Ki Sushi
Category: Sushi Bars [Edit]
122 Smith St(between Dean St & Pacific St)
Brooklyn, NY 11201 (718) 935-0575
- Nearest Transit:
Bergen St (F, G)
Hoyt-Schermerhorn Sts (A, C, G)
Hoyt St (2, 3)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 12:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat 12:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.
Sun 5:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: No
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Delivers: Yes
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Good for: Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol: Full Bar
41 reviews
Neighborhood: Brooklyn/Williamsburg - South Side
"yum yum in my tum tum go to bozu get me some fresh fresh rolls, cozy atmosphere even a celeb or two, oh dear! service--friendly, prices--low…" read more »
32 Reviews for Ki Sushi
Ok, but not exceptional. The only roll that really excited us was the Ki Sushi Roll namesake. One roll is not enough to get us to come back.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I had to stop coming here when i noticed that I had spent $1000 there in three months. The prices are insanely low when you consider the quality and freshness of the fish. I'm a little bummed that they use bluefin tuna since it is endangered but there is nothing comparable in the borough, and for that matter (when taking into account the price) in the city. Taro doesn't come close, although I would say it comes closest in the vicinity The service is fantastic. I have had maybe two sinewy pieces of fish in the year that I have been coming. The steak is also superb, but who can sacrifice sushi for the steak? The rolls are inspired. I have had the Omakase a couple of times but actually prefer the lower-fi sushi special. All the toro is too rich for me.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (2)
Cool (3)
So I was really excited to try out Ki Sushi after reading the reviews here, but I was a bit disappointed by the size and quality of the food.
Supreme Omakase - promised me fresh sashimi flown in from Tokyo - 12 slices in the dish, it had 6 different types of sashimi - but it was basic: Salmon, Blue Fin Toro, Yellowtail, etc... it was not worth the $35 dollars.
Steak - cut up into slices, it came cold - so enough said
Ki Sushi Roll - amazingly delicious
Lime & Ginger Creme Brulee - TINY !!! It is smaller than usual portions of dessert
Garlic Scallops appetizer - two scallops on a bed of mango salsa.. i was expecting a bit more, so that came off disappointing.
I mean - this place gets 3.5 stars, i think i was disappointed mostly by the size of the food.. I think I would have been happier if I just ordered rolls instead of the Omakase, and the steak was just plain disappointing. Also - our food came out all at different times, so my bf who had the steak finished it before my Omakase even came out.
Not bad. Actually, pretty damn good. Ranks right up there with Osaka. Actually, forget that. Ki surpasses Osaka (though I hate to make the comparison because they are very different types of restaurants). Ki's fish is very fresh, all the food is exquisitely presented, and the atmosphere is comfortable, and slightly chic. Bear in my mind, my definition of chic is probably pretty un-chic. But there's atmosphere at Ki. I suppose that's what I mean. I would likely select Osaka when hungrier, as the rolls are meaty and stuffing, but Ki is more delicate (the portions still large), and the chef's are more fanciful. The food is prepared meticulously, with noticeable care. I like this. You will too.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (2)
Cool (3)
I really hope that this sushi gem doesn't get exposed too much. The fish here is so damn fresh and never disappoints. Getting a table without reservation had never been a problem so far.
Don't miss out on their Omakase. It's so cheap and includes Blue Fin Toro. It's definitely one of the best sushi place I had been to in Brooklyn.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Ki has always been my favorite local sushi spot, and I have never found a better replacement, no matter where I have lived since.
Very creative mushroom salad.
Very nice servers and cheap price.
Two thumb up.
An omakase menu for ridiculously cheap? Yes please.
A gorgeous sushi bar? Yes please.
Unpretentious, comfy decor? Yes please.
Gracious and helpful servers? Yes please.
A grand selection of sake and other delicious beverages? Yes please.
Awesome sushi? Yes please!
Four stars? I gotta keep coming back for the fifth, yo. Take-out is pretty standard. Stick with what you know.
But you see that? Keep. Coming. Back.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (3)
3.75
Very impressed with the Mushroom and Tuna salads
Spicy Tuna above average
Toro was an absolute disappointment.
