hakubai

My husband and I just came here for our anniversary 2 days ago. We send our warmest regards to the chef, Patissiere Chef and our server Drew for an amazing experience. The food was phenomenal as expectedDrew was the most wonderful and provided the most amazing service my husband and I have ever had dining out. He even has a great sense of humor that my husband pointed out and enjoyed about him! His attention to detail and precision was the highlight of our evening as we never were anxious and everything came on time. His service had made our anniversary the most amazing and wonderful one yet! However we did have a concern with another one of the servers that approached us after our meal. As we discussed and mentioned with the hotel, we find it very concerning that this one particular server purposefully came after us and discussed the bill and gratuity after the meal that we had. That has never happened to us before and found it very rude. This server inadvertently came up to my husband and I and stated that service workers in New York are "entitled" to a 20% gratuity. I found it very odd as we put 10% of the gratuity on our bill- some partly in cash and the other in credit. As we shared with the hotel, we are from Canada- where gratuity stands usually at 10-20%. That's what is usually accepted. We found it odd and very unprofessional to go after a customer. After that weird encounter, my husband provided additional cash to meet the 20% tip demand made by the server, after which the server awkwardly thanked us. Apart from that, our dining experience at Hakubai was phenomenal and made our anniversary amazing. Kindest Regards,Nikkie

We came, we saw, we kaiseki-ed.You can scroll to the bottom of my review to see what we got. Suffice it to say, I've been searching for a kaiseki spot as wonderful as the now-decreased Sugiyama that used to exist in NYC. But with omakase hogging all the Japanese spotlight (why?), there's little incentive in the restaurant world to open places dedicated to this highest style of Japanese cuisine.Thank you Hakubai for being the maverick, for renovating to new levels of elegance, and for showcasing Japanese haute cuisine at a time when too many sheeple are paying inflated prices for nigiri and thinking THAT is Japanese fine dining.The classic Japanese traits of craftsmanship, perfectionism and attention to detail are on full display here. Sit at the bar or don't even bother coming. Try one of their inventive cocktails ($22+) such as the Kiku, which is made with chrysanthemum rum, orange, honey, lemon, seedlip grove, and milk.And come before they realize that $195 for 11 courses (for a KAISEKI!) is actually really low and start hiking up their prices...................................................Our winter menu: - Sakizuke: crab miso - Zensai: ezo awabi, komochi kombu, ankimo - Mushimono: uni chawan-mushi - Otsukuri: sashimi - Takiawase: winter vegetables, chrysanthemum dashi - Onsai: kinmedai kenchin - Yakimono: A5 wagyu, tamamiso - Oshokuji: hitsumabushi, ochazuke, akadashi, pickles - Mizugashi: yogurt sorbet, shiso jelly, buddha's hand - Omokashi: strawberry shortcake - Ocha: dorayaki, bonbon, yuzu tartelette

This is only for the bar area. I went by to check out this new spot and I loved the area. The bar area is secluded and spacious. No need to fight for a spot to sit. The bartender was amazing, and frequently came by to check if we needed anything. We only had one drink, but will return. We had the ume and it was light and refreshing.

Been missing good Japanese food ever since I came back from my Japan trip. I left hakubai disappointed last night . Food was overall below average and nothing to note that was outstanding. however , Ingredients were fresh . My a5 wagyu was a bit overcooked and a bit chewy. Saw the table next to ours and theirs was cooked perfectly pink . The only dish that I enjoyed was the steam egg with uni . The steamed egg was silky smooth . There was a gentleman whom I assume is the manager walking around asking each table how the food was and he didn't bother to come to our table .I thought that was odd...

Gorgeous restaurant, amazing food, wonderful wine & sake pairing, incredibly hospitable staff. Definitely looking forward to returning soon!

Steam egg, sashimi, and strawberry cake are super delicious. Will be back for them again

The kaiseki was amazing. We're not sure we've had better meals in Japan! The decor is elegant. Despite the formal ambiance, the staff allowed us to split the table with the adults eating the kaiseki and the children (ages 12 and 8) eating from the a la carte menu. At the end, they gave us the beautiful chopsticks we used, which I think were made in a special place in Japan(?); it was a nice memento for a wonderful meal.

Great food, great wine/sake pairing/great services. Will visit the restaurant again next time in NYC.

Delightful kaiseki experience, seasonal selections of ingredients and plates, reminiscing childhood memories of hearty foods made by family members with love. All of the plates were artfully crafted and delivered a wide range of tastes, a fine line. Excited for the fall, winter, and more seasonal menus.

Hidden, wonderful restaurant! Sushi incredibly fresh, eel might be best I have had. Desserts were wonderful too. Excellent service, and very friendly! Look forward to going back soon!