Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Kai Sushi & Dining

    3.7 (171 reviews)
    ModerateSushi Bars, Japanese
    Closed 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

    Kai Sushi & Dining Photos

    You might also consider

    More like Kai Sushi & Dining

    Recommended Reviews - Kai Sushi & Dining

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Alicia C.

    While visiting Santa Fe, we decided to give this place a try. Food was pretty good. We ordered the sashimi platter and it was very fresh. We got 2 rolls and were ok. The soft craft was better, the Seattle was fell apart as soon as one touches it. The rice was super overcooked and smushy. Udon noodles soup was pretty ok. Service was average. The waitress was nice but a bit lost. The place had a nice ambience but in the middle of dinner some lights went off.

    Taos roll
    Donna C.

    This was our first venture inside Kai. It was chill and cozy. Previously, we had just used takeout or delivery. So glad we popped in. We promised ourselves we'd try new rolls. We ordered two shrimp tempura ones, just in case the other three didn't work out. ; ) I'm so happy I was adventurous, because I now have a new go-to order. The Taos roll is BAKED! I had no idea I'd enjoy hot sushi so much. Also could have been because it was snowing and the warm food felt really good. I also had the Calamari roll. Both were delicious. My daughter raved about the Tootsie roll she ordered. Just the perfect amount of heat. Her shrimp tempura rolls were also enjoyable. Overall we thought the ingredients were fresh, prepared well, and met our sushi expectations. I have previously ordered their teriyaki salmon bento box and enjoyed it immensely. For visitors to Santa Fe, Kai is conveniently located just off St. Francis and St. Michael's streets in a shopping center with ample parking. It's worth a 5-minute drive out of the downtown Plaza area. Staff greeted us when we came in and were helpful with menu questions. You can watch your sushi being prepared if you choose to sit at the counter.

    Original Japanese Mille Crepe Cake
    Travis M.

    Is there actually great sushi in New Mexico? The land of frito tacos, fry bread, and rough red and green smothered tacos to make a grown man cry?!? Yes! Actuary there is! I decided to try out Kai Sushi for the first time because it had a lot of great reviews. The first thing I noticed was the small, unassuming interior. It definitely has a small cozy vibe, not a big expensive vibe. The service was really good and the food came out quick! I went with the Kai roll, which was a good choice, I thought the individual components went together very well, and it was a little bit spicy, but not too much. I decided to get the original flavored Japanese Mille Crepe Cake as well. I thought it was fantastic. I'll be back!

    See all

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amanda K.
    128
    37
    1

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of J A.
    5
    257
    5

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Consistently the best sushi in Santa Fe. I love sitting at the bar, I always meet someone interesting and get to try something new.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Travis M.
    85
    24
    36

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    I have always had the freshest food and good service but the recent remodel has truly helped the atmosphere....

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kati P.
    4
    195
    2

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jay B.
    1
    46
    9

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Peter N.
    53
    25
    23

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jerry S.
    17
    44
    11

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ali T.
    1
    38
    48

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of J N.
    91
    51
    278

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joy H.
    16
    27
    8

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kyra S.
    177
    14
    9

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Anne B.
    0
    218
    18

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Sushi was amazing! Had the rocker roll which was tasty and fresh! Staff was very friendly.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jack O.
    4
    100
    0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jeff P.
    112
    46
    12

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Kai Sushi & Dining

    Do you serve alcohol?

    Beer and Wine only

    What time and days is happy hour?

    4:30-6:30

    View All 3 Questions

    You might also consider

    izanami

    izanami

    (507 reviews)

    $$$

    Whether booking through the spa (on Ten Thousand Waves grounds) or walking in (Juan was graciously…read morewelcoming without reservations), this is a sushi spot on a hill worth visiting. Happy Hour runs twice daily with reduced prices on food & beverages from 3-5p and 9-10p. They have an extensive sake menu categorized by flavor profile designed for pairings, along with a lean but modern wine list including detailed tasting notes. Japanese whisky and exotic green tea (try the kuki cha!) round out a full beverage program, and deep booths offer private views of the lush valley below. Chef Kiko Rodriguez offers a four-course tasting menu at an exceptional value for $65 - trying this or any of Paloma's suggestions from their fresh sushi menu (only restaurant in New Mexico with fish flown in from Japan daily) will surely please. Gloriously chilled tuna sashimi was thinly sliced cut with heat from fresh wasabi and a savory ginger shoyu. Hand rolls are served in pairs, and the spicy tuna was simple, elegant, and delightful - a perfect showcase of the freshest fish. Before switching to dessert, shaved ginger is also snappy and cleansing. I was absolutely mind blown by the Sakura Pannacotta - delicate and dreamy custard textured like chawanmushi with soft aromatic cherry blossom and the most delectable shortbread accent. Three light courses that were fully nourishing, absolutely satisfying, and delightfully delicious!

    The bar seating provided a lively yet intimate experience with two attentive bartenders…read more The pairing program (sake and whiskey) complemented the menu wonderfully. The flavors, textures, and freshness were consistently impressive. I would definitely return to Izanami for another culinary and sake-focused evening. Japanese Stone with steak**: A remarkable pairing; the texture and depth of flavor were exceptional. American steak with**: Rich, well-balanced, and cooked to perfection. Japanese beef**: So good, it felt like a standout in the entire meal. Sashimi plate**: Fresh, delicate, and elevated with the right sake accompaniment.

    Kai Sushi & Dining - sushi - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...