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Date of Visit: 12/20/2025 This was our second visit to Kenzo Napa to celebrate our 4th Anniversary. Last time when we visited was the next day when we got married in Las Vegas! We stayed at Andaz Napa for one night before Christmas to celebrate our Anniversary, and we booked Kenzo Napa for the dinner and it was walkable distance from the hotel. Kenzo Napa was established by Kenzo Tsujimoto in 2016, and received Michelin 1 star in 2018, and every year ever since. The price for Kaiseki is $295 per person, and my husband ordered the Omakase Pairing $197 and I got a bottle of Aoki Shuzo, "Yuki Otoko" Junmai, Niigata $40 to pair with the set. 2021 Suzu First glass of the omakase pairing is the sparking rose. This is made with 54% Malbec, 37% Merlot, and 9% Cabernet Franc, with the smell of strawberry and blood orange. Cauliflower Chawanmushi The first dish is chawanmushi, with ginger, snow crab, etc. 2024 asatsuyu The second glass of the omakase pairing was the Sauvignon Blanc. The name is from Japanese meaning morning dew. Seasonal Hassun The second dish is the seasonal hassun, which is the traditional Japanese appetizer. Five different small dishes including the lotus root dumpling with bottarga, ehime bluefin tuna, shiso leaves rolled angel shrimp, Japanese yam with Italian caviar, and Hokkaido scallop with persimmon with peanuts. Sawahime Yamahai Junmai Third glass of the omakase pairing is the Junmai with the aromas of gardenia, ripe kiwi, papaya, green peppercorn, aged comte cheese. Yamaguchi Tilefish Owan This one is our favorite dish of the day! Very fresh and refreshing, with fish and vegetable and mushroom. Midorikawa Daiginjo The fourth glass of the pairing has a great hint of spice but elegant at the same time. Oita Sea Bream Sashimi The fourth dishes is the sashimi, paired with ponzu sesame shoyu. 2023 yui Rosé This Rosé was made with 65% Malbec, 26% Merlot, and 9% Cabernet Franc. Paired greatly with the next course. Simmered Mie Toro Sawara Mackerel Love the texture of the mackerel. 2021 Asuka Asuka was made with 83% Cabernet Franc, 11.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 1.5% Petit Verdot. Got 93 points on Wine Enthusiast. Wagyu Tendon and Japanese Taro Croquette This Croquette was made with Japanese taro and wagyu beef. 2020 Rindo And with the next course is the red blend made with 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 23% Petit Verdot, 7% Malbec, 6% Cabernet Franc. The wine has great berry aroma and spices. A5 Wagyu Tenderloin Jibuni The seventh course is the A5 wagyu beef steak. Cut into bite sizes, with mushrooms and veggies. Daishichi Minowamon This sake has a strong smell of berry, banana, and pear. Velvety and buttery. Hokkaido Sea Urchin, Ikura and Mediterranean Bluefin Tuna Sushi Bowl served with red miso soup One of my favorite Japanese seafood bowl! Chef's Featured Desserts Three different desserts was great too. It has a goji berry panna cotta and fried spring roll with vanilla ice cream, and also a berry ice cream with caramelized walnut. And on the side there was a warm green tea, making a sweet and perfect ending.
First Michelin star kaiseki experience and it was amazing. The restaurant is beautiful; minimalistic, elevated, and modern. We were seated at the chef's counter which was separated from the main dining area by a curtain, and we couldn't have asked for a better experience! The food was delicious. Some standouts for me were: the tomato jelly with hokkaido sea urchin, oita sea bream sashimi, simmered nagasaki sea eel, and the slow-roasted A5 wagyu tenderloin okakiage. The slow-roasted A5 wagyu tenderloin okakiage had a thin, deep-fried exterior that blew my mind. The only side that I didn't fancy was the white grapes and figs with tofu dressing from the seasonal hassun, but I personally don't like figs. The blue fin otoro for chef's finale of sushi selection was also very memorable, paired with the red miso soup to wash it all down. Both our server, Martin, and our chef delivered impeccable service. Highly recommend Kenzo and we'll definitely be back!
Delicious omakase experience in an elegant space! I made a 6 PM reservation for my friend and I for an early birthday dinner. Unfortunately, we arrived late for our reservation, but they were very understanding and still able to accommodate us! We were taken to the open sushi bar seating and were able to watch Chef Takahiro prepare dishes throughout the evening. Everything we ate was delicious! The portions were small, but I was expecting that since it's a fancy restaurant. Even though the portions were small, I still felt satisfied and not hungry at the end of the meal. My friend and I received friendly and helpful service from Juan. I appreciated his recommendation for which sake to order and the explanations of the dishes. I'm also thankful for him taking our pictures! Overall, my friend and I loved our experience at Kenzo Napa. It was a splurge, but we would both return!
