Bronx(607)
Brooklyn(4,350)
Connecticut(14,326)
Long Island / Hamptons(18,688)
Manhattan(172,307)
Battery Park(586)
Chelsea(7,028)
Chinatown(105)
Columbus Circle(1,335)
East Village(5,567)
American(911)
Contemporary Mexican(132)
Cuban(44)
Eastern European(57)
French(608)
Greek(52)
Indian(53)
Italian(966)
Japanese(337)
Korean(4)
Latin / Spanish(50)
Latin American(20)
Mediterranean(174)
Mexican(351)
Moroccan(35)
Organic(6)
Pan-Asian(58)
Peruvian(151)
Pizzeria(94)
Seafood(166)
South American(20)
Southern(79)
Spanish(132)
Steakhouse(90)
Sushi(36)
Tapas / Small Plates(126)
Thai(130)
Financial District(1,559)
Gramercy / Flatiron(12,603)
Greenwich Village(5,098)
Harlem(1,219)
Hell's Kitchen(3,511)
Inwood(122)
Kips Bay(33)
Lincoln Center(5,126)
Little Italy(225)
Lower East Side(4,514)
Meatpacking District(6,864)
Midtown East(17,504)
Midtown West(21,891)
Murray Hill(2,721)
NoHo(2,129)
NoLita(1,196)
SoHo(5,788)
Theater District / Times Square(21,552)
TriBeCa - Downtown(5,713)
Turtle Bay(39)
Union Square(5,182)
Upper East Side(12,197)
Upper West Side(11,241)
West Village(8,830)
New Jersey - Central(7,662)
New Jersey - North(16,419)
Queens(2,461)
Staten Island(159)
Upstate New York(4,737)
Westchester / Hudson Valley(13,136)
Western New York(3,092)
Find Restaurants in Your Area
Select a Location
- Acapulco / Ixtapa
- Alabama
- Anchorage
- Arkansas
- Asheville / W. North Carolina
- Atlanta / Georgia
- Atlantic Canada
- Atlantic City
- Austin
- Baja California
- Baltimore / Maryland
- Beijing
- Boston / New England
- Buenos Aires
- Cabo San Lucas
- Calgary / Southern Alberta
- California Central Coast
- Cancun / Riviera Maya
- Caribbean
- Charlotte
- Chicago / Illinois
- Chihuahua
- Cincinnati / Dayton
- Cleveland / Akron / Canton
- Coastal North Carolina
- Columbus
- Corpus Christi / McAllen
- Dallas - Fort Worth
- Demoland
- Denver / Colorado
- Detroit / Eastern Michigan
- Dubai
- East Tennessee
- Edmonton / Northern Alberta
- El Paso
- El Salvador
- Exclusive
- Fresno / San Joaquin Valley
- Grand Rapids / Western Michigan
- Greensboro / Winston Salem / Highpoint
- Guadalajara
- Hawaii
- Hong Kong / Macau
- Houston
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Jackson Hole / Wyoming
- Jacksonville / Northeast Florida
- Kansas City
- Kentucky
- Key West / Florida Keys
- Lake of the Ozarks
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles / Orange County
- Malaysia
- Manitoba / Saskatchewan
- Memphis
- Mexico City
- Miami / Southeast Florida
- Minneapolis - St. Paul
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Monterrey
- Montreal / Quebec
- Nashville
- Nebraska
- New Mexico
- New Orleans / Louisiana
- New York / Tri-State Area
- North Dakota
- Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula
- Northwest Florida
- Oklahoma
- Orlando / Central Florida East
- Ottawa
- Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities
- Philadelphia / New Jersey Suburbs
- Phoenix / Arizona
- Pinehurst
- Pittsburgh
- Portland / Oregon
- Portugal
- Puebla
- Puerto Vallarta
- Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill
- Sacramento / Sacramento Valley
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco Bay Area
- Saudi Arabia
- Scranton / Poconos
- Seattle / Eastern Washington
- Shanghai
- Singapore
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Southwest Florida
- Southwest Indiana / Tri-State Area
- Springfield / Branson
- St. Louis
- Switzerland
- Tahoe / Reno Area
- Tampa / Central Florida West
- Texas Panhandle
- Toledo
- Toronto / SW Ontario
- Utah
- Vancouver / British Columbia
- Veracruz
- Villa de Muerte
- Virginia
- Washington, D.C. Area
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Yosemite / Mammoth Lakes
Most Reviewed Restaurants
Top-Rated Restaurants
Reserve now:
KajitsuReservations
Restaurant Reviews List >
New York / Tri-State Area Restaurant Reviews >
Manhattan Restaurant Reviews >
East Village Restaurant Reviews >
Japanese Restaurant Reviews
Kajitsu Reviews List
Kajitsu
Kajitsu serves Shojin cuisine--vegan Kaiseki, a traditional Japanese culinary practice that is the very origin of Japanese cuisine. All of our dishes are prepared from fresh, season vegetables, legumes, wild herbs, seeds and grains, chosen at the moment in the season that best reflects their flavor. At Kajitsu we make our delicious and wholesome dishes from high quality ingredients prepared with traditional Japanese culinary techniques.