One of the better Sushi Rest. in BK
one of the more authentic and fresh sushi restaurants in nyc at a reasonable price. consistant superb service. great menu, relaxing atmosphere, good lighting, definitely worth traveling into brooklyn to check this place out...
six words - they make the best sushi ever !!!
make it seven if you include the exclamation point. ;-)
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Wow!
I think it's the best sushi in Brooklyn. Such a good place.
Yes, it's great for a date.
Yes, I ate there alone at the bar and still enjoyed it (I brought a copy of The Economist, and since it's 23 December, not many friends are in town).
So they have toro (fatty tuna), and it was quite good.
They serve sake (mostly cold) in 150mL and larger volumes.
Their appetizers are worth trying. I had some tuna with jalapeno slices in a special soy sauce. Great stuff.
What really surprised me (pleasantly), though, was the warm mushroom salad. I don't know what it had in it, but it was such a pleasant surprise, you will definitely see me going back for more.
I paid $57 + tip for 2 apps, 2 beers, a sushi roll and some of the best sashimi around. I think a normal price is $30 per person.
Please, other yelpers--what's your favorite item on the menu?
NOTE the following morning: I figured out why the mushroom salad tasted so good. I still smell like garlic. Nothing a bottle of listerine can't fix :)
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (3)
The food I had last night was fantastic. I am only giving Ki 4 stars for now, because I only ate one roll and a piece of my roommate's, and I think I should go back and check it out some more. My roomie does frequent the place however, and he says the fish is consistently fresh tasting and delicious. I haven't had that melt-in-the-mouth sensation lately, and I have to say that's what I felt last night. The presentation of all our plates was very pretty. The decor was pleasant, but pretty standard for a sushi place. Service was very nice, but we were waiting around for the check for a while. All in all, I'm very excited to have such a great place for sushi so nearby, and I am looking very forward to trying other things.
Visit #2: Not as exciting as Visit #1. I did try the warm mushroom salad, and that was really good. I had two rolls this time and they were nothing to write home about. They were tasty, but they were huge because there was so much rice and not as much fish. The guy next to me had a beautiful bowl of fish and noodles and I was really regretting my order after seeing that. I'll definitely still come here when I want to eat sushi, but I have to pick wisely.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
What can I say about this place that hasn't already been said?
The sashimi and sushi are the freshest I've had in Brooklyn. The delicious salmon melted in my mouth... Lovely presentation. My date and I also had the seaweed salad, which was perfectly seasoned and slightly sweet. Mmm....... I can't wait to go back here again! While others comment on the lack of creativity / originality, it is the consistency of fresh fish that draws me in.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I am definitely hard to please when it comes to sushi. Well, not that I am a hard ass about it, but I do know what quality is, and I don't like to waste time with sushi that isn't.
Before anything else I have to say that the staff here is probably the most friendly you could encounter. The fish was nice, as were the portions. I ordered a lot of stuff ala carte and was happy. Won't go down as the best ever and the fish selection doesn't bring anything really unusual or unique, but who cares. It's good enough to return to. The decor is really nice and there is a positive energy that just seeps out of the walls.
Good spot.
Disclaimer: I am a sushi snob. I have been fortunate enough to eat at some of the most renowned sushi establishments both here and abroad and, as such, my standards for sushi and sashimi are pretty damn high.
That said, Ki Sushi is the best sushi joint in Brooklyn, and in the Top 5 for the New York Metro-area. It just edges out Blue Ribbon for the Brooklyn title, and is up there with Soto and Sasabune when your scope is widened to the 5 boroughs.
Ki shines in both Dine-In and Take-Out--but you need to approach the place very differently depending on which experience you choose.
Dine-In: I'd recommend the higher-end Omakase. The fish is consistently fresh and diverse, and freshly grated wasabi is just perfect.
Take-Out: Do the ordinary rolls and pieces thing, and keep it pretty standard. You'd be hard pressed to find a place that does these basics any better.
