My husband and I celebrated my birthday and our wedding anniversary dining at Kochi. It's small but cozy atmosphere was very inviting. We chose to sit at the counter to watch the amazing small bites as they were prepared. Each dish teased our taste buds with delightful flavors. The halibut was my favorite. We tried a Korean sool which is a traditional rice wine for the first time. The sool compliments the meal well. Dessert was divine. The staff was attentive and knowledgeable, describing each dish as it was presented to us. We enjoyed the experience at Kochi. If you're looking for an intimate setting and an enjoyable experience, Kochi is your place.
We were told months ago that the restaurant could accommodate my gluten allergy as long as I wasn’t allergic to soy. We confirmed our reservation well in advance, only for them to cancel on us at the very last minute. It was extremely upsetting and completely unprofessional.
Even though we didn’t end up eating there, we still left with a bad taste from the whole experience. If you have any food allergies, don’t rely on this restaurant’s assurances they clearly can’t be trusted!
الرد من Kochi
2025.11.21
Dear Julie,
As we mentioned in previous emails and messages, we are able to accommodate a gluten-free menu as long as soy products are acceptable. In your most recent message, you noted that “if the soy and miso products (including soy sauce) contain gluten, she can’t eat this.”
Because many of our dishes rely on ingredients such as soy sauce and miso—which traditionally include gluten—we would not be able to provide a safe gluten-free menu under those restrictions. We answered based on the original condition that soy was acceptable, but the updated requirement changes what we can safely offer.
Please let me know if you’d like to discuss alternative options.
As we mentioned in previous emails and messages, we are able to accommodate a gluten-free menu as long as soy products are acceptable. In your most recent message, you noted that “if the soy and miso products (including soy sauce) contain gluten, she can’t eat this.”
Because many of our dishes rely on ingredients such as soy sauce and miso—which traditionally include gluten—we would not be able to provide a safe gluten-free menu under those restrictions. We answered based on the original condition that soy was acceptable, but the updated requirement changes what we can safely offer.
Please let me know if you’d like to discuss alternative options.
If you're looking for a fine dining place to bring your picky asian father to, then Kochi is the place to be! It's not too long of a meal (it's 2 hours maximum), stays true to its Korean roots while having enough of a unique twist, and is casual enough that you don't have to force your dad out of his sneakers and jeans.
It's actually my second time back at Kochi, and they still managed to exceed my expectations! One of the reasons why I went back was because their wine/alcohol pairing menu was reasonable: it's a mix of wine, soju, makgeolli, and sake, which complements their set menu nicely. The variety is hard to come by, and is a welcome change to a scene that usually only serves wine.
Another reason why I came back was because the food was delicious. Kochi somehow manages to elevate Korean cuisine without making it obnoxiously elaborate, or distorting it to the point where it strays from its Korean. Each dish is presented beautifully, but without the pomp and stuffiness one usually feels at a fine dining spot. They manage to curate a truly phenomenal menu while maintaining a more homey, casual ambiance.
For this menu, my favorite was the mushroom soup at the beginning, which was a nice blend of creaminess, umami, and sweetness! The hwe, with the tender scallop and kimchi was such a refreshing combo too. My dad's favorite was the tangerine sorbet, which he even asked for seconds (and got, free of charge, thank you!). My mom really enjoyed the octopus twigim and the halibut.
Throughout the meal, the waiters/waitresses were also super knowledgable and accommodating. They all know each table's progression in the menu, so they all help out in serving and presenting each dish. They're like a seamless team, it's really cool to see!
All in all, Kochi is a great restaurant to take your asian parents too! Definitely check them out, you won't regret it!!
Exceptional meal from start to finish. We did the tasting menu with wine pairing, and every dish felt thoughtfully executed and perfectly timed. The scallop and halibut were fresh and cooked just right. The octopus skewer had a nice kick but was perfectly balanced by the sauce. Then came the duck, probably the best I’ve ever had. Crispy skin, flavorful fat, and meat so rich it almost outshined the A5 wagyu, which was also outstanding. The chefs clearly know their way around the grill. Dessert was good, pretty, and balanced, though not the highlight for me. The wine pairing was excellent: a mix of rice wines and a 2000 Luís Pato that was dry, silky, and paired beautifully with the steak. Service was seamless and knowledgeable; the small space runs with precision and calm energy. It’s easy to see why they’ve held their Michelin star since 2021; they absolutely deserve it.