See more Kajitsu details
70 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 70 reviews
5 stars
(44)
4 stars
(14)
3 stars
(9)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(48)
- special occasion(43)
- neighborhood gem(20)
- romantic(19)
- hot spot(3)
- notable wine list(3)
Kajitsu Reviews List
Review 1 for Kajitsu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Perfect escape from the hectic city
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Situated in midtown, Kajitsu was the perfect escape from hectic city life without having to actually leave the city. Shojin style is vegan, but you would never miss the absence of meat in this meal. My eating partner and I were completely stuffed, leaving absolutely no room for dessert. The smallest course is about $50, but paired with sake (which I completely recommend, ups the price by about $40. This is for a special occasion without a doubt. The food is really delicious though, very thoughtfully prepared and plated. The space is very Japanese, for those who have been there, the aesthetic of the room, cuisine and distinct wood (cedar?) scent makes you feel like you've been transported back there."
Dined on 6/13/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 2 for Kajitsu
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointing
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We wanted to love this place because the staff are so hospitable and friendly. But the food here lacked the depth and complexity of our dining experiences in Japan, and for the most part was very bland - even taking into account the general subtlety of Japanese cuisine. And while our own taste in design is heavily mid-century modern, there was a boring quality to the unadorned beige dining space at Katjitsu - it could easily be fixed by, for example, putting an orchid or candle on each table, or maybe a print of Japanese caligrophy on the wall."
Dined on 6/11/2013
2003
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 3 for Kajitsu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Kajitsu shines
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A spiritually uplifting food experience. Each dish is a careful creation designed to tickle all the senses, and the palate especially. The service was careful, helpful and gracious. It was like being inside a work of art."
Dined on 6/06/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 4 for Kajitsu
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great food and super service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was great and the service was excellent. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in food"
Dined on 6/06/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 5 for Kajitsu
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good enough but not real McCoy
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Everything is almost perfectly prepared, nicely presented by well trained servers, and took some calculated time between courses in a zen like atomosphere although a real zen spirit and warmth are somehow missing. If you want to try real McCoy "shojin" cuisin, you should go to Japan. The cost of foods here makes us feel like visiting Japan anyway."
Dined on 6/07/2013
Special Features: special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 6 for Kajitsu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicate, thoughtful dishes
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We thoroughly enjoyed our KAJITSU experience. Although apprehensive that we would be left craving more after the meal since it was vegetarian, we were left completely satiated - both on terms of taste and quantity of food. Delicious, delicate and beautifully prepared dishes rolled out from the kitchen. Reminded us about our trip to Kyoto a few years back. Absolutely delightful experience! Topped off with first class service."
Dined on 6/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 7 for Kajitsu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Etherial Dining
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My first visit but definitely not my last. A spare dining room with widely spaced tables that evoke memories of Chanterelle. Like Chanterelle, there is no adornment on the walls; the intent being that the art is on your plate and that nothing should distract you from focusing on the food and your companion. And the food is memorable. Small portions, beautifully presented by a caring, informed staff. If quantity is your goal then you may be disappointed. But if a unique and amazing variety of tastes and presentations that will leave you full is what you are seeking you will find it here. A gem. And they even provide bags at table for people's bags."
Dined on 5/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 8 for Kajitsu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A once in a lifetime experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was one of the most amazing dining experiences my daughter and I have ever had. The tradition behind this restaurant is incredible. The food was so beautifully served, have never tasted anything like this. Kanako, who was our server completed our experience. She was so sweet, explained everything in great deal, answered any question we presented to her. She really made the whole experience for us! We loved the quietness of the restaurant and the complete zen feeling behind it."
Dined on 5/22/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 9 for Kajitsu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Outstanding tastes
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food, service and presentation was suburb.
Sake pairing was exquisite"
Sake pairing was exquisite"
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 10 for Kajitsu
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The service is outstanding! Beautifully simplistic decor. The food was an experience not to be missed, especially for a vegetarian or vegan! The flavors were surprisingly bland for my taste, however the food was beautiful and artfully creative."
