Elevated Caribbean flavors meet fine dining at this East Village gem. Expect creative dishes & a lively vibe.
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 fine-dining experience with its Caribbean-inspired tasting menu, helmed by Chef Paul Carmichael. The restaurant is celebrated for its innovative approach, blending traditional flavors with upscale presentation in a lively, interactive atmosphere. While praised for its culinary artistry and unique dishes, some diners find the price point high, and specific dishes like the Chuleta Can Can have received mixed reviews due to their fat content.
Kabawa's cuisine is a refined take on Caribbean flavors, with a tasting menu that highlights dishes like braised goat, jerk duck sausage, and a memorable roti platter. While most dishes receive high praise for their flavor and execution, the Chuleta Can Can has been noted by some as being excessively fatty and not worth the price. The restaurant also boasts an impressive wine list and creative cocktails.
"The roti platter, braised goat, and pepperpot duck patties are frequently praised. A rum drink and patties are also recommended as good options."
Customers generally have a highly positive sentiment towards Kabawa, praising its exceptional food and unique culinary experience. However, some find it to be on the pricier side, and opinions on specific dishes, like the Chuleta Can Can, are divided.
Important Note
Some diners have found the Chuleta Can Can dish to be excessively fatty, comprising a large portion of fat to meat. The restaurant also operates on a fixed tasting menu, which may not appeal to all diners. Some also consider it to be on the pricier side.
"In response to feedback on the Chuleta can can, the commenter indicated they would likely choose the goat dish if they decide to dine at Kabawa."
Neutral"The commenter expressed that Kabawa is currently at the top of their list to try, indicating strong interest."
Positive"The commenter suggested that Kabawa's lively atmosphere might be better suited for dining with someone else to try a variety of dishes, though it's a great option for solo diners seeking exploration."
Positive"Responding to seating concerns, the commenter confirmed that Kabawa's counter seating, which offers a prix fixe menu, is suitable for solo reservations and provides entertainment by watching the kitchen."
Positive"The commenter noted that bar seating at Kabawa offers a view of the kitchen and can be preferable for solo diners. They described the restaurant as having a lively, party-like energy."
Positive"This commenter simply recommended Kabawa."
Positive"The commenter enjoyed their experience at Kabawa overall, with the exception of the Chuleta can can dish due to excessive fat. They noted great service."
Positive"This commenter easily recommended Kabawa."
Positive"Responding to the OP's idea that "New American" restaurants should be more prominent, this user questioned why they should be prioritized over innovative ethnic establishments like Kabawa."
Neutral"The user questioned if restaurants like Kabawa are truly American, given their ethnic influences and techniques, suggesting a need to promote dishes specifically conceived in the US using American farms and techniques."
Neutral"Kabawa is recommended, although noted as being a bit overpriced, it's considered good and offers a different experience compared to Chicago's food scene."
Positive"The user visited Kabawa and found it fun, but felt the food did not meet expectations."
Neutral"Kabawa is recommended as a place to go."
Positive"The user lists Kabawa as a place they are considering visiting."
Neutral"The commenter mentioned hearing great things about Kabawa but had not personally dined there."
Neutral"While liking the food, the commenter preferred Bar Kabawa. They felt the bill at Kabawa, despite the goat dish being good, wasn't worth it, partly due to the fixed price and the NYT's description of the tamarind not living up to expectations."
Negative"The Chuleta Can Can was highlighted as the commenter's favorite dish of the year, and they also appreciated the bathroom ambiance with coqui sounds."
Positive"The commenter stated that this was their favorite meal of the year, finding everything to be stellar."
Positive"This commenter noted that the restaurant only offers a prix-fixe menu but still considers it a superb restaurant."
Positive
