Summary: Visited during a trip home to see my parents. I live in San Francisco and have traveled to Japan multiple times...
This was truly the most exceptional omakase I have had anywhere in the world. Every detail has been planned and executed to the highest degree of excellence. To have this kind of experience anywhere would be a treat but to have it in Cleveland is an incredible luxury. A must visit.
Details: Space - Absolutely stunning, intimate space with incredibly beautiful, traditional Japanese finishes. The wood counter is so soft you could rub your face against it.
Food - Beyond all expectations. Careful selection of the best ingredients, a fanatical fixation on flawless execution, and undeniable skill, all really add up to something special here. The use of unique techniques and seasonings, chosen thoughtfully for each fish elevated what I thought were familiar ingredients to entirely new levels.
Drink - Incredible selection of top sakes, many of which I even found difficult to find on my last visit to Japan.
Service - Incredible service, warm, accommodating, effusively kind and above all else... super fun and friendly! At this level, dinning can often be stuffy or intimidating but the team really does an incredible job curating a fun light hearted atmosphere!
Vibes - The vibes are great. By the time we left, we were friends with everyone in the room!
Price/ value - This is definitely not a cheap meal but it is a truly special experience that could stand toe-to-toe with any top Sushi restaurant in the world. The amount of care, craft, skill is outrageously special and there is clearly a "spare-no-expense" approach to all of the ingredients, dishware, glassware and...
Read moreAn Omakase Experience Worth Repeating
Sushi Kuwahata offers a top-tier omakase experience from start to finish. We booked all 8 seats and Kwan was incredibly accommodating in getting everything arranged, even before we got there.
The ambience is understated and intimate, which allowed the focus to remain on the food. The service was excellent—the staff is amazing, it felt personal and was exceptional.
The meal was just a work of art and watching Chef Kwan work was mesmerizing. The quality of the food, especially the fish, was outstanding. The careful preparation was obvious in every bite, and it was hard not to just say “wow” with each new course. To go along with the food, they have an impressive sake collection. The recommendations from the staff on sake selections were perfect.
Overall, Sushi Kuwahata delivers on all fronts. Its not an exaggeration to say it was one of the best meals of my life. The combination of a great atmosphere, fantastic service, and truly exceptional food makes it a standout. Having this gem in Cleveland Ohio is a real boon to our food scene.
Thank you Chef Kwan, Chef Ryan and Shirley for a...
Read moreThis is probably one of the most amazing omakase experiences I’ve ever had. I’ve traveled to Japan, Seattle, LA, NYC, and Miami and this experience blew those cities out of the water. If you want a traditional omakase experience, this is it!
Each dish was so carefully planned. The attention to detail was next level. They worked so well as a team and the service was seamless. There were so many unique, fresh, in season fishes from Japan. The chefs were all incredibly knowledgeable about each fish and what temperature it’s to be served at, which vinegar, and which soy sauce to pair them with. Even the non nigiri dishes were absolutely incredible.
The actual dishes everything is served in was thought out so well and they were beautifully handmade. The bar being imported from Japan was incredible. The small waiting area with a welcome sake to start while getting to know the other guests was wonderful.
I cannot say enough good things about the whole experience and this will definitely put Cleveland...
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