KAVIAR Restaurants — Restaurant in Pasadena

We were a party of 5 that came here for DineLA and it was our first time dining here. This review is based on just our DineLA experience because based on the other Yelp reviews, it sounds like the a la carte menu experience may be more positive.

The restaurant had a really nice ambiance, a bit dark for a 6pm dinner, but it felt like a nice and trendy spot. We got seated promptly and our waiter was very nice and friendly.

The first course on the DineLA menu was supposed to be the Maguro Crispy Rice served with the Tacos Crudos [based on what we saw for another table, these 2 items came together on a small plate]. But instead, they served us the oysters first, then the Tacos Crudos on one plate (one piece each person). This led to some confusion where they needed multiple reminders that they didn't serve the Maguro Crispy Rice yet. Oysters were good, clean. The Tacos Crudos were crunchy and tasty, and when the Maguro Crispy rice finally came out, it was your typical spicy tuna on crispy rice you can order at many sushi restaurants. So far, the items have been good, but nothing I felt as worthy of being on a $99 pre-fixed menu.

Then the yellowtail ceviche came out, with the 4 piece nigiri, and the handroll. At this point, we started to get the feeling we were not going to be full at the end of this dinner. All the fish pieces were sliced very thin, I mean, they were as thinly sliced as the sushi you see at the supermarket. The handroll was spicy tuna, so that means so far, already 2 spicy tuna items...worthy of a $99 menu? Not so much.

Then came the "signature" roll, which was..you guessed it, a spicy tuna cut roll with salmon on top [their "Lemon Roll" on the menu, which can be served with spicy crab instead, but not today apparently.]. A 3rd spicy tuna item, one of the cheapest/most basic sushi items being served 3 times on a $99 menu.... [if they had listed on their menu that both the handroll and the signature cut roll would be spicy tuna based, we would have known better than to order their DineLA menu.]

Then for the non sushi items - the Denver wagyu and seafood truffle pasta. The Denver wagyu were 3 small slices of beef, overcooked. A couple of us had slightly closer to medium rare, but most of the pieces at the table were medium. Seasoned nicely, but it was tough and chewy, again..not something I expect on a $99 menu. The seafood truffle pasta was cold by the time it was served to us, with the clam and shrimp overcooked (and just 1-2 pieces each). The pasta was very small, maybe 4 fork twirls and you're done.

The one good thing from this extremely overpriced dinner was that the waiter seemed inexperienced and basically left us alone. It gave us time to catch up with friends we haven't seen since pre-COVID. We even asked for a dessert menu because we felt bad taking up the table for so long (although it was pretty empty for a Saturday night), but he never brought it. We had to flag down a different server to ask for a check, and when we presented someone with our multiple cards to split the bill, the guy literally sighed and rolled his eyes. We left unsatisfied with the service, the food, the outrageous price for the menu served, and we were very much still hungry afterwards. Now, I get that it is more expensive to dine out nowadays with the increased prices for everything, so I am absolutely prepared to pay more to dine out, but when I complain about the price of this meal, it is for the fact that this menu that they created for DineLA is absolutely nowhere near $99.

Maybe it was an off night or just a very poorly designed DineLA menu, but this was a 2.5 star experience at best, and I rarely disagree with a rating as much as I do for...

My experience at Kaviar was a bit of a rollercoaster, to say the least! The food quality saved this experience from being a 3 star review.

In summary, the food was a real highlight - delicious! But when it came to the speed of service and kitchen operations, it left a bit to be desired. I'm not sure if I'd go back.

Now, let's break it down. The atmosphere at Kaviar was truly something to rave about. With its stylish black walls, ceilings, and moody lighting, it set the perfect mood for an evening out.

As for the food and drinks, we ordered a delightful array: garlic edamame, crispy rice, two rolls, and a couple of alcoholic drinks.

But here's where things took a turn. It was a quiet Saturday evening around 8:30, and we found ourselves growing increasingly frustrated with the pace and sequence of orders coming out of the kitchen and bar. We spent a significant amount of our time just sitting in our booth with no food in front of us, despite ordering everything within minutes of each other. We kicked things off with appetizers and drinks, then the rolls a bit later, maybe 10 minutes after the appetizer order. The edamame arrived fairly quickly, but our drinks lagged behind, taking about 20 minutes after the edamame. The second roll, shockingly, made its grand entrance around an hour and a half into our visit, by which point we'd lost our appetite for more and asked for the check.

I totally get that good food takes time, and I'm all for savoring the moment, but it seemed like there was some major confusion in the kitchen. A table across from us, seated about an hour after us, got their rolls seemingly simultaneously to ours, making us scratch our heads.

After spending most of our visit without a morsel in front of us, our enthusiasm dwindled, and truth be told, we ventured to King Taco to round off our evening's meal. Surprisingly, King Taco stole the show that night!

In conclusion, I'd suggest giving Kaviar a try, especially for the delectable food. However, I must admit that the overall experience left a lot to be desired. The culinary delights were somewhat overshadowed by the...

My family and I recently had the pleasure of dining at this exceptional sushi restaurant and, to put it simply, it was a culinary adventure unlike any other. An unforgettable gastronomic journey.

The Chef's Tasting Menu

Let's start with the appetizers - the Truffle Edamame Yuzu Shishito was an explosion of flavors! The hint of truffle combined with the citrusy zing of yuzu created a symphony on my palate that left me craving more. The Yellowtail Ceviche was a perfect blend of freshness and tanginess, a delightful introduction to the exquisite offerings on the menu.

The main courses were nothing short of spectacular. The Truffle Toro topped with caviar, truffle oil, and 24k gold flakes was a masterpiece. Each bite was a luxurious experience that I won't soon forget. The Wagyu Tacos were a surprising yet divine fusion of flavors, showcasing the chef's creativity and skill.

The Miso Glazed Black Cod was cooked to perfection - tender, flaky, and infused with just the right balance of sweet and savory. And then there was the Wagyu Skirt Steak with Shiso Leaf Chimichurri; the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of the wagyu paired flawlessly with the herbaceous notes of the chimichurri.

Not only were the dishes a feast for the taste buds, but the presentation was also a work of art. Each plate was meticulously crafted, showcasing the chef's dedication to both taste and aesthetics.

The service was impeccable, with a staff that was not only knowledgeable about the menu but also passionate about ensuring a delightful dining experience for every guest. I came to celebrate a graduate with my family, and I have to thank Justin and the staff for such an amazing experience, it was a memorable night that I will cherish and remember forever.

Overall, this sushi restaurant exceeded my expectations in every way. It's a haven for food enthusiasts seeking an exceptional dining experience. If you're looking to indulge in top-notch sushi and an array of culinary wonders that tantalize the senses, this is the place to be. I cannot wait to return and savor these remarkable...