Kawa Sushi & Bar — Restaurant in Grand Rapids

The dine in experience started off great with our appetizers but took a quick turn after that. We got food sent to our table that we didn’t order and then the entrees that came out were not what we ordered either (I had ordered the Beef bulgolgi lunch and received yakisoba noodles and no white rice or miso soup, whereas my partner ordered the Tonkotsu Ramen soup but instead received Yakisoba noodles). When we brought this to our waiter’s attention, she blamed the kitchen saying “I don’t know what they have going on but they need to get it together” and then said she would go follow up on it. We continued to wait and she eventually came back saying she gave a 50% discount on our bill. After asking again about our actual order she went to check again but then came back with two small miso soup containers saying that’s the best they could do and that’s why we got the 50%. The dismissive attitude and overall rudeness of the waitress was enough to make us feel unwelcome and we honestly don’t see ourselves coming back anytime soon. But for the sake of the food that we actually got to taste and the beautiful restaurant itself, we definitely hope that either its staff, service or overall management...

This is the worst sushi I’ve ever had… My husband and I are sushi lovers and have tried almost every spot in Grand Rapids. We’ve been to Japan and done numerous omakases; we also love Meijer sushi (don’t knock it till you try it!), so we don’t just limit ourselves to Michelin star sushi spots. I’d even say we’re pretty adventurous in what we eat-we’ve tried sheep brain, grasshoppers, frog legs, you name it. All of this is to defend that we aren’t sushi snobs and we aren’t picky… We went here on a Sunday afternoon deciding to give this place a try. We were disgusted not even halfway through the meal. We ordered assorted nigiri and the fish was low quality and prepared poorly. One of our nigiri was 2 pieces awkwardly placed on the rice. The fish was cut too close to the skin that it was inedible; you couldn’t even chew through it. We were quite disappointed because the location is a prime spot downtown and the restaurant gives off a great ambiance. Great service and a clean place, but the food was terrible. Maybe the restaurant was just off that day, but I don’t think...

We’ve been to Kawa twice now, and both times the food has been absolutely outstanding. The jalapeño yellowtail and garlic tuna carpaccio were incredibly fresh and flavorful — highly recommend both if you’re into sashimi. The garlic soy gyozas were also delicious and packed with flavor.

As for rolls, we tried the Angry Wives, Gossy Roll, and Kawai Roll. Each one was creative, fresh, and delicious. You really can’t go wrong with any of them.

Don’t skip dessert. The yuzu cheesecake is next level (truly a must-try), and the fried ice cream is excellent as well.

While they don’t currently have a liquor license, it honestly didn’t take away from the experience at all. Word is they’re hoping to start serving alcohol soon, but the food alone is worth the visit.

This place is still relatively new, and we’re really rooting for it to succeed. It’s great. High quality, fresh, flavorful dishes, and great service....