Went for my birthday and the experience was top-notch. The staff was extremely knowledgeable and answered questions before they were even asked. The only downside was that I sat at the chefs counter hoping to see someone cook or even chef Jada (huge Hell's Kitchen fan) but didn't see anyone except the wait staff. We started off with bread service, which I heard great things about. It was absolutely delicious - both the sourdough and the focaccia as well as the butter and oil. The only thing is $16 for 2 pieces of bread is pricey, I wish they provided more bread for that price. We also got the carpaccio which was fantastic. The meat was melty and I loved the black garlic. The capers gave it some saltiness while the gremolata gave it some freshness. Perfect balance of flavor. $44 was pricey but very good. The pastas were difficult because I wanted to try them all!! They were out of the truffle pasta so that wasn't an option. YUZU SPAGHETTI A LIMONE: this tasted like something I would get from Positano, Italy! The lemon was prominent throughout and there was a perfect portion of snow crabs which gave it that seafood flavor (although you can never have too much!!). The star was the chewiness of the noodles, the texture made it taste home-made. The yuzu wasn't as prominent so it definitely tasted more Italian than Asian. Absolutely delicious though! PAPPARDELLE: I was so surprised when I took my first bite because I understood the Asian-Italian fusion with this dish. When you think of pappardelle, you think of short rib with a red sauce and this had a hint of spicy Asian flavor and I absolutely loved it! I like heat so I really loved the extra kick it had. The balsamic gave it some sweetness and the fondue really balanced that heat. Highly recommend this dish! We will be back because I want to try the other pastas!! Definitely a hidden gem . read more

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Great restaurant. Loved the vibe, menu and service. Creative approach to elevated Japanese/Italian fusion. Everything was very tasty loved the akami spaghettoni and pappardelle. The caprese dessert was so surprising and fun. Service was warm, engaged. Restaurant is able to be casual and high-end at the same time. Great for a special occasion or just a night out. Only miss was at the end of the meal. The check was dropped off before dessert and the team was in a rush to make us pay. I realized patrons were waiting but the length of our time at the restaurant was wholly determined by the restaurants service timing not us. This was a miss after an otherwise great experience. read more

My fiancé surprised me with a reservation to Kinjo for my birthday and it was 10/10. The restaurant was very intimate. The staff was super friendly and accommodating. The food was absolutely delicious. For our appetizer, we had the bread service with whipped ricotta and confit yolk butter. The butter was perfectly salted and was very creamy. I had the pappardelle as my main and it had this nice spicy kick. We will definitely be back. read more

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Absolutely shows topping experience from start to finish. Originally I wanted to go here to see Chef Jada from Hell's Kitchen, but Chef Javi was in and he was spectacular and so kind. Such a friendly and warm ambiance, and killer vibes all around. The bread service was delightful (I'm still dreaming about that whipped ricotta). The carpaccio was melt in your mouth tender and coupled perfectly with the capers. For me the cappelletti was the star on the show with the brown butter sauce complimenting the dish to perfection. The snow crab with the agnolotti was perfectly tender. We also had the pizzelle and tart which were delightful ends to the meal. Service was so warm with unbelievable food, we can't wait to come back read more

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Came to celebrate my mother's birthday at the counter with a party if 6 including a 6 year old. The staff was very accommodating. A bit of a challenge for the antipasti. The server suggested getting multiple sharing plates but it was disadvantageous due to it being a counter and large spacing. A welcome bubble beverage was provided and one with no alcohol. It was a wonderful surprise. The food beautifully plated. Using fresh and high quality ingredients at the same time executing high level cooking techniques blending italian and Japanese dishes. I loved the cacio pipe egg. It was like going to dimsum having a steamed egg and your italin grandmother got hold of the dish giving her flair. They had a ramp risotto that was wonderful. I love ramps during the early spring months. I was pleasantly surprised they had incorporated it to a dish. The Hokkaido scallop was presented beautifully. If you are in the area and look forward to trying a new twist of cuisine, I would highly recommend. read more

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Went for my boyfriend's birthday and we were blown away by how good everything was. The service was perfect. They always came around when we needed something but would let us eat without any interruptions. The burrata with chili oil tasted amazing. All the pastas were perfectly al dente read more

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This wasn't just a dinner date, it was an experience. Byron is by far one of the best waiters/hosts/Somme's I've ever had. He was knowledgeable, engaging, and had fantastic suggestions. We weren't too familiar with Italian/Japanese fusion (however huge fans of both on their own), but he described everything perfectly and his suggestions, as I said, were excellent. The food was on another level, nothing I was expecting to find in an unassuming little corner spot in St. Pete. I'm talking Michelin worthy. This was 1000% one of the best restaurants I've ever been to. Top 3. Definitely highly recommend. read more

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Finally checked out Kinjo, the new Japanese-Italian spot from the team behind Noble Rice and Koya and it did not disappoint. Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious, and the service was excellent. For drinks, they only serve beer, wine, and sake, which paired perfectly with the food. Must order the bread service, amaki spaghettoni and tarjarin! Already planning to come back soon to try the tasting menu! What I ordered: - Bread Service: sourdough with cultured butter & confit yolk, focaccia with whipped ricotta & evoo - Caesar Salad: béchamel crisp, chrysanthemum, anchovy, milk bread crouton, parmesan - Akami Spaghettoni: bagna cauda cream, lime, pistachio - Cappelletti: ricotta, brown butter & white soy maitake, pickled daikon, aged balsamic - Tajarin: mortadella & providence cattle bolognese, Japanese curry, 36 mo. parmesean read more

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Kinjo is an innovative concept for Japanese Italian fusion. We've been driving past this location for years and mostly remember it as an ice cream shop. We found parking in lot just north of the building. The room is not large at all, so I expect the volume level to increase later in the evening when mostly full. The tables are tiny which caused an issue for me. I asked our waiter to leave the menu so I could study the Japanese beer options which appear to be very unusual. He insisted on taking the menus away. If the beer list was on the online menu I would have researched each offering in advance. My goal was to see the Beer Advocate ratings and review for each, but without enough time to check each on my phone I gave up and ordered wine. We found the corstini with anchovy quite good and the caesar salad featuring bechamel crisp interesting. They are quite proud of their balsamic vinegars and featured them prominently. We had pappardelle and risotto for mains. Each was good and fit the profile of the restaurant. read more

Sister restaurant to Koya and Noble Rice, Kinjo presents an intimate dining experience. It was one of the more unique menus I've seen offering Japanese Italian fusion. Everything is made in-house with ingredients imported straight from Japan and Italy. The bread service, burrata, and tajarin were the standouts for us. Never knew I needed a Japanese curry bolognese but WOW, it was incredible Our minds were blown by the caprese as well; a take on the classic app but made for dessert! Tomato and strawberry mousse with basil granita? So fun and creative. read more

I have no words besides mind blowing. A small, intimate setting accompanied by great service and spectacular food! The presentation of each plate was 10/10. The flavors that incorporated the fusion flavors were paired so well in each dish. I am usually not a mushroom person but the ravioli was one of the best raviolis I have ever had. Everything we ordered was made with such thought and every bite reminded us of that. read more

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Cannot rave about this place enough. Food? Spectacular. Service? Untouchable. Ambiance? Intimate yet comfortable. We got 4 appetizers my favorite was the scallops. The mix of Japanese and Italian flavors were so delicious it was crazy. And the bolognese curry? Cmon don't even get me started. I haven't stopped talking about this dinner since we went. Would recommend especially for a special event and we will definitely be back! read more

Kinjo - Wine Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Wonderful experience at Kinjo. My favorite dishes were the cappelletti, caprese dessert, and focaccia bread. The restaurant is intimate and beautifully decorated. The staff were friendly but professional; providing an upscale experience. read more

