Kenichi

i sat at the sushi bar and had briana as my server. she seemed to have great knowledge of the menu and right off the bat brought up the specials. my date and i ordered a bottle of sake and basically left our sushi up to alan our sushi chef.

he started us with torched escolar which was fabulous and then a few off menu items such as yellow tail with some kind of an orange sauce and goat cheese.

the kitchen food was also fabulous. it was happy hour so we got some calamari and pot stickers for only 5 dollars each. the pot stickers had some cherries with it which was awesome.

my favorite app was the blue crab cake. it had a puree with a curry taste to it as well as some green sauce. not sure what that was but it was great.

all in all everything was great. the manager even came up to ask us how everything was.

i highly recommend this place. sitting at the sushi bar was a great time. the sushi chefs were drinking with us and all in all it was a full atmosphere.

Pros: fresh fish, great service.

Cons: busy place so a decent wait on weekends.

Posted 12/15/09

I eat out alot in Austin and used to frequent the warehouse district often. I went back to Kenichi yesterday for the first time in several months. I had a really great experience. I forgot what great diversity was available on the food and drink menus. Great sushi? You got it. Cooked fish? The cod was outstanding. Steak? We were introduced to a fantastic new "kobe"ish marbly local beef wrapped around bleu cheese. Wow. I like to throw alot of questions out there for the service staff, it seemed everyone that came into contact with our table was on top of their game. We had some great cold sake as well, with excellent melon and citrus flavors. Peeked at the wine list, it looked impressive. The server was very proud of their sake and wine program and told us they trained frequently. Apparently its one of the largest sake lists in the state, designed by a sake sommellier(!) Bravo to Kenichi and its staff for its dedication to quality upscale food and drink. I'll be back.

Pros: Service, food, atmosphere

Cons: which bathroom is which?

Posted 12/14/09

Every year my girlfriends and I get together for our annual Christmas dinner. The place of choice was Kenichi this year. We went this past Thursday and I just have to say it blew me away! From food, to service to ambience it was absolutely fantastic!! I was a little worried a/b the amount of money we would spend but my friend had setup a set menu for $40/person which included multiple appetizers, sushi rolls, an entree for each person and desserts. And to top it off, Kenichi is doing half price wine bottles on thursdays. What a deal!!

If you are looking for a place for a group, look into doing a set menu for everyone....then sit back, relax and enjoy!!

Posted 12/14/09

I went there while visiting a friend in Austin, and had a wonderful time. Our server was really funny and a great conversationalist. On top of that, she was also extremely knowledgeable about sushi, sake, and Japanese food in general. She made us feel really comfortable and even brought over some complimentary sake tasters. Apparently they infuse their own sake there, with flavors changing weekly!

Besides the service and atmosphere, the food was incredible. I enjoyed the salmon goat cheese sashimi & sea scallop entree that comes with pumpkin puree & tempura ginger. Although my friend is a vegetarian, there were still countless options for her to choose from. We ended up sharing some vegetarian options: the macadamia baked goat cheese salad (i eat A LOT of salads, and they hardly ever taste that good), spicy edamame, tempura shishito peppers stuffed with cream cheese, and a tempura pumpkin roll with avocado, spicy aioli & sesame seeds. It was so good! It's not very often that a restaurant treats vegetarians so well, and they pulled out all of the stops to ensure we had a lovely time even without the sushi. As a result, I am still dreaming (and drooling over) the food!

Pros: countless high quality food options to satisfy anyone

Cons: closed for lunch

Posted 12/10/09

I used to really enjoy coming here. Whether it's for pre-drink before hitting the town with a group of friends or just some fresh sushi. Well sadly the sushi isn't quite so fresh anymore and the professionalism is nonexistent. The music is fine but the staff yelling across the room at other bartenders from the sushi bar and customers on a whole 'nother end of the room is annoying when you're trying to have a conversation of your own. Pricing has gone up and menu selection has gone down. This used to be my favorite place for sushi. Now it's just feels like a dive bar on 6th street.

Posted 11/30/09

I went here reluctantly with a friend during happy hour. Pretty effing good. Cheap beer, delish food from the kitchen, - gotta try the lamb skewer--!! I got some rolls, Sapporo, skewers, even a pickle dish! I spent $30 and had a great time, I will be back...

