TLDR
A unique Kaiseki-inspired Japanese restaurant with a Polish twist, offering a non-profit dining experience and accommodating dietary needs.
Instagram Posts References
Ikigai is presented as a visually appealing and delicious Japanese dining option in NYC. The image shows a beautifully plated appetizer that hints at the restaurant's focus on presentation and quality ingredients.
Ranked as the #5 best restaurant in Brooklyn according to over 100 million ratings on Beli.
Ikigai.nyc presents a unique and beautiful dining experience in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, specializing in a 12-course Kaiseki-inspired tasting menu. The menu is a creation of a chef who previously honed their skills at Eleven Madison Park, infusing traditional Japanese Kaiseki with inventive Polish influences derived from their heritage. Beyond its culinary excellence, the restaurant distinguishes itself through its admirable mission: it operates entirely as a nonprofit organization, ensuring that all revenue generated is directed towards initiatives aimed at fighting food insecurity, offering patrons a chance to enjoy fine dining with a significant social impact. The tasting menu is priced at $185, with an optional beverage pairing for an additional $100.
Ikigai offers a 10-course Japanese Kaiseki tasting menu in a hidden, stunning location. The experience begins in a serene garden for the first course before moving to the main dining area. The menu features exquisite ingredients like scallops, uni, and fatty tuna with caviar. The restaurant also offers a sake pairing, including a 20-year aged Junmai Daiginjo and a red sake. Beyond its culinary excellence, Ikigai stands out as a non-profit organization, with its proceeds supporting Rescuing Leftover Cuisine, an initiative focused on repurposing food waste. The menu costs $185 per person, and reservations can be made via Resy.
Ikigai is a unique Japanese Kaiseki restaurant nestled in a townhouse in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. It offers a 12-course meal with a playful Polish twist, crafted by Chef Rafal Maslankiewicz, who previously worked at Masa and Eleven Madison Park. Dinner begins in a serene Japanese-style tea garden before moving to the stunning dining room/chef's counter. Beyond its culinary excellence, Ikigai operates as a not-for-profit, donating all its profits to combat food insecurity, having rescued and redistributed 200,000 lbs of leftover food to date. The experience is praised for its delicious food, warm and intimate atmosphere, and meaningful cause.
Details
This Japanese Kaiseki restaurant, nestled in a Brooklyn townhouse, offers a unique 12-course meal with a Polish twist, inspired by a chef with experience at Masa and Eleven Madison Park [1]. Dinner begins in a serene tea garden before moving to the dining room or chef's counter, offering a fine dining experience [1]. Beyond its culinary excellence, Ikigai operates as a not-for-profit, donating all profits to combat food insecurity [1]. It's also noted for its ability to accommodate most dietary restrictions, including vegetarian needs [6].
Food Overview
Ikigai offers an 18-course Kaiseki-inspired tasting menu, with some fun twists and Polish influences [2], [1]. The menu features dishes like milk bread with miso butter, Okinawa potatoes, unagi, wagyu beef, kinmedai, kegani, and tamagoyaki [4]. Specific dishes that have received praise include the tamagoyaki egg roll, described as a favorite [8], and the milk bread [7]. The restaurant also accommodates dietary restrictions, including vegetarian needs [6].
Highlights / Recommended
"Dishes that have received specific praise include the tamagoyaki egg roll, described as a favorite [8], and the milk bread [7]. The restaurant also offers other unique items like Okinawa potatoes, unagi, and wagyu beef [4]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •unagi(2)
- •tamagoyaki(2)
- •milk bread(2)
Customer Sentiment
Customers overwhelmingly praise Ikigai for its unique concept, interesting food, and lovely atmosphere, with the staff frequently mentioned as being wonderful and attentive [5]. The restaurant is recommended for special occasions and its high-end dining experience.
Caveats
The restaurant's garden area is noted as being best utilized during warmer weather [5]. While Ikigai can accommodate most dietary restrictions, vegan and egg-based needs may not be possible [6]. The kaiseki experience can be time-consuming, so it's best enjoyed when there is ample time before other commitments [9].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About IKIGAI
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Options For Omakase With Vegetarian In Brooklyn Ny
"From Ikigai's perspective, they advise noting dietary restrictions in reservations for chefs to prepare accordingly."
PositiveFrom post: Options For Omakase With Vegetarian In Brooklyn Ny
"Plans to make a reservation at Ikigai with their vegetarian wife, thanks to the recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: Options For Omakase With Vegetarian In Brooklyn Ny
"From Ikigai's perspective, they confirm that accommodating couples with one vegetarian partner is a common dietary restriction they handle."
PositiveFrom post: Options For Omakase With Vegetarian In Brooklyn Ny
"Suggests Ikigai for kaiseki, noting that they accommodate virtually any dietary restriction, including vegetarian needs."
PositiveFrom post: Making An Impression Introducing Friends To Fine
"Ikigai was great as of early this year."
PositiveFrom post: Making An Impression Introducing Friends To Fine
"Ikigai is suggested as a great fine dining option."
PositiveFrom post: Japanese Dinner Options Near Barclays Center Help
"This commenter praised Ikigai, specifically mentioning the tamagoyaki egg roll as a favorite dish and appreciating the restaurant's ethical approach and interior design."
PositiveFrom post: Japanese Dinner Options Near Barclays Center Help
"A representative from Ikigai posted emojis indicating a positive and appreciative response to being mentioned."
NeutralFrom post: Japanese Dinner Options Near Barclays Center Help
"A representative from Ikigai responded to comments mentioning their restaurant, expressing a welcoming sentiment."
NeutralFrom post: Japanese Dinner Options Near Barclays Center Help
"The original poster noted that Ikigai was on their list but they wouldn't have enough time to enjoy a kaiseki dinner before their show, implying it's a more time-consuming experience."
NeutralFrom post: Japanese Dinner Options Near Barclays Center Help
"This commenter mentioned Ikigai as a potential dining option near Barclays Center."
NeutralFrom post: Whats A Restaurant Youve Eaten At Recently That
"This user, affiliated with Ikigai, responded with appreciative emojis to a positive comment about the restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: Whats A Restaurant Youve Eaten At Recently That
"This user has a reservation at Ikigai for Saturday and is excited to go for the first time."
NeutralFrom post: Whats A Restaurant Youve Eaten At Recently That
"This user stated that Ikigai is "actually amazing"."
PositiveFrom post: Iso Recc For A Celebratory But Not Stuffy Or
"Ikigai in Fort Greene is highly recommended by the commenter for their own birthday dinner, describing it as special and wonderful."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Favorite Kaiseki
"The commenter has had only good experiences at Ikigai, appreciating its lovely space, interesting food, and the unique concept behind the restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Favorite Kaiseki
"Ikigai was mentioned as being wonderful with very lovely staff."
PositiveFrom post: Flexible Omakase In Nyc
"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."
PositiveFrom post: Prettiestmost Impressive Looking High End
"Ikigai was a fantastic birthday meal with a very cool design. The staff mentioned it's better when warmer to utilize the garden area."
PositiveFrom post: Everything I Ate At Ikigai
"A user humorously questions the absence of sushi in an omakase meal, but then compliments the overall spread at Ikigai."
Positive