Really enjoyed the food. The service was exceptional. Definitely expensive.
الرد من Kochi
2025.11.04
Thank you, Kai— truly appreciate the thoughtful notes.
We’re thrilled the dishes resonated and that service stood out. Our tasting menu reflects seasonal sourcing and technique; we understand value is personal and your perspective helps us calibrate. Delighted the room felt comfortable for conversation, too.
We’d love to welcome you back and tailor the experience to your preferences on your next visit. —Team Kochi
We’re thrilled the dishes resonated and that service stood out. Our tasting menu reflects seasonal sourcing and technique; we understand value is personal and your perspective helps us calibrate. Delighted the room felt comfortable for conversation, too.
We’d love to welcome you back and tailor the experience to your preferences on your next visit. —Team Kochi
Not up to par with other one star restaurants. Service was rushed and unfriendly. Food lacked a unique flavor profile. Final dish prior to dessert was a rice bowl with micro greens: a lame period on a boring sentence of a meal. Not worth the $200 paid.
الرد من Kochi
2025.11.04
Alexander, I’m sorry your evening fell short— especially around service, pacing, and noise.
That isn’t our standard.
Your note on the final savory rice course is duly noted; it should feel comforting and distinctive, not flat. Expectations are rightfully high for a one-star kitchen, and we didn’t meet them for you. If you’re open to it, please contact us through our website’s Contact page with your visit date/time so I can review your feedback with our team.
We’d value the chance to host you again and reflect our true standard. — General Manager, Kochi
That isn’t our standard.
Your note on the final savory rice course is duly noted; it should feel comforting and distinctive, not flat. Expectations are rightfully high for a one-star kitchen, and we didn’t meet them for you. If you’re open to it, please contact us through our website’s Contact page with your visit date/time so I can review your feedback with our team.
We’d value the chance to host you again and reflect our true standard. — General Manager, Kochi
Out of all the Michelin restaurants I’ve been to around the world and even in New York this one fell short.
The food was great but wasn’t enough to fill us up and 2/8 of the tasting menu courses were dessert and both were cold ice cream or sorbets. I felt like there could’ve been more savory or slightly larger portions.
We were also celebrating my partners birthday which the host asked us about when seating is but didn’t get a candle or anything at the end which we saw was given to other tables. The back door by the bar where we were seating was kept open for half the dinner and was cold and also didn’t make the space feel as inviting. The service felt a bit disorganized and overall not worth over $500 for 2 people with drinks. Mari which is owned by the same chef felt much more inviting and made us more satisfied and lived up the Michelin star would recommend that over Kochi any day.
الرد من Kochi
2025.11.04
Thank you for the detailed feedback—and for celebrating a birthday with us.
I’m sorry we missed on several fronts: the balance of savory courses, portioning, the missed candle, and the open door near the bar. That’s not the standard we set for service or hospitality. We’ll review dessert progression with the kitchen and service flow with our floor leads.
While Mari and Kochi have distinct rooms, each should feel equally welcoming; we’ll reflect on that. If you wish to share more details, please reach us through the Contact page so we can document this properly. Thank you again for your time. — General Manager, Kochi
I’m sorry we missed on several fronts: the balance of savory courses, portioning, the missed candle, and the open door near the bar. That’s not the standard we set for service or hospitality. We’ll review dessert progression with the kitchen and service flow with our floor leads.
While Mari and Kochi have distinct rooms, each should feel equally welcoming; we’ll reflect on that. If you wish to share more details, please reach us through the Contact page so we can document this properly. Thank you again for your time. — General Manager, Kochi
The food tastes great. Every dish has a very balanced flavor. I also did the wagyu upgrade for the main and it tasted amazing. The wagyu melts in your mouth.
الرد من Kochi
2025.11.04
Thank you, Mutian— we’re delighted the courses felt balanced and that the wagyu upgrade delivered that melt-in-your-mouth experience. We also appreciate the note on room volume and review ambience regularly with our floor team. Thank you again for dining with us.
— Team Kochi
— Team Kochi