This was my second visit to Kenzo, and it reminded me why this small, serene restaurant is one of Napa's standouts. My first time was March 2024 with girlfriends at the tables; this return (earlier this month) was at the sushi bar. Both were excellent, and both were completely different--proof that the kaiseki menu truly follows the season. Last spring's visit brought dishes like icefish with jidori egg yolk, firefly squid, crispy Hokkaido scallop with lotus root, and cornetfish nigiri ... a combination of seasonal favorites and uncommon specialties, all with Kenzo's elevated touches. This time, the meal was familiar yet full of new delights. Seabream sashimi was clean and tender with a gentle boost of smoked soy. Tilefish had a soft, flaky texture and natural sweetness, enriched by a lacquer of teriyaki. The sea eel, simmered to soak up a savory broth, was melt-in-the-mouth and surprisingly deep in flavor. The marbled A5 Wagyu was slow-roasted for buttery richness, finished with a delicate okakiage crust. A progression of sushi highlighted pristine seafood and seasoned rice--each bite balancing sweetness and brininess--followed by an earthy red miso soup and a light finish of sorbet, panna cotta, and rice mochi. Service was polished and quiet, with staff moving gracefully between courses--attentive without interrupting the calm cadence of the evening. The dining room is intimate, minimalist, and peaceful whether you're at the counter or a table. We had an early seating, and parking was super easy: street parking literally right around the corner. Value comes from the craft and sourcing: seafood flown in daily from Toyosu, produce from the Kenzo Estate garden, and a kaiseki flow you rarely find done this precisely in Wine Country. Reservations are essential; once seated, pacing is thoughtful and unrushed; we never felt like we were waiting between courses. If you're looking for a taste of Tokyo in the heart of Napa, Kenzo delivers.
As I used to say in my previous Yelp profile I do not do reviews ( unless I had extremely great experience or extremely bad experince) I would feel bad if after visiting Kenzo a few times, ever since they have opened, I did not give them the praise they deserve ! Yes, the Food, the service & the experience is absolutely perfection. What makes my visit every time most memorable are the staff. The super knowledgeable & kind staff go out of their way to make you feel at home. I brought a super special 1 liter bottle og Sake with me all the way from Los Angeles. Needless to say it was not just for me, but to share with staff to recognize their kindness and attentiveness !!
A must experience in Napa! This one has been on our list for a while, and it did not disappoint. We wanted to go somewhere we hadn't been before to celebrate our 5 year wedding anniversary and I'm so glad we made the reservation for a night at Kenzo. Parking was fairly easy to find, and it's about a block down from 1st St. We walked up, snapped a few photos of the outside, and when my husband reached out to grab the door, someone opened it from the inside and greeted us. We were seated at the counter and I'm so glad they were able to accommodate that request because it was such a fun experience! It was mesmerizing to watch the care and precision they put into skillfully preparing each dish. I truly admired the artistry and was captivated by the grace of it all. Our server Adrian not only provided excellent service, but he shared a story about the food, the wine and the restaurant. The hospitality and quality of service was exceptional, as any Michelin Star restaurant should be. The interior is so minimally decorated, but it's such a relaxing and beautiful dining atmosphere. On top of the exceptional meal and service, the experience was completed with a personalized menu signed by the executive chef who was visiting from Japan. It's a hefty price tag, and I'll admit, we were still hungry when we got back to our resort and we ordered some room service, but it was an unforgettable experience and so worth it! The quality and taste alone were fantastic.
Kenzo offers a simple, cozy, clean atmosphere with great service and food. My bf and I both enjoyed the kaiseki and the optional wine/sake pairing which came with generous & informative pours. The food was all great: some with more subtle flavors and others with more potent flavors. The yamaguchi tilefish with dashi broth, wagyu tendon taro croquette, and A5 Wagyu tenderloin were among my favorite dishes.
Very cute bar. My favorites were the A5 Wagyu that was sooo soft and tender plus the chirashi bowl and the scallops with persimmons. Those were the outstanding ones. The rest of the dishes were good too. Everything felt pretty clean in taste.
One of the best experience! Food is great. And service is beyond your expectations! I will come back again for sure!
I took my daughter here for her 20th birthday. For $250 pp I thought the service was a tad bit better than the food itself. Your greeted at the door to confirm your reservation. It's not a "hey, you guys feel like Japanese food tonight?" kind of walk in restaurant. Customer service was superb and as soon as you walk in you realize how minimalistic this restaurant is, but in a good way. It's beautiful and simple. The entire staff wore black suits which was a nice touch of elegance. We pretty much had the restaurant to ourselves. The food came out one by one accompanied with an elaborate explaination. None of the dishes were overwhelmingly fantastic, except for the A5 panko crusted wagyu. That dish was to die for. All the rest were fancy but not crazy fantastic tasting. They were clean pallet of dishes with very pretty presentations. This is the type of restaurant you want to experience, but frequent.