Posted 10/22/09

Sushi is goin bananas and Kiyomi is ridiculously funny!!! My bf had the filet and he licked the plate. Kobe tataki was melt in the mouth! Love it, love it love it!!! I think I'm addicted...

Pros: half off wine on thursdays! OMG Kiyomi is in town!!

Cons: busy at times

Posted 10/09/09

So far this year, I have visited 13 US cities eating sushi along the way. I dined at Kenichi's a few weeks ago and I have to say that the food is incredibly fantastic. I couldn't get enough of the Red Snapper and Salmon Roe sushi, as well as the Edamame and Black Cod Mizosuke. I realize that Austin is a college town, and Texans in general like to consume massive amounts of alcohol. But when the waitress, and several bartenders kept asking if I wanted anything to drink other than water, I felt it was a bit overkill. Regardless, after I paid my tab, I left (as always) a 15% gratuity to the sub-total. However, the server added an additional $5.00 to her tip which I found to be most unprofessional. I left a voicemail to the general manager a few days later, but have yet to receive a call back or email. Just so you know (and as a rule of thumb in the US), tipping is often left to the discretion of the dining patron. 15% is considered the minimum of a decent tip (sub-total) which most believe 15% should be tipped for the grand total. I consider this move a theft, and could rant and rave about it. But I'm not. I'm just not going to return and will go out of my way informing the general public and friends who frequent Kenichi's to keep tabs on your gratuity...

Pros: Excellent Food

Cons: Not-So Excellent Wait Staff

Posted 09/28/09

I've been here a number of times before going to the bars and it's a great place to pre-drink and have a little sushi but I'm a little sad that they've taken a few of my favorite things off the menu like the quail! Sad day. But the ambiance is hip and good crowd so my friends and I always enjoy coming here.

Pros: great selection and fresh sushi

Cons: they've taken a few things off the menu

Posted 07/16/09

Needing to meet a friend for a business meeting downtown at Kenichi's was just suppose to be just that; a business meeting. But after the bartender greeted me like a regular customer, I knew I was in for a surprise.
Quickly offering me a drink list as well as as a menu, the bartender was much more than attentive. He was an expert on the menu and comfortable offering opinions to the luxuries of the restaurant.
The Hot Rocks was a pleasant surprise with the Kobe and Scallops my selection as a meal. The quality of the meat was incredible! And the seasoning added to suit my taste buds couldn't have been better.
Oh, I'll be back... save me a seat and some more scotch please!

Pros: Incredible service, incredible food.

Cons: Lack of patio.

Posted 06/16/09

kenichi gets a bad rap. while i like my rolls a little simpler, not so much stuff piled on top of them, they are quite yummy. my favs are austin style sashimi, the calamari, and the kobe with the sambal chili butter.

diners in the know will request table 10 or 11 which have curtains for privacy.

awesome happy hour with $6 rolls, all day sunday and monday!

the servers and bartenders are great, and the sushi chefs are always willing to make rolls to order. many places in town treat their rolls like they are the holy grail, but these guys will do whatever you like!

Pros: really awesome happy hour

Cons: needs a decor update

Posted 04/14/09

I took a girl on a first date here. Lance was our waiter. He had wonderful suggestions for all courses and even made me look good despite my inability to order sushi.

Though we enjoyed everything we had, two things off the menu really stood out. The first is an appetizer I have unfortunately forgot the name of. It consisted of fine steak squares that you cook yourself at the table on a heated stone. I have great steaks before, but this meat was incredible, it blew them all away. The second thing is a sushi roll they call the Japanese bagel. I enjoy any roll with cream cheese in it, but what makes this one so special is the fresh strawberries on top. I recommend you save it for the end.

While many people when reviewing have cited how well people, meaning customers, are dressed here, I was assured by the manager when thinking about coming in that no one is turned away. Me and my date were wearing jeans and t-shirts.

I would and do recommend this place to anyone wanting to make a good impression on someone or just enjoy some world class food.

Pros: extrordinary food and service

Cons: none

Posted 04/11/09

We went to kenichi because a friend wanted sushi and it was nearby. I do not recommend this restaurant. the sushi was average and the prices were honestly ridiculous. Go to almost any other sushi restaurant and you will be more impressed and leave more full - both stomach & wallet!

