Upscale Japanese Kaiseki w/ a Polish twist. Non-profit w/ chef from Masa & EMP. Unique, intimate tasting menu.
Ikigai is a unique, non-profit Japanese Kaiseki restaurant in Brooklyn, offering a creative dining experience with Polish influences. The chef, formerly of Masa and Eleven Madison Park, crafts an intimate 12-course tasting menu, starting in a serene tea garden. Beyond its culinary artistry, Ikigai is dedicated to fighting food insecurity by donating all its profits.
Ikigai offers an upscale Japanese Kaiseki tasting menu, distinguished by creative Polish influences and high-quality ingredients like Kobe beef and seafood. Diners consistently praise the innovative dishes, though it is noted as an expensive splurge.
"The Kobe Beef Experience and various Kaiseki dishes like milk bread, tamagoyaki, and unique Polish-inspired desserts are highly recommended."
Customers highly praise Ikigai for its exceptional, creative Japanese Kaiseki cuisine with unique Polish influences. The intimate atmosphere and the restaurant's non-profit mission to combat food insecurity are also significant positive points.
Important Note
The restaurant is quite expensive, positioned as a splurge.
"Ikigai was a fantastic birthday meal with a very cool design. The staff mentioned it's better when warmer to utilize the garden area."
Positive"A user humorously questions the absence of sushi in an omakase meal, but then compliments the overall spread at Ikigai."
Positive"A user expresses positive sentiment about Ikigai, stating that the place rules."
Positive"The chef at Ikigai is announcing a new menu coming January 7th."
Neutral"The chef at Ikigai posted about their kaiseki menu, prompting the author to visit. They had an amazing dining experience and highly recommend it for a treat."
Positive"The commenter, likely affiliated with Ikigai, confirms that the drink pairing is $100."
Positive"Ikigai in Fort Greene offers an 18-course meal for $185, with a drink pairing available for an additional $100."
Positive"The commenter attended a birthday dinner at Ikigai, possibly the one mentioned by the restaurant, and had a great time, aside from some lighthearted "Black & White Cookie slander.""
Positive"In response to a user's interest in the menu, a representative provided details on Ikigai's current menu items, including bread, potatoes, unagi, beef upgrade option, kinmedai, kegani, and tamagoyaki. They also mentioned a surprise course and birthday celebration, with the meal costing $185/person."
Positive"A representative from Ikigai responded to a birthday inquiry, offering details about their menu and group reservation policies, stating they treat birthdays like large group reservations and do not charge buyout fees for groups of 12."
Positive"The commenter finds Ikigai unique, mentioning that their food at an event featured fun twists on Kaiseki. They are unsure how the full menu compares but noted the restaurant donates proceeds to a good cause."
Positive"This commenter suggested Ikigai as a potential new addition to receive a Michelin star."
Positive"The restaurant Ikigai states that they are able to accommodate any dietary restrictions, with the sole exception of vegan diets."
Positive"A user named "Dan_at_Ikigai" responded with a praying hands emoji, likely acknowledging the recommendation of Ikigai."
Neutral"The commenter suggests Ikigai as a recommendation that fits the budget, including taxes and tips."
Neutral"The user simply listed Ikigai as a recommendation without further details."
Neutral"The user simply listed Ikigai as a recommendation without further details."
Neutral"User described Ikigai in Fort Greene as a hidden gem; very expensive but worth it for a splurge. It offers Japanese Omakase."
Positive"Ikigai blew the author away and they still think about how amazing it was six months later."
Positive"Author listed Ikigai in Brooklyn, a non-profit Japanese kaiseki restaurant by a Polish chef, as a recommendation."
Neutral