Great service and a real gem in Brooklyn!! Not one seat was empty, it's def. a packed house when I went. I love Ki! I went with family and we shared appetizers and sushi. The service was really great and attentive. they give you hot towels in the beginning. I mean, despite the regular appetizers like gyozas and shrimp tempura, the rock shrimp tempura was pretty good! It has quite a spicy kick. I think the Ki special rolls are really what makes this place so good! Ki roll for $12.. is so worth it!! It's huge and satisfying.. tuna, salmon, caviar and gold leaf!! You have to get this when you come! It's my favorite!! Also, dragonfly, fashion roll, and pikachu is pretty good. I think you get your moneys worth when you come here!Very original creations and the decor is minimal but inviting. Love it!!!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I'm pretty torn over this place. I went in with high expectations, and starting with the positives, I will say that when our Omokase supreme sashimi for two arrived , it was very good, if not overly unusual. They offered us:
Hotate (live scallop) - sweet, creamy & fresh
Aji (horse mackerel) - fresh and good, less fishy than other Ajis I've had
Japnese Rainbow Trout - surprisingly steaky, with subtle but nice flavor and a pleasing texture
Sockeye Salmon - HUGE pieces, tasted very fresh and totally devoid of that too fishy taste larger pieces of Salmon can have, very fresh
Bluefin Toro - one of the fatiest pieces of Toro I've ever seen - totally creamy and jaw dropping. It literally was riddled with white ribs of fat. This came from a very large, prize fish
Wild White Salmon - first time I tried this, was mild, fresh and pleasing
Yellowtail - Huge triangular cut pieces
I might be missing one or two things.
However, we dropped the $40 for their premium omokase, advertised & pushed to us by our server as offering lots of imported fish from Tokyo. I didn't really see it as overly interesting or THAT exceptional. I also noticed they had king crab legs behind the sushi bar, and none of that appeared on our plate.
The service was slow and generally inattentive as well. I asked our server if the omokase came with soup after waiting 20 minutes post-order without a visit from anyone or any sign of food, and he said no, but he would offer it to us since we were waiting. They did comp us an extra bottle each of their sparkling water, but we still waited a long time, and since we ordered the most expensive thing on the menu, you'd think a little service would be warranted.
The room itself is pleasant enough - has that faux kitschy zen Japanese thing happening. And, the hostess was lovely. But one can only stare at a woman for so long while you are hungry and no food has arrived! ;)
This is certainly not a never-go-back sushi place, but as is often the case, the hype isn't 100% on.
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Funny (2)
Cool (1)
Why is everyone so enamored with this place? I suppose if you're into Spicy Tuna Rolls or California Rolls it's decent. I went there one night and ordered the Omakase. I stepped away from the bar to wash my hands and came back with a plate of sushi that was no better than your typical sushi platter. Yea the fish was fresh enough(aside from really overly cold and dissappointing Toro), but if this was the chef's special tasting menu, I'm not sure I need to spend any more money at this pedestrian sushi spot..........
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
Why, oh why did I waste a meal here with a guy? My buddy and I decided to grab sushi so we walked into this joint on a Friday night and sat down at the sushi bar. One of the sushi chefs took care of us - we told him we'd eat whatever he gave us. We had some eggplant appetizer, arctic char nigiri, Japanese mackerel (aji) sashimi, bluefin toro, some other stuff, and the clincher - Japanese uni flown in that day (and only Fridays) from Osaka. The uni was like cool, creamy butter and probably the best thing that's ever touched my mouth. Including a couple of bottles of sake and beer, it set us back about $100 each with the tip. It was damn well worth it. If only I could get a date, I'd have taken her instead...
