After a year of waiting, I was finally able to try Kosen for the first time. Absolutely worth the wait. The food was meticulously curated, and the service was top notch. Far too often, you are beaten to death with the same classic pairings that you have enjoyed elsewhere. That is not the case here. Many of the dishes included ingredients from the laundry list of items that they fermented in house. What a great way to ensure the experience is uniquely their own. It seemed like each member of their service team had stopped by to introduce themselves and ask if they could do anything to enhance the experience. The courses were paced well, and service was attentive. In a world of cookie cutter omakase and sushi restaurants popping up and offering little to distinguish themselves from eachother, Kosen was refreshingly original. The Michelin recognition is well deserved and I look forward to my next visit. Huge thank you to Dakota, Andrew and the rest of the team for making such a memorable experience.
David Gosche
Our omakase experience here was excellent. This is definitely one of our favorite restaurants in Tampa. Chef Andrew was engaging and created a wonderful environment for dinner. The lobster dish was a particular standout and makes it into my top 10 dishes of all time.
Ashleigh
Phenomenal experience! The chef Andrew was amazing! He made the night fun and he was great to talk to. The food was phenomenal! Brought my husband and I back to our trip to Japan. We loved the staff. They were all so kind and helpful when it came to asking for drink suggestions. Would love to come back for another season experience. Seriously highly recommend this experience and place.
Olivia Diop
My boyfriend and I ate here in December 2023 and I couldn’t stop telling everyone I ever met for the next year and a half because of how amazing the staff, dinner, and drinks were. We finally were able to go again and we were so disappointed with Ko that we won’t ever come back. The dinner started out amazing we were greeted by name immediately by Kyle when we walked in. He engaged with us in a great conversation and we were so pleasantly surprised and excited to see how the rest of the night was going to go since he had set the bar so high. But soon we would find that the night would be anything but. The sake we had previously was no longer there and so we had ordered another recommendation. We took one sip and immediately we knew we would not drink it. We opted for water and brushed off the drink. Our first meal was unique with pickled strawberries and a sashimi and a shaved strawberry ice and a shaved jalapeño ice and we finished but we were not impressed like we were with the opening black fin tuna tartar from before. The second meal was our favorite of the nice with a trio of tuna tartar, an oyster with another amazing shaved ice, and a unique savory gelatin that we have never had before. After though it was course after course of disappointment. The worst of all was a pea purée with topped with hard peas. It was just fancy baby food with edible flowers on top at best… safe to say we didn’t even finish it. My boyfriend and I are always ready for dessert and on most nights out we make sure to end a meal with something sweet, but on this night we didn’t end it on a good note. The very last meal was a chocolate mouse over a raspberry jam, it was comparable to one of the cheap valentines chocolates with raspberry filling. Overall this was one of the most expensive disappointments we have ever had, and we would not have been as disappointed if it wouldn’t have been for the experience that we had the first time. Truly sad because in my previous review I could not have commended the restaurant more, and now I know I will never go back.
R L (R L)
It is our first time here. We always travel around for Omakase with Michelle Star and we are glad that we stop by Kosen tonight. The experience was phenomenal. Chef Andrew and his team worked beautifully together. We enjoyed watching Chef Andrew’s hands, his work was so beautiful to watch. Every dish was carefully serving. Truly enjoyed and appreciate it. Thank you so much for everything Kosen serving. Totally worth it and definitely come back again.
Aurora H
Superp! The food was unique and I was very impressed by all of the different types of food that they served. They explained each course very well with information about where the food items came from and they were fresh. Although I don't eat meat the seafood was amazing, but they were not able to substitute some of the meat portions because I did not let them know in advance. So I was a little upset about that but everything worked out. It was a great evening and I would definitely consider going back.
Polina Antipova
It was exceptional 5-course Japanese dinner for Birthday! I especially loved appetizer - Hassun, that included Toro, Oyster, and Ebi. Also, Duck breast was fantastic!
Aleksandra
Food Preparation and Hygiene: I noticed that the chefs prepared food without wearing gloves. While I understand that traditional sushi preparation often involves bare-hand contact, every other omakase experience I’ve had has followed strict hygiene practices by using gloves. Unfortunately, I developed a stomach bug after the meal, which raised concerns about food handling.
Dining Experience: The omakase experience was significantly longer than usual, without a corresponding increase in the complexity or elaboration of the dishes. Given the extended duration, I expected a more refined and intricate presentation. Additionally, the overall quality did not meet my expectations, especially considering the premium price of $800 for two people. The experience did not justify the Michelin star, as it lacked the precision, execution, and attention to detail I have come to expect from such establishments.
