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IKIGAI

Last Updated: 2 months ago

Phone: (929) 293-4193

Address: 87 LAFAYETTE AVENUE 11217

TLDR

An intimate, upscale Japanese Kaiseki experience with exceptional vegetarian options and a unique Kobe beef offering. Operates as a non-profit.

Sentiment Overview(Based on 11 Reddit comments)

55% Positive45% Neutral

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

japanese 7kaiseki 2View All

Neighborhoods

Fort Greene

Instagram Posts References

Summary

Details

Step into the exclusive world of Ikigai, a hidden gem nestled within a Brooklyn townhouse, offering an intimate and upscale Japanese Kaiseki dining experience. This 12-seat counter restaurant, run by a Polish chef, is celebrated for its creative and delicious vegetarian menu, as well as its exceptional seafood. A standout offering is the unique Kobe beef meal, described as a world-class experience that elevates their Polish Kaiseki. Beyond its culinary prowess, Ikigai operates as a non-profit, dedicating its proceeds to combating food insecurity, making a meal here a truly impactful choice. Prepare for an expensive splurge that many find well worth the cost for the memorable journey it provides.

Food Overview

Ikigai offers a unique Japanese Kaiseki experience, with a notable emphasis on creative vegetarian dishes, praised by patrons. The restaurant is also known for its high-quality seafood. A specific highlight is an exclusive Kobe beef meal, described as world-class and a key part of their Polish Kaiseki dining. While generally acclaimed, it's worth noting that the restaurant's ability to accommodate dietary restrictions is broad, with the exception of vegan diets, as stated by the restaurant itself.

Highlights / Recommended

"The restaurant is highly recommended for its creative vegetarian dishes and its exclusive Kobe beef meal, which is part of a unique Polish Kaiseki experience."

Customer Sentiment

Overall, customer sentiment towards Ikigai is highly positive, with many users expressing strong satisfaction with the food and the unique dining experience. Multiple comments highlight the memorable and exceptional nature of the meals, with one user even stating they still think about how amazing it was six months later. The restaurant is praised for its creative vegetarian options and its upscale, exclusive atmosphere. The non-profit aspect, with proceeds going towards fighting food insecurity, also garners positive recognition.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

This thread mentions Ikigai's vegan tasting and highlights the chef's vegetarian menu, noting that vegetarians love his creations.
The user mentions Ikigai's executive chef, Rafal, and his vegetarian menu, noting that vegetarians particularly enjoy his dishes.
A user shares a highly positive experience at Ikigai, stating that the restaurant 'blew the author away' and they still recall the amazing food months later.
Ikigai in Brooklyn is recommended as a Japanese Kaiseki restaurant run by a Polish chef.
Ikigai is described as a hidden gem in Fort Greene, noted as being very expensive but worth the splurge for a Japanese Omakase experience.
Ikigai states they can accommodate any dietary restrictions, with the sole exception of vegan diets.

Recent Mentions

From post: Restaurants That Can Accommodate Multiple

"The restaurant Ikigai states that they are able to accommodate any dietary restrictions, with the sole exception of vegan diets."

Positive
Jun 5, 2025View Comment →

From post: Recommendations For An Intimate Exciting Birthday

"A user named "Dan_at_Ikigai" responded with a praying hands emoji, likely acknowledging the recommendation of Ikigai."

Neutral
Jun 4, 2025View Comment →

From post: Recommendations For An Intimate Exciting Birthday

"The commenter suggests Ikigai as a recommendation that fits the budget, including taxes and tips."

Neutral
Jun 4, 2025View Comment →

From post: Iso Decent Late Night Dinner Near The Bell House

"The user simply listed Ikigai as a recommendation without further details."

Neutral
Jun 4, 2025View Comment →

From post: Iso Decent Late Night Dinner Near The Bell House

"The user simply listed Ikigai as a recommendation without further details."

Neutral
Jun 4, 2025View Comment →

From post: What Brooklyn Restaurant Wowd You Recently

"User described Ikigai in Fort Greene as a hidden gem; very expensive but worth it for a splurge. It offers Japanese Omakase."

Positive
May 9, 2025View Comment →

From post: Which Meals Have Blown You Away

"Ikigai blew the author away and they still think about how amazing it was six months later."

Positive
May 2, 2025View Comment →

From post: My Bf Is Getting 1k From His Work To Go To Dinner

"Author listed Ikigai in Brooklyn, a non-profit Japanese kaiseki restaurant by a Polish chef, as a recommendation."

Neutral
May 1, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Midupscale Creative Vegetarian Food

"Our Executive Chef at Ikigai, Rafal, designed the menu at Nix before he opened Ikigai. Vegetarians love his vegetarian menu"

Positive
Mar 24, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Midupscale Creative Vegetarian Food

"Ikigai’s vegan tasting"

Positive
Mar 23, 2025View Comment →