People thought this was:
Useful (11)
Funny (11)
Cool (13)
Excellent sashimi (omakase plate, sashimi appetizers) including delicious, tiny Kumamoto oysters. Great service and pleasant, low-key appetizers. Highly recommended!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
Fantastic specialty rolls, the daily specials (non-sushi) like the mushroom salad (if anyone reads my reviews, you will notice a consistent predilection for all things fungus, sorry) are esp. great! The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is bc I have had better sashimi albeit for a much higher price. Don't get me wrong, the fish is great & probably the best in the entire Bococa area if not Brooklyn. But with so many amazing sushi restaurants in NYC, I can't give it a 5.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
This is my favorite sushi place in the neighborhood, so fresh, good service, a big smile behind the sushi bar... try the omakase for a splurge.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Okay--this has to be the best sushi place that Cobble Hill has to offer at this point, and that is not a title that I bestow lightly. Not only is one embraced by the cool zen-like atmosphere of the dining room upon entering the restaurant, the service is very attentive and the sushi is extremely fresh and generous in portion size.
I've been here for dinner about 10 times since it opened a few months ago and it's become one of my favorite places to dine. And as far as Osaka fans are concerned: do y'all know the background story on how these two places share a connection? The old sushi chef at Osaka left and opened his own place--our very own beloved Ki Sushi. You will see him on most nights, quick with a smile and humble demeanor and diligently making his creative rolls. I love supporting entrepreneurs.
Try the Spicy Girl roll. The spicy tuna hand roll is a wonderful standby-- edamame and one of those is a light meal in itself! I did not really care for the eggplant appetizer when I tried it a few weeks back. Their white wine selections are good. I'm not a sake drinker, so can't help you there.
A great place to have dinner alone, with friends, or on a date.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
A great addition to Brooklyn. Ki Sushi has a hip lounge-like feel to it. Service was friendly, attentive, and perfectly timed.
The rock shrimp tempura rocked. The fish was really fresh, and good value for your money. These were almost like huge Yama slices here, but with double the quality. You also get alot of pieces in your roll. When I saw a huge tray of food coming my way, I though I had overdone it....but the food is so delicious, go ahead and order more than what you need! The sashimi and sushi was delicious and I loved all the rolls, with the exeption of the Ki roll with gold leaves (there was just too much going on and I couldn't appreciate the various flavors).
Good sake list. Put Ki Sushi high on your list of places to visit!
After living in San Francisco, it's taken awhile to find a really quality sushi place. We tried some other sushi places, only to be disappointed (Blue Ribbon Sushi in Soho is WAY overrated), but Ki Sushi definitely hit the spot. As for the price, Ki Sushi isn't really any more expensive than other quality places in NY. I ordered the hamachi sashimi, salmon sushi and the Ki Roll. All were amazingly fresh despite the fact most of what we got was flown directly from Japan. The Ki Roll definitely tops my list as one of the best i've had, as far as rolls go. My husband got the supreme sashimi omakase and he loved every bite (the only thing he said was that he's used to a little more variety of fish in his omakase). Service was friendly and attentive. I'm still looking for a place here in NY that does fresh live uni (yet to find it at any, but would love to hear of a place if anyone knows of one).
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
If i could take Ki Sushi home to bed after a every visit, i will.
Simply put one of the best Sushi places in brooklyn. I don't know if its because it has just opened so the employees haven't had a chance to slack off yet but this place is simply divine.
The decor is phenomenal, exposed bricks and holes at the top of the bricks for candles to set the mood. Even during lunch time the place is still lit with a glow...unlike say other sushi places that i shall not name *cough - Sushi Tatsu...but i digress.
The servers are simply fantastic, they are attentive and pamper you from the moment you walk in.
The best part? unlike most sushi places, there rolls are generous and there are 8 pieces in a roll, beat that Sushi Tatsu. The taste is simply divine.
Words really cant describe how great this place is....you really have to experience possibly the best sushi at $4 a roll.
Its become my new default date spot...you know what i mean, the place you always go on first dates because its comfortable and you know no matter what atleast you will end the night with great food in your stomach..but alas in my zeal to try to induct every friend(mostly male) i have to the spot...i may have come off as a kinda sleazy to the staff who know me well, its all good though at least i still have good sushi, lol.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Bridget C. took me here for my birthday so 5 stars off the bat for atmosphere since I was sharing such lovely company but even if it was not my birthday and I was dining alone and the busboy kicked me in my shins I'd still say the atmosphere is lovely (although I might suggest more stringent hiring guidelines). Very, very, nice vibe. The sushi for two consisted of an excellent variety of very fresh fish although I was pretty hungry so we ordered some rolls as well which were delightful. Our server was helpful and knowledgeable and had a good sense of humor. I still love Osaka but I'm pretty pumped that Ki Sushi is several blocks closer, that means more sake, less walky...always a welcome advantage.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (3)
Cool (2)
This is just another reason why Brooklyn is becoming my new favorite place to explore. One of the newer additions to Smith Street (seems a new thing opens every other day!) Ki is a great find. Tastefully designed, with stone and exposed brick (really couldn't tell if it was authentic or they designed); not to big, not to small, I really enjoyed the experience. Make sure you listen to the specials, because its one of those places that even though you love the fun roll (and the have PLEANTY creations-- foxy roll a must do), they have some not so easy to get types of fish to try. Prices are reasonable and the red bean ice cream worth leaving room for!!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Ki Sushi is a high quality addition to Smith Street dining. I splurged and got the Ki Choice omakase sashimi platter ($25). It had 15 pieces of really luscious and fresh sashimi that I would not have thought to get myself. I hadn't realized how long it's been since something made me pause and savor. No regrets at all. (For reference: the sashimi regular platter is $16, deluxe is $18. Regular rolls are $4 - 10, $5 average. Special rolls are $6 - 12, $10 average.) There are several options for sake and wine (also by the glass), but I chose beer.
Service was quite attentive and they were busy. As soon as I finished a glass or a dish, it was quietly whisked away. The decor has a modern Asian feel with sleek dark woods and a fountain. The sushi bar is brightly lit, while the front of the restaurant is more romantic. Music is techno remixes, but not so loud as to be a distraction.
Many will compare to Osaka (given it's proximity and target customer base). Ki Sushi is sleek (even the bathrooms), while Osaka has a homey feel and a lovely back deck. I do think Osaka still wins for presentation. But the fish was so wonderful at Ki and the tasting menu offers a chance to alter your choices. You are not going to lose with either, so I'd recommend giving Ki Sushi a try, even if you are a hardcore Osaka loyalist.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
my favorite sushi place in Brooklyn - emotionally it might be my favorite in all of NYC - and I know sushi.
the air-conditioning system does smell a little weird sometimes... but, i can roll with that.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (2)
from the other review i thought ki sushi is suppose to be different than other japanese restaurant.
i'm a sushi eater . i've been to so many japanese restaurant at manhattan, when i moved to brooklyn, i tried ki sushi ...its was nothing so special about it.
its pricey.its more expensive than other japanese restaurant near.
with the same price i can get more nigiri sushi and rolls from other place with the same quality fish.
I popped Albie's meal-with-a-girl-at-Ki-Sushi cherry and I'm proud of it! I came here on Friday after hearing rave reviews about the incredible Japanese uni that gets shipped in "only on Fridays" and waiting a painfully week (I flew in Saturday craving uni). We had Albie's go to man, Kevin, take care of us for the evening . The meal was perfectly orchestrated from the piping hot miso soup with fresh mushrooms, the incredibly buttery toro & avocado bowl sprinkled with thin slices of dried seaweed, a gorgeously presented sashimi platter of the freshest and tastiest fish (Japanese mackerel, hamachi, red snapper, wild salmon, sweet shrimp, scallops) i've ever had. We tried to get the uni but Kevin admitted although they had it we "should wait until next motn as it was out of season" and "wasn't that good." Kevin is our man, the man and he sure knows his stuff. I know I'll be coming back for more, come May.
People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...
Related Lists
-
The Saga of Graduate…
My lovely yet sleepless visit to the Big Apple… -
My Neighborhood
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,… -
Top Restaurants
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the… -
My Neighborhood
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,…
Hot and New
- Tartine
78 reviews
Neighborhood: Manhattan/West Village
- Angel's Share
139 reviews
Neighborhood: Manhattan/East Village
- Little Branch
141 reviews
Neighborhood: Manhattan/West Village
- Di Fara Pizzeria
139 reviews
Neighborhood: Brooklyn/Midwood
- Essex
150 reviews
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Lower East Side