Special Occasion Recognition: I had indicated in the pre-visit survey that we were celebrating a birthday, but there was no acknowledgment of this occasion during our meal—not even a small gesture like a candle.
gary sells
Had the five course meal and it was excellent. The first course was toro, oyster and ebi which were so fresh. The nigiri was prepared table side by Chef Andrew and was so fresh and seemed to be caught just before we got there (the fatty tuna was seared and so good). They knew exactly where the duck breast came from and was so good. Also enjoyed the sea bream with dash cream. Great service and atmosphere.
Gavin-David McDonald
Absolutely fantastic and worth every penny. A MUST Experience-Chef Andrew was great! He is not only talented, but his personality makes it a stand out experience for Tampa Bay Area restaurants!
10/10 Wife and I cannot wait to come back. Expectations were exceeded. Wait staff was amazing. Kitchen was incredible. Highly recommend this spot for any special occasion. Thank you to Kyle, Miles, Mike, Deanne and Chef Alex. Anniversary dinner was a great success.
Amanda Kochirka
I really wish I could give this place more than 5 stars. From start to finish it was a truly perfect meal. We were there Valentine's Day weekend so there was a special kaiseki menu with a complimentary rose pairing. Each course was a beautiful blend of flavors, textures, and sensations. The staff was so kind and really took the time to not only just explain each course, but to get to know us and chat a bit. Mike, their beverage/sustainability manager, spent a good amount of time talking with us about some of the fermentation projects he's been working on after we asked about some of the containers visible behind the bar and shared that we had done some fermentation experimenting in our home kitchen. It meant a lot that the he took the time to talk with us and answer our questions on a very busy evening. It made the experience that much more memorable and truly special. Thank you so much to Mike, Miles, Chef Alex, and the rest of the team for an unforgettable, unbelievably delicious evening!
David Diaz
Another unforgettable dining experience, this time with the talented Chef Andrew Huang. A heartfelt thank you for guiding us through such an extraordinary culinary journey. Each dish was a masterpiece, showcasing impeccable flavors and creativity. The staff was highly professional, attentive, and truly elevated the entire experience. We wholeheartedly recommend Kosen to anyone looking for an exceptional meal.
Lisa Diaz
This place truly exceeded all expectations! From the exceptional food to the top-notch service and welcoming atmosphere, everything was perfect. A huge thank you to Kyle and Chef Alex for creating such an unforgettable evening — your generosity and hospitality made it even more special. The flavors and quality of the food are unparalleled. Special thanks also to Miles and Mike for their impeccable professionalism, making us feel like VIPs. The duck and wagyu courses were absolute standouts. We can’t wait to return!
Mo Ali
Honest review of Kōsen restaurant:
There are a few options for diners to choose from. A 20 course Omakase at the 12 seat chefs table, The Kaiseki room with a choice from a 5 course and 10 course option. My party of 3 chose the 10 course Kaiseki experience. Entering this beautiful establishment with its sleek design, beautiful booths and lighting that sets the stage for a memorable dinner you are greeted by a very courteous and knowledgable staff that shows you to your booth. The relaxed ambiance was a refreshing contrast to other restaurants that are noisy and chaotic which allowed us to hold conversations without yelling. I would go through the whole Kaiseki menu explaining each dish we experienced with a long explanation on how it felt to me but I would be sharing the emotions I felt while tasting these well designed, well planned and let's not forget well paired courses. I will say you can see the creativity, you can taste the attention to detail and you can definitely feel each and every texture presented! I just recently was in NYC for 3 months. I went to Saga a 3 star Michelin restaurant, a few 2 star and about seven 1 star restaurants and I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt Kōsen should be a 2 Michelin star restaurant. People in Tampa complain about price, if you are complaining about price you should not go here. Not because they are expensive but because you don't know the amount of detail, preparation, skill, and patience it takes to deliver this type of quality. Lastly, I cannot recommend this place enough if you want to celebrate a meaningful occasion or just indulge. A lot of these Yelp reviews that used words to describe the food as uninspiring, or claim the staff was not attentive...it was the exact opposite for us. Most of those reviews were a year or so ago. Everything was outstanding and this staff takes pride in what they do. I would again like to thank the staff (especially Megan) for making us feel like a priority. I took sooooo many pictures of ever dish but I want whomever reads this review to be just as surprised as us! Enjoy the pics of my favorite courses.
