Kiwami — Restaurant in New York

Let me start this review by saying the food and service was perfection - outstanding flavor and quality, beautiful dishes and lovely staff. They deserve 5 stars for sure.

We made a reservation and dined at the counter. We BYO’ed and payed the $15 corkage. What absolutely broke my heart is when we were seated (at the same time as 3 other couples) at the counter. The middle couple to our left proceeded to spend the first 35 minutes doing an instagram photo session. It was so sad to watch the girlfriend acting like a complete and total narcissist and the dopey boyfriend playing photographer. I couldn’t believe what I was watching. Then every time a new drink or dish came to the table, it was another 5 minute photography session. What shocked me was at one point (when I took out my phone the only time all night to take a sneaky pic), every single person sitting at the counter was on their phone. At what point did this become okay and not considered rude as hell toward the chef?! Unreal. In Japan, they have small cards or signs that say “no photography.” I really wish this restaurant would implement a policy to keep phones away. I understand taking 1 or 2 pictures but this behavior was so distracting and ruined my meal. If I’m paying over $600 for 2 people to eat, I don’t want to deal with this selfish behavior. I won’t return unless they have some sort of phone restriction policy in place.

My only other 2 cents was the menu size and order - there were far too many rich dishes ahead of the omakase. I almost threw up trying to eat the last 3 pieces because it was way too much food and I was beyond stuffed. I wish the left side of the menu only had 1-2 dishes, then the omakase and then end with rich dishes like the eel after the sushi pieces. The eel was so rich and had such a powerful flavor that overwhelmed my tastebuds to the point that I didn’t enjoy the sushi pieces as much as I normally do. I’ve always had eel and uni as the final bite or dish.

You should assume you will be in the restaurant for a minimum of 2.5 hours - I wish they were more forthcoming when booking a...

Came for 19 course Omakase.

Starting with the good: Great ambiance, gorgeous views, kind and attentive service. They had a menu printed at each of our seats, welcoming our party by name. Plenty of options for one of us with a seafood allergy, and they were very accommodating about allowing him to sit with us at chef’s counter and order a la carte. When there was a small snafu in the timing of his food, they brought free sake for the whole group. Also, the cocktails were very good. Overall service was excellent.

Now to the not so good: With just 1 drink, this meal comes out to $330 per person, with tip and tax. The food does not even come close to deserving this price tag. I would have been upset if I had spent $150 on this meal. Of the 19 courses, there were maybe 1-2 appetisers and 3-4 nigiris that were good, but nothing mind blowing. I’m not sure where all the incredible reviews came from, but I walked in very excited and left very confused. Wish I could say it was just me, but every member of my 4 person party felt the same. The people were wonderful, and I really wanted to like this place, but the food was mediocre at best. Unrelated, someone who works in the kitchen has strong and horrendous B.O. The stench wafted out every time the kitchen...

We've now eaten four delicious meals at Kiwami, and each time the outstanding food and service surpasses our incredibly high expectations. The setting is gorgeous - on the Brooklyn waterfront with a beautiful view of New York Harbor. The decor and furnishings are upscale and comfortable (which makes for a nice eating out experience - no cafeteria style tables or elbow to elbow eating). The service is unparalleled. Ehab and team honestly can't seem to do enough for my family and guests when we arrive - I truly can't imagine better, warmer service. Last, but definitely not least, is the food. We've always ordered off the a la carte menu and the food is superb. My son could eat the Tonkatsu, chicken karaage and scallion rice every night. The dungeness crab, tuna and salmon rolls and nigiri (let the wait staff guide you) are also favorites - the restaurant receives shipments from Japan 3x weekly and the quality and freshness of the fish is evident. My family could eat here every night and I'd be hard pressed to find a neighbor who has experienced the restaurant who wouldn't say the same. We've always felt lucky to live in the neighborhood and our good fortune has only increased with the...