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 11 for Kajitsu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
very unique meal
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Don't be thrown off by the vegan menu. Kajitsu offers a memorable and unique meal. Neither me nor my husband ever thought about not having meat or dairy in the dishes. We had the Hana (8-course) menu, and every dish was complex and surprising and served on lovely dishes. I really enjoyed the vegetables with sesame wasabi sauce, and my husband loved the tofu ball soup with pumpkin fu. The service was careful and pleasant. Our server explained each dish (and what was edible and not on the plate), and we felt well cared for. It is clear the kitchen and staff strive to offer a one-of-a-kind meal and one you will be talking about for days afterwards. We still are! Highly recommended."
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 12 for Kajitsu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Stellar!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food and service was stellar! The flavor profile was tremendous! The price range for me is for super special occasions only, but those occasions it will be completely worth the price."
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 13 for Kajitsu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Finest Japanese shojin(vegan) food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This place must be the best vegan restaurant in the city...
I am Japanese and love this place so much.
I come here once in a while and theier food always surprised me with a delight!"
I am Japanese and love this place so much.
I come here once in a while and theier food always surprised me with a delight!"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 14 for Kajitsu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
zen perfection
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"an exquisite aesthetic experience - food that delighted all the senses, service that was attentive yet unobtrusive, a calm but not stilted environment ... we chose the $55 omakase menu - an elegant sufficiency for two not-starving people!"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 15 for Kajitsu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was inventive and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was inventive and very tasty, and the presentation was impeccable!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 16 for Kajitsu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Incredible, incredible meal
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Incredible, incredible meal - one of the best meals my sister and I have ever had. Elegant, beautiful, healthy, flavorful, inventive, and meticulous plates of food. Each plate was infused with the vibrancy, flavor, and colors of spring - Just stunning! Had a wonderful plum sake on ice that complemented the meal perfectly. Incredible, friendly, gentle service - LOVED IT! HIGHLY recommend it - and plan to go back as menu changes with the season. One of the best restaurants in NYC!"
Dined on 04/17/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 17 for Kajitsu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A great discovery!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Exceptionnal japanese restaurant.
Two menus with the sake pairing : Fabulous!
Raffine glasses from Japan for the sake
Raku plates from Japan also.
Excellent service. Very zen ambiance. A real gastronomic experience!
No decoration, beautiful wooden table, no music, no candles - very calm very ZEN."
Two menus with the sake pairing : Fabulous!
Raffine glasses from Japan for the sake
Raku plates from Japan also.
Excellent service. Very zen ambiance. A real gastronomic experience!
No decoration, beautiful wooden table, no music, no candles - very calm very ZEN."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 18 for Kajitsu
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Shima
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Compared the one in East village, it is nicer as room but a little disappointed the foods."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2007
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 19 for Kajitsu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Top ten email I've ever had.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Top ten email I've ever had. Thank you for such an amazing experience."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 20 for Kajitsu
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Since it moved, Kajitsu no
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Since it moved, Kajitsu no longer carries that special feelings and the dishes are now a disappointment. I miss the previous Kajitsu and the special chef. New York gas lost one great restaurant."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2010
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 21 for Kajitsu
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Expected a lot, very disappointed
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Expected a lot, very disappointed with the food. Portions were small & too far between. Wine selection was poor. Very expensive, will not go again!"
Dined on 03/29/2013
2011
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 22 for Kajitsu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of the best finds in NYC
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"One of the best meals of our lives. This was a fantastic night. Thank you."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 23 for Kajitsu
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Pass
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Extremely expensive. Food was completly bland and tasteless. Give them a 9 out of 10 for design of meal. 1 out of 10 for taste. I got the 8 course meal. Disappointing. Not worth the money."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2008
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 24 for Kajitsu
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I got the 8 course hana menu
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I got the 8 course hana menu with sake tasting. A couple of the dishes were very bland but the others were very good. I'm not vegetarian so I typically enjoy meals with meat or fish, so in that respect it was not as good as a lot of similarly regarded restaurants in New York. If you're vegan, vegetarian, or very into Japanese cuisine I would recommend this place. Overall, I thought it was very overrated given how glowing almost all of the reviews are. But as I said, if you're into high end vegetarian cuisine, it's worth giving a shot."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
Share:
-1point
0of 1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 25 for Kajitsu
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Must for Vegans and/or Foodies
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Most special vegan dining experience you can have in the city (just my personal opinion). Very originally prepared and presented courses made with fresh ingredients, all served by an outstanding and friendly staff. Honestly, this place may be a little under-priced for the experience and food you receive. Better than I had even thought it would be, and I came in with high expectations."
Dined on 02/19/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Ratings-Only Reviews for Kajitsu
Based on the average of (45) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
15 out of 15 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate