icca — Restaurant in New York

Icca is best known for their Japanese cuisine, but I was introduced to their Italian Kappo Counter by a friend.

Italian Kappo Counter (Non-Sushi Course) According to their site, Kappo is a refined, multi-course dining experience that bridges the gap between the formal Kaiseki and Izakaya styles. Originating from the Edo Era, Kappo is a high-class cuisine that grew in popularity during the Taishou and early Showa eras.

Tasting course contains the following: Ippakusuisei "Premium" - Fan Lobster, Scallop, Caviar, Udo, Strawberry Haneya - Striped Beakfish, Ponzu Julep Tedorikawa Yamahai - Japanese Blackfin Seabass, White Asparagus Dassai Blue "Nama" - Fennel, Tomato, Julep, Snow Crab, Sea Urchin Jikon "Tokubetsu Junmai" - Cherry Trout, Bamboo Shoots Suirakuten Reserve Aged 20 Years - "Tokachi Herb Beef" Steak Icca Soup Iwa 5 - Bolognese Risotto with "Tokachi Herb Beef" Masuizumi "Kijoshu" - Chestnut, Monaka Roasted Green Tea

The Ippakusuisei "Premium" was incredible--delicate seafood paired with strawberry sounds risky, but it all came together beautifully. The Tedorikawa Yamahai was a standout, topped with a generous amount of truffle that elevated the entire dish. Dassai Blue "Nama" leaned a bit more fish-forward, but the flavors were expertly balanced. The Suirakuten Reserve steak was exceptionally tender and full of depth. To end, the Masuizumi "Kijoshu" with roasted green tea provided a perfect balance of sweetness and earthiness--an elegant close to the meal. I cannot speak for the other menu offerings at Icca, but I do believe this establishment has mastered their craft and are able to combine it with creativity. I did not have one bad bite throughout the...

I have been holding back in writing this review because I thought time and distance would help me to calm down. Well, it did not work because I am still enraged over my time and money i wasted at this place. Why is it still in business and how did this place get 1 star from Michelin? We were a party of 3, paid over $1700 and that price did not include any alcohol. My husband booked this place as a surprise and he will never be forgiven for this fiasco. We have experienced other 1 and 2 stars, paid much less and enjoyed 10 times more. The chef kept on bragging how everything was from Hokkaido and that was a point of pride for him in his head. None of us were impressed and did not really care where the ingredient was from when every piece was so mediocre in taste and quality. There was an arrogance to the chef that forced us to smile and obligated to compliment him with every piece he served us. We felt like captive animals in the zoo waiting to make our great escape. All i wanted to do was scream the entire time, run out of the place and get our money back. In the meantime, we kept on drinking the sparkling water to wash out the taste in our mouth and thought the water was included in the fixed price menu of a whopping $1,600. Nope! The meal of $1600 was prepaid by my insane husband and they handed us another receipt in a fancy wood box telling us to pay another $170+ for the water they kept on serving us. The point of this review is for you to think twice before you book and overpay for this so called 1 star...

Celebrating my wife's birthday at Icca was an extraordinary experience that surpassed our expectations. From the moment we stepped in, the ambiance of the restaurant set the tone for a special evening. Seated in front of Chef Kazushige Suzuki, we were treated to an intimate culinary show, witnessing the artistry and precision that goes into every dish.The highlight of our meal was the omakase menu, a masterful display of traditional and unique flavors that left us in awe. Each dish, especially the sea urchin, was a revelation, showcasing the chef's skill in elevating simple ingredients to culinary heights.The sake pairing was a journey in itself. The house-made sake complemented each course beautifully, enhancing the flavors and adding an extra layer of enjoyment to our meal. The staff's knowledge and passion for sake were evident as they introduced each pairing, making the experience both educational and delightful.As we celebrated this special occasion, the attentive and considerate service made the evening even more memorable. The staff's dedication to ensuring every aspect of our meal was perfect contributed significantly to the joyous atmosphere of the night.In conclusion, our experience at Icca was nothing short of amazing. It was not just a meal, but a celebration of fine cuisine, exceptional service, and a birthday that will be remembered for years to come. A heartfelt thank you to the team at Icca for making this birthday celebration a truly...