Very delicious meal, great service. A small place as well, walked in and you were right in the dining room. It's kaiseki style so it's not just nigiri and sashimi and rolls, nice difference but I was still hungry when I got home. Great experience for a Michelin star place
My must stop in Napa valley.Everything is fantastic！！Food is incredibly delicious，wines are amazing too. Staffs are 5 stars team！ Perfection.
Kenzo is an experience. You walk in and feel like you've been transported to Japan. A counter with a rice paper window to your left, 5 tables to your right, and a walkway to the kitchen that has the customary Japanese banners hanging. My husband treated me for a birthday meal, deciding on this location due to its Michelin recognition. They provided a champagne toast upon seating, and we opted for a small bottle of sake to share, which was recommended by our server to complement all of the courses in the meal. It was light and delightful - JUST enough to get us through the meal. Perfect. The meal started slowly in that the flavors were... fine in the first couple bites, but nothing special. It wasn't until the blue fin tuna with blueberry sauce came that we both were beginning to understand. The eel that followed was... interesting and not our favorite, but the crispy wagyu was delicious and offered a different take on the usual seared wagyu. It was my husband's favorite part of the meal! I enjoyed it but prefer the "usual". The sushi course was lovely, but then I am partial to sushi. The assortment of desserts was delightful to end the meal, with a refreshing coconut and mango dish, a matcha and mochi dish (the mochi made the matcha very bitter), and a lady dish that I just can't recall right now. Our server was delightful, though VERY soft spoken - I had to concentrate to hear him over the unusual music choice. The chef also signed my menu in honor of the occasion, which was a nice touch.
11 days ago
I've been wanting to try this kaiseki restaurant in Napa for the longest time, and I finally managed to get a reservation. It absolutely lived up to the reputation! From the moment we walked in, the service was truly first-class. Every detail was thoughtful and beautifully executed. They even surprised us with a glass of Cabernet Franc to pair with the A5 Wagyu. The pairing was fantastic--the Wagyu was incredibly tender, literally melting in my mouth, yet surprisingly not greasy or heavy at all. They also paired a sweet dessert wine with the dessert, which was such a nice touch. I'm honestly not a dessert person at all, but their Jasmine Pear completely won me over. I absolutely loved it! Every single course was delicious, beautifully presented, and thoughtfully balanced. The whole experience felt very refined without being stuffy or overly formal. It's the kind of restaurant where you can appreciate not only the food, but also the attention to detail, hospitality, and the entire dining experience. Definitely one of those Napa experiences that I'm glad I finally got to try. I would happily come back again! read more
3 months ago
Dining at one of the most exclusive restaurants in Napa was quite an honor. The moment we stepped on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant, we felt like queens. The door was opened for us as we approached. An offer to take our photo in front of the restaurant sign was offered. We were front and center of the restaurant, and also the first table seated. I was in love before the first course. Every moment and action was intentionally designed for an exquisite experience. Thank you! We enjoyed a 9-course meal with the beverage pairing. And wow! Not only did I enjoyed each course, but it also stretched my pallet and presented opportunities for my to mature to trying dishes I never thought of. I invite you to review the photos and the descriptions to solidify your decision to make a reservation. read more
Michelin experience without a doubt. This one you don't want to miss. Be sure to make your reservation well in advance. Minimalist environment feels peaceful and exclusive. Menu changes often but seafood is melt in your mouth delicious and well thought out. I would absolutely come again. read more
9 months ago
Date of Visit: 12/20/2025 This was our second visit to Kenzo Napa to celebrate our 4th Anniversary. Last time when we visited was the next day when we got married in Las Vegas! We stayed at Andaz Napa for one night before Christmas to celebrate our Anniversary, and we booked Kenzo Napa for the dinner and it was walkable distance from the hotel. Kenzo Napa was established by Kenzo Tsujimoto in 2016, and received Michelin 1 star in 2018, and every year ever since. The price for Kaiseki is $295 per person, and my husband ordered the Omakase Pairing $197 and I got a bottle of Aoki Shuzo, "Yuki Otoko" Junmai, Niigata $40 to pair with the set. 2021 Suzu First glass of the omakase pairing is the sparking rose. This is made with 54% Malbec, 37% Merlot, and 9% Cabernet Franc, with the smell of strawberry and blood orange. Cauliflower Chawanmushi The first dish is chawanmushi, with ginger, snow crab, etc. 2024 asatsuyu The second glass of the omakase pairing was the Sauvignon Blanc. The name is from Japanese meaning morning dew. Seasonal Hassun The second dish is the seasonal hassun, which is the traditional Japanese appetizer. Five different small dishes including the lotus root dumpling with bottarga, ehime bluefin tuna, shiso leaves rolled angel shrimp, Japanese yam with Italian caviar, and Hokkaido scallop with persimmon with peanuts. Sawahime Yamahai Junmai Third glass of the omakase pairing is the Junmai with the aromas of gardenia, ripe kiwi, papaya, green peppercorn, aged comte cheese. Yamaguchi Tilefish Owan This one is our favorite dish of the day! Very fresh and refreshing, with fish and vegetable and mushroom. Midorikawa Daiginjo The fourth glass of the pairing has a great hint of spice but elegant at the same time. Oita Sea Bream Sashimi The fourth dishes is the sashimi, paired with ponzu sesame shoyu. 