263 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T8, Canada
Italian-Japanese cuisine & cocktails served in a chic space inspired by 1960s Tokyo jazz cafes.
Go for the tasting menu. We enjoyed every course. We had fried stuffed olives, fried octopus salad, charcoal udon, 24-hr coppa, alongside items not on the menu -- silky creamy omelet with king crab, Japnese scallop ceviche in ponzu and mustard, and hojicha zabaglione on passion fruit mochi in a passion fruit white chocolate shell. Every course boasts incredible textures and bold flavors. Would definitely recommend.
My wife and I had a great experience this evening! We had a reservation for 2 adults but had to bring our baby last minute and the restaurant accommodated for this last minute change. They sat us at a booth where our baby’s car seat could be nestled in safely and securely. It isn’t the most kid friendly restaurant but this was definitely a kind gesture by the team. As for the food it was delicious! We had the following: Octopus Salad: crispy fried octopus, wish there was more octopus, the radish and the chili sauce was delicious! Tonno Mantecato: basically a mashed potato ball with furikake with a sourdough bread topped with tobiko - you spread the potato on the toast - very unique combination- we loved the generous amount of tobiko Charcoal Udon: the pasta was cooked to perfection and the sauce was amazing ! Love the addition of the various seafood! 24hr Coppa: pork shoulder cooked for 24 hours, super tender pork and pairs so well with the saffron sauce Celeriac: a great side dish to complement the Coppa! Highly recommend all the dishes that we tried. But favourite has to be Coppa and Udon
Fabulous, delicious, amazing, can't say enough good things. Worth the hype. We did the omakase and I would highly recommend it, it was a lovely mix of items from on and off menu, and it was so fun being surprised by each new dish. I have celiac and they were able to make everything gluten free as well, which was fantastic. My favourite thing might have been a non-alcoholic drink though; the beach club. It was the most interesting drink I've ever had; salty and sweet and acidic and I will definitely be coming back just for that drink alone. The service was also fantastic, everyone was so kind and knowledgeable, and they also put a little candle in the dessert for my husband's birthday. So glad we were finally able to make it, I'm sure it will be the first of many trips.
We loved it! We did the small omakase and there was so much food! Everything we ate was exceptional - from the octopus salad to the steak, all A+++. The staff were kind and made our experience fun. Nothing pretentious, just a delightful experience. Thank you Kissa Tanto! We will be back.
Outstanding food and service!! We went to Kissa Tanto to celebrate 3 birthdays and an anniversary. We opted for the Omakase experience and were not disappointed. In my opinion this is the best food, and service I have had in Vancouver. Thank you Chef Watanabe to you and your amazing staff for making our night so special!
Three words: Best I’ve had. Best service, best vibe and atmosphere, best food and best drinks I’ve ever had. Truly Kissa Tanto is a complete gem. We went for an anniversary and want to make it a tradition every year to return as it was that special. Best dish of the night goes to the seafood udon noodles, a must try. Every bite was incredible, each appy and each drink suggested by our server based on our taste. Eat here!!
We recently celebrated a birthday here, and while the service was top-notch, there were a few drawbacks. Despite having a reservation, we had to wait a few minutes for our table to be ready, which was a bit disappointing. The ambience was nice, though slightly on the darker side. As for the food, it was very average—nothing that left us amazed. The drinks, however, were quite nice. Unfortunately, the price was over the top and didn’t match the quality of the meal. Overall, it was an okay experience, but given the price, we expected more.
Great fusion restaurant with high chance of celebrity sightings 😄 We did the omakase experience for two. 7 courses and 8 dishes to share. There’s a lot of food and you’ll be leaving the place full and satisfied. Everything the chef prepared for us was delicious. The oysters were fresh and the sauces were really tasty. The octopus salad and the wagyu lasagna were the highlights for me. Our server was really nice. He gave great recommendations and gave me all the variations of the haiku cards when he saw I liked them! Overall we had a great time at Kissa Tanto and will be back!
Fabulous service, although a little too much service meaning we were overly coddled and a little more space would be nice. The food was phenomenal and the atmosphere is very cool, although a tad loud.
The food was just not good. And I mean not just for Michelin standards, I mean not good in general. First course was a weird fried calamari dish with too large of leaves to eat in one bite. It was fine but nothing special. Scallops were overcooked. Taste was bleh. There was a terrible risotto that seemed like they just threw whatever they had in the kitchen in it; crab, chorizo, salmon eggs. Honestly couldnt even eat it. The waygu/ steak dishes were fine. The dessert was fine. Nothing special. Overall for a michelin star and for 200+ a person this was one of the worst experiences. The somm service is what gets it not 1 star.
My favorite restaurant in Vancouver. Even way before they got their Michelin star, they were already a top class restaurant. Food is great, service is top notch, and they serve the best cocktails. Thier Carne Cruda and Tajarin are my favorite dishes. Just amazing
Very bad service, very insulting and the way managers were handling were very disappointing, will not recommend and will not go back
Absolutely one of the best experiences i have had experiencing a new to me restaurant. Service is unparalleled, food is over the top. Dont give this one a miss
Amazing food. Amazing staff. The room was a little bit dark and the entrance had a fishy smell but I could tell every effort was made to address those things. (To be clear the restaurant smelled fine inside after the initial stairwell and the staff provided us with a small light.)
Kissa Tanto is truly a gem in Vancouvers dining scene. The food is beautifully balanced and delightfully unique a fusion of Italian and Japanese that creates its own category of excellence. Elegant without a hint of pretension, each dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious. The ambiance exudes charm, and the bartenders and wait staff are warm, attentive, and welcoming. Tucked away at the top of an unassuming staircase in Chinatown, Kissa Tanto is not only my favorite restaurant in Vancouver but also in my top three worldwide. An unforgettable experience from start to finish.
They deserve Michelin star any time
Delightful and surprising experience! Thoughtful service and nice ambience. Thank you Kissa Tanto
Really amazing food, great service
Spent an evening for a birthday dinner. Highly recommend the omakase, as it s simply a beautiful experience into tastes and smells of amazing cuisine. The food was art, and the flavors were perfect. Top notch and worth every dime. Bravo.
The finest memories are crafted at the table, especially when shared with exquisite food and delightful company, all laughing together. Overcoming an obsession with Kissa Tantos tajarin is no easy task, especially as each visit seems to elevate its perfection. This ethereal Japanese-Italian pasta dish, with its delicate strands and luxurious, buttery sauce, continually enchants my taste buds. We paired the entire meal with a soulful wine from Foradori Lezer, juicy on the palate, light and vibrant with tasting notes of fresh red berries, floral hints, and a subtle earthy minerality, reflecting its origin in the gravelly, limestone-rich soils of Trentino, Italy. I support diversity in the kitchen and in every establishment | frequent. At Kissa Tanto, not only is the food exceptional, but the emphasis on diversity is also prominently celebrated. Thank you for the third time, Kissa Tanto.
Ok, so I spent close to $700 on my meal for my partners bday and I they gave us a candle for his bday! A candle! I just spend $700 and you give me a candle. While the food was good you could have gone the extra mile for the price we paid, It was an insult to give us a candle. Also, our drink never arrived .we had to remind the bartender. I m paying top dollar for this and iI shouldn t be reminding anyone
Beautiful restaurant. Definitely a retro prohibited era vibe. Food and cocktails were delicious as expected! Sever was amazing and attentive. Been wanting to go here for the past 4 or 5 years, finally got it. Definitely will return!
What can I say about this place that haven t been said before! Amazing food amazing service! Def try the Octopus Salad, charcoal udon and the Tajarin Pasta! Their tiramisu is so good as well! The base price for the omakase is soooo worth it! We got a steak and lobster in the roster and its so good!