Cons: way too expensive for the below average sushi served

Posted 03/10/09

Tried this place 3 times now to give them a shot, but have determined this place is WAY WAY overpriced for the quality and quantity of sushi you get. My wife and I both were very disappointed. We've eaten sushi all over Austin and many other places throughout the US and in comparison this place is a joke. You'd be better off buying the premade sushi packets made at HEB (seriously) and taking it to your favorite bar. I don't mind paying for good sushi, but this place is ridiculous!! Sushi rolls are size of a quarter, little to no sauce, with a spec of fish inside. Maybe they were minnow rolls:). We tried both Specialy rolls and House rolls and both were laughable in size, taste, and price. The ambience is okay, just a little too dark. I like dimmed lights, but it goes a little far when you can't see the people's faces sitting at your own table. Bottom line...save your $$$ and "thirst" for good sushi and go somewhere (anywhere) else.

Pros: Located downtown, but that's it...

Cons: Food quality/quantity is horrible. Way overpriced!

Posted 02/08/09

This sushi was simply not good. Many of the pieces had a grainy texture and some pieces had a fishy oder before even making it near my mouth which is a tell-tale sign of bad sushi. The hotate in particular was horrible, cut poorly, and tasted as if it had been frozen and then thawed. The california roll had crab that was odd and had mystery ingredients.

Wait staff was marginal for the price point and the food itself was overpriced for what any part of this restaurant experience had to offer. For a little more $, you could have a five star experience at Uchi that is truly memorable and delicious.

You will not like this location if you are a true sushi eater. You might like it if: 1) you want a downtown, stereotypical bar scene feel; 2) you want to spend to much money to "feel" like you are in a trendy restaurant; and/or 3) you do not like sushi or raw things but you want to say you went to a "sushi" restaurant.

Posted 01/30/09

Great atmosphere, waiter was a smart alec. I commented to him positively that the Sushi was very good. He sneered that, "We are a Sushi Bar" and walked off. The Duck was excellent, but it should be advertised as half of a Duck. Come on I am a Duck hunter, and at best the portioin was half of a breast. The Saki was very good. Miso soup was lame. $230 for 3 people and we had to go eat at Denny's afterwards because we were hungry. Showed up at 7 pm reservation and had to wait because most of the staff was running in the door late for work.

Pros: Great Sushi

Cons: Small Portions

Posted 01/26/09

I may have been expecting a 'good' sushi restaurant, but what we got was a bar. I'll read reveiws before I listen to 'word of mouth' again. In my opions the sushi was marginal, the prices much to high for what you get, and the trashy hostess dress code was enough to turn me off. I won't be going again, but if I have any 20 somethings visiting I'd send them along if they really wanted a bar with expensive, not so tasty sushi!

Pros: I can't honestly think of any

Cons: Marginal food, extremely expensive - this is so NOT Uchi!

Posted 01/11/09

I come to sit at the bar for happy hour and sit at a table with my family. We all love it. The sushi chefs are great and Kiyomi is so much fun when he is in town! I celebrated v-day and my anniversary at Kenichi, and it was unbelieveable. Just a really enjoyable time. Highly recommended. Best steak in town, (try the spicy butter with it!) Kenichi rocks my face!!

Posted 11/04/08

Great bar atmosphere and bartenders! Recommend for a "hot spot" to hang out and enjoy excellent drinks and food!

Posted 10/23/08

I highly recomend Kenichi. They have great food, a great location, great environment, and they create an all round wonderful experience for thier customers. The bar is exceptionally outstanding with its fun atmosphere and fantastic drinks. I was also very impressed by the bar staff. They were fun, energetic, and service was prompt.

Pros: environmet, drinks, bar service

Posted 10/15/08

Great spot on Monday nights for Sushi happy hour prices. Bartenders make great drinks and are always friendly. Sushi is fresh and the selection is creative. I highly recommend it!

Posted 10/14/08

This place is a JOKE!!! The ONLY thing going for this spot is the bartenders who greeted me instantly when I approached the bar and made me some fine drinks. The food is sub par, sushi is bland, when I arrived there was some rude blonde who claimed she was the manager too busy texting on her cell phone to seat us. The music that is played is terrible, the surroundings were dirty ( chopsticks, napkins, silverware on the floor ), the bathrooms were disgusting. Our food came out cold, my six year old could have done better presentation with the plating and our service was absolutely terrible. The waitstaff were all extremely rude, they seemed more interested in giggling among themselves then paying any attention to their customers. I DO NOT recommend this joke of a restaurant to anybody. If you truly want a GOOD even a great sushi spot, then go to Uchi ... BTW One star is being to generous - Zen has better sushi people.