2023 yui Rosé This Rosé was made with 65% Malbec, 26% Merlot, and 9% Cabernet Franc. Paired greatly with the next course. Simmered Mie Toro Sawara Mackerel Love the texture of the mackerel. 2021 Asuka Asuka was made with 83% Cabernet Franc, 11.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 1.5% Petit Verdot. Got 93 points on Wine Enthusiast. Wagyu Tendon and Japanese Taro Croquette This Croquette was made with Japanese taro and wagyu beef. 2020 Rindo And with the next course is the red blend made with 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 23% Petit Verdot, 7% Malbec, 6% Cabernet Franc. The wine has great berry aroma and spices. A5 Wagyu Tenderloin Jibuni The seventh course is the A5 wagyu beef steak. Cut into bite sizes, with mushrooms and veggies. Daishichi Minowamon This sake has a strong smell of berry, banana, and pear. Velvety and buttery. Hokkaido Sea Urchin, Ikura and Mediterranean Bluefin Tuna Sushi Bowl served with red miso soup One of my favorite Japanese seafood bowl! Chef's Featured Desserts Three different desserts was great too. It has a goji berry panna cotta and fried spring roll with vanilla ice cream, and also a berry ice cream with caramelized walnut. And on the side there was a warm green tea, making a sweet and perfect ending. read more
First Michelin star kaiseki experience and it was amazing. The restaurant is beautiful; minimalistic, elevated, and modern. We were seated at the chef's counter which was separated from the main dining area by a curtain, and we couldn't have asked for a better experience! The food was delicious. Some standouts for me were: the tomato jelly with hokkaido sea urchin, oita sea bream sashimi, simmered nagasaki sea eel, and the slow-roasted A5 wagyu tenderloin okakiage. The slow-roasted A5 wagyu tenderloin okakiage had a thin, deep-fried exterior that blew my mind. The only side that I didn't fancy was the white grapes and figs with tofu dressing from the seasonal hassun, but I personally don't like figs. The blue fin otoro for chef's finale of sushi selection was also very memorable, paired with the red miso soup to wash it all down. Both our server, Martin, and our chef delivered impeccable service. Highly recommend Kenzo and we'll definitely be back! read more
Delicious omakase experience in an elegant space! I made a 6 PM reservation for my friend and I for an early birthday dinner. Unfortunately, we arrived late for our reservation, but they were very understanding and still able to accommodate us! We were taken to the open sushi bar seating and were able to watch Chef Takahiro prepare dishes throughout the evening. Everything we ate was delicious! The portions were small, but I was expecting that since it's a fancy restaurant. Even though the portions were small, I still felt satisfied and not hungry at the end of the meal. My friend and I received friendly and helpful service from Juan. I appreciated his recommendation for which sake to order and the explanations of the dishes. I'm also thankful for him taking our pictures! Overall, my friend and I loved our experience at Kenzo Napa. It was a splurge, but we would both return! read more
15 days ago
This was my second visit to Kenzo, and it reminded me why this small, serene restaurant is one of Napa's standouts. My first time was March 2024 with girlfriends at the tables; this return (earlier this month) was at the sushi bar. Both were excellent, and both were completely different--proof that the kaiseki menu truly follows the season. Last spring's visit brought dishes like icefish with jidori egg yolk, firefly squid, crispy Hokkaido scallop with lotus root, and cornetfish nigiri ... a combination of seasonal favorites and uncommon specialties, all with Kenzo's elevated touches. This time, the meal was familiar yet full of new delights. Seabream sashimi was clean and tender with a gentle boost of smoked soy. Tilefish had a soft, flaky texture and natural sweetness, enriched by a lacquer of teriyaki. The sea eel, simmered to soak up a savory broth, was melt-in-the-mouth and surprisingly deep in flavor. The marbled A5 Wagyu was slow-roasted for buttery richness, finished with a delicate okakiage crust. A progression of sushi highlighted pristine seafood and seasoned rice--each bite balancing sweetness and brininess--followed by an earthy red miso soup and a light finish of sorbet, panna cotta, and rice mochi. Service was polished and quiet, with staff moving gracefully between courses--attentive without interrupting the calm cadence of the evening. The dining room is intimate, minimalist, and peaceful whether you're at the counter or a table. We had an early seating, and parking was super easy: street parking literally right around the corner. Value comes from the craft and sourcing: seafood flown in daily from Toyosu, produce from the Kenzo Estate garden, and a kaiseki flow you rarely find done this precisely in Wine Country. Reservations are essential; once seated, pacing is thoughtful and unrushed; we never felt like we were waiting between courses. If you're looking for a taste of Tokyo in the heart of Napa, Kenzo delivers. read more