Pictures speak louder than words. Sigh
We have returned here after two years of intentionally avoiding the service. At the very least the condescending waitress is not there anymore. Its very mediocre and nothing special in service . If you have travelled around the world this is average service or below than other countries service which is fine if you are thinking about Vancouver standard. We ordered $300 of food but do not think they deserve a normal amount from what they do. Dishes are good but nothing special as they are made to be. They dont care about follow up with bad service nor consistency of the staff which likely is because they dont stay long. 2 years ago... We come here several times a year for the last several years and it has definitely become one of our most favourite restaurants. Not anymore. Yesterdays experience was the first time that we left with a sour taste in our mouth due to the below than average service, which hasnt happened in the past. We ordered about $150 for the two of us including two drinks. We had ordered four dishes. Normally they ask if we want it all at once or ask us if we want our next dish. We assumed it would be the same. After ordering an hour ago. We had only had our second dish, we were waiting to have that pasta dish with the next two. The Asian fellow in at the bar we have met more than once before and was professional and very considerate as usual. But the causasion lady at the bar was not to the standard of the restaurant. Once I had mentioned about the next dish and how that was normally the case with all of it coming one after another she said weird and that kissa tanto doesnt do that. I had told her we had been here several times and its always been like that or asked by the server. The waitress then said she didnt want to overwhelm us. I dont see why adding another dish in front of us when there was currently only a total of one dish would overwhelm even a child. If she had ever eaten at an Asian restaurant there can be ten dishes in front of you so I assumed she was creating an excuse for her actions. And what made me really frustrated at this dining experience was she said next time you have to let your server know as she walked away. Customers dont need to be scolded for paying the restaurant $100-200 every time we came here. I feel this experience actually will make us double think about returning which is very upsetting as this had become my partner and myselfs goto place for occasions. They also knew it was my partners actual birthday but unlike other restaurants didnt do anything about it. I really hope them receiving an award has not made them big headed because it was only after that award that we had experienced such poor service here. At the most we may only do takeout of the one dish that we return for. In that way we can avoid the possibility of service that ruins the rest of your evening.
You are going to hate going down the stairs After you go up. Food
10/10. Amazing service.Amazing food. Will be back for sure.
I have been to many Michelin restaurants, and this is the first time I have encountered such poor service and experience. The service attitude was so bad that I was shocked. It was the first time I encountered a Michelin restaurant that didnt welcome Chinese speakers!
Great ambience, drinks and food but wish they had some depth in the menu.
One of the best dining experience we ve had coming from someone who travels to eat!!
Disappointing. A great waste of money for a meal that s not worth it. We tried the tasting menu, and the dishes were poorly prepared, lacking finesse, with very mediocre flavors. One of the courses was a bland salad, and another was an octopus salad that, if youve ever tasted good octopus before, felt like a complete waste it was utterly flavorless. Another dish was an omelette with crab, and while the crab must have been expensive, the elements didn t blend well together. It felt like the chef was trying to achieve something ambitious but fell short. Definitely not deserving of a Michelin star.
Food and Service were perfect as always. Highly recommend.
Bronwen did a fantastic job with our Omakase. The experience and food lived up to the price. The portions and pacing of the meal was what I expected and I left satisfied. Standout courses were the A5 Wagyu, Agnolotti, and the Octopus. The whole cooked fish, traditional spaghetti, and white chocolate mousse were fine but didnt live up to the rest of the meal in my opinion - despite the nice plating. The service was great and drinks were expensive but delicious. Bronwen did a great job with recommendations, professional banter, and making sure each person at the table was taken care of.
We visited Kissa Tanto and tried their premium omakase ($200 per person). The dishes were very flavorful, well-presented, and well-portioned. The service and atmosphere were top-notch. However, considering the price, we expected more premium ingredients, such as caviar, truffle, Japanese wagyu, which were not included or maybe even more uni. Overall, I d rate the experience 7.5/10. I believe $200 would go further at other fine dining restaurants.
Ok, so. I do not regret our decision to go here for dinner. We were entertained. That being said I would not go back and I would warn others not to go. The Emperor has some clothes- he s not standing there in the nude but upon reflection this was not a $500.00 meal. Starting with the positives- our server was a delight, I would say the best I ve ever had at a restaurant. Another positive- one of the deserts was an ice cream with caviar, and that was incredible. Now for the less great parts. We did the tasting menu which included the following savoury courses: four oysters, microscopic scallops, veggies with slightly less microscopic fried octopus, an omelette (and yes it did have truffle but eggs are still eggs), butter noodles and four small pieces of blue fin tuna. Eggs and butter noodles, are, at the end of the day still eggs and butter noodles. If you are going to serve me four extremely small pieces of blue fin tuna, don t tell me you have 750 LB s of it in the kitchen (another server, not ours ended up telling us that). For that price we shouldn t have had to go to McDonalds after - which we did! I want to be clear, I am a foodie, I love fine dining, this is not my first Micheline experience, but this did not hit.
Wonderful dining experience! We enjoyed great food, service, and ambiance. Favourites were the charcoal udon and carne cruda.
Kissa Tanto is truly a dream dining experience. We opted for the tasting menu, and the restaurant did an incredible job tailoring it to our preferences. From the moment we sat down, we were in good hands with our server, Roberto, who made the experience extra special. His warmth and enthusiasm made us wish he could join us at the table! He even went above and beyond by speaking to the chef about our eagerness to explore seafood while in the city, and the team curated a personalized menu that left us speechless. The meal started with an octopus salad and fish crudo, both of which were impossibly fresh and uniquely prepared. The bluefin tuna dish that followed was one of the most inventive takes I ve ever tasted, and the king crab omelette was like biting into a cloud so soft and fluffy. One of the highlights of the evening was an off-menu pasta dish, bursting with flavours so distinct and memorable, I know I ll never experience anything like it again. The main course featured a rich, perfectly cooked ribeye with a Japanese-inspired creamy sauce that elevated every bite. And as if the savory dishes weren t enough, the dessert an extraordinary take on panna cotta was easily the best I ve ever had. From start to finish, Kissa Tanto exceeded every expectation. It s a restaurant that not only delivers on flavor but creates an experience you won t forget. Really wish I can go back and try some of the other pasta dishes. Kissa Tanto was truly a dream.
Hands down the best meal Ive ever had. Felt like I was transported to a picket dimension of good vibes and amazing food. Definitely on the expensive side of things but you absolutely get what you pay for could not recommend more.
Incredible dinner. Fantastic concept. Every dish was balanced and very well thought out. There were incredible surprises, like the roasted celeriac. If we are ever back in Vancouver, we are def making a point if coming back.
Very attentive and knowledgeable bar staff, nice cocktails. The food is generally excellent, with one or two exceptions. They either ran out of truffle or they re using minimal / very old truffles, I didn t taste truffle at all. I m a truffle hunter in Washington state. They have vinyl records for decor and a record player but they only use it for storing dishes. They use an iPhone with an aux dongle for their music instead. That would be totally fine in a dive bar. But I don t think that s what they claim to be. The hostess was nowhere to be found when we arrived and she was weirdly rude and awkward when seating us. She s unfit for a customer-facing role. Overall, I would totally go back for a cocktail and one or two specific dishes. But I don t trust their whole menu or their non-bar staff. There s a lot of corner cutting. Vancouver has plenty of fine dining restaurants where that is not the case.
Incredible. Cocktails are a must.
I had a great experience dining at Kissa Tanto. Staff is super friendly! The space is nicely decorated (very warm and cozy). The food is very good, very balanced and beautifully presented! I tried the omakase dinner which came out to over 200 dollars. It is a very pricey meal but I highly recommend if you go here to try out the omakase choice. You get to try multiple dishes on and off menu!
Really nice place with an innovative menu.
excellent service. friendly. good vibes. swanky loungey music. get the octopus salad.
Lives up to its name.
Depecionante. Disappointing. We had the Osakamase menu of 155$ and nothing was spectacular and a couple of dishes were very plain and untasty, and the elaboration was simple. We have been in 5 Michelin Stars in Europe and this was waaaay below our expectations from our past experiences. Also, we have had better dinners in Canada for less money. The service was excellent and went the extra mile to provide us a great dinner, which I deeply appreciate, but unfortunately for us it was completely unworthy of the price for what we got. I want to thank the service for listening to our feedback during the dinner though, kudos to that.
We liked Kissa Tanto, but it didn t live up to our expectations as our main treat for honeymoon. Firstly, I do want to say that our waiting staff was lovely and enthusiastic and the food was indeed taaty. However, we felt it was too expensive for the food (we preferred far cheaper food elsewhere) and the atmosphere was too dark and frantic. It didn t feel like a relaxing experience unlike other Michelin-starred restaurants we ve been to in the UK. The food was tasty and some dishes really nice, but at least one fell short of expectations which is difficult when you re paying so much.
