Kabawa

I really enjoyed dining here. Everything was delicious, and from our seats at the counter, it was so interesting to watch the chefs prepare each dish. It's a 3 course prix fixe menu, but you get several side dishes which are all great. I particularly liked the Japanese sweet potato which was roasted with pineapple juice. I loved the cobia, especially as it evoked memories of when I ate kingfish in Trinidad. Best of all, the staff are all so warm and friendly, reflecting the spirit of the Caribbean.

I went here the other night to celebrate my wife's new job. I stayed up until midnight two weeks before the reservations were available so I could get my pick on Open Table (this was a new experience for me). What can I say about this place that everyone isn't already saying? The space was cool. The service was impeccable. The drinks were creative and spirit forward. The food was plated beautifully and packed with flavor. If I have one complaint, it is the price for the experience. The price is justified because of the high level of service and food quality. It just means I can't go here once a week to eat this delicious, delicious food. Maybe Paul Carmichael will eventually open an a la carte restaurant that uses slightly less luxe ingredients, so then I can bear witness to his genius as

Kabawa deserves all the flowers it has been getting from the NY Times and James Beard foundation. It’s inventive but most importantly it’s delicious. Standouts include the iconic goat curry which will be hard to remove from the menu because it’s so delicious. Everything was so good but what sets this restaurant apart is the warm, personable hospitality. We were able to talk to Chef Carmichael and what a kind, funny and incredibly warm human being. His ethos is infused into every part of the restaurant. At the bottom of the menu he puts the phrase. “Love yuh self.” You will feel the love after dining at Kabawa.

I visited Kabawa on a recent trip to New York. The open kitchen at the bar makes fantastic viewing as you get to see all the prep. The atmosphere is modern, but also warm and upbeat, including the adjoining bar. The food itself was one of the best meals I have ever eaten. Great balancing of the main (goat) and accompanying sides. Could not recommend enough. I had 1 Plantain/cod/caviar, 2 Goat, 3 Sorbet. Really liked the Tamarind palate cleanser too.

Unique cuisine that is totally worth it. You won’t leave hungry! The coconut turnover is a must along with the goat with curry sauce. Highly attentive staff with a great wine list.