4 months ago
As I used to say in my previous Yelp profile I do not do reviews ( unless I had extremely great experience or extremely bad experince) I would feel bad if after visiting Kenzo a few times, ever since they have opened, I did not give them the praise they deserve ! Yes, the Food, the service & the experience is absolutely perfection. What makes my visit every time most memorable are the staff. The super knowledgeable & kind staff go out of their way to make you feel at home. I brought a super special 1 liter bottle og Sake with me all the way from Los Angeles. Needless to say it was not just for me, but to share with staff to recognize their kindness and attentiveness !! read more
1 year ago
A must experience in Napa! This one has been on our list for a while, and it did not disappoint. We wanted to go somewhere we hadn't been before to celebrate our 5 year wedding anniversary and I'm so glad we made the reservation for a night at Kenzo. Parking was fairly easy to find, and it's about a block down from 1st St. We walked up, snapped a few photos of the outside, and when my husband reached out to grab the door, someone opened it from the inside and greeted us. We were seated at the counter and I'm so glad they were able to accommodate that request because it was such a fun experience! It was mesmerizing to watch the care and precision they put into skillfully preparing each dish. I truly admired the artistry and was captivated by the grace of it all. Our server Adrian not only provided excellent service, but he shared a story about the food, the wine and the restaurant. The hospitality and quality of service was exceptional, as any Michelin Star restaurant should be. The interior is so minimally decorated, but it's such a relaxing and beautiful dining atmosphere. On top of the exceptional meal and service, the experience was completed with a personalized menu signed by the executive chef who was visiting from Japan. It's a hefty price tag, and I'll admit, we were still hungry when we got back to our resort and we ordered some room service, but it was an unforgettable experience and so worth it! The quality and taste alone were fantastic. read more
2 months ago
Kenzo offers a simple, cozy, clean atmosphere with great service and food. My bf and I both enjoyed the kaiseki and the optional wine/sake pairing which came with generous & informative pours. The food was all great: some with more subtle flavors and others with more potent flavors. The yamaguchi tilefish with dashi broth, wagyu tendon taro croquette, and A5 Wagyu tenderloin were among my favorite dishes. read more
Very cute bar. My favorites were the A5 Wagyu that was sooo soft and tender plus the chirashi bowl and the scallops with persimmons. Those were the outstanding ones. The rest of the dishes were good too. Everything felt pretty clean in taste. read more
1 year ago
One of the best experience! Food is great. And service is beyond your expectations! I will come back again for sure! read more
4 months ago
2 years ago
I took my daughter here for her 20th birthday. For $250 pp I thought the service was a tad bit better than the food itself. Your greeted at the door to confirm your reservation. It's not a "hey, you guys feel like Japanese food tonight?" kind of walk in restaurant. Customer service was superb and as soon as you walk in you realize how minimalistic this restaurant is, but in a good way. It's beautiful and simple. The entire staff wore black suits which was a nice touch of elegance. We pretty much had the restaurant to ourselves. The food came out one by one accompanied with an elaborate explaination. None of the dishes were overwhelmingly fantastic, except for the A5 panko crusted wagyu. That dish was to die for. All the rest were fancy but not crazy fantastic tasting. They were clean pallet of dishes with very pretty presentations. This is the type of restaurant you want to experience, but frequent. read more
Very delicious meal, great service. A small place as well, walked in and you were right in the dining room. It's kaiseki style so it's not just nigiri and sashimi and rolls, nice difference but I was still hungry when I got home. Great experience for a Michelin star place read more
1 year ago
My must stop in Napa valley.Everything is fantastic！！Food is incredibly delicious，wines are amazing too. Staffs are 5 stars team！ Perfection. read more
2 years ago
Kenzo is an experience. You walk in and feel like you've been transported to Japan. A counter with a rice paper window to your left, 5 tables to your right, and a walkway to the kitchen that has the customary Japanese banners hanging. My husband treated me for a birthday meal, deciding on this location due to its Michelin recognition. They provided a champagne toast upon seating, and we opted for a small bottle of sake to share, which was recommended by our server to complement all of the courses in the meal. It was light and delightful - JUST enough to get us through the meal. Perfect. The meal started slowly in that the flavors were... fine in the first couple bites, but nothing special. It wasn't until the blue fin tuna with blueberry sauce came that we both were beginning to understand. The eel that followed was... interesting and not our favorite, but the crispy wagyu was delicious and offered a different take on the usual seared wagyu. It was my husband's favorite part of the meal! I enjoyed it but prefer the "usual". The sushi course was lovely, but then I am partial to sushi. The assortment of desserts was delightful to end the meal, with a refreshing coconut and mango dish, a matcha and mochi dish (the mochi made the matcha very bitter), and a lady dish that I just can't recall right now. Our server was delightful, though VERY soft spoken - I had to concentrate to hear him over the unusual music choice. The chef also signed my menu in honor of the occasion, which was a nice touch. read more