I would give it a 3 and a half star, good environment, service was ok, food was good but for the price I paid, would have expected more of the service and food. We had the omakase, but it was not quite my past experiences of omakase. I would suggest ordering from the menu instead, we paid almost $300 per head after tax. I did mention it was a birthday dinner, yet I had to remind them when the dessert actually arrived without the candle. I would say it was overrated
Dining at Kissa Tanto was a delight from start to finish. The burrata salad was a fresh, creamy start, setting the tone for the main event: spaghettoni with a subtle Japanese curry twist. This dish elevated classic Italian pasta to new heights, blending flavors in a way that was both unexpected and exquisite. A true culinary masterpiece that lingers in memory long after the meal is over.
Great food. Cool how they don t have a set menu and the chef just kinda makes whatever based on group size and preferences. It was very filling, which is cool for a fine dining place. One of the pasta s was one of the best pastas I have ever had. Drinks were really good too, I recommend Green Eyes if you want something refreshing.
A fantabulous take on a Japanese Italian fusion menu! The Omakase approach to dining seems to be the way to go if you can swing it. For someone familiar with Italian and only somewhat familiar with Japanese cuisine, the food was VERY approachable and familiar in flavor profile, construction, and presentation. The vibe of the place was really swanky and high end. The service was attentive but not overly so. Overall I had a fantastic experience at this very unique restaurant!
The food and service was amazing. Everything we had was top notch. Cocktails and everything paired so well. Beautiful restaurant and best birthday celebration.
top tier omakase adventure. friendly as possible within the confines of the dining experience being so structured.
everything was amazing top to bottom. communicative servers, great food and awesome execution. a must visit for any special occasions for family and friends.
Simply brilliant! One of the greatest food experiences of all time!!
We loved every part of this meal. Snuck in for one of the last minute reservations and got seats at the bar. Cassandra was absolutely phenomenal. Highly recommend the upgraded omakase. We gave them a few dishes we were interested in on the menu and they gave us something similar to both. Food was outstanding to say the least.
Amazing food and ambience Recommend -End of the dark street cocktail - the spagetini nero Food : 5/5 |
Exceptional service, great atmosphere and amazing sea food. Be aware, with quality come higher prices ;)
Food review: Kissa Tanto (Vancouver, BC) If you travel Vancouver, Kissa Tanto is a restaurant worth checking out. It s Japanese and Italian fusion. It s culinary creativity and perfection at its best. Exceptional meals and exceptional service in a small restaurant that is designed to exude a 60s style Jazz night club. Very cool spot. Here s what we had: Tonno Mantecato - memorable. confit Albacore tuna, smoked potato, furikake, bruschetta w/ tobiko Burrata Salad - simple yet incredible. heirloom tomatoes, BC cherries, minted pea emulsion, amazake dressing Fish Crudo - light and flavorful. shiso vinaigrette, radishes, Tokyo leek, capers, pickled almonds, Castelvetrano olives Charcoal Udon - creativity at its best. Dungeness crab, prawns, squid, Calabrian chili butter Spaghettoni - I wept openly after the first bite. ragu of Wagyu, nut-fed pork, tomato, Japanese curry, spiced pangrattato Halibut - very good, secondary to the others. mixed mushrooms kelp Acqua pazza, glazed Hakurei turnips Celeriac - maybe the best side on the planet to a main. golden raisin butter sauce, shiso gremolata, toasted hazelnuts Jordan s Beans - excellent, but second favorite time the Celeriac. smoked ham hock, grilled fermented cabbage, chickpea crisp Service - absolutely perfect. Friendly, precise and a singular focus on customers having an exceptional dining experience. Go here if you can. This is a place that celebrates people and food.
One of the coolest places in the city.. service is always perfect and the food is delicious
Kissa Tanto elegantly blends the Japanese and Italian flavors to deliver one of the city s best dining experiences. The name Kissa Tanto is another fusion of Japan and Italy, with kissa refering to the Japanese jazz cafes of the 1960s and tanto simply meaning a lot in Italian. The fusion at Kissa Tanto is perhaps inspired by chef owner Joël Watanabe s mixed heritage (his father is Japanese while is mother is Corsican-French Canadian). The interior at Kissa Tanto is stunning, with Pete Wells accurately describing the design as a set from a David Lynch movie. The standout on the menu are the tajarin with butter, cheese, miso-cured egg yolk and black truffles. They are things legends are made of and better than most tajarin I ve had in Piedmont. The whole fried fish at Kissa Tanto was deliciously tender.
The quality of food was a joke. LMFAO! -68$ for omelet with truffle (no truffle taste at all) LMFAO? -Pork was as dry as the desert -one of the pasta tasted like it came from pizza hut asia -one of the other pasta tasted like dried up cooked instant noodle (the bad instant noodles kind too) LMFAO! Amazing server tho
Was not disappointed and very much looking forward to coming back. Loved the surprises on my palate as bites of food unfolded BUT Did the omakase - the stand out was the beef tartare. I need my own next time. Tajarin was interesting. Octopus salad was not my thing but the daikon was memorable. Scallop was yummy with the shiso leaf but that sauce was delicate. Noms. Dessert was incredible. Was hoping for more seafood on the omakase being a Japanese/italian fusion place on the west coast. The beef main course was not good something about sous vide always makes me feel like the meat is artificial. I was wanting a salt crusted sear or char because the side it came with was mushy with a few chopped nuts (hazelnuts?) The celeriac side was beautifully cooked but the flavor was too sweet since the sauce that came with the beef lacked acid or heat, and overall IMO did not have any Italian or Japanese feel ? More French. Service was nothing special. Also they wiped the tables between courses with a gnar looking rag. Something I would use to wipe down the gaps between my windowsills. Maybe use something that matches the decor <3 Ok done with the tuff stuff even though I was a bit harsh on some things, I still think this is the BEST restaurant in Vancouver if you re wanting a -modern- Michelin star experience. I am coming back for tartare, burrata salad, and whole fish!!!!
Good food, OK service
One of Vancouvers best!
Wow, wow, wow! Incredible experience here. Every plate was delicious. Our waiter gave us several excellent recommendations. We will definitely be back!
Fun, Romantic, Tasty..need I say more??
Holy Moly this place is LEGIT!
One of Vancouvers best restaurants.
Kissa Tanto, a small and unassuming restaurant in Chinatown, marks my second Michelin in Vancouver. This place came recommended by my friends so I had high expectations, which they delivered for the most part. Impeccable services and outstanding whiskey selections as well. Unfortunately it s been a while ago since I dined here and I lost my receipt. Will post prices for dishes when I can find them. I would say the best dishes were the house special (which changes daily/seasonally) so just check in with the team when you re there. Tajarin ($35) Octopus Salad ($27) Burrata Salad ($39) Margret Duck Breast ($65) Truffle Omelette (NA) Steak (NA)
One of Vancouver s premier dining experiences. The Valentine s Day set menu and alcohol pairings were excellent.
A very smart-looking restaurant, and while lively it wasnt deafening as some restaurants can be. The servers were friendly and attentive I dined by myself the at the counter, and I swear the bartender refilled my water glass after my every sip. I ordered the tasting menu, and it was a succession of gorgeous and delicious courses, begininning with a gamechanging olive dish, and ending with a citrus and olive oil dessert that delighted, with no missteps in between. My only disappointment was that I hoped to practice my Japanese-speaking skills, but its not that kind of a place, so I practiced my Japanese-reading skills while I ate instead Im flexible. It was a great evening I think this is a new favourite!
Everything about our experience was great! It was pricey but so worth it! We had the omakase experience for $200 per person. We had a total of 7 dishes and it was truly one heck of a culinary experience! I definitely have to save up to try their most expensive omakase level. Yolo Dietary restrictions: Just let them know if you have any dietary restrictions and they are more than happy to accommodate your request.