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Sat at the chefs counter & all the food was efficient & the staff made our experience so seamless. read more

Kinjo - Cappelletti & bolognese - Wine Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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This place is definitely making the list of top 5 new restaurants to have opened up in Tampa. Truly fantastic experience from beginning to end. Service and ambiance is impeccable! Food is delicious and very creative, capturing the fantastic fusion of Japanese and Italian. My favorite item might be the chawanmushi. So light and silky, yet intensely flavorful. Keep up the great work! I feel a Michelin Star is on the horizon :) read more

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Don't let the small size fool you--this place delivers on both service and flavor. The tuna was the highlight of the meal for me. An absolute 10/10. The only thing to really know is the portions are extremely small . read more

Kinjo - The restaurant is small but the service and food was good. - Wine Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Best New Restaurant by far in Tampa. Everything from service to food was spectacular. The fusion between Japanese and Italian is very well done. Jada the chef is the best!!! Thank you for an amazing time every time read more

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We had a family dinner last night at Kinjo and it was absolutely divine! First of all the ambience was low key, intimate and it very much reminded me of The Bear tv show (minus the chaos). The food was superb! Genesis was our server and she was not only knowledgeable but also quite passionate in describing the food profile and adventure we were about to go in trying Japanese & Italian flavors combined. Chef Javi brought our appetizer which was tuna in a noodle form with a tart creamy pistachio cream that was delightful. We also had the green risotto that was light, fresh and so creamy. Followed by the frutti di mare squid ink pasta... the sauce alone made us go back and get that bread service.... and OMG their whipped ricotta with olive oil, and yellow butter was spectacular. Yes, it was bread... and ricotta, but my words don't do justice. it was amazing! We loved the ambience and how lovely Genesis, Chef Javi and the CDC were... I didn't catch her name, but she channels a Janet Jackson vibe. We split the entire meal and the lovely delicate Pizelle dessert that brought the meal full circle with the ricotta filling and pistachio crumble on top. Just as light as the Akami spaghettoni and a perfect way to end the meal. What a treat! We were completely enamored with the whole experience. We travel around the world and often find that food options in Tampa are limited. We are proud to say this is a fabulous place to add to your list when visiting Tampa. Truly amazing and memorable . Thank you for your hard work... the passion and love shows thru every step of the way! Bravo! read more

Wow! Excellent service and each dish was progressively better than the last, best dinner we've ever eaten. Bread service - both butters to die for. Crostini so delightful. Tuna and carpaccio so different and luscious. Charwanmushi (sp?) like a delicate egg soufflé carbonara. Cappelletti not to be missed - texturally perfect and so delicious. Both deserts are spectacular. read more

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Wow wow wow! This is by far my new favorite spot in Tampa. If you have never tried itameshi before it's the perfect combo between Japanese and Italian. Everything I had was incredible. I started off with bread service. They serve in house made focaccia and sourdough with amazing butter and ricotta spread. For the first appetizer, I chose the CROSTINI which was recommended by the server. Very glad I chose this option as it was very refreshing. The tomatoes were an explosion of flavor. I was also recommended to try the AKAMI SPAGHETTONI. If you love tuna, this is a must try. The sauce was absolutely incredible. For the Primi course I chose the CAPPELLETTI, probably the best pasta dish I have ever had. I also opted in for the 100 year aged balsamic vinegar, which was really a nice touch of sweetness. Very complex dish with all the flavors. Highly recommend this restaurant. Chef Eric really knows what he's doing. Can't wait to go back to try more options. Plus I hear the desserts are fantastic. read more

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Got there and they tried upselling items through out the dinner, after we spent $200 for the course. And it didn't even come with bread (another upsell). Then we got our bill for the drinks we ordered and they put a 20% auto gratuity on the bill and not only did they not tell us about it, they didn't even include it on the receipt so they made the math look like there wasn't an auto grat. Won't be back, and not recommending the experience either. Food was good, but not for the price nor the bullshit we experienced. read more

