KAI — Restaurant in Four Corners States

We’ve done several tasting menus around the country, and Kai was truly an experience like no other. From start to finish, we were spoiled like we’ve never been before. We knew we were in for a treat when they called ahead to confirm our reservation and asked us how to properly pronounce our names.

Food and drinks were exceptional. Every dish was not only delicious but also a testament to the thought, creativity, and artistry that went into its creation. The Pee Posh Garden was an incredibly fun and beautiful dish, unlike anything I’ve ever tasted before. The chef’s vision and expertise were evident in every bite, and we truly felt like we were experiencing something unique and special with each course.

One of the many factors that sets Kai apart is the service. Our napkins were placed on our laps (for us!), silverware was promptly changed, and plates were collected with seamless grace. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive, creating a dining experience that made us feel as though we were the only guests in the restaurant.

A special mention goes to Feliciano, our head server/captain, who was exceptional. He greeted us with a warm, local Native American greeting, which we thought was such a meaningful and unique touch and really set the tone for the evening.

Not only was he welcoming and eager to answer all of our questions(we had many), but his in-depth knowledge of the dishes and their cultural significance enhanced the entire experience. Feliciano’s passion and expertise made the evening even more memorable.

The cultural aspect of the experience was equally impressive. The restaurant’s decor, inspired by Native American stories and beliefs, created an immersive atmosphere that deepened our connection to the food and the story behind it. The staff’s thorough knowledge of these cultural elements only added to the sense of reverence and respect for the ingredients and the traditions they represent.

This is where you see the true difference between an exceptional restaurant and one that earns its Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond recognition.

At the end of our meal, we were surprised with a gift—a candle from a local Tucson artisan. When we got to our car, we found another surprise waiting for us: a handwritten card and a jar of local raw wildflower honey! It was such a thoughtful way to end an unforgettable evening.

This experience was truly one for the books. Kai has set a new standard for dining, and we’ll definitely be...

My husband brought me here for my birthday last night and it was such a special treat. From the time we arrived to us actually driving home, everything was perfect. When we arrived, the hostesses took the valet pass and ensured our car would be ready and waiting when we were done. We were immediately escorted to our tables where our chairs were pulled for us and napkins folded and laid on our laps. We were given a thorough history lesson on tribal artwork, food, culture, and how it is expressed throughout the restaurant and dining experience. The menu itself takes you on its own journey, and a very special one at that.

Everything we ate was delicious, beautiful, unique, and inspiring. The quail and foie gras were exceptionally outstanding and really made an impression on my husband and I. When it came time for dessert, earlier in the evening I mentioned I couldn't choose, that they all sounded so good... they ended up bringing us all 3 desserts to try and they were all so excellent. I feel I could go on and on- even the off menu cocktail suggestions were fantastic. I was recommended this Bourbon infused date and matcha cocktail but I was apprehensive because Bourbon is not usually something I go for. I agreed to try it, all their recommendations had already been so fantastic, and im so glad I did. It was such a creamy and delicious cocktail! It made a huge impression on me and I'm really glad they suggested this as a dessert pairing.

I keep talking about the food, but the ambiance really elevated the experience to the next level as well- tables were spacious and not packed in, you could freely move about the restaurant if you needed to, and it made everything feel more intimate. The fact the tables had so much space between them really gave you the feeling you were almost there all by yourself and you certainly didn't have to worry about listening in on another tables conversation. The music was very tranquil and it made us feel like we were in a spa. It was also quiet enough where you could have easy conversation and not have to worry about shouting over music or a loud crowd.

After we paid our bill and thought the night was complete, we get in the car and there was a giftbag waiting with a candle inside. It really just put the cherry on top to an already wonderful night and my husband and I are already trying to plan...

I have a lot of pride in Arizona native and indigenous cuisine, and I have actually eaten many of the unique ingredients on the menu at Kai though I only visited the one time. I was supposed to be on my honeymoon in Japan, but covid happened and the flights were all shut down. My husband and I went to stay at Wild Horse Sheraton and dine at Kai instead to make up for an already huge disappointment. I enjoyed the experience at Kai, and was only disappointed when I returned to my hotel room down the hall and started to feel sick to my stomach. My plate had duck prepared several ways, but 1 of the preparations of duck made my stomach uneasy, my husband tried a bite and he felt the same. I had never tried duck before, I trusted the chef at this 5 star restaurant, and didn't realize that I was being poisoned. I didn't finish the portion, thankfully. Within a few hours after eating there, I became horribly ill. It's embarrassing to say but I made a mess of the bathroom uncontrollably.. and when my husband called for help they sent him a bucket and some spray. He was up until 3am cleaning the bathroom. We were then rejected to do anything at the spa the next day.. and virtually our honeymoon was ruined, again. We tried reporting everything and eventually made a claim for the situation. 3 months after the incident we finally heard back that they don't believe I got food poisoning from Kai because there is no proof. I have heard of restaurants saying this before because supposedly people claim to be sick all the time and want something for it. I, on the other hand, have never claimed to be sick from a restaurant before... and the proof was down the hall in the same building, in the bathroom.. with me terribly ill. Loss prevention tried to tell me that it takes 24 hours to get food poisoning and therefore it was from something different I had eaten prior. Little did he know I am a health professional and the CDC states that even 1 hour after ingesting contaminated food can symptoms of food poisoning appear. After trying to fight this, the food and beverage manager credited back our bill from the restaurant.. it took 3 months. My point... don't trust it just because it's supposed to be...