Kissa Tanto was the first restaurant in Vancouver I wanted to try that had an average price point over 100 dollars. I am a foodie at heart and I dont shy away from food at 10 dollars per person to over 100 dollars per person. My partner and I ate here a week ago, and thought the food was good, but not great for the price point. We tried the Carne Cruda which I liked, but unfortunately it came with only 5 little crackers. There was definitely more Cruda to cracker ratio, which makes you wanting more crackers to enjoy with the rest. We had the Charcoal Udon, and this was my favorite meal of the night. Dungeonous crab was really great with the dark udon noodles. This was a bit more filling, which was great. I would recommend this particular dish. As a main that I shared with my wife, Halibut dish, and this was a bit of a disappointment. Fish wasnt as moist as I was expecting and the turnips were surprisingly much harder than expected. Even our server commented when we cut them and hit the bottom of the plate, he thought it was the fish, but said it made sense it was the turnips. As for the atmosphere and decor, this is top tier. Let me be clear that the service is top notch. Servers are tentative, great with people and know the menu quite well. They CONSTANTLY ensured my water glass was always full. I appreciate that! Kudos to the serving staff there. Overall, Im debating whether I should give Kissa Tanto another go. Maybe it was just a menu option for the season that didnt jive with me, but I do see the potential here that maybe I didnt luck out that night. I feel for other restaurants that Ive tried in Richmond that have fusion options, there are better options for the price. Certainly come to Kissa Tanto for the atmosphere and service, and hopefully if I come back to the restaurant again, I hope to luck out with some different dishes.
Really enjoyed my meal here - particularly the pasta dishes and beef. Highly recommend doing omakase for a party of four - you get a good variety of dishes.
The service was top notch. They took the time to explain everything. There was six of us but with two kids and normally they require entire tables of 4+ to order omakase but they let the kids do a la carte. The pastas (which you can order a la carte) were really good. In particular the charcoal udon had a lot of umami. It was the smoothest, silkiest udon Ive ever had. The omelette (off menu) was super smooth and apparently it was because of the soy that they added. Im going to have to try this out at home (the soy omelette, not the actual restaurants dish). The mushroom stuffed with chicken + pork tsukune (off menu) was also really good. Im not sure I can say why other than it was very satisfying. The cocktail menu was pretty extensive too. Wine menu was decent. I found some favorites (Cristom, Christophe Mignon).
Great service and food. Get the course menu for sure .
Ever since my first dining experience at Kissa Tanto and every one since, I ve been impressed by the service and high quality of food. I highly recommend the chef s tasting menu, or splitting dishes with others because you ll want to try everything you can.
The owner and staff deserve all the accolades. My new goto in Van.
Gave me food poisoning for 2 days before my flight and I have no food allergies.
Amazing. Just amazing.
Went for my birthday two months ago and what still stands out in my mind are two things: - the staff was so patient when explaining dishes, and we really appreciated their non-rushed interactions. It definitely felt like they did a great job in both training their staff on the ingredients and processes that are behind each dish, and they had enough staff as to where they could provide undivided attention when present at the table. - the toast with roe and potato was incredible! Though it was a special occasion for us, there were plenty of folks extra casual dining, so I d say come as you are and enjoy the experience
Amazing food! Definitely worth going and sharing all the dishes. The service was excellent. Highly recommend this place.
Ridiculously good. Preposterously, even.
The food was okay, I am definitely a picky eater so I didn t find anything on the menu for me. I ended up only getting a drink. For the price tag, it s not a place I would be open to trying new food. It s definitely a place that is more for sophisticated palettes :D The drinks were really good though. My friends got their features cocktail and I got one that was Japanese plum wine inspired. Unfortunately I didn t take any pictures this time!
I was hoping for more Japanese flavours coming through but it was mostly Italian. For $200 per person, I expected much more seafood. Flavours were good but not worth $200 per person.
We were tempted by many of the menu options but in th end went with the chef s men. Every dish was bursting with flavour and we were really enjoying something completely different. It started on a very high note with thinly sliced scallops topped with finely shredded venison. We started with cocktails and shared a nice sake to drink with our many courses. To make the evening perfect the Canucks won so go on to the next round. An excellent dinner.
Amazing food and cocktails. Pastas are a must have. Neighborhood is dodgy but don t let that dissuade you.
Beautiful restaurant and amazing service! The food was all delicious! As with most Michelin restaurants, you come here for the experience!
We visited Kissa Tanto for my partner s birthday. I splurged and ordered the $200 omakase set (per person). The menu said there were more high end ingredients such as uni and caviar with this higher priced omakase, and the server reconfirmed this when we sat down. The food was good overall, we tried plates that weren t on the normal menu. We had a small portion of Wagyu as a course to share, but otherwise I can t say we had more exclusive ingredients than the lower priced omakase set. With a drink each, tax, and tip, my bill was about $550. This is definitely a special occasion meal, unsure when I ll come back again.
*Warning, a long review, but worth the read* From start to finish, Kissa Tanto met (and exceeded) our expectations! Celebrating our friends 20th anniversary, we strolled up to the entrance, only to be greeted by Chef Watanabe, who indulged us with a photo after chatting with us for a few minutes about his passion for connecting with his guests. Walking up, we took in the atmosphere of the restaurant. Our group loved the decor which was minimal yet effective. Our friends kept commenting on how cool it was. We clearly had a different experience than some of the reviewers, as the staff were a HUGE part of what made our night so enjoyable. Attentive, engaged, and clearly passionate about what they do. We never felt pushed into decisions, or upsold on anything. Primarily taking care of us for the evening was Daniel, who kindly selected our dishes for the evening after we asked him to just choose what he thought we would like. We have no allergies, and arent squeamish, so we like to think we are easy to surprise with menu options. We chose cocktails; the highlight for me was my Shoreline Martini, it was crushable as Daniel so eloquently put it. Our appetizers were the Tonno Mantecato, Carne Cruda, and Octopus Salad. Our table was divided on favourites, but we all agreed they were all delicous. Next was pasta, which the incredibly helpful/knowledgeable/fantastic Belinda helped us pair with a gorgeous bottle of white wine. Our table shared, Tajarin and Spaghettoni. The Japanese curry aroma and flavours in the Spaghettoni lingered in the best way possible. Both equally gorgeous, complex and yet simple in presentation, these dishes satisfied us all. For our main event, the Whole Fried Fish and 24hr Coppa, with a side of Jordans Beans had been selected by Daniel. They did not disappoint. The fish while impressive (and the favourite of our friend) could not compete in my opinion, with the melt in your mouth and incredibly flavourful Coppa. The surprising awesomeness of Jordans Beans however, stole the show. Their creamy and rich texture was the perfect complement to our main dishes. All of the staff who took care of us that evening, Daniel, Emma, Roberto, Simon and Belinda were by far some of the best I have seen, and I worked in the industry for over 15 years. All were passionate, knowledgeable, and put up with my husbands corny jokes with friendly smiles. To complete the experience, we had another opportunity to chat with Chef Watanabe, who came to our table to see how we were doing. We learned more about Jordans Beans, getting a bit of the story behind the passionate farmer of the beans themselves and what makes them so delicious. This is the kind of experience I would have expected from an establishment of this caliber, and yet I still felt surprised by the intimate nature of it all. Yes, it was a little louder than we may have liked, but I can only assume people were discussing their dishes and day as eagerly as we were. We left feeling like we had had enough, and felt like it was money well spent. Will we be back, absolutely! It was an absolute pleasure to dine at Kissa Tanto, as my mother always says make a memory, and that we have!
Went to Kissa Tanto a few weeks ago as a group 3 and the general consensus was... disappointing... to put it lightly. We had this restaurant on our list for a while and had high expectations, especially since it has a Micheline star. Started off with a great impression, but then just went downhill. Starters Carne Cruda - Delicious Fish Crudo - Delicious Tonno Mantecato - Unpleasant experience in textures, VERY messy and just not worth the final flavor result... so MUCH tobiko and the tuna was very mild in flavor. Ultimately we did not enjoy this dish. Mains 24hr Coppa - The pork was a bit dry in sections and mild in flavor - even with the sauce. Did not finish. Spaghettoni - Salty, overcooked pasta and the wagu was lost in this dish. Did not finish. Tajarin - This was pleasant however mild in flavor and overall simple. Desserts Yuzu cream - Delicious - the Olive oil drizzle was an interesting touch. Tiramisu - Simple, not memorable, did not finish. Drinks The drinks both alcoholic and Mocktails were delicious Service Our server was informative and attentive. Every time we so much as thought of a question, he would appear. He was great. Presentation The presentation of our food was phenomenal but it was just highly disappointing when the flavors & textures did not match it. Overall - because the main goal was the food... it was disappointing, especially at that price point. It made us question the Michelin star rating system.