Pros: bar staff, sake and wine selections

Cons: rude management, unprofessional, parking, food, filthy, music, wait, overpriced, loud

Posted 10/14/08

the best place in austin to eat great sushi and taste sum very fabulous sakes. To start the bar staff getts four stars on there knowledge of different types of sakes and they are always ready to guide you threw the menu and make sure your drinking and dining experience is one you will not forget, trust me with the wonderful smiles and kind attitudes you can believe that if you have never had sushi or sake when you leave kenichi you just had a great time learning the bar staff are very helpfull. The staff there is very helpfull and friendly everyone has a smile. The sushi bar is great the presentation is awesome every one at the sushi bar is always ready to answer a question you may have and prepare you a great dish you will remeber again and again. For happy hour you can not beat the prices and the and the good times you will enjoy, great for first dates or that favorite someone in your life. Thanks again Kenichi see you guys at happy hour. TYRONE CARRINGTON

Pros: GREAT BAR AREA BIG TIME SUSHI BAR

Cons: N/A

Posted 10/14/08

I agree in the fact that it is overrated and the snobery is worse than the folks dining at the counrty club on Sunday. Sushi is okay, but majority of the time it comes out warm and not very fresh tasting.

This city has way too many options for great sushi!

Pros: It has sushi

Cons: price, attitude, and taste

Posted 10/09/08

I have been going to Kenichi since it first opened...over the years I have watched this restaurant continue to stay busy - maintain its party atmosphere and even up it a few notches. But one thing is for sure, the food has gotten better and better over the years. The chefs seem to experiment with new ingredients and techniques - constantly trying to create new dishes that tantalize your senses. I mean some stuff is traditional but some items are just creative and delicious. I love eating, drinking & people watching here, such a diverse crowd. Plus the staff is awesome, super friendly & knowledgeable about their restaurant - let your server guide you through your dining experience like I did and you won't be disappointed.

Pros: Creative Food, Atmosphere, Awesome Staff, Full Menu At Bar

Cons: Always Busy, Not Open For Lunch

Posted 09/08/08

After just moving to Austin from Seatle, It was recommended that my wife and I try Kenichi. What
I found from the moment we walked in was a very busy restaurant, which was a good sign.
However, after making reservations over a week in advance and telling the hostess on the phone
it was our 10th anniversary, we were snobbishly told to grab a drink at the bar, where we waited
for more than an hour. The Hostess was sarchastic when I inquired after 30 minutes as to the
status, then finally we were sat in a tiny row of jammed tables inches apart from other noisy disappointed
guest.
What followed was a lengthy wait for our waitress,(more than 15 minutes!), then even longer for
our drinks which were incorrect. Our Sushi was warm and over an hour to recieve. The kitchen food
was mediocre, and nobody paid attention to the fact that it was our anniversary. What good is making
reservations if they aren't going to be honered. The Staff and Managers seemed more interested in
their own conversations then tending to the guest! Our table maintenence was riduculous!
I was completely embarrassed that I took my wife here to celebrate our anniversary. Do yourself a
favor, look somewhere else for sushi!
We won't be back,
Mark

Cons: Too snobbish and not caring about customer service!

Posted 09/08/08

My girlfriends went to Kenichi this past Saturday and had soooo much fun. Yes, it was super busy, but we didn't expect anything less on a Saturday; in the warehouse district and after a game. We hung out at the bar and had some fabulous sake cocktails. The bartenders there ROCK! Got a booth by the window which was awesome. We got to people watch and we were dressed to the "T" and wanted everyone to see us too. This is one of the reasons we come here. Definately the place to see and be seen. There were six of us and we trusted in our server to order all our food for us. He brought out such an amazing variety of food. Some ribeye sliced up for us family style. Sashimi that was to die for and all kinds of different rolls. All that was recommended was perfect. We did some Sake toasts and we all left there very satisfied and ready for our night on the town. Kenichi was the perfect start. I highly recommend this place and will be back as soon as possible.