1 year ago
The last time I visited Napa, I went to Kenzo's estate and the ladies there recommended I go dine at Kenzo Napa if we had time. Unfortunately we didn't have time our last visit. So when I found out I was going to Napa again, I immediately made reservations to this restaurant. I really liked the service here. My cup of tea was never empty because they kept refilling for me even without me asking them to. Also, they made sure to serve us together and if one of us went to the restroom, they would hold on bringing out food until we were both ready. The servers made sure to explain each dish to us in detail and the sake pairing they offered went really well with each dish. However, I feel like for the price we paid, the food was not as impressive as I had hope for. I think the presentation of the dishes was amazing, but the taste was a little lacking. The 2 dishes that stood out to me was the wagyu and the desserts. Overall, I feel like everyone should come at least once for the experience, but I don't think I would be back again since it was pretty expensive. read more
Joined for NYE and wow what an experience. We sat in one of the rooms in the back. Service was friendly and personalized. It's staff like this that make the overall experience elevated and memorable. The chef preparing each dish was very skilled. Do the wine paring and ask that they do a blend of wine and sake. We loved the wine so much from Kenzo Estate we purchased some to take home. Normally NYE dinners are rushed and not up to par but Kenzo hit it out of the park. Everything was fantastic. read more
2 years ago
Kenzo is definitely an experience and a splurge. The highlight of the night was definitely the customer service. It was one of kind and not something you experience often. We had a total of 9 courses including dessert (I forgot to take a photo of one of them ). We could tell the chefs put a lot of attention to detail into the food and presentation. The head chef was very kind, he offered to take a picture of us since we were seated at the bar. This a great place in Napa to truly indulge in fine dining and immerse yourself in the experience. read more
2nd time going to kenzo and the consistency of the restaurant food and staff is amazing. I love sitting at the counter top with the chef to appreciate the craft it takes to make each dish. The staff here explains each dish to you and also gives recommendations on how you should eat certain dishes. The restaurant itself has a calmness to it that makes you feel relaxed. A place you go to for something to celebrate or if you just want to do something special for someone you love. Reservations seem a bit easier to get this time around compare to the first time as well. read more
1 year ago
An unforgettable experience, every dish was executed with grace and style. All your taste receptors will explode in favors that will just continue to intensify after each dish. By the time dessert comes; you will be sad the experience is about to end but the explosion in your taste buds will ease the sadness. read more
Kenzo is a kaiseki based Japanese restaurant with seasonal ingredients and menus that change. The flavors were delicious and clean, accentuating each ingredient in various ways of intervention. Overall I really enjoyed my meal, though I can't say it's more memorable than some of the meals I had at ryokans in Japan. The ambiance was minimal and the service was attentive. read more
Overpriced for average food and mediocre service. I was put off by our waiter who seemed not totally with it (talked super slow and would forget what he was saying mid sentence and often seemed like he was somewhere else) and was also not responsive, not attentive, and forgetful. At $300pp, I expected at least one dish or two to wow me but none really stood out, except maybe the A5 wagyu, which was very tender. Save your money and leave the Japanese meals for when you're in NYC or SF. read more
2 years ago
This is a walkthrough of Kenzo's Spring 2024 Menu and a few of my notes for each course: Simmered Shimane Lake Shinji Icefish with Jidori Egg Yolk | Icefish was phenomenal. Great addition of the wakame in the jidori egg yolk. Seasonal Hassun (crispy hokkaido scallop with lotus root, hyogo firefly squid, hokkaido cherry trout nanbanzuke, green pea tofu with hokkaido sea urchin, sweet kumquat with tofu dressing) | The crispy scallop with lotus was the best; squid was a silky, delightful texture; closing on the tangy-sweet kumquat note was creative. Have to love that green pea tofu with uni. Canadian Snow Crab Shinjo Owan (signature dashi broth, turnip, maitake mushroom, mitsuba parsley, and yuzu) | I didn't love the snow crab shinjo dumpling with that particular blending of vegetables; the Canadian snow crab ends up in a supportive role to the maitake and to the broth. Nagasaki Cornet Fish Sashimi (with a ponzu gelee) | I love akayagara; this presentation was balanced perfection. Grilled Chiba Sawara Mackerel | A surprising rustic inclusion to this menu line-up. still contemplating the rationale for the mackerel feature at this point of the food journey, as the next