Intimate 12-course Kaiseki w/ Polish twists & a hidden garden start. Non-profit w/ all proceeds fighting food insecurity. A truly unique fine dining experience.
A unique Japanese Kaiseki restaurant in Brooklyn, Ikigai offers an intimate 12-course tasting menu with a playful Polish twist. Chef Rafal Maslankiewicz, formerly of Masa and Eleven Madison Park, crafts an unforgettable experience that begins in a serene tea garden. Beyond its culinary excellence, Ikigai is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to combating food insecurity, donating all profits to charity. The exquisite meal, priced at $185 per person with an optional beverage pairing, provides a chance to indulge in fine dining with a meaningful social impact.
Ikigai offers a Japanese Kaiseki tasting menu with a distinctive Polish influence, praised for its creativity and high-quality ingredients like Kobe beef, seafood, and truffle. Dishes such as milk bread, tamagoyaki, and unique dessert creations like Knedle-Mochi have received particular acclaim. While the menu is generally lauded, the restaurant notes it can accommodate most dietary restrictions with the exception of vegan and egg-based needs.
"The Kobe beef experience is highlighted as a unique and world-class offering. Other highly recommended dishes include the Toro Caviar supplement, the Okinawa potato with a Polish twist, and the Tamagoyaki with truffle."
Customers have a highly positive sentiment towards Ikigai, frequently praising the unique and creative Kaiseki menu, the intimate atmosphere, and the restaurant's charitable mission. The food is consistently described as amazing and memorable, with many recommending it for special occasions.
Important Note
The restaurant can accommodate most dietary restrictions except for vegan and egg-based needs.
"The commenter has had only good experiences at Ikigai, appreciating its lovely space, interesting food, and the unique concept behind the restaurant."
Positive"Ikigai was mentioned as being wonderful with very lovely staff."
Positive"A representative from Ikigai invites the user to consider their restaurant for Kaiseki, noting their ability to accommodate most dietary restrictions except for vegan and egg-based needs. This offers a high-end dining experience that can cater to specific needs."
Positive"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."
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