Amazing food and experience! I'm never not craving their food. Unbelievable flavor and prices are fair

Food was amazing, very unique and different from what is around in the Tampa Bay! I really liked the Italian cuisine utilizing Japanese sensibilities, as the flavor combinations for the dishes were like nothing I've ever tasted! Service was also amazing, everyone was very attentive and took the time to explain things. Great date spot, would recommend trying the akami spaghettoni and the caprese dessert! We will be back to try the rest of the menu :) read more

Kinjo - Akami spaghettoni - Wine Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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The service was excellent. Kinjo is small with just a few tables and a bar with seating. Unfortunately, the bar offers no actual hard liquor (i.e. Vodka, GIn, Martini, etc...). The wine list is small and it turned out the one I ordered was unavailable. Beers are available. The ambiance is on the stark side but we were able to hear each other, which was nice. The food is uniquely presented with smaller portions. The Caesar salad was shared bw 2 people but 1 person could eat it. The tartar was good. Bread service was nice but pricey. The menu is very limited, The problem occurred when I was served the pasta with zucchini entree. Although it was described without seafood, it had a strong taste of just that. The very nice server assured me it did not, but it was just an ingredient used. It was very off putting and peculiar. My fellow guests tasted it and had the same reaction-something was "off". It was also quite salty. They were very kind to remove it from our final bill. However, ultimately, it made me sick. For this reason and lack of alcohol, it is unlikely we will be returning. read more

LOVE this place. Food was absolutely amazing, service was phenomenal. It's a very intimate set up with mostly bar seating. We ordered a few appetizers but I would highly recommend the crostini and the ika ditalini. The ika ditalini was not something I expected to like since I'm not a big squid person, but this was like nothing I've ever tasted in the best way - crunchy texture and pistachio pesto flavor- will definitely get that again next time. I highly recommend giving this place a try and ordering everything they recommend. read more

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We had the most amazing dinner here. We did the tasting menu and it was wonderful. Every bite was better than the next. We will definitely be returning, so good. read more

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The perfect dining experience! Every detail was a study in quality and precision. The staff was perfect. Their attention and knowledge was matched with their friendliness and professionalism. The atmosphere was open yet intimate, quiet yet lively. In places like this it is easy to slip into pretentiousness but this luxury experience made it feel like everyone was not only welcomed but desired. And while the experience was extravagant, the prices were not! Then there is the star of the show: the food! There are people that can do a better job describing the flavors and textures than I could ever hope to accomplish so I will say that I went outside my comfort zone and the tastes I experienced were to say the least, pleasantly unexpected! I wound up loving dishes I have long hated and finding new dimensions of tastes to dishes that should have been afterthoughts like (and I'm not kidding) bread! I am so glad I took the time to visit now because once the word is out, this place will be reserved out for MONTHS. Thank you for letting me visit. read more

EVERYTHING about this place is perfect. The food. The service. The atmosphere. The presentation. I've never experienced anything like it. It was an intimate dining experience. They even provide purse hooks. :) read more

Kinjo - Inside dining area - Wine Bars Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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A superb dining experience from start to finish. The menu was innovative, beautifully executed, and absolutely delicious. Service was attentive and refined. Chef Jade and Chef Eric are incredibly talented -- a Michelin star feels inevitable. Highly recommended. read more

We went here to celebrate our engagement after seeing the restaurant on social media. As Asian and Italian food lovers, this place did not disappoint. The restaurant itself was awesome. The staff were very friendly and very involved in the dining experience. It made us feel very welcome and it made the meal feel very experiential. We decided to split the carpaccio and burrata for appetizers, followed by the rigatoni and cappelletti. All items were amazing and left us wanting to go back within an hour of leaving. Epic night for sure. read more