First thing first the food was amazing. I recommend the charcoal udon if you don t know what to order. However if you are an introvert like me or would like to have some privacy while eating I don t recommend this restaurant. Me and my husband visited on a Sunday a few weeks ago. We were seated infront of the bar and that was probably a mistake. The waiter kept interrupting our conversation and tried to join us. That was kinda annoying. My stomach was feeling a bit weird that day so I didn t order any alcohol. The waiter seemed very upset and he repeatedly asking me if I want to order cocktails for probably 4 or 5 times. Very pushy. I understand the they want to make more tips but a customer shouldn t be pushed to order anything.
Update May 10, 2024 Came back to Kissa Tanto and everything was still amazing. They have their Michelin star now and it is well deserved. Original Review: Love this place (except for one thing which I will mention in the end)! The food was amazing a fusion of Japanese and Italian, which are both favourites of mine. We had the Burrata, Truffle Omelet, Tajarin (very creamy and mushroomy), Sablefish, Braised Greens (this was a bit salty and was the least favourite of the night) and the Yuzu Cream. Everything was amazing but the highlights were the Sablefish, Truffle Omelet and the Yuzu Cream. The one thing to note was that while the Truffle Omelet was actually very very delicious, it was one of the specials of the night and our server did not let us know how much it was and I was a bit shocked to be charged $75 for the Truffle Omelet. It did not seem like it was worth $75 based on taste and presentation. I don t care about $75 but was not expecting that. Partly my fault, I should have clarified so lesson learned.
Lovely spot, reasonable prices, I appreciate the very clear communication of market price prices right at the beginning of service. However, not a huge fan of the pressure to order omakase-style at an ambiguous price point. I like having the option, but our server really made us feel like it was the only way to do it properly- even ordering A5 wagyu, oysters, and other premium options a la carte, we spent a lot less than the cheapest omakase suggested! That being said, the food was incredibly fresh and well presented, and after choosing our food the service was impeccable. Would happily come back as I wish I could have tried the rest of the menu!
Superb!
Cozy atmosphere and delicious dishes like the Albacore Tuna and octopus Salad make it a wonderful. Great service and a fantastic wine list complete the experience.
Not for the value eater. Almost stereotype of an expensive restaurant. Small portions, extra high price, $90 for 2 pieces of uni and some pasta . I found it odd that in Chinatown, next to the poorest postal code in Vancouver/Canada DTES, not a single Asian serving. If youre into great service, they change your plates with each new dish like a Chinese banquet... the dishes werent really that dirty. The food was inventive and some were really good. The kicker was that it was an most expensive meal for me... My wifes birthday candle in the end was disappointing. Just a candle to make a show that it was her special day. Other lesser places with smaller bills have done a lot more.
By far one of my favorite restaurants in Vancity Amazing Amazing Amazing Food : 5/5 |
To say kissa tanto was a good experience would be doing it a great disservice. The food was incredible, the ingredients were well thought out, and extremely tasty. The service was prompt, delightful, and to a very high standard, and the surroundings were so beautiful and well fitting to the vibe of the restaurant that it was fantastic. We had a phenomenal time, and Im excited to go back.
Its everything you dreamt it would be. Just go there and live their food. Kid-friendliness: Dont bring your kids. Their selfishness will just embarrass you and steal your attention away from the gorgeous experience. Children cant understand that food isnt about them. Sit them in front of the clothes dryer and go be grown-ups for a while.
Perfect little date night spot with a warm and intimate setting. Service was top notch. Some dishes were amazing while others didn t quite hit the mark for us. Highly recommend and was pleasantly surprised by the Charcoal Udon over the Tajarin pasta. Also ordered the off-menu truffle omelette which melts in your mouth, but beware it will also fill you up quite a bit and costs you a pretty penny ($68). The Tonno Mantecato sounded very unique but was not a fan; felt that the tuna was masked by the mashed potato. Fish Crudo was very light, flavourful and refreshing.
Another overrated, overpriced Michelin star restaurant. We ordered the Tartare, Buckwheat Miso Carbonara, and the Tiramisu. Every. Single. Dish. Unbalanced and bland as heck. Coming in, it was hard to choose what to eat because the menu was sub-par to begin with, but when the dishes came out it was clear that the chef lacks even a basic ability to balance their dishes. So putting together a well designed menu was out of the question. Let s start with the Tartare. Or should I say, plate of Parmesan. Completely overpowered the dish, you couldn t even taste the meat. Next, the buckwheat carbonara. What were you thinking with buckwheat tagliatelle? First, you can t even appreciate the nutty buckwheat flavor - so why even include it? Do a soba dish or something. While the balance is flavor was better, the guanciale was so sparse you might as well had not even included it. Spice/pepper level was advertised as a kick, but was extremely muted. Then, the Tiramisu. We had high hopes as it was presented nicely - but it was a watery mess. Unbalanced as hell, with the liqueur overpowering everything. So all in all, an extremely disappointing experience in terms of food. Service was good, atmosphere was your typical too crowded to properly execute money sucker. The elevated food scene in Vancouver is dead. I ll be sticking to hole in the walls here and dining in cities that know how to cook. Compare this place to Cenci, another Japanese-Italian blend, and you ll see the sheer gap in talent here.
Weve been here twice now. Beautiful interior space, delicious food, and attentive service. Our absolute favorite dishes are the carne cruda and the off menu omelette with king crab. Tajarin pasta is very unique and worth trying. We also had their daily special buckwheat tagliatelle which was quite delicious. A wonderful spot for date night! Be sure to make a reso in advance.
Best food I ve ever eaten in my life. Came here for my 10th wedding anniversary.
Really nice staff and decor. The food was okay, some nice moments, but to be honest I was let down based on the hype. When charging prices like this, for quite small portions and no complete main dishes, I expect exceptional memorable dishes.
Expensive as heck but by the end, the quality and experience is well worth it. We did the tasting menu and dont regret it. Our server was great and showed a lot of love and passion for the dishes. The beef tartare with the mountain of parm was the best in the city. The 24-hr braised pork was incredible and just geniusly executed, was with the whipped tofu plum wine tiramisu. Youre left rosy and full by the end. It must be the best restaurant in the whole city.
Food is not good at all, super small portions, taste not that good. We got the sable fish for $65 & the portion was super small and it wasn t even good. We got a bottle of white wine, which was sour !!!
I m really bummed with my experience at Kissa Tanto. I got food poisoning likely from a mishandling of raw ingredients and this was my birthday dinner. Even if that didn t happen, I still was so underwhelmed with the food. Flavours sounded unique, but in execution were nothing special whatsoever. I left feeling hungry after, and opted out of ordering more as I wasn t seeing value for my money at all. There are definitely other restaurants in this price range that have superseded my expectations so it was a huge letdown as I d been looking forward to coming here for months.
Amazing service and atmosphere. Highly recommend the Tajarin, Kimchi Potato and Yuzu Cream.
Had dinner here to celebrate a friend s birthday. Get: Some highlights here were the cocktails, udon with crab calamari, and lobster, beef cruda, and Kim chi potatoes. Good: Also good was the burrata with beets, yuzu cream dessert. Rapini was well cooked and the flavours were well expressed. Neutral: On the neutral side, the crudo- with the predominant flavour being olive oil, it drowned out the flavour of the fish itself. The olive oil was good. Pickles had good flavour, but were sliced so small that they didn t really have any mouth feel. Not good: The sable fish was terrible. Cold, over cooked, and salty to the extent it was bitter. Approx 4oz for 65$- low volume to price. Worse than the fish was the service of the front manager. When we were asked how things were by our server, Simon (who was professional and generally pleasant), we let him know accordingly that the sable fish was not good. At that point the three of us had each taken one bite, leaving about one oz on the plate. We did not ask for it to be sent back, nor anything further. The front manager came over and rather than hear our feedback, became very defensive about the delicacy of sable fish: that it couldn t be cooked at a high temperature (then why it was over cooked is beyond me). And that it wasn t salty (despite not tasting it herself). She asked us if we wanted to send it back, though (you ve) eaten almost all of it . We declined, as noted- we didn t have the expectation compensation. This interaction left us with a terrible feeling of the restaurant overall, and I d have to say that while a lot of the food is very good, I wouldn t recommend it for a nice night out as I can t think of a good reason to be treated so disdainfully. We did pay full price for the fish, as we expected to do. Our server tried to make up for his manager s blunder by comping the cost of dessert (aprx $16)- not necessary, but a very nice gesture on his part.
