Kajitsu

Not your commercial digs by any means. The quality of ingredients is superb as is the outstanding preparation of each piece of culinary edible art. I am not vegetarian and enjoyed the excellent meal. By all means you must be prepared with a bit of background of the philosophy and culture to enhance this memorable culinary voyage. I was mesmerized by the beautiful tableware, even the table where we sat was rustic and unique. Our waitress was American and was very knowledgeable but not the friendliest, she was making an effort to tolerate my party, she would answer my questions politely but didn't elaborate with enthusiasm. I was accompanied by family that lives in the Upper West side, they were a bit skeptical as to the quality of restaurant that I insisted on visiting, they explained that the location is pretty raunchy. They were totally blown away with the quality of what they had experienced and would have never thought that this jewel of a restaurant is in such a humble and unassuming location. I guess that even that aspect is very true to its Zen philosophy. Can't wait for my next trip to Manhattan, this is one of those places that I will return to.

We have been to Kajitsu twice and have loved it each time. As vegetarians, it is 100% hands-down, our new favorite restaurant. The atmosphere is extremely laid back. The food is delicious. The service is perfect. Even the plates that they use are amazing. Please support this restaurant!!

First of all: This restaurant may not be for everyone. If you are not happy to walk out of a restaurant with a stomach full of hearty and big food, this is not your place. If you're not willing to pay top dollars for excellent craftsmanship/artistry in food, don't bother. If you want a NY-style hip restaurant scene, you won't find it in this serene space. But if you want a 2-hour culinary holiday in Kyoto without getting on a flight, this is your place. This is possibly the most sophisticated Japanese restaurant in New York today. True, it's not cheap. You're paying for meals prepared with a tremendous amount of skilled craftsmanship and patience. The ingredients are exceptional. Many items, like the high quality teas and "fu," are basically impossible to find in the US (unless you carry it in yourself on a trip back from Japan). It's a very quiet restaurant - you'll find people taking softly and really focusing on the meal. Pay attention to the details like the seasonal theme of the ingredients and preparation. They even use appropriate, high-quality plates/bowls/trays for each course. (Dishes are a very important component of luxury dining in Japan - and very few places, even in Japan, will serve you a meal with the "good" dishes).

this is, hands down, the best meal my husband and i have ever had. the style, taste, inventiveness, everything was faultless. honestly, the best meal i've had since arriving in nyc (which was feb). i am looking forward to going back!

Kajitsu's food is meticulously/painstakingly made, which you can tell if you are gourmet. I am a Japanese so I know what shojin (vegetarian kaiseki) is, but Kajitsu's shojin is modernized and more enjoyable than authentic shojin. (Real shojin is a little bit too frugal and bland.) I do recommend this place even for non-vegetarians if they like real food.

Kajitsu is so very expensive. There are much finer establishments in the city that offer far more delectable kaiseki cusine for a lesser price. I didn't find any of the dishes particularly inspiring (Had the extended course Hana). The service was pleasant though. The atmosphere was sterile and dead quiet.