Kinjo — Restaurant in New York

Updated Review – 5 Stars

I initially had given Kinjo 4 stars because while the food was incredible, the service during my first visit disrupted the experience. Dan, the owner, personally reached out to express that what we experienced wasn’t reflective of their standards. He invited us back for another omakase experience, and I was honestly blown away—not just by the food, but by the care and thoughtfulness behind the gesture.

On our return visit, we were greeted warmly by the owner, who was kind, welcoming, and clearly passionate about creating a memorable experience for every guest. We were treated to a beautifully paced omakase meal, and the hospitality was exceptional from start to finish.

The food itself? Even better than I remembered. Each piece was incredibly fresh and well-balanced—an impressive blend of traditional technique and creative flair. There were seasonal additions to the menu that made the meal feel both elevated and thoughtful. Standouts included melt-in-your-mouth toro, uni with just the right touch of citrus, and a perfectly seared wagyu bite that I’m still thinking about. They also poured us a unique bottle of sake that paired perfectly with the progression of the meal—it was clean, delicate, and unlike anything I’ve tried before.

What struck me most was how seamless everything felt this time. The pacing was ideal, the staff was attentive without hovering, and the entire experience was relaxed yet refined. It reminded me why I was so excited to try Kinjo in the first place—and why I’ll definitely be back.

Everyone has an off night sometimes, but the way the team responded and made things right was a masterclass in hospitality. This is now easily one of my favorite omakase spots in Dumbo....

From start to finish, this omakase experience was absolute perfection. Every dish was not only beautifully presented but also incredibly thoughtful, fresh, and bursting with flavor. Each course felt like a love letter to the ingredients—with an elegant balance of tradition and creativity.

The service was warm, attentive, and seamless, striking that rare balance of professionalism and genuine hospitality. The staff made the entire evening feel effortless, guiding us through each course with knowledge and care.

The space itself is stunning—minimal yet inviting, with attention to every detail in the decor. It creates an atmosphere that feels both intimate and elevated, ideal for a special night out or a serene culinary escape.

Located in a quiet, charming pocket of the city, the restaurant is a hidden gem that’s more than worth the visit. From the ambiance to the pacing of the meal, everything is thoughtfully curated to let the food shine—and it does, course after course.

This is not just a meal, it’s an experience. I can’t...

Highly recommend this place. I visited this back in December 2024 and still think of this place from time to time as I had such a great experience - the food was great, the drinks were amazing and the service was the best. From the moment we got in, we were greeted by a welcoming hostess whom led us to the bar as we were early for our reservation. We enjoyed a cocktail with the snow crab dip appetizer which we fell in love with. Then we were led to our seats once our reservation was ready. Each item we were served by the chef was delicious - I especially liked the scallop crudo and the botan ebi. I also enjoyed the Pandan panna cotta a lot. After our meal ended, we went back to the bar and I over indulged in more of the cocktails. I vaguely remember trying them all and the Jasmine Highball was my favorite as I had a few of them that night. The bartenders and wait staff were also super kind and friendly. If they see this, I apologize (unfortunately many months later) if I had too much fun that night. It was truly...