If youre gonna eat here, dont get the omakase--order a la carte. Definitely left feeling ripped off...
Kissa Tanto has a lot of positive reviews and recommendations from Vancouver locals so we opt out for a try. We ordered octopus salad, egg omelette (hidden menu), and seafood Udon. This place is a mix of Japanese and Western (fusion restaurant), the food is not traditional Japanese or Western. The $68 egg omelette with black truffle is the highlight of the night. No doubt that the price is expensive but worth a try. Octopus salad and Udon are not really stand out, pretty much something you can get everywhere in Vancouver easily. The environment is similar to a wine bar setting, which is great for hangout or dating. One drawback that some reviews had been mention is a bit pressure to sell the special of the night, order more food and dessert. Highly recommended for the egg omelette!!
The cocktails were fun but unsure if Id order them again as the cost was wild, 30 dollars a cocktail is pretty insane. The pickle plate was amazing, and I highly recommend it.
Took a friend that was visiting from overseas here to show them what Van had to offer. Unfortunately I hadnt been in a few years and didnt realize how much the food/vibe had changed and degraded. We got the omakase at 155 per person and the amount/quality of food was embarrassing. Our bill for four people was around a thousand dollars with drinks and tip, and we all left feeling hungry and unsatisfied. Ive had pleasant experiences here in the past, but this one was bad enough that Ill never go again. Theres far better starred restaurants in Vancouver. Do yourself a favour and check them out instead.
We tried the valentine menu. We went with high expectations and came back with disappointment . The main dish was a chewy steak. Lots of sauce was poured over it to compensate for the taste, which did not help. From the appetizers, we liked the mussel dish, the rest were easily forgettable.
One world for you: beef tar tar (and the whole fried fish. IM DONE PEOPLE) P.s.(11 words really)
Food and service both were intensely awesome . It s been 24 hours and I m still thinking about the experience . By far the best food i ve had in Vancouver . The servers were very friendly ,unlike other restaurants we could order food from any server who was available . All of them seemed to pride in the food they are serving . Well deserved Michelin star. Can t wait to try they next menu.
Food was delicious and the staff are very friendly and attentive.
I can t believe it took me this long to go to Kissa Tanto! It is now by far my favorite restaurant in Vancouver. I worked as a food taster and amateur critic 10 years ago but I have nothing bad to say about them. 10/10 for food, service, and drinks although we only had two drinks but they were delicious. Its very cosy and romantic, not too loud still able to have a conversation and the food was a different experience and worth its value. Try it on your next special occasion and make sure you book it in advance mine was 3 weeks ahead, I cant wait to go back and try out different items on the menu!
Unbelievable food. Make sure you get the caviar and snow crab omelette. It s off menu and it might just be the best thing you ve ever tasted in your life. Unbelievable experience. Will visit every time I come to Vancouver.
Not only are the dishes here really delicious (especially the omelette, which is off menu and which is extremely flavorful with the cream sauce and shaved truffle), but the dimly lit jazzy vibe here is conducive to taking a step back, relaxing, and focusing on conversations with fellow diners. This is a great restaurant that is a must-visit for Vancouver lovers of Asian cuisine!
Get the omlette!!! Its incredible!!
Michelin-starred restaurants are always a great time, and this was no different. It was really fun trying all the different kinds of fusion foods, and everything tasted really good. To me, though, nothing really stood out enough to make me want to come back.
Really tasty food and beautiful ambiance in the restaurant. Dietary restrictions: I am a pescatarian who is also Celiac and there were multiple options available for me. Everything I ate was absolutely stunning and delicious. Cant wait to go back.
Great food, great experience. Pricey but what isnt these days. Dietary restrictions: Went out of way to accommodate one of us who has celiacs. Food : 5/5 |
A culinary experience. The Tokyo lounge vibe is cool! The Spaghettoni was my fave.
What a wonderful meal, service and atmosphere. I came right from the airport and had a spectacular time. The food was phenomenal and the staff was so knowledgeable! Would recommend again and again!
Kissa Tanto is hands down the best restaurant ever! Everything from the ambiance to the service to the food is simply outstanding. Each dish is so flavorful and delicious that you can t help but crave more. The attention to detail and the care put into every aspect of the dining experience truly sets Kissa Tanto apart. I can t recommend this place enough for anyone looking to indulge in an unforgettable culinary experience.
Wouldnt sing songs about this place. Service was excellent, we were seated at the bar and we had a very helpful server/bartender with a lot of enthusiasm for the food served here. But unfortunately I didnt find it worth the price - we ordered some lobster/crab pasta which was decent but for the price, you could easily have gotten something of that quality for lesser at Robba da Matti, Ask for Luigi, etc. We also ordered the whole fried fish for $65 - once again, its a big portion enough for 2 people but there was nothing that warranted a $65 price tag. It was just fried, you can get that anywhere. We also got some salad which I forget, didnt love it. The yuzu dessert nicely cut through the earlier flavours so that was lovely! Beautiful place, absurdly loud jarring music that makes it difficult to converse through, meh food.
Didnt want to waste energy on writing a review while I am sick and dehydrated from food poisoning but this is a social obligation: 1. Food safety - Due to severe vomiting and diarrhea 2 hours post dinner and ongoing nausea 24 hours after, will be filing a report to Vancouver Coastal Health. For a Michelin Star, didnt bother asking about food allergy either, guessing if this is an issue owner can just blame customer for not disclosing prior? 2. Taste - Octopus salad was the only dish that was unique and appropriately seasoned with amazing sauce. Carne cruda was just beef tartar with excessive parmesan. Charcoal udon and 24hr Coppa were all markedly salty and overdone they were hard to stomach. Hard to see any plating due to extremely poor lighting. Signature cocktails very diluted and unremarkable, was not given option of wine pairing either. 3. Service- Chaotic. Main waiter had zero recommendation for drinks or dishes and kept asking what we like to please us. A different server brought us each dish and interrupted our conversation every single dish only to robotically reiterate each dishs menu description. Busser took it upon himself to half explain the specials then when asked the details didnt know. If you arent passionate about the food please kindly dont work at a Michelin Star restaurant and ruin others passion for food. 4. Ambience - Terrible lighting that customers constantly used flash every 10 minutes when taking photos and a struggle to see the menu and food. Slippery tile floors that is a hazard for rainy Vancouver winters. Extremely loud but couldnt carry conversations anyways with constant server interruptions. Oh yes and to end our 2nd anniversary dinner, our server tried his tip earning small talk and asked our plans afterwards, I answered likely not much due to the rain, he had the audacity to burst out No its not raining!!! *awkward pause* Oh wait yes it is now I can see it under the light. Not the restaurant to go to if you are looking a delicious OR attentive OR safe choice to dine at, but definitely your 1 star House of Plenty if you are looking for a pretentious and confusing evening ending up on your toilet.
Second visit was outstanding, had the omakase and was not disappointed, the raviolo and the omelet were outstanding! Our server suggested we try some sake s and it really made it an elevated experience. Looking forward to our next visit
Fantastic vibe, tasty cocktails with an elevated food experience umami galore - making our tastbuds sing with wine pairings that hold hands with the food, not overpower it. Best meal in a very long time.
Had a great first time here! They had some delicious vegetarian options and an extensive drink list. The desserts were also very flavourful and the service was very attentive. Would definitely recommend booking in a reservation and trying it out if you ve never been!
The 60s Tokyo Nights in Vancouver: A Late Dining Delight at Kissa Tanto Journeying up the long staircase from the ground to the second floor at Kissa Tanto at 10:30 pm felt like a voyage back in time, landing us in the midst of a 1960s Tokyo Jazz Cafe. Despite the late hour, the restaurant was a hub of activity, and our advanced reservation ensured we were seated immediately upon arrival. Our late-night feast commenced with Fried Stuffed Olives, bursting with flavor, followed by the delicately crafted Fish Crudo. The Charcoal Udon, a perfect blend of texture and taste, was a culinary highlight. Each dish showcased the innovative spirit of Kissa Tantos kitchen. Immersed in an atmosphere that harkened back to a vintage jazz club, the lighting and interior decor perfectly complemented the Japanese city pop music, creating an enchanting dining environment. For drinks, we indulged in an expertly mixed Old Fashioned and a refreshing, Gin-based cocktail recommended by the staff a delightful limited-time offering. The skillful mixology added a special flair to our meal. Our exquisite dining experience was rounded off with the Yuzu Cream dessert, a sublime finale that perfectly balanced tangy and sweet. The staff at Kissa Tanto deserve the highest accolades. Their exceptional service, combined with the gastronomic excellence, made us wish we could rate both aspects a 6 out of 5. Their dedication to providing a memorable experience shone through every interaction. Ascending those stairs into Kissa Tanto was akin to entering a time capsule, transporting us to an era of jazz and gastronomic creativity. This restaurant is more than just a dining destination; its a fusion fantasy realized, melding extraordinary cuisine, a unique ambiance, and unparalleled service into an experience that transcends the ordinary. If I could rate it 6 out of 5, I would, without hesitation, for both the service and the food.
Worth the wait
Really enjoyed the cozy atmosphere and kind staff here. The food and drinks were delicious. The staff were super polite, we definitely were pushing our time limit as I was meeting with a friend I hadnt seen in years but never felt rushed to leave even towards the end :)
Just wow. Kissa Tanto lived up to all the hype and exceeded our expectations beyond belief. We can t stop thinking about their take on bolognese with curry. We tried several dishes and they were all so flavourful with a unique take. We can t wait to return. Dietary restrictions: They were so accommodating to my dairy allergy which I haven t always felt at Michelin Star restaurants. I was really impressed how they modified for me but my partner could still experience the dairy goodness
I ve been to Kissa Tanto both before and after they got the star. I wasn t impressed with the experience after the star. I feel like it s inflated their ego. We booked with some friends and did the Omakase Experience. $155/pp. When we sat down the server came over asked us if we had any allergies or dislikes then asked if we liked caviar, wagu, uni etc which of course got us excited and hyped up. Then she said the Omakase starts at $155/pp but we wouldn t get any of the items she mentioned unless we paid more. We could decide the price and that most guests average around $200-250/pp. This was really off putting for a couple of reasons: 1. She couldn t explain what the difference in experience was, other than we would get more premium ingredients, it was a shady upsell that made us feel like we were missing out if we didn t spend more. 2. It directly contradicts the communication leading up to the reservation about how the chef has designed the menu especially for omakase and brought in special ingredients to prepare in advance. 3. It put us in an awkward group dynamic needing to discuss what everyone wanted to do, there was no mention of this leading up to the reservation. Once the meal started things got chaotic. We knew going in it was family style share plates but it was really poorly executed. Portions were way to small to share 6 ways. They would bring 3 dishes at a time so you felt rushed to try everything while it was warm. Lack of coordination between kitchen and FOH, the somme was opening and describing the wine as warm dishes were arriving instead of before. Table was way to small for all the share plates and glassware, it was awkward to try and pass dishes. Couldn t fault the food but unfortunately the unrefined Omakase experience overshadowed it. I much preferred the pre-star visit.
Food is overpriced and doesn t stand out. Unsure why it has a Michelin star, the menu barely changes
The food is exceedingly delicious and the service is phenomenal. Also, love the decor and vibes. HOWEVER, 1-stars lost in the atmosphere category because wow the acoustics are LOUD AF at peak dinner time, so much so that my Apple Watch threw out a sustained high decibels warning while I dined here. My friends and I could only have surface conversations because nobody could hear one another.
Vibes was vibin some items hit and miss
Phenomenal atmosphere and service. A critic might say the food is pretty much Italian with understated splashes of Japanese - if the chefs ever read this, I love this concept and you re damn near perfect - just a little more F***, that s delicious alongside conceptually interesting Food
Great food and cocktails, knowledgeable staff, offers a great experience
Unique Experience but Misses the Mark - 3/5 Stars I recently dined at Kissa Tanto, a Michelin-starred establishment, and left with mixed feelings. The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly their Japanese whisky collection, which is nothing short of amazing, showcasing a wide range of choices for enthusiasts. The food and interior decoration were satisfactory, meeting the basic expectations for a restaurant of this caliber, but they didn t particularly stand out. My main concern, however, lies with the service. While the staff were proficient and spoke the appropriate languages, there was a noticeable lack of genuine passion and warmth in their interactions. Their nonverbal cues often contradicted the professionalism you would expect in such a prestigious setting. Overall, I m glad I gave Kissa Tanto a try to experience it firsthand. However, due to the underwhelming service which I feel is a critical aspect of a Michelin-starred experience, I don t foresee a return visit. It s a decent place for those looking to explore, but for me, it lacked the compelling charm and exceptional service that should accompany a restaurant of its renown.
I loved the atmosphere here and how the place looks!! Although not so many vegetarian options and the food was ok! But probably we ll visit again Food : 4/5
Was expecting a bit more in terms of food quality. Some of the dishes were a hit, some were lacking and way out of balance. For instance the Tiramisu was drowned in Plum Wine to the point that it was overpoweringly just tasting like wine and not the coffee flavour you expect from a Tiramisu. For what you pay its really not worth it in my opinion. Worth trying out once maybe
OMG. We have been waiting to dine here for so long and the stars aligned. The team is top notch and makes you feel special. They even made sure our teenage daughter was enjoying the experience. The food. THE FOOD! We did the Omakasu dinner and were not disappointed. So full! The flavors and creativity in both the cocktails and food were fantastic. It was truly a special experience that we will not soon forget. Thank you to Chloe and Belinda for your attention!
My husband and I ordered their $155 omakase and it was a pleasant experience. Pro: I really liked that the servers check in after youre done eating to prevent the awkward experience of giving feedback with a mouth full of food. Slight Con: My husband does not eat seafood while I enjoy seafood, so the servers said they were able to create a couple individual dishes that will have seafood for me and meat for him. Unfortunately, it was just one small dish that had this variation and the rest came out on one plate and they were all meat focused. I had expected two dishes to be individualized; therefore, just having one personalized dish made the meal fall slightly flat. Other than that, Kissa Tanto provided impeccable service, tasty food and we definitely will come back for a special occasion.
Amazing dining experience with absolutely phenomenal service. The food was excellent and easy to share. Drinks were perfect. Small sake list but sufficient. Overall, a wonderful experience with colleagues. Definitely recommend the A5 wagyu, kimchee mashed potato, crudo, charcoal udon, and yuzu cream (for dessert). Dietary restrictions: Very accommodating of dietary restrictions and food allergies
The desserts are my favorite. Pastas are all pretty tasty and with unique unusual flavors (curry, yuzu, etc) The duck breast is very tender and the mushrooms are the most delicious. The salmon is very so so. Mock tail is pretty impressive.
Hit it! Wow! Maybe the best meal Ive had in Vancouver. So many incredibly delicious things with great service. We had early reservations which youll need to make at least a month in advance. We sat at the bar which had great ambiance. The staff did an amazing job of the small details and with the dishes. The charcoal udon was just so incredible. Out of the 6 dishes we got, the only one I did not enjoy as much was the salmon. It wasnt bad but I just found it not at the same level as the other dishes. Still for me five !
Ordered all 3 pastas and the tiramisu. All were out of this world. There was a pasta special for the day, but the waiter forgot to mention that :( apart from that a perfect meal
Quaint atmosphere with attentive service and delicious food. Great wine list and an extra special dessert (olive oil cake).
buttery noodles
Hey Kissa Tanto, cancelling an OpenTable confirmed birthday dinner reservation, without communication before hand was unprofessional and disappointing.
