Kappo Sono

- 39 E 13th St 6th Floor, New York, NY 10003

In a city celebrated for its diverse and world-class culinary scene, Kappo Sono stands out as a true destination for those seeking a singular and authentic Japanese dining experience. This establishment is not just a restaurant; it is a culinary theater where the masterful Chef Chikara Sono performs his craft right before your eyes. The term "Kappo," which translates to "to cut and to cook," perfectly describes the intimate and interactive style of dining offered here. Unlike traditional restaurants where the kitchen is hidden, a Kappo experience places the chef at a counter, allowing guests to watch the meticulous preparation of each dish and engage directly with the artist behind the cuisine.

Kappo Sono is a hidden gem in every sense of the word, located in a penthouse with breathtaking views of the New York City skyline. This unique setting, combined with the personalized attention from Chef Sono and his team, creates an atmosphere that is both cozy and trendy. The restaurant focuses on a multi-course, seasonal menu, ensuring that every visit offers a fresh and exciting array of flavors. This dedication to seasonal ingredients and precise techniques, combined with Chef Sono's warm and welcoming personality, makes dining at Kappo Sono a truly memorable and highly sought-after experience in the city.

Kappo Sono is a meticulously curated dining experience that requires a bit of planning to access, adding to its exclusive charm. It is located at 39 E 13th St, on the 6th Floor, New York, NY 10003, USA. Situated near the bustling Union Square area, this location is a prime spot for a special dinner, offering both the convenience of a central Manhattan address and the tranquility of a secluded, penthouse space. The restaurant occupies a 12-seat counter space, which provides an intimate setting and a personal connection with the chef.

Given its exclusive and reservation-only nature, the restaurant is designed for a focused dining experience. There are no walk-ins. The establishment's setup, with its cozy counter seating, is ideal for those who appreciate a quiet, unhurried meal, making it a perfect spot for dinner or solo dining. While it is a high-end dining establishment, the atmosphere remains casual enough to feel comfortable and relaxed. Patrons are encouraged to make reservations well in advance to secure a seat at this highly-acclaimed table.

Kappo Sono offers a refined and immersive dining experience centered around a multi-course menu. The services are tailored to provide a seamless and unforgettable evening.

• Dine-in Only: The entire experience at Kappo Sono is focused on in-person dining. There are no options for takeout or delivery, as the essence of Kappo cuisine lies in the immediate, interactive connection between the chef and the diner. The intimate counter seating ensures that every guest is fully immersed in the culinary journey.
• Dinner and Table Service: Kappo Sono specializes in dinner service, typically offering one seating per evening to ensure a non-rushed, multi-hour experience. The professional staff provides impeccable table service, attending to every need while the chef guides you through each course.
• Seasonal Omakase Menu: The menu is a chef's tasting menu, often referred to as a "Kaiseki" or "Omakase" experience. This means the menu is entirely up to the chef and changes based on the availability of the freshest seasonal ingredients. Guests can anticipate a progression of dishes, from delicate appetizers (Zatsuki, Sakizuke, Hassun) to expertly prepared main courses (Otsukuri, Susume-Zakana, Nitaki Bachi) and a final dessert (Oshokuji, Osoba), showcasing the full range of Chef Sono's talent.
• Dessert and Drinks: The experience concludes with a dessert course, and as some reviews highlight, they are often as artistic and thoughtful as the savory courses. The restaurant is also known for its extensive and carefully curated drink menu, including one of the best sake selections in New York City, making it a haven for seasoned "nihonshu" lovers.

What truly sets Kappo Sono apart are its distinct features that elevate the dining experience into a special event.

• Unbeatable Hospitality and Chef-Diner Interaction: A primary highlight is the warm and welcoming hospitality provided by Chef Sono and his team. Patrons consistently praise Chef Sono's humor, warmth, and genuine desire to connect with each guest. This direct interaction is a core part of the Kappo dining style and makes the meal feel personal and unique.
• Stunning Location and Views: Located on the sixth floor of an unassuming building, the restaurant reveals a beautifully designed space with large windows offering breathtaking views of the Manhattan cityscape. This visual element adds a layer of sophistication and romance to the dining experience, especially as the sun sets.
• Seasonal and Authentic Cuisine: Kappo Sono prides itself on its authentic Japanese cuisine, with an emphasis on using seasonal ingredients to create an ever-evolving menu. This ensures that the food is always fresh and a true reflection of the time of year, with dishes ranging from delicate seafood to hearty grilled items.
• Reservations Required: The exclusive nature of the restaurant is a feature in itself. The policy of requiring dinner reservations and the limited seating (only 12 seats) mean that each guest is guaranteed a high level of attention and a focused, non-rushed meal.
• Extensive Sake Menu: For beverage connoisseurs, the restaurant's extensive list of sake is a major draw. Many customers consider it to be one of the best sake menus in all of New York City, curated to perfectly complement the seasonal dishes.
• Trendy yet Cozy Atmosphere: The restaurant manages to strike a perfect balance between being a trendy, high-end dining spot and a cozy, intimate retreat. The minimalist, elegant decor creates a calming backdrop for the food, which is the true star of the show.

To book your dining experience or for further inquiries, you can reach out to Kappo Sono through the following contact details:

• Address: 39 E 13th St 6th Floor, New York, NY 10003, USA
• Phone: (646) 899-5891

Please note that dinner reservations are highly recommended and often essential due to the limited seating.

Choosing Kappo Sono is a decision to invest in a truly exceptional and memorable culinary event. While the price point may be high, the value lies not just in the food, but in the entire experience. It is a place for special occasions, a celebratory dinner, or for a dedicated foodie who wants to explore the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine in an intimate setting. The core reasons to choose this restaurant are the unparalleled quality of the food, the personal interaction with a master chef, and the serene, beautiful environment.

The experience of watching Chef Sono's artistry up close is a major draw. Unlike larger, more bustling restaurants, the small counter format allows for a personal connection, where you can ask questions, learn about the ingredients, and truly appreciate the skill that goes into each dish. This level of engagement is something that simply cannot be replicated in a traditional dining room. The menu, with its ever-changing seasonal components, ensures that no two visits are exactly alike, promising a new and exciting journey each time. When you combine this with the stunning city views, a well-curated sake list, and the warmth of the staff, it's clear that Kappo Sono offers a holistic experience that transcends a typical meal. It’s an evening of art, culture, and exquisite flavors that is well worth seeking out for anyone in New York looking for an unforgettable night out.

Kappo Sono

39 E 13th St 6th Floor, New York, NY 10003, USA