Pros: Beautiful people, delicious food, ambience

Cons: none

Posted 09/03/08

Took my husband there for his birthday. We went early because we knew about the crowds. The service was okay but my husband said a place in Round Rock had better Sushi for half the price. If you have to eat at a hip place I guess this might be it for you, otherwise save your money.

Pros: Nice looking people, nice atmosphere

Cons: price

Posted 08/31/08

Kenichi is great! I, for one, don't see how others can pan them for being too busy; seems more like a sure sign of a great place to me. My husband and I are long time converts, and it is admittedly a very bustling atmosphere. I'd tell anybody who's afraid of the crowds to get over it, or get your butts in earlier. Whenever you go try the daily specials, get some sake, and relax.

Now, as for some of the other things mentioned on this board, I'd have to say not only do they look as if they were written by a disgruntled ex-employee, I'd measure it was a drunk and delusional one at that.

Pros: Service, Food, Natalie, Matt, Andrea

Cons: Being Busy is not a con.

Posted 08/29/08

After a pretty bad experience at Kenichi, I wrote the general managers and they rectified the situation by awarding us a gift certificate. Very pleased with their response.

Posted 08/29/08

I have been to Kenichi twice lately and both times were great! The first time was on a Saturday. The place was electric - a lot of energy and friendly people. The server said that what they recommend is ?family style?. We had course after delicious course alternating between sushi items, such as the Austin Style sashimi, and hot food. Everything was great, but my favorite was the Ribeye med-rare with Sambal butter. I went with three friends. We had a great time.
The second time I went was a Tuesday night. It was not as busy, but still a fun atmosphere. This time I went with my girlfriend. We enjoyed a bottle of Bride of the Fox sake, which was awesome.
The weekend trip was a party and the weekday was perfect for my girlfriend and me. I plan to visit repeatedly!!!

Pros: Friendly service, great food and sake list

Posted 08/29/08

Way to overrated. Went there for my birthday. Nothing special. Food was ok. Large In-Crowed. Way too busy.

Pros: Great for downtown

Cons: Drinks horrible, food could be better, Too much noise

Posted 08/28/08

so yes, its always busy here....isnt that a good sign? i will not lie the place is full of beautiful obnoxious people, but YOU ARE DOWNTOWN arent you? if you want a sushi restaurant that has a zen garden or nice atmospheric music...DO NOT GO HERE. if you want a restaurant that is fast paced, fun, and energetic...kenichi is the place. NOT to mention the food is great. it caters to everyone. the waiters are very knowledgeable with the food menu and sake/ wine menu. they do not just recite the words. everyone is very friendly and helpful. do not be surprised if you have more than one waiter helping you. the steaks are awesome. sika is heavenly. the sushi is great. happy hour on sundays and mondays all night on food and drinks is well worth the wait.

Pros: friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable waistaff. great food

Cons: it can be very packed equalling a long wait. but its not a HUGE place

Posted 08/23/08

I had a wonderful experience at Kenichi last Saturday. My friends came to visit me, and I wanted to show them a great time and a great meal. We had the Japanese Bagel Roll and the specialty roll, the T Money Roll. Both were exquisite and refreshing. George is the best sushi chef in town. I often come in and sit at the sushi bar and watch him work his magic. We loved the eggplant dishes and I can't say enough about the black cod that is marinated for 72 hours! Fabulous! My friend's loved their experience and found the food innovative and absolutely delicious. Go there...I promise you will love it.

Pros: Delicious sushi, hot appetizers and fabulous service

Posted 08/22/08

My husband and I went to Kenichi a couple months ago for the first time to try their sushi. Mainly because it was recommended to us and also it had good reviews. It certainly did not make a good impression. When we first walked in, it was really crowded, but we were able to get a table, unfortunately next to the most annoying and obnoxious couple. The tables are all next to each other, even at the booth area. People that kept passing by kept bumping my husband's back, he kept ducking people through out the whole time we were there. And I couldn't move once I sat down, or i would bump either person that was next to me. Kenichi is not the best restaurant to eat sushi nor sashimi grade food. The tuna sashimi we had tasted and looked like it was sitting out, it was dry and it tasted like it was spoiled. The rest of the sushi and sashimi we had was just as bad, and overpriced. So to wrap things up, WE DO NOT recommend this restaurant at all, it has BAD FOOD, BAD SUSHI AND SASHIMI, and it's OVERPRICED!!!!

