Kyotofu (CLOSED)

It's was very unfortunate to go somewhere hoping to end a beautiful evening only to come to this place and have unpleasant. The wait to sit for just dessert was over 30 minutes, so we said we would eat at along the window. We sit, and 1o minutes later we get asked what we would like. Ok, the order was green tea creme brulee and a sundae, a glass of wine and a sake, off goes the waiter (who was also the cashier, the plate preparer and the guy who took the delivery orders on the phone, there are 4 other people here that look like they are working but not really.) 15 minutes later, he comes back and says they are out of the wine, ok no problem I'll try the sake. After we get our sake he then tells us all sakes are 50% off, Why wouldn't you tell us that when we're ordering?!?! We would of ordered a bottle! So we are waiting for sundae and creme brulee...waiting...and a new couple sits down at the window next to us. They order. We're still waiting and we ask the guy, now 30 minutes (waiting for ice cream that is ALREADY made, it just requires someone to Pull the lever and SERVE!) The guy says oh sorry we a bit behind in our orders. Really? 15 minutes later, we ask again the other lady walking around and she says "Oh it takes time to get your order done" (She has no clue). Guess what, she comes back to us and says Banana cake? We didn't order that, oh sorry she says, guess who ordered it? The couple next to us. At this point, not being offered even an apology or a freaking cookie all we can wish for is the check and a bag of pennies to pay them with. 48 minutes since entering, our waiter comes back, we finally get our sundae fresh from the cow or soft serve machine and creme brulee, we get also get served a sake for each of us, you know the one that's 50% off and a muttered sorry for the wait. Not as sorry as we were - if you want to come here, don't. You're not missing out on anything special, skip going all together or just CALL for Delivery, much better chance of getting your delivery within an HOUR!

This place is a true gem hidden in Hell Kitchen. Everything exceeded my expectations. My palate was dancing from the flavors of this exquisite food. From the original martini, followed by a selection of 4 dishes from the Otsumami course, and topped off with a beautifully presented dessert. Not to mention the presentation - everything is so beautiful placed on the dish with love! The service was great - we were there almost 3 hours and were not rushed out. The ambiance is intimate and comfortable. The prices are very reasonable for the quality and care given to each dish. I will definitely be back.

Love everything at this place: the friendly staff, the chic setting, the late hours (1 am on weekdays!) and the beautiful china. The owner is obviously detail-oriented. But it's the food that takes the prize: best desserts I've ever had. rich in flavor but somehow didn't feel heavy. You can also take home the tasty cookies and cupcakes. In all, a very innovative place!

I've not had the chance to try their food menu yet, but I can honestly say that there is no better dessert place that serves every item in perfection. I've checked out basically every noteworthy cupcake in the city...wow, are theirs a league above all else. The best part is, they have small sizes so that I can have one of each flavor in one sitting if I wanted! Anyway, truly truly amazingly done. Every dish is so unique and prepared with such care.

Is it me or does it seem like there is bad service everywhere these days? With so many people out of work, you'd hope for a bit more from the lucky few who still have their jobs but not at Kyotofu...Like the reviewer below, I have been there many times only to find they are out of the soy ice cream (in the summer!?) or one of the many well-reviewed desserts they are constantly marketing in their emails. I have to add that at least 4 times that I was in the restaurant, they were interviewing waitstaff - and I've only been there about 5-6 times! High turnover in this job market speaks volumes about the way this place is managed. I once waited at the front for ice cream to be made (for over an hour when originally told 15 minutes!) amongst interviewees....who were piling in and were told that the manager was running behind...and could they come back in an hour! For a job interview! Appalling and no apologies were made to any of these applicants...or me for waiting for the ice cream (and why did I....sigh...)What can I say...as much as I enjoy their desserts, it is the service that is now keeping me away from Kyotofu.

I like the idea of Kyotofu far more than the actual reality. Each time I have visited, there is a major bump in the road which makes me not want to return. 100% of the time, they are out of a signature item, such as the soy ice cream or green tea and chocolate macaroons. I get tons of emails from them announcing new products like Cherry Blossom flavored pastries, Red Velvet macaroons...only to find that when you arrive at the restaurant, you can't purchase them there, either only at some special one day prix fixe event, or online only - even though the mail order business is run out of the restaurant and people are actually collating mail order boxes in front of you as you are asking for one of these items. Hint: maybe you could make some more money selling the items you have in your hands! Put another muffin tray in the oven! I even got an email about a kiosk opening in BoConcept...I went all the way there only to look like a fool as no one in the store even knew what I was talking about. The one time I went and they actually had the soy ice cream, I sat down on a stool by the window to eat it since it was about 30 degrees outside...and I was told that the window bar stools were for customers who were dining in and using waitress service, so I couldn't sit there. There was NO ONE in the entire restaurant except me. Like the other reviewer, I also was asked to pay the share charge for a dessert that I took a spoon of from my friend's plate! For a restaurant that makes vegan, tofu based pastries, I also find it odd that their food menu is mostly meat-based with few vegetarian options. Another oddity in the flawed Kyotofu concept. After another 40 block walk there on Saturday to find that yet again, NO ICE CREAM TODAY....and no apologies....AGAIN! I am done. I am not returning to Kyotofu.

Munced on steamed edamame seasoned w sea salt and fresh lime while sipping bellinis and mimosas. We shared our entrees and desserts - artisanal cheese souffle counterbalanced sweetness of brioche French toast. Chocolate Souffle cupcake - best cupcake ever! One young, cute waiter/aspiring dancer handled all tables efficiently in small back dining room. Will definitely return - hopefully on a Sunday evening for Sake Specials.