After a year of waiting, I was finally able to try Kosen for the first time. Absolutely worth the wait. The food was meticulously curated, and the service was top notch. Far too often, you are beaten to death with the same classic pairings that you have enjoyed elsewhere. That is not the case here. Many of the dishes included ingredients from the laundry list of items that they fermented in house. What a great way to ensure the experience is uniquely their own. It seemed like each member of their service team had stopped by to introduce themselves and ask if they could do anything to enhance the experience. The courses were paced well, and service was attentive. In a world of cookie cutter omakase and sushi restaurants popping up and offering little to distinguish themselves from eachother, Kosen was refreshingly original. The Michelin recognition is well deserved and I look forward to my next visit. Huge thank you to Dakota, Andrew and the rest of the team for making such a memorable experience.
Our omakase experience here was excellent. This is definitely one of our favorite restaurants in Tampa. Chef Andrew was engaging and created a wonderful environment for dinner. The lobster dish was a particular standout and makes it into my top 10 dishes of all time.
Phenomenal experience! The chef Andrew was amazing! He made the night fun and he was great to talk to. The food was phenomenal! Brought my husband and I back to our trip to Japan. We loved the staff. They were all so kind and helpful when it came to asking for drink suggestions. Would love to come back for another season experience. Seriously highly recommend this experience and place.
My boyfriend and I ate here in December 2023 and I couldn’t stop telling everyone I ever met for the next year and a half because of how amazing the staff, dinner, and drinks were. We finally were able to go again and we were so disappointed with Ko that we won’t ever come back. The dinner started out amazing we were greeted by name immediately by Kyle when we walked in. He engaged with us in a great conversation and we were so pleasantly surprised and excited to see how the rest of the night was going to go since he had set the bar so high. But soon we would find that the night would be anything but. The sake we had previously was no longer there and so we had ordered another recommendation. We took one sip and immediately we knew we would not drink it. We opted for water and brushed off the drink. Our first meal was unique with pickled strawberries and a sashimi and a shaved strawberry ice and a shaved jalapeño ice and we finished but we were not impressed like we were with the opening black fin tuna tartar from before. The second meal was our favorite of the nice with a trio of tuna tartar, an oyster with another amazing shaved ice, and a unique savory gelatin that we have never had before. After though it was course after course of disappointment. The worst of all was a pea purée with topped with hard peas. It was just fancy baby food with edible flowers on top at best… safe to say we didn’t even finish it. My boyfriend and I are always ready for dessert and on most nights out we make sure to end a meal with something sweet, but on this night we didn’t end it on a good note. The very last meal was a chocolate mouse over a raspberry jam, it was comparable to one of the cheap valentines chocolates with raspberry filling. Overall this was one of the most expensive disappointments we have ever had, and we would not have been as disappointed if it wouldn’t have been for the experience that we had the first time. Truly sad because in my previous review I could not have commended the restaurant more, and now I know I will never go back.
It is our first time here. We always travel around for Omakase with Michelle Star and we are glad that we stop by Kosen tonight. The experience was phenomenal. Chef Andrew and his team worked beautifully together. We enjoyed watching Chef Andrew’s hands, his work was so beautiful to watch. Every dish was carefully serving. Truly enjoyed and appreciate it. Thank you so much for everything Kosen serving. Totally worth it and definitely come back again.
Superp! The food was unique and I was very impressed by all of the different types of food that they served. They explained each course very well with information about where the food items came from and they were fresh. Although I don't eat meat the seafood was amazing, but they were not able to substitute some of the meat portions because I did not let them know in advance. So I was a little upset about that but everything worked out. It was a great evening and I would definitely consider going back.
It was exceptional 5-course Japanese dinner for Birthday! I especially loved appetizer - Hassun, that included Toro, Oyster, and Ebi. Also, Duck breast was fantastic!
Food Preparation and Hygiene: I noticed that the chefs prepared food without wearing gloves. While I understand that traditional sushi preparation often involves bare-hand contact, every other omakase experience I’ve had has followed strict hygiene practices by using gloves. Unfortunately, I developed a stomach bug after the meal, which raised concerns about food handling.
Dining Experience: The omakase experience was significantly longer than usual, without a corresponding increase in the complexity or elaboration of the dishes. Given the extended duration, I expected a more refined and intricate presentation. Additionally, the overall quality did not meet my expectations, especially considering the premium price of $800 for two people. The experience did not justify the Michelin star, as it lacked the precision, execution, and attention to detail I have come to expect from such establishments.
