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KABAWA

Updated

Phone: (212) 203-8095

Address: 8 EXTRA PLACE 10003

TLDR

Elevated Caribbean tasting menu w/ chef engagement. Unforgettable flavors, vibrant atmosphere. Must-try for foodies.

Reddit Sentiment for KABAWA(based on 140 Reddit opinions)

55% Positive31% Neutral10% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

caribbean 50persian 6indian 2caribbean 15goat 6patties 4View All

Neighborhoods

East Village

Instagram Posts References

Summary
Summary
Summary
Summary

Recent Articles

Kabawa
positive

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.

Bryan Kim Jul 1, 2025
Bar Kabawa
positive

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.

Sonal Shah Jul 1, 2025
Read More →
Infatuation
Review

Unknown Date unknown

Details

Kabawa offers a unique Caribbean fine dining experience in the East Village, helmed by Barbadian Chef Paul Carmichael. The restaurant provides an interactive atmosphere with an open kitchen and a tasting menu that blends traditional recipes with modern precision. Dishes like roti, Jamaican pepper shrimp, and slow-cooked goat are celebrated for their elevated flavors and presentation, making it a standout for Caribbean cuisine.

Food Overview

Kabawa serves an elevated Caribbean tasting menu, drawing praise for its unique flavors and sophisticated presentation. Standout dishes include the roti platter, Jamaican pepper shrimp, and slow-cooked goat. While most feedback is positive, some diners have noted the Chuleta Can Can dish as being excessively fatty, advising others to avoid it.

Highlights / Recommended

"Highly recommended dishes include the goat curry, pepper shrimp, and the roti platter. The coconut turnover is also frequently praised as an exceptional dessert."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • goat(8)
  • chuleta can can(5)
  • coconut turnover(3)
  • duck sausage(2)
  • pepper shrimp(2)

Customer Sentiment

Customers generally have a very positive view of Kabawa, praising its innovative Caribbean cuisine, vibrant atmosphere, and engaging service. While some find it pricey, the overall experience is frequently described as exceptional and worth the cost.

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About KABAWA

A detailed review of Kabawa where the original poster found most dishes underwhelming and overpriced, with the goat dish being the only highlight. Several commenters agreed with the sentiment, while others defended the restaurant and praised specific dishes.
This thread discusses Kabawa's goat curry, with one user highly recommending it as one of the best dishes in the city. Another user clarifies that Kabawa's preparation is not a stew and offers a different perspective on goat meat.
In a comparison of several restaurants, Kabawa received mixed reviews, with some ranking it highly for flavor and vibe, while others placed it below Jua and 63 Clinton. One user strongly disagreed with comparing Kabawa to Tatiana, stating Kabawa surpassed it in flavor, vibe, and value.
This post features conflicting opinions on Kabawa. The original poster found the Chuleta Can Can excessively fatty and advised against it, while another user praised the dish and the restaurant's overall experience.
Several users recommend Kabawa, with some comparing it favorably to Tatiana and praising Chef Paul Carmichael's artistry. The price is mentioned as high but potentially justified by the quality and experience.
Kabawa is highly recommended in this thread for its 'mind blowing, delicious food' and 'vibe' that offers an escape, making for a memorable dining experience.
Discussion about Kabawa's seating and atmosphere, with recommendations for counter seating to view the kitchen. Some users found the Chuleta can can too fatty, while others recommended the goat dish.
Kabawa is recommended over The Noortwyck for its food and vibrant atmosphere, particularly for New Year's Eve, although reservations are noted as difficult to obtain.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: I Want Dinner With An Experience Any

"This user reiterates their positive opinion of Kabawa, calling it '2nd Kabawa'."

Positive
Apr 24, 2026View Comment →

From post: I Want Dinner With An Experience Any

"Kabawa is enthusiastically recommended."

Positive
Apr 24, 2026View Comment →

From post: I Want Dinner With An Experience Any

"A question is posed asking for recommendations on what to order at Kabawa."

Neutral
Apr 24, 2026View Comment →

From post: I Want Dinner With An Experience Any

"Kabawa is highly recommended for its 'mind blowing, delicious food' and a great 'vibe' that provides an escape, making the dining experience memorable."

Positive
Apr 24, 2026View Comment →

From post: 4 Days Eating Through Nyc

"The user highlighted pepper shrimp and goat as the best dishes at Kabawa. They agreed with the sentiment that the restaurant is slightly overpriced but still enjoyed their meal."

Neutral
Apr 19, 2026View Comment →

From post: Havent Been In Nyc Since 2020 Michelin Quality

"Kabawa is recommended."

Positive
Apr 14, 2026View Comment →

From post: Havent Been In Nyc Since 2020 Michelin Quality

"Kabawa is recommended."

Positive
Apr 14, 2026View Comment →

From post: Havent Been In Nyc Since 2020 Michelin Quality

"Kabawa in the East Village is recommended as a Caribbean prix fixe restaurant."

Positive
Apr 13, 2026View Comment →

From post: Whats A Restaurant Youve Eaten At Recently That

"This user found Kabawa to be good, but not particularly special, contrasting it with Bar Kabawa which they love."

Neutral
Apr 10, 2026View Comment →

From post: Whats A Restaurant Youve Eaten At Recently That

"This user stated that Kabawa was great and is on their list to try again."

Positive
Apr 10, 2026View Comment →

From post: Whats A Restaurant Youve Eaten At Recently That

"This user stated that Kabawa was "lights out" and its menu could support multiple repeat visits within a week."

Positive
Apr 10, 2026View Comment →

From post: Whats A Restaurant Youve Eaten At Recently That

"This user simply mentioned "Kabawa" as a highly recommended restaurant."

Positive
Apr 10, 2026View Comment →

From post: Opinion On My 2day Solo Eating Plan In Nyc 3

"Kabawa is mentioned without further comment."

Neutral
Apr 8, 2026View Comment →

From post: Coming To Nyc Not For Work For The First Time In

"The user expresses strong affection for Kabawa, recommending it for those seeking Caribbean flavors."

Positive
Apr 4, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Is Your Hands Down Favorite Goat Dish In The

"Responding to a mention of 'Kabawa', this user stated it's probably the best goat they've had, emphasizing the insane amount of spices used."

Positive
Apr 1, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Is Your Hands Down Favorite Goat Dish In The

"This user simply mentioned 'kabawa' as a goat dish recommendation."

Positive
Mar 31, 2026View Comment →

From post: Dads 60th Birthday Dinner

"Kabawa is an excellent restaurant that aligns with the dad's preferences, and sitting at the counter allows for interaction with the kitchen staff, which might interest a foodie."

Positive
Mar 8, 2026View Comment →

From post: Dads 60th Birthday Dinner

"While Kabawa was good, the bread course was the most memorable part, and it might not be worth the price."

Neutral
Mar 8, 2026View Comment →

From post: Dads 60th Birthday Dinner

"Kabawa is a great choice, and sitting at the bar offers a view of the kitchen's activity."

Positive
Mar 8, 2026View Comment →

From post: Dads 60th Birthday Dinner

"The commenter found the menu for Kabawa to look very good."

Positive
Mar 8, 2026View Comment →