Posted 07/12/08

Went to Kenichi last Thursday night, what a way to start the weekend. The place was dark and full of energy. Both the sushi and the hot food was wonderful, especially after taking some recomendations from the staff, who were fun, interesting and extremely knowledgable. The chef's prepared some of the most aesthetically pleasing, harmonious dishes-definetely give the specials a shot! And don't neglect the pan-asian kitchen, even non-sushi eaters can have a wonderful meal. The cold sake the waiter recomended was great and the atmosphere and buzz of the place really kicked off a great night. Definetely make reservations, andf come before 8 if you want a more peaceful atmosphere. Expensive but ultimately worth it.

Posted 05/08/08

Kenichi has better kitchen food than sushi. True art of sushi is in making the tofu, but they buy their's already made. The restaurant seems hip, but when you look closer: the chairs are chipped and torn. They charge a lot for their food, but they don't know how to upkeep their restaurant. I recommend Uchi's (Owner Tyson Cole was trained by the owner of Mushashino's) or Mushashino's (service is not so great here, so go eat at the bar-sushi is worth it).

Posted 04/27/08

It had been awhile since the last time I went to Kenichi, but a few friends of mine and I were able to squeeze in without a reservation a couple weekends ago, so we decided to grab a quick bite to eat before heading out to the clubs. My friends and I all agreed that though our waiter was attentive and made great suggestions, the sushi was flat in appearance and took forever to make it to our table. Honestly, we would have eaten twice as much in half the time if it didn't take forever to come out. But the service really saved the night with some great drink recommendations, a ton of knowledge about the food, and an overall impression that he wanted us to enjoy ourselves.

Posted 04/16/08

I went to the place for the 1st time to do a birthday celebration for my girl friend last night after hearing from family and friends how great the food is ... unfortunately, the food was not worth the charge. I mean, it didn't taste horrible but it wasn't the quality that I thought it would be since the place is known to be great!! In addition, the pictures on the company website look pretty good. The three different sushi rolls I ordered was in different sizes and falling apart by the time it came to the table. The other dishes that my dinner party ordered did taste bad such as the baked salmon with vegetables. So I probably will not go back there again ... I just feel that the money we paid for dinner ... I could have got much better food at other sushi places around town!!

Posted 04/04/08

I am guessing that Kenichi gets its business from business travelers and out of towners who dont know any better...This place would be out of business if it was not for where it is located. I went there one evening and we were sat at the sushi bar which is right across from where the waitresses get the drinks. It was very inconvienient because they were reaching over our shoulders and over our food to grab sushi from the chefs to serve to the tables. Sushi that tastes so bad should cost about 4 times less, but I am sure that the location costs a lot. I am really surprised that they dont take pride in making the best sushi arangements possible and look at ways to enhance what they have...I guess they know that there will always be people coming by because of the location so they dont have to worry about getting people to come in. I think that is sad because people leave Austin after eating there thinking that this is all that Austin has to offer.

Pros: close to home

Cons: food, service

Posted 03/29/08

Recently went to Kenichi and was torn after my experience there. Although we were seated promptly at the sushi bar for a Saturday night, I was not impressed with the wait staff took 20 mintues just to take our drink orders. The waitress then showed up and did not even bring me a drink. After she brough my friend a drink, she left and didn't come back for another 20 mintues. On top of forgetting a drink, she also forgot an item I ordered from the kitchen. The saving grace was the guy preparing the sushi took great care of us. He was the best part of the night. The waitress could have comped us or at least offered us something for her lack of attention to client's orders. The sushi was fairly good, but I'm not sure that I'd go there again. There are better places to eat sushi! On another note, the music was fun to listen to. And if you go on Wednesday, their resident DJ always plays a good set.

Pros: Atmosphere, Music, Yuppie Watching, Drinks (when brought promptly)

Cons: Wait Staff, so-so sushi

Posted 01/28/08

I wouldn't recommend this restuarant - having made complaints about service in the past I've had no satisfactory outcome though i have contacted the manager and owner.

Posted 01/18/08

We had a reservation last nite. We arrived early and we were blown away by how busy it was. After some cold sake we were shown to our seats. I love the energy of this place! Great food, sushi and music. Everybody was having such a good time, i don't know what has kept me away from Kenichi for so long. I ate the 8 oz filet, and had the kitchen slice it for me, it was incredible. We will be back soon!!

