and self-care can go a long way in finding balance and peace — which, by the way, is something that can only improve your ability to engage with customers in a more constructive manner.

I trust that you will take this feedback in the spirit it was intended — as an opportunity for growth and introspection. It’s easy to lash out at someone when you feel cornered, but it takes real strength to acknowledge when things aren’t going well and to seek the support needed to move forward in a healthier, more positive direction.

Best of luck to you, truly. I hope you find the peace and calm you need, both personally and...

Kaiamo: A Culinary Revelation in Bucharest

If you’re an expat or a true gourmand seeking to explore the soul of Romania through its flavors, Kaiamo in Bucharest is an absolute must-visit. Tucked away in the heart of the city, this gastronomic sanctuary is more than just a restaurant; it’s a journey into the essence of Romania, artfully reimagined by the visionary Chef Radu Ionescu.

Romania Reinterpreted on a Plate

Chef Radu has earned a reputation for taking the rich culinary heritage of Romania and transforming it into a modern, artistic experience that surprises and delights. At Kaiamo, each dish tells a story, weaving together traditional ingredients and techniques with contemporary flair. The result? A menu that feels both nostalgic and groundbreaking—a true testament to the creativity of a chef who is redefining Romanian cuisine.

From smoked trout tartare with foraged herbs to an exquisite take on sarmale (traditional cabbage rolls) that feels both authentic and avant-garde, every bite at Kaiamo is a revelation. The emphasis on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients ensures that the dishes are deeply rooted in Romania’s terroir, while the presentation elevates each plate to a masterpiece.

An Experience Beyond Dining

Kaiamo is not just about food—it’s about emotion, memory, and connection. The minimalist yet inviting interior mirrors the philosophy of the kitchen: sophisticated simplicity with an edge. The staff is warm, knowledgeable, and eager to guide you through the story behind each dish, making your visit an immersive and intimate experience.

The wine list is equally impressive, featuring some of the finest Romanian wines alongside international gems, carefully curated to complement the menu. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, you’re in for a treat.

Why Kaiamo Should Be on Your List

For Expats: Kaiamo offers a perfect introduction to the richness of Romanian culture, interpreted in a way that resonates with a global audience. It’s a gateway to understanding the traditions, history, and passion of Romania, all through your taste buds. For Gourmands: The innovative techniques and bold reimaginings of classic dishes make Kaiamo a paradise for anyone who appreciates the artistry of fine dining.

Conclusion

Kaiamo is more than a restaurant—it’s a culinary manifesto that challenges perceptions of Romanian cuisine and sets a new standard for dining in Bucharest. Chef Radu Ionescu’s commitment to storytelling through food makes every visit an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re an expat discovering Romania or a seasoned food lover on the hunt for something extraordinary, Kaiamo is a destination that...