Wow oh Wow. There's a reason this place is held in such high regard. For starters, I typically don't like Japanese food but I would eat Enso's food off the floor. Yes it's that good. Food: there was not a single dish I did not enjoy. Everything I had was exploding with flavor and exceeded expectations. I was going to go into extreme detail about how much I enjoyed each and every dish but as of two weeks ago (mid March 2024) the menu was updated and a lot of the things I had are no longer available. The octopus hush puppies are still available and VERY delicious. The toppings really bring this dish over the top and make it something special. Although I am sad to see my favorite dish (creamy scallop udon) no longer on the menu, I am equally excited to have a reason to come back and try other things. Service: impeccable. My waiter was kind and helpful and well versed in the menu. If you have any questions about portions or menu be sure to ask because this group is amazing and will get you answers! Atmosphere: I came on a weeknight about 10 minutes after they opened and I was the only one there until closer to 5. The space is very simple but sleek. Price: This is where I advise to understand what you're getting into. This is not a fast casual spot and one shouldn't expect those prices. But the prices are not outrageous for the quality/quantity of food you get. It was around $100 for enough food for 2 people. Obviously this is where it can vary depending on what dishes you get, but trust me, you'll want to try a skewer or the octopus hush puppies. Overall: amazing food and I can't wait to bring my husband back for a date night.
Sam L.
I was disappointed. Ambience and service are great. But food was not. Ramen was not tasty, broth was missing flavor, chicken was tough. Really wanted to enjoy it but it lacked sophistication.
Virga H.
First things first... Sunday is half price sake bottles and oh my goodness, they have a great selection. Food was really good. I do recommend you go with a group because they have many small plates and that way you can try a bunch of different things. We had five dishes and we're so full that we could not even get to the hot noodle.dishes. Our waitress was very knowledgeable and helped figure out which dishes would travel well because I needed an order to go..they were also knowledgeable and asked up front about any dietary concerns or preferences. Finally, I think if you are gonna go anytime after right after they open up for the evening, you might need to get some reservations they did fill up pretty quickly..
Leandro
Amazing unique food. Great service. Cool drinks. Will definitely be returning.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Matcha Cheesecake, Japanese Fried Chicken, Chili She-Crab Noodles, Dry Aged Beef Tataki
Our second time back in three weeks—we went with our BFF's and shared some plates! Everything was fabulous! The Japanese Fried Chicken/ Octopus Hush Puppies/ and the Chicken Thigh skewers with scallions all over the top recommendations! Savannah and Bobby took great care of us???
Keri Johnson
Beautiful space and even better food! We ordered many different items to share and loved them all. Service was amazing and very inviting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tasso Pork Slider, Chili She-Crab Noodles, Shaved Apple Salad, Japanese Potato Salad, Lamb Meatball Skewer, Kentucky BBQ Lamb Skewer
Emily Bryant
I visited during the Christmas pop up and will not return. Waiter said the menu was meant to share, it is not. Price seems to be based on pomp and circumstance not quality or quantity of food. A table of four cost nearly $400 and each of us left unsatisfied.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grilled Bok Choy, Tofu Sliders, Japanese Fried Chicken, Chili She-Crab Noodles, Kentucky BBQ Lamb Skewer
Troy Windhorst
Great food, but what I took home was the memories of wonderful, exceptional service. Absolutely perfect.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Mike Spurlock
Everything was fabulous. Highly recommend this place. I rarely give 5 stars across the board so heed this review.
Dinner for 4, $382.00, not including tip! Wish I would've taken a picture of my ginger salad. Large bowl of mixed greens, with 4 slices of cucumber with a dollop of dressing on each one. Was told there is more dressing in the bottom. My husband nor I found any, anywhere. When I told the waiter, and asked for more, he brought out a tiny little dish about the size of a half dollar, less than a 1/2 inch tall! I was charged an additional $1.50. We were served octopus hush puppies, we didn't order. Pretty sure we were charged for them anyway. For that price, could have gone about anywhere for a better meal. I can't see them being open very long. Really puzzled reading the rave reviews this place got. We waited a long time for the cheesecake to come out. No one picked up our tab with credit card to cash us out. I asked someone who was bussing tables if she could take care of it. Very disjointed service. Started out ok, then quickly declined. Won't be back.
Karis S.
The food is so lackluster here and the prices are insane. I ordered the chicken udon and the noodles were really bad. The chicken were meatballs and were way too salty. It's shame since the concept here was so great, but the food is inauthentic and subpar. It's hard to justify spending 24 dollars for a small bowl of soggy noodles. We also ordered the agadashi tofu and it was also a disappointment. The ambiance is nice for a date, but I won't be back for the food.
Surav Shrestha
For these prices, I expected better. Having been to Japan a few times, wife and I are not new to Japanese cuisine. While the fusion with Southern food worked with some dishes, the portions for the price is outrageous.Some of the dishes were great, then some had issues where the flavors didn't mix as well as it should have with all the ingredients.Where this place shines is the friendly and efficient service, along with the wonderful atmosphere of the restaurant. Lots of room for improvement, and plenty of potential.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Matcha Cheesecake
Being someone whom enjoys a well executed meal—I can confidently say Enso is one of the best restaurants in Louisville! The flavors were incredible! Server, Melissa and the Manager-Bobby—also at the top of their games! Not enough superlatives — this place is that good...made another reservation prior to leaving...
Chas
Service regarding food and server was very good. Bar service was really slow. My Knob Creek 9 year old bourbon was closer to 10 years old by the time it arrived at the table. Had our drinks come promptly we would have each had two instead of one. This is a common theme we have encountered with many restaurants. An additional bartender would surely result in additional liquor sales.
Wow oh Wow. There's a reason this place is held in such high regard. For starters, I typically don't like Japanese food but I would eat Enso's food off the floor. Yes it's that good. Food: there was not a single dish I did not enjoy. Everything I had was exploding with flavor and exceeded expectations. I was going to go into extreme detail about how much I enjoyed each and every dish but as of two weeks ago (mid March 2024) the menu was updated and a lot of the things I had are no longer available. The octopus hush puppies are still available and VERY delicious. The toppings really bring this dish over the top and make it something special. Although I am sad to see my favorite dish (creamy scallop udon) no longer on the menu, I am equally excited to have a reason to come back and try other things. Service: impeccable. My waiter was kind and helpful and well versed in the menu. If you have any questions about portions or menu be sure to ask because this group is amazing and will get you answers! Atmosphere: I came on a weeknight about 10 minutes after they opened and I was the only one there until closer to 5. The space is very simple but sleek. Price: This is where I advise to understand what you're getting into. This is not a fast casual spot and one shouldn't expect those prices. But the prices are not outrageous for the quality/quantity of food you get. It was around $100 for enough food for 2 people. Obviously this is where it can vary depending on what dishes you get, but trust me, you'll want to try a skewer or the octopus hush puppies. Overall: amazing food and I can't wait to bring my husband back for a date night.
I was disappointed. Ambience and service are great. But food was not. Ramen was not tasty, broth was missing flavor, chicken was tough. Really wanted to enjoy it but it lacked sophistication.
First things first... Sunday is half price sake bottles and oh my goodness, they have a great selection. Food was really good. I do recommend you go with a group because they have many small plates and that way you can try a bunch of different things. We had five dishes and we're so full that we could not even get to the hot noodle.dishes. Our waitress was very knowledgeable and helped figure out which dishes would travel well because I needed an order to go..they were also knowledgeable and asked up front about any dietary concerns or preferences. Finally, I think if you are gonna go anytime after right after they open up for the evening, you might need to get some reservations they did fill up pretty quickly..
Amazing unique food. Great service. Cool drinks. Will definitely be returning.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Matcha Cheesecake, Japanese Fried Chicken, Chili She-Crab Noodles, Dry Aged Beef Tataki
Our second time back in three weeks—we went with our BFF's and shared some plates! Everything was fabulous! The Japanese Fried Chicken/ Octopus Hush Puppies/ and the Chicken Thigh skewers with scallions all over the top recommendations! Savannah and Bobby took great care of us???
Beautiful space and even better food! We ordered many different items to share and loved them all. Service was amazing and very inviting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tasso Pork Slider, Chili She-Crab Noodles, Shaved Apple Salad, Japanese Potato Salad, Lamb Meatball Skewer, Kentucky BBQ Lamb Skewer
I visited during the Christmas pop up and will not return. Waiter said the menu was meant to share, it is not. Price seems to be based on pomp and circumstance not quality or quantity of food. A table of four cost nearly $400 and each of us left unsatisfied.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grilled Bok Choy, Tofu Sliders, Japanese Fried Chicken, Chili She-Crab Noodles, Kentucky BBQ Lamb Skewer
Great food, but what I took home was the memories of wonderful, exceptional service. Absolutely perfect.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Everything was fabulous. Highly recommend this place. I rarely give 5 stars across the board so heed this review.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Matcha Cheesecake, Ginger Salad
A good addition to the Louisville restaurant scene. Service and ambience were the standout.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Dinner for 4, $382.00, not including tip! Wish I would've taken a picture of my ginger salad. Large bowl of mixed greens, with 4 slices of cucumber with a dollop of dressing on each one. Was told there is more dressing in the bottom. