Kawa Ni

- 19A Bridge Square, Westport, CT 06880

Kawa Ni, Japanese for "on the river," is a celebrated dining fixture in Westport, Connecticut, and a premier destination for those seeking an authentic yet non-traditional Japanese Izakaya experience. An Izakaya is a Japanese-style pub—a casual spot to grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy small, flavorful plates of food, and Kawa Ni beautifully embodies this spirit. It successfully blends traditional Japanese pub culture with playful, inventive Pan-Asian influences, drawing inspiration from Vietnamese, Chinese, and Korean cuisines, alongside classic Japanese fare.

More than just a restaurant, Kawa Ni is a culinary concept brought to life by acclaimed Chef Bill Taibe, who is known for shaping Fairfield County's dynamic dining scene. This establishment provides a consistently cozy, trendy, and lively atmosphere that makes it a favorite among locals, groups, and families alike. Unlike typical sushi-centric Japanese spots, Kawa Ni focuses heavily on noodles, rice bowls, and savory small plates, ensuring a diverse and exciting menu that encourages sharing and exploration.

From the deeply satisfying warmth of their signature ramen bowls, such as the rich Pork & Garlic Ramen and the fan-favorite Spicy Miso, to creative "sandōitchi" like the Pork Belly Bahn Mi and Pickled Tofu Bao, the menu is an adventure in bold and comforting flavors. The commitment to crafting an exceptional beverage program—featuring an extensive selection of sake, Japanese spirits, whiskey, and carefully crafted cocktails—further solidifies its identity as a true Izakaya. For Connecticut residents, Kawa Ni is the go-to location for a vibrant, unforgettable Asian-inspired pub experience on the Saugatuck River.

The restaurant’s success and commitment to innovation are evidenced by its recent expansion to double its size, a move that allows for a larger bar area and more seating, making those coveted reservations slightly more attainable while preserving space for walk-in guests. This expansion helps solidify Kawa Ni’s position as a dynamic and welcoming neighborhood anchor in the Westport dining community.

Location and Accessibility

Kawa Ni is ideally situated in the heart of Westport at 19A Bridge Square, CT 06880. Its location in the Bridge Square area places it conveniently close to the Saugatuck River, adding to the picturesque charm and easy accessibility for patrons from across Fairfield County and beyond. The setting is intimate, nestled in a lively neighborhood that is a hub for dining and local activity.

Accessibility is a key priority for Kawa Ni, which has taken measures to ensure all guests feel welcome and accommodated:

• Vehicle Parking: Ample parking is available with both a free parking lot and free street parking in the vicinity of the restaurant.
• ADA Compliance: The facility is fully equipped with a wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible parking lot, and a wheelchair accessible restroom, alongside accessible seating within the dining areas.
• Proximity: Being located in a central Westport dining hub, it is easily reachable whether traveling by car from nearby towns or by using local public transit options.

Services Offered

The Kawa Ni Izakaya model focuses on both a high-quality in-house dining experience and convenient options for enjoying their exceptional food at home.

• Dine-in Service: Full table service with seating provided for both lunch and dinner. Reservations are strongly recommended due to its popularity, especially on weekends and during peak hours.
• Outdoor and Rooftop Seating: Offers seasonal outdoor seating and, notably, features Westport's only known rooftop seating area, which provides a unique and desirable dining ambiance, sometimes reserved for private events.
• Takeout Service: Available for guests who wish to enjoy their Japanese pub favorites at home, with curbside pickup provided for extra convenience.
• Happy Hour: A popular daily feature offering special pricing on select drinks and food, making it a beloved destination for after-work gatherings.
• Full Bar and Extensive Drink Menu: A dedicated onsite bar serving beer, wine, hard liquor, and a celebrated selection of signature cocktails and sake.
• Flexible Dining: Known for accommodating solo dining, family-friendly groups, and large parties.

Features / Highlights

Kawa Ni is distinguished by its unique take on Japanese cuisine and its commitment to a vibrant dining atmosphere:

• Izakaya-Inspired Menu: Specializes in small, shareable plates and comfort food, moving beyond the standard sushi fare to offer an inventive Pan-Asian culinary journey.
• Exceptional Ramen: Celebrated for its rich, flavorful ramen bowls, including the top-rated Spicy Miso Ramen and the hearty Pork & Garlic Ramen, which are staple comfort food choices.
• Unique Small Plates and Dumplings: Must-try items include the Peekytoe Crab Rangoon (an elevated, upscale version of the classic), Szechuan Dumplings, savory Pork Ribs, and the addictive Shaved Broccoli Miso Goma.
• Creative Sandwiches (Sandoitchi): Features unforgettable fusion items like the Pork Belly Bahn Mi and various Bao buns (Pickled Tofu, Biang Biang Chicken, Spam), bridging Asian street food concepts.
• Acclaimed Beverage Program: Known for a great wine list, an extensive selection of sake by the glass and bottle, and creative house cocktails such as the BIG FAT OLD FASHIONED and SENSEI NEGRONI.
• Dietary Accommodation: Offers excellent choices for various dietary needs, including healthy options, vegan options, and vegetarian options, with knowledgeable staff who can guide guests through the menu.
• Atmosphere: Described as casual, cozy, and trendy, creating a welcoming and lively atmosphere that is perfect for date nights or social dinners. The expansion has provided a new bar room and greater space without sacrificing the original intimate vibe.
• Fast Service: Known for attentive and efficient service, ensuring a smooth and pleasant dining experience even during busy times.

Contact Information

For making a reservation, inquiring about large party seating, or placing a takeout order for your favorite Pan-Asian dishes, please use the following contact information:

• Address: 19A Bridge Square, Westport, CT 06880
• Phone: (203) 557-8775

What is Worth Choosing

For anyone in Connecticut seeking an exceptional and modern Asian dining experience, Kawa Ni stands out as a clear choice for several compelling reasons. It delivers far more than standard Japanese fare; it offers a full-sensory Izakaya experience.

The primary reason Kawa Ni is worth choosing is its inventive, high-quality menu. The focus is on authentic Asian comfort food elevated with modern culinary techniques. Guests can dive into a bowl of the incredibly rich and comforting Spicy Miso Ramen or indulge in the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors found in the Pork Belly Bahn Mi. The menu is structured perfectly for shared dining, allowing groups to sample a wide array of flavors, from the savory Pork Ribs to the fresh, vibrant Hamachi (raw fish) and Scallop small plates. The Red Curry Coconut Onigiri is a testament to the chef's innovative use of traditional forms, delivering an unexpected and delicious flavor profile.

Furthermore, the atmosphere is a significant draw. Kawa Ni’s interior is warm and inviting—a blend of cozy and trendy with tasteful décor that instantly transports you to a sophisticated Japanese pub. The availability of the seasonal rooftop seating, a rare find in Westport, provides a beautiful setting for enjoying happy hour drinks or a relaxed dinner overlooking the town. It’s a place that caters equally to a romantic date night and a lively group outing.

Finally, the excellent cocktail and sake list complements the food perfectly. Kawa Ni takes its pub identity seriously, offering unique house cocktails and a carefully curated selection of Japanese beverages that truly enhance the entire meal. For a complete, high-energy, and delicious Pan-Asian culinary adventure in Fairfield County, Kawa Ni is a premier and highly recommended destination.

Kawa Ni

19A Bridge Square, Westport, CT 06880, USA