Pros: sushi, entrees, location

Posted 09/22/07

I love Kenichi and will always recomend it to people looking for some great sushi downtown. Over the last few months there has been a large turnover of the staff and of the service as well. I've had some major events there with my family, friends and business but lately it seems like even with days in advance I can't get a decent reservation and if I do the service at the tables is questionable. Two visits in a row I either recieved other tables food or someone trying to pass off not so tasty fish as a plate of austin style sashimi. The people at the Bar however give amazing service despite the rest of the staff not always following suit, and have made up for the lack of service found elsewhere at Kenichi. I still recommend it to people, but expect it to be just as trendy and hard to get a table as ever.

Pros: Great food, drinks and bar staff

Cons: Cross your fingers on not geting someone else's food or a bad piece of fish

Posted 09/16/07

I took 2 of my our of town friends there because of the location and atmosphere...what a MISTAKE!!! The service was terrible, they forgot my dinner and did nothing about it and it took 2.5 hours for 3 of us to eat. I will never, ever, ever go back to this place.

Plus, they serve their sushi almost warm, its disgusting!

Pros: It downtown

Cons: Bad food, bad service all around, always too busy

Posted 07/25/07

I've heard alot about kenichi trough friends but never had a chance to actually try it. I was kind of skeptical after reading certain reviews .But let me tell you it was a great experience ,we sat at the sushi bar where we were treated like superstars. I asked the chef to make us something off the the menu as i was told to do, and one of the dishes that sticks out in my mind was a tuna sashimi with a granny smith apple relish and a truffle garlic soy it was to die for .What made my experience even better was the wait staff it seems like everybody wants to know how you'r doing and cheking up on you best service i've had in a long time.defenetly coming back great people with a good attitude.

Pros: beautiful ladies and great food

Posted 07/18/07

Absolutely the best sushi and scene in the downtown area. We've been twice in the last two weeks, and have always been treated superbly at the door, at the table, and by the chefs. My boyfriend and I constantly recommend Kenichi to all our friends. Try the sashimi specials, and order a steak with chili butter...mmm...

Pros: Steaks, Fish, Service

Cons: We can't go everyday :(

Posted 06/08/07

I walked in and the first thing I noticed was how packed it was! Right when I thought there was no way I was gonna get a table here, a manager greeted me and told me there was a small wait but that he would buy me and my friend sake for having to wait. I thought this was an awsome start to a great night. My waiter was awsome too. The waiter impressed us so much that we just let him bring the best food and drink out and everything was a homerun. The manager greeted us again on the way out, gave us a free appetizer coupon and signed us up for dinner next week. I can't wait! This is some of the best service I've had in Austin yet.

Pros: food, drink and service

Posted 05/24/07

i went to Kenichi last night with 4 other people. We had all heard only good things about it, so when Uchi had an 1.5 hour wait at 7pm on Wednesday we decided to try Kenichi. We were disappointed. I just moved to Austin from the gulf coast of Florida and I haven't been very impressed with the sushi selection in austin. Very boring rolls that are usually very overpriced. Uchi is the best in austin and i would only rate it slightly above average in the grand scheme of sushi. But again Florida has amazing sushi, so maybe its not fair to compare the two cities. Anyway Kenichi review: the drinks we ordered were not very good - I had this key lime martini that was very sour and pretty awful, a few other people had some martinis that were not made very well to say the least. I ordered the Aleucian island roll which was ok, but very small for its $13 price tag only about 4 pieces and the bonzai roll was ok, but again small only 4 pieces. The rolls available are not very creative and most are cooked. I want sushi - not smoked salmon rolls or tempura - which dominate the menu. My friends ordered the seared scallops. When the dish came out the scallops looked delicious, seared and golden brown, but after one bite she almost choked on it, i kid you not. It was completely raw on the inside - i mean cold and slimy. Now if she had wanted raw food she would have ordered sushi, not cooked food. The menu does not say that the seared scallops are served like seared tuna which is essentially raw. She asked the waiter to have it fully cooked. He apologized and when he returned, the dish was only SLIGHTLY cooked. It was still raw in the center. She was not happy and wouldn't eat it. I don't recommend kenichi at all.

Cons: yuck!

Posted 03/29/07