dish is also a grilled fish Cherrywood Smoked Mie Bluefin Tuna Okakiage (kale, black pepper and tamari soy sauce-an) | The tamari soy sauce overpowered the tuna. The enso calligraphy with the sauce was a nice aesthetic touch. A5 Satsuma Wagyu Tenderloin Jibuni (taro, chrysanthemum cress, and grated shizuoka wasabi) | Easily the star of the show this evening; I am still thinking fondly of that wasabi; could have scaled back on that rich sauce, however -- it became a bit overpowering. Chef's Selection of Sushi with Red Miso Soup | I cannot recall what that first one to the right that looks spherical was, but loved it; so glad to close with that fatty tuna; a heartwarming red miso. If I'm being nitpicky, however, the presentation of the miso is reminiscent of a cremation urn for ashes, so in terms of aesthetic considerations, I might have gone with a different style of soup bowl and lid. Chef's Featured Desserts | An apple jelly with the perfect mousse topping; strawberry mochi and leaf wrap with red beans; ginger ice cream Overall, I highly recommend this experience. Great attention to detail. Most of the ingredients shine, although at times the dishes could be heavy-handed with the sauce. The Japanese cuisine almost felt French influenced. read more
Kenzo Napa is the brainchild of Kenzo Tsujimoto, the founder of Capcom of Street Fighter fame. He wanted to bring the love of Napa Valley wines to his home country so started the award winning Kenzo Estates vineyard. Missing authentic Japanese Kaiseki cuisine while in Napa, he then opened Kenzo Napa helmed by the 3 Michelin star chef of the restaurant Kanda in Tokyo. Kenzo, located in Napa, is a serene oasis to Japanese cuisine and our excellent meal was greatly enhanced by the food and wine descriptions of Patrick Kaiseki Menu $275 / Grilled Shizuoka Fresh Water Eel / Seasonal Hassun ~ blue shrimp, kanagawa octopus, Hokkaido scallop with sweet corn, yukon gold potato caviar, tomato gelée / Yamaguchi Tilefish Owan / Seared Chiba Cutlassfish Sashimi / Chiba Seabass and Green Asparagus Okakiage / Chilled Somen Noodle with Nagasaki Abalone / Slow Roasted A5 Satsuma Wagyu Tenderloin / Chef's Sushi / Chef's Dessert Kenzo (Napa, CA) Reservations are required on Opentable and dining is all inside with both counter and table seating available. All credit cards including AmEx are accepted. read more
8 months ago
8 months ago
3 years ago
Just phenomenal. If you appreciate extremely high quality fish, exceptional customer service, genuine omakase experience and gorgeous display of dishes, dining at the bar is a must. Kenzo is quietly tucked away one street down from the heart of downtown Napa. We were so intrigued by the restaurant and it's story connected to the Kenzo Winery in the hills of Napa, we visited the next day for a tasting. Recommend you look it up! Custom menus for our anniversary and complimentary champagne made the experience that more enjoyable. We hope to come back soon. read more
Highlights: *High Quality Japanese Kaiseki (multi course) dining $225 per person *1 Michelin Star * Elegant minimalist decor in quiet surroundings * Less than 27 seats * Unobtrusive but perfect attention to your needs Kenzo Tsujimoto made his fortune in the video game business in Japan. Some of his games even were adapted to become blockbuster movies. With he and his wife Katsuko's love of food, wine and travel, five Restaurants in Japan followed and ultimately a purchase of 3,800 acres in Napa Valley, more about that later since I guess you're here to read about the food. The menu is a prix fixe "Kaiseki", about nine courses. $225 per person which includes service charge. The focus is on "Shun" or seasonal food at their peak, some flown in daily from Japan. Presentations are attractive and well executed. I will not go into the details of every dish, you can view my photos or review the menu option online. The restaurant is closed for a break now, but we dined on December 29th. The General Manager, Tomonori Iwao, was there to make sure every guest's needs were looked after. If you had as much as a thought that moved your eyes somehow he was there to offer assistance, a true professional. The Tsujimoto's attention to detail, hiring, management and design is all reflected in not just a wonderful meal but an excellent experience. Kenzo spared no expense at his winery, hiring Napa royalty to make his wines, i.e. David Abreu (Screaming Eagle, Staglin, Colgin, Harlan, Bryant, Araujo, Grace Family), and Heidi Barrett (Silver Oak, Dalla Valle, Screaming Eagle, with several Robert Parker 100 point rated wines under he belt). The Kenzo wines are all offered at dinner by the glass, the 375 or the bottle, as well as a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence global wine list. There are only five Sparkling Wines and Champagnes by the Glass but about two dozen choices by the bottle, as well as sakes and a few beers to go along with a well chosen list of whites and red from around the globe. read more
3 years ago
Hands down the best dining experience we've ever had! The food is outstanding !! The staff amazing !! A special thank you to Adrian our main server. We celebrated my husband's 40th bday & already can't wait to go back. read more
