Ikigai

- 87 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217

For New Yorkers seeking a truly special and memorable dining experience, Ikigai in Brooklyn is a hidden gem that feels worlds away from the city's hustle. This is not a typical restaurant; it is a meticulously crafted culinary journey. From the moment you arrive, the experience is designed to be exclusive and intimate, starting with a required doorbell ring to enter, which immediately gives it a speakeasy-like feel. Once inside, you are transported to a serene and beautifully curated space. Ikigai specializes in a multi-course tasting menu that showcases the immense skill and creativity of its chefs. The food is described as "subtle and understated," yet it's clear that each dish is the result of immense work and artistic vision. This level of detail and care is what makes Ikigai a perfect destination for special occasions, such as a birthday or anniversary dinner, where you want to celebrate with an unforgettable meal.

What makes Ikigai truly unique and deeply compelling is its mission-driven approach. As a not-for-profit restaurant, its profits are dedicated to combatting food waste. Knowing that your dining experience contributes to a greater good adds an extra layer of meaning and makes the meal even more worthwhile. This blend of exquisite, fine-dining quality food and a socially conscious mission is a rare find in New York and makes Ikigai a standout in the city's crowded restaurant scene. It's a place where every element, from the ambience to the food and the purpose, works together to create a dining experience that is both delightful and impactful.

Ikigai is located at 87 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, in the elegant Fort Greene neighborhood. Its discreet entrance adds to its exclusive feel, making it a destination that you specifically seek out. Lafayette Avenue is a beautiful, tree-lined street that is easily accessible. While the restaurant itself does not have a large, visible storefront, its location is very convenient. It's just a short walk from major subway lines, including the C and G trains, and is also near the Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center hub, which connects to multiple train lines, making it accessible from various parts of the city. Since Ikigai is a reservations-only establishment, there is no need for a large waiting area, and the focus is entirely on the intimate dining experience inside. The location within Fort Greene, a neighborhood known for its culture and beautiful brownstones, perfectly complements the restaurant's sophisticated and serene atmosphere.

Given its unique concept, Ikigai's services are tailored to provide a seamless and exclusive dining experience. It operates differently from a standard restaurant, focusing on a set format to ensure the highest quality.

• Dine-in: This is the only service option available, as the entire experience is designed to be enjoyed on-site.
• Reservations Required: Due to its limited seating and exclusive format, reservations are required and highly recommended, particularly for dinner. This ensures a personalized and un-rushed experience for every guest.
• Table Service: The dining experience is guided by attentive and gracious staff who provide professional table service throughout the multi-course meal.

Ikigai is a restaurant of distinct features and highlights that are integral to its unique identity and appeal. These elements set it apart as a premier dining destination in Brooklyn.

• Multi-Course Tasting Menu: The heart of the experience is the tasting menu, which is a curated journey of Japanese flavors and techniques. Dishes like Chawanmushi, Wagyu Tartare, and Unagi are beautifully presented and explained by the staff. The menu changes to reflect the season and the chef's creativity, ensuring a new experience with every visit.
• Exclusive Seating: The restaurant features intimate seating, including a chef counter with only 12 seats, which allows for a close-up view of the culinary artistry and direct interaction with the chefs.
• Unique Atmosphere and Design: The ambience is a mix of cozy and trendy, with a serene Japanese garden where guests can enjoy their first course. This transition from the garden to the chef's counter adds a layer of theatricality to the meal, making it an immersive experience.
• Exceptional Beverage Program: Ikigai offers a carefully curated selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The Beverage Pairing option includes a variety of high-quality sakes and champagnes. They also have a thoughtful Non-Alcoholic Pairing with options like Muri "Koji Rice" and Lavender Matsuri, catering to all guests.
• Non-Profit Mission: A major highlight is the restaurant's mission to combat food waste. This commitment to social good resonates with diners who are looking to support a business with a positive impact on the world.

For more information or to make a reservation, you can contact Ikigai at:

Address: 87 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Why is Ikigai worth choosing for your next meal out? The consensus among diners is that it provides a truly elevated and special occasion dining experience. One reviewer highlighted that it was a "perfect birthday dinner celebration," and another noted that they "would highly recommend for a special occasion meal." The food is consistently praised for its beautiful presentation and deep, complex flavors. Even a seemingly simple dish like the chawanmushi is described as a "delicate swirl of flavor layers," a testament to the immense skill of the chefs. The service is also a key factor, with staff described as "gracious and inviting" and "thoroughly explain" each dish.

The journey from the garden to the chef's counter creates a sense of occasion that is rare in the city. The fact that the meal is not rushed, with diners feeling comfortable throughout the 12-course experience, is a huge plus. This is a place where you are encouraged to savor every moment and every bite. The knowledge that the restaurant is a non-profit and that the profit goes towards a good cause is "the cherry on top," making the indulgence feel even better. For a unique, intimate, and impactful dining experience that will leave a lasting impression, Ikigai is an exceptional choice in Brooklyn's fine dining landscape.

Ikigai

87 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA