Seemor
KimikaB+Worth Trying
40 Kenmare St, New York, NY 10012
· Japanese restaurant, Asian fusion restaurant, Italian restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (835 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Inventive Japanese-Italian fusion with standout cocktails and buzzworthy pastas; excellent vibe and service, but pricing is high and some dishes divide opinion.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Kimika delivers solid neighborhood dining through exceptional service attentiveness and appealing NoLita setting, with inventive Japanese-Italian fusion that shines in standout dishes like truffle carbonara and tuna tartare. However, inconsistent execution across visits—occasional oversalted or oily plates and variable uni quality—prevents a higher grade, while pricing leans premium for portion sizes. Worth visiting for the creative cocktails and warm hospitality, though not yet a destination establishment.
Restaurant Summary
Set on a lively NoLita block, Kimika feels chic and cozy with a buzz that suits dates and celebrations. Service draws praise by name, and cocktails win fans—one guest said a milk punch was one of the best drinks they have had. However, there are some review authenticity concerns around a single large-party incident with repeated complaints. The cooking leans boldly Japanese-Italian fusion: soy butter bigoli, miso bolognese rigatoni, pizzette fritte, and pristine crudos. When it hits, it really hits—the tuna tartare and truffle carbonara are frequent favorites—though a few diners find some plates salty or oily and note that uni quality varies. Prices trend high for the portions, but fans feel the creativity and cocktails justify the splurge. Families will find a few safer picks like spaghetti pomodoro and fries, yet much of the menu skews adventurous with seaweed, bottarga, and miso. That makes it fun for curious teens but limited for picky kids; no dedicated kids menu is evident, so plan accordingly.
At a Glance
- Inventive Japanese-Italian fusion with several standout pastas and crudos
- Warm, attentive service and an excellent cocktail program
- Pricing is high and portions can feel modest
- Flavor consistency varies (occasional salty/oily or bland reports)
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- Japanese-Italian fusion executed with confidence
- Serious cocktail program with clarified punches
- Private dining room for mid-size groups
What People Love
- Playful fusion that feels fresh
- Tuna tartare with DIY nori wraps
- Truffle carbonara richness
- Personable servers and bartenders who guide choices
Points of Concern
- Value feels stretched: multiple diners cite small portions and pricey market items
- Occasional execution misses: oversalted or oily plates; uni quality varies
- Noise can spike at peak hours; brief waits even with reservations
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (clustered large-party complaints and similar wording) which may not reflect typical diner experience
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$70-95 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For cautious eaters: Spaghetti Pomodoro and Pizzette Fritte with burrata
- For fusion fans: Rigatoni miso bolognese and Hamachi Collar
- For pescatarians: Whole Grilled Branzino and Kanpachi crudo
Perfect For
- Date night with cocktails and shared plates
- Celebratory private dinners for 10-16
- Adventurous eaters who love fusion
- Friends night out in downtown NYC
Location Insights
Area: Trendy downtown block drawing date-nighters and groups; stylish, nightlife-adjacent with cocktail culture.
Safety: Well-trafficked, generally safe with typical late-night urban bustle; good lighting and foot traffic.
Nearby: Near SoHo/Nolita boutiques, bars, and hotels; popular for pre/post-shopping dinners and celebrations.
NolitaNolita is a fashionable and intimate neighborhood known for its boutique shopping, trendy cafes, and diverse dining options ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. The area has a lively yet relaxed social atmosphere, attracting a crowd interested in contemporary culture and culinary innovation.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–22:00
Tuesday17:00–22:00
Wednesday17:00–22:00
Thursday17:00–22:00
Friday17:00–22:30
Saturday17:00–22:30
Sunday
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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