We had an amazing dining experience at Kenzo! When: We came out for a 6:30pm dinner reservation on June 23 (so we got their early spring kaiseki menu. Reservation: The reservation process was simple and helpful! Highly recommend booking in advance. Parking: Tons of street parking available and there is also a nearby parking lot. The experience: I say experience because the presentation of the food, taste of the food, and overall service with the storytelling and background of each dish was beautiful. From the soup dishes to the fried items to the raw sashimi - everything tasted absolutely spectacular. The wine also paired wonderfully with every item and their dessert wine - I can't rave about it enough! It was such an honor to meet the chef at the end of our meal. Thank you for such a wonderful dining experience! We hope to come back to try your seasonal kaiseki menus in the future! read more
Review #1000 We love sushi and we always try to find the best quality and most engaging experience to accompany our sushi adventures. Our favorite Japanese dining experience is Kaiseki, which we have found in Japan, Hawaii, and at Sushi Noz in NY which was our all time favorite. While in Napa we found Kenzo during the peak of covid, and I bookmarked it for a future trip since at the time they were only doing to-go. While preparing for a local staycation, I emailed the team at Kenzo to ask if they had any openings. I was pretty promptly responded to, and was given an evening slot at the day and time I requested, which was wonderful and a great first impression. We were so excited in the days and hours leading up to dining at Kenzo, and had super high expectations for this Michelin star recipient. We arrived just before our reservation, and had our temperatures taken, and were given hand sanitizer. We were shown to our seats at the sushi bar and introduced to the chef and assistant chef behind the plexiglass. The ambiance was upbeat and vibrant, and even with the socially distanced gaps and plexiglass, we had a positive vibe from the interior. Prior to our arrival, we were called to confirm what we were going to have in terms of Kaiseki/prix fixe, and to go over any preferences or food allergies. We were pleased that they were going to offer mostly fin fish, since we're not fans of tako (octopus), uni (sea urchin), ika (squid), or hotate (scallop). The person on the phone was gracious and accommodating about our preferences and welcomed us ahead of time for our future visit. After having Kaiseki in other places, we had expectations of almost dinner theater in a sense. We had great interactions with the chef in every other Kaiseki dining experience, and really enjoyed the skill, presentation, and participation with the process. Here, however, the chef said perhaps 10 words to us the entire time (on greeting and departure), and we couldn't see 80% or more of what they were doing behind the scenes which was really disappointing. For the dishes, they were all beautifully plated and very delicious. A pretty impactful issue however was happening. A family in the back dining area brought a very energetic kiddo, and he was running in the restaurant, talking loudly in and out of the dining room, and not the ambiance I was expecting for this type and price of experience. It looked like the restaurant put a staff member near this kid to try and wrangle him back, but that really seemed to me like something his parents should have been doing. I love kids, I just don't think Michelin Kaiseki dinner is where they should be if they are this rambunctious (not parent shaming, just my opinion). Once we got to the A5 Satsuma Wagyu tenderloin dish, disaster struck. A member of party from the disruptive room got up and promptly vomited all over the door to the courtyard leading to the restroom, and the smell was massive. As a prior emergency medical room provider myself, the sound is one you cannot miss and is very distinctive. The staff tried to mask the smell with sprays, clean up and keep on, but I was massively unable to continue and started to feel sick as well. Our server told me that the gentleman had been drinking, and that was what happened. I was served a ginger ale and tried rally. Hubby decided to eat anyway because he doesn't have a sensitive stomach like me, but just as he was served the nigiri course, the guy from the back room got up again and vomited all over himself, the door, the floor, etc AGAIN. That was it for me, I had to get up and leave. Hubby finished his miso, skipped desert and asked for the bill. Our server did hand us a voucher for a to go box on future visit, which was generous, but still didn't change this experience for me. Our dinner for the two of us came out to $427 for two Kaiseki meal experiences, and one glass of Junmai. I didn't get about half the dishes from my set of food, and hubby missed out on dessert but we still paid full price. Both of us felt like the engagement part was sorely lacking, and we really wanted more from the team behind the plexiglass. I also felt like the family with the rambunctious child and projectile vomiting grandpa should have been asked to leave after the first vomit episode, or when the restaurant team realized the guy was drunk already. Overall, a really massively negative experience, and one that made me both really sad to miss out on, and really nauseous thinking about. I didn't even get to eat the nigiri sushi course, which was basically the top reason I wanted to come here in the first place. This was not the experience we were hoping for, and not the experience we intended on paying hundreds of dollars for, that's for certain. So sad. read more
2 years ago
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1339 Pearl St
Napa, CA 94559
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(707) 294-2049
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