Refined Caribbean fine dining with an interactive chef's counter experience. Praised for creative dishes like jerk duck sausage and flavorful patties, though some find the pork chop too fatty.
Bryan Kim reviews Kabawa, a Caribbean-inspired restaurant in the East Village, praising its fun atmosphere and unique fine dining approach with dishes like jerk duck sausage and braised goat.
Sonal Shah reviews Bar Kabawa, an East Village spot where rum cocktails and Caribbean patties fuel a lively party atmosphere, praising its creative drinks and flavorful snacks.
Kabawa offers a unique and exciting take on Caribbean fine dining, helmed by Chef Paul Carmichael. The restaurant provides an interactive experience, often around a chef's counter, where traditional flavors are elevated with modern techniques. Diners can expect creative dishes like jerk duck sausage, expertly cooked goat, and flavorful patties, alongside a well-curated wine list. While some dishes like the pork chop have drawn comments about fattiness, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the chef's artistry and the memorable, delicious journey through Caribbean-inspired cuisine.
Kabawa offers an elevated Caribbean fine dining experience, drawing praise for its innovative dishes and high-quality ingredients. While the Chuleta Can Can (pork chop) received mixed reviews for being excessively fatty, other dishes like the goat, cobia fish, and duck sausage were highly recommended for their flavor and preparation. The bread service and various patties (e.g., pepperpot duck and foie, short rib, geera goat) are also standout items. Some found the shrimp dish grainy, but generally, the cuisine is celebrated for its adventurousness and refined execution.
"Recommended dishes include the amazing bread service, various flavorful patties (like pepperpot duck and foie, short rib, conch and bone marrow, geera goat), jerk duck sausage, and the goat dish. The rum drinks and cocktails at Bar Kabawa are also highly praised."
Customers generally have a very positive view of Kabawa, praising its unique approach to Caribbean fine dining and the quality of its food. Some minor criticisms include the fattiness of certain dishes like the pork chop, and concerns about price for some. However, the overall consensus highlights excellent cooking, creative dishes, and a memorable dining experience.
Important Note
The Chuleta Can Can (pork chop) has received mixed reviews, with some finding it excessively fatty. The restaurant may also be perceived as pricey by some diners.
"Kabawa offers a fun experience at either the bar or the main dining area, with delicious food and kind service. Its memorable Caribbean cuisine is a unique option for tourists."
Positive"Kabawa was listed as a recommendation for a special dinner."
Neutral"The commenter mentioned goat from Kabawa."
Positive"Kabawa is mentioned as a potential dining option."
Neutral"This detailed review covers Kabawa's coursing, including a flavorful bread course with multiple dips, an interesting mushroom pastel appetizer, and a delicious main with various sides. The duck sausage is highlighted as intense and exceptionally well-cooked. The dessert 'matrimony' was light and citrusy, fitting for a full stomach. The Akasan drink was also praised. Overall, the chef is seen as prioritizing deliciousness with different experiences for each side."
Positive"This commenter has not tried the food at Kabawa but recalls the open kitchen at its previous iteration (Momofuku KO) as dazzling. They found the bar experience less enjoyable."
Neutral"This user found Kabawa to be excessively overpriced, particularly the chuletas main course, which they felt offered poor value. While the food was good, it wasn't exceptional enough to justify the cost, describing it as 'highway robbery'."
Negative"This user confirms Kabawa serves a lot of food and highlights some dishes. While the shrimp dish was grainy and the mushrooms unpalatable, the cobia had great flavor and the goat was delicious. They also praised the 'bread' course and rice, and found the drink pairings enjoyable."
Neutral"Kabawa is described as serving a lot of excellent food, including a bread course, salad, and dips, with terrific service. The bar menu offers snacks, but not a full meal, and the daiquiris were enjoyable though costly."
Positive"This user enthusiastically states that Kabawa is incredibly good on both sides, expressing high satisfaction with the restaurant."
Positive"This user suggests that Kabawa and Bar Kabawa offer different but complementary experiences. They recommend having drinks at Bar Kabawa before dinner at Kabawa, noting that Kabawa's dinner is incredible and offers a chance to try multiple dishes if dining with someone else."
Positive"This comment mentions that Kabawa's prix fixe includes snacks and substantial portions, suggesting a filling meal. It references Ryan Sutton's review for this information."
Neutral"The commenter notes that Kabawa's pastrami suya was $86 when they visited last year."
Neutral"The commenter asks if the original poster has tried Kabawa."
Neutral"The commenter welcomes the user to Flatbush and recommends Mrs. Vee's and de hot pot for rotis, stating they are better than those had in the Caribbean."
Positive"The commenter simply recommends Kabawa."
Neutral"The commenter simply recommends Kabawa."
Neutral"The commenter expressed strong positive feelings about Kabawa, stating they loved it."
Positive"The commenter highly recommends Kabawa and even its cheaper alternative, Bar Kabawa. They praised Chef Paul as amazing."
Positive"The commenter highly recommends Kabawa and even its cheaper alternative, Bar Kabawa. They praised Chef Paul as amazing."
Positive