Special Occasion Recognition: I had indicated in the pre-visit survey that we were celebrating a birthday, but there was no acknowledgment of this occasion during our meal—not even a small gesture like a candle.
Had the five course meal and it was excellent. The first course was toro, oyster and ebi which were so fresh. The nigiri was prepared table side by Chef Andrew and was so fresh and seemed to be caught just before we got there (the fatty tuna was seared and so good). They knew exactly where the duck breast came from and was so good. Also enjoyed the sea bream with dash cream. Great service and atmosphere.
Absolutely fantastic and worth every penny. A MUST Experience-Chef Andrew was great! He is not only talented, but his personality makes it a stand out experience for Tampa Bay Area restaurants!
Restaurantji Recommends
10/10
Wife and I cannot wait to come back.
Expectations were exceeded.
Wait staff was amazing.
Kitchen was incredible.
Highly recommend this spot for any special occasion.
Thank you to Kyle, Miles, Mike, Deanne and Chef Alex.
Anniversary dinner was a great success.
I really wish I could give this place more than 5 stars. From start to finish it was a truly perfect meal. We were there Valentine's Day weekend so there was a special kaiseki menu with a complimentary rose pairing. Each course was a beautiful blend of flavors, textures, and sensations. The staff was so kind and really took the time to not only just explain each course, but to get to know us and chat a bit. Mike, their beverage/sustainability manager, spent a good amount of time talking with us about some of the fermentation projects he's been working on after we asked about some of the containers visible behind the bar and shared that we had done some fermentation experimenting in our home kitchen. It meant a lot that the he took the time to talk with us and answer our questions on a very busy evening. It made the experience that much more memorable and truly special. Thank you so much to Mike, Miles, Chef Alex, and the rest of the team for an unforgettable, unbelievably delicious evening!
Another unforgettable dining experience, this time with the talented Chef Andrew Huang. A heartfelt thank you for guiding us through such an extraordinary culinary journey. Each dish was a masterpiece, showcasing impeccable flavors and creativity. The staff was highly professional, attentive, and truly elevated the entire experience. We wholeheartedly recommend Kosen to anyone looking for an exceptional meal.
This place truly exceeded all expectations! From the exceptional food to the top-notch service and welcoming atmosphere, everything was perfect. A huge thank you to Kyle and Chef Alex for creating such an unforgettable evening — your generosity and hospitality made it even more special. The flavors and quality of the food are unparalleled. Special thanks also to Miles and Mike for their impeccable professionalism, making us feel like VIPs. The duck and wagyu courses were absolute standouts. We can’t wait to return!
Honest review of Kōsen restaurant:
There are a few options for diners to choose from. A 20 course Omakase at the 12 seat chefs table, The Kaiseki room with a choice from a 5 course and 10 course option. My party of 3 chose the 10 course Kaiseki experience. Entering this beautiful establishment with its sleek design, beautiful booths and lighting that sets the stage for a memorable dinner you are greeted by a very courteous and knowledgable staff that shows you to your booth. The relaxed ambiance was a refreshing contrast to other restaurants that are noisy and chaotic which allowed us to hold conversations without yelling. I would go through the whole Kaiseki menu explaining each dish we experienced with a long explanation on how it felt to me but I would be sharing the emotions I felt while tasting these well designed, well planned and let's not forget well paired courses. I will say you can see the creativity, you can taste the attention to detail and you can definitely feel each and every texture presented! I just recently was in NYC for 3 months. I went to Saga a 3 star Michelin restaurant, a few 2 star and about seven 1 star restaurants and I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt Kōsen should be a 2 Michelin star restaurant. People in Tampa complain about price, if you are complaining about price you should not go here. Not because they are expensive but because you don't know the amount of detail, preparation, skill, and patience it takes to deliver this type of quality. Lastly, I cannot recommend this place enough if you want to celebrate a meaningful occasion or just indulge. A lot of these Yelp reviews that used words to describe the food as uninspiring, or claim the staff was not attentive...it was the exact opposite for us. Most of those reviews were a year or so ago. Everything was outstanding and this staff takes pride in what they do. I would again like to thank the staff (especially Megan) for making us feel like a priority. I took sooooo many pictures of ever dish but I want whomever reads this review to be just as surprised as us! Enjoy the pics of my favorite courses.
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