Absolutely 10/10 experience. You know how sometimes you go to a Michelin star or recommended restaurant and it s sometimes actually not very good? This was not that at all. I ve been waiting months to eat here and it exceeded my already very high expectations! We asked our very cool server for his recommendations to go with our entree, and he crafted a perfect seafood-centric meal for us: octopus salad to start, butternut squash crab ravioli that wasn t on the menu, leading up to the charcoal udon. We had some natural wine and dessert of tiramisu and yuzu cream, which I haven t had anything like before and was delicious. It was truly an intellectual experience. The atmosphere feels authentically refined and jazzy and transported me to 1980s Shibuya and I felt like a businessman that closed a deal. I was so engrossed in the meal that I forgot to take more photos
We enjoyed our meals and cocktails. Our servers were amazingly nice and friendly. They were knowledgeable about the food and drinks and very helpful.
Impeccable service, gorgeous and delicious food. Thank you for the fantastic evening.
Visited during a trip to Vancouver and was curious about the hype. Unfortunately, the experience missed the mark in various aspects. While we appreciated the frequent service from the waiters, I found it very confusing that several waiters came by throughout the night instead of having a centralized waiter. The food was average for Italian fine-dining but I do think the drinks were a standout in the experience. Overall, its a nice date spot but outside of that, I find it difficult to justify the price tag.
Food was spectacular, especially the charcoal udon. Service was kickass, Chloe was so friendly and knowledgeable! Everything was explained in an entirely accessible way and she was just super great when at our table. Haiku on the back of the bill card did not adhere to 5-7-5 syllable structure but maybe I m wrong?
Its 5 across the boards! Service would be a 10 if it went that high. Most of the dishes we had were exceptional and a couple just very good what impressed me the most was the unpretentious nature. Our server was extremely knowledgeable and she would look up some info if she didnt know that her than just make something up. Its expensive for sure, but like some other Michelin star restaurants you dont leave wondering if the food and experience were worth it. If you want to spoil yourself have the $90 Japanese truffle omelette... Wow!
Just absolutely not worth the price. I am no stranger to fancy expensive meals. The experience and value was not there for what you pay. The omelette was absolutely top 5 best things Ive ever eaten. The rest was very meh ... And the unmitigated gall to serve those portions at 155 a head? I wont return.
Food was excellent. We loved every single dish ordered. Carne cruda was a highlight. The portions are quite small for the very high price point. Service was really good. I d only tone down the theatrical tone of voice. But appreciate the attentiveness.
For the most great food. There were a couple of dishes that were short of my expectations. Definitely try the udon.
This is our favorite restaurant in Vancouver. The dining room decor is cozy and romantic with beautiful lighting, deep coloured walls, floral wallpaper and gorgeous flowers. The service is absolutely impeccable- I comment on it every time. I think its the best restaurant staff in Vancouver. The food is truly amazing. We always have to have the same pasta and chicken dish in our order, because its just necessary. I also loved the feature lamb pasta on our most recent visit, and previously we tried the fried whole fish (which isnt something I would usually order... but it was insane). Wine, cocktails, dessert are really top notch as well.
Came here on a double date night. I was very excited to try Kissa Tanto, and they did not disappoint! We started off with oysters and a pickle plate, then had carne cruda, tonno mantecaro, the charcoal udon (delectable). Before we got our main, we ordered an off menu king crab, chive, and butter omelette, which was to die for. I have never had eggs that good and I ve been trying to perfect it on my own for weeks now. Our main was the half chicken and rapini. Everything was delicious, perfect portions and the flavours were layered and full of depth. The drinks we had were also a great addition to the meal. Our waitress explained everything to us thoroughly and made it a highly enjoyable experience.
I saw a photo of the deep fried perch a few months before their Michelin award and so they went on my list of restaurants to try. It was not until our friends told us how much they enjoyed the interior that I started checking OpenTable regularly for reservation openings. 5:30 is when the restaurant opens. We got a table at the bar and lined up in the rain in Chinatown outside Kissa Tanto with other keeners. When the door finally opened, we all filed upstairs to the 2nd floor restaurant. My partner and I were pleasantly surprised by the interior: nice level of lighting, nice looking lighting fixtures, nice colors, a bar that is not cluttered. Seems like everything thing was placed there for a photoshoot a comfortable space that is pleasant on the eyes. The images that came to mind were women in short hair with cloche hats or sparkly headbands dancing to Charleston music. THE FOOD. Since there were a couple of items that we did not desire in the fixed menu, we ordered a la carte. The Burrata Salad was supposed to come with organic greens, but they were served with beets instead. Even better! It turned out to be the best beets salad Ive ever had. There were different types of beets, including dried, and fermented(?). All delightful, with their very own flavour, but an overriding tangy orange dressing. I particularly love the softened black pieces that almost taste like olives I am guessing they are fermented. We received Michelin standard table service. Fresh plates and cutlery were provided for each dish, and the servers wiped our bar top between each dish. That really enhanced our anticipation of the next item. For carbs (Tender to the Tooth), we chose charcoal udon. The udon was made with semolina and spelt very chewy, very delicious. The chilli butter provided just the right zest. The first two dishes were so good I wanted to order a repeat of the beets burrata and charcoal udon again. I guess thats a reason to come back again and hopefully, they still have these delicious dishes(!) Now for the deep fried perch. It was large enough for us, and so beautiful I didnt want to destroy it. We were told not to waste the meat in the cheeks but I couldnt identify where the meat was. In any case, it took us a while to extract the meat to make sure we do the fist justice. It was a fun thing to have, but next time, I might go for the sable fish instead, if nothing else, to reduce the amount of deep fried food in our diets! I cant write about the seasonal vegetables side dish because it was boring and I decided to focus on the fish. Now to dessert it is not something we normally order due to our low sugar diet. But being able to get in to Kissa Tanto was a big deal and we werent ready to leave yet. We are lactose intolerant, the ingredient of the Tiramisu is soy mascarpone. So, we tried it. Wow, so light, and not sweet at all We breathed it in! We have been to other Michelin Star restaurants in Vancouver. But this was truly the best weve encountered so far. If I can give six stars I would. Truly an evening to remember and repeat! We did come back three times. We require consistency from restaurants we frequent. I removed one star for our experience the third time. We couldnt get the deep fried perch apparently, they have not been able to source it. Also, the salad which we normally order was not great. The Radicchio leaves were bitter and make a poor showing for vegetable content. They do such a delicious beet salad that Im surprised we were not fortunate enough to catch it. As much as we like this place, if we cant get the menu items we like, it hardly makes sense to repeat the experience.
The location is not the best.. It was a good experience, the food was excellent we tried chef menu, it was delicious 9/10 tho the Japanese dishes were dominated I defo would recommend the duck. The service and the staff were amazing.. Wouldn t recommend it for birthdays tho
Gorgeous interior design that makes you feel like youve entered into a different era. Dim lighting and rich colours/materials make the space feel more intimate. Food & cocktails are unique and beautifully presented.
Too cool for me. Also, too loud for me. I couldn t hear the waiter talk through the crowd noise. The food wasn t what I expected having been rated a Michelin star. Value isn t the word I would use for this restaurant. This would be a good cherry-popper for someone new to Michelin but not somewhere to take your wife for a nice dinner date.
My favourite restaurant in Vancouver and they have the best beef tartare Ive tried so far! Been here three times and always had a good time. Food and service was always amazing.
I had been a regular at Kissa Tanto for years, drawn by its welcoming staff and inviting atmosphere. However, recent changes post-pandemic, particularly in management, have unfortunately diminished its former appeal. During my latest visit, I needed a slight alteration to my meal due to an allergy, specifically requesting that an ingredient be served on the side. The current GM, Justin Isidro, stated that such adjustments would not be entertained in the future as they diverge from the chefs vision for the dish. This rigid stance was a surprise, given that similar requests were previously met with understanding and adaptability. The new management style, now more akin to that of a mainstream chain like Cactus Club, lacks the unique charm that Kissa Tanto once had. Sadly, I dont see myself returning.
My new favourite restaurant in Vancouver. Our group did the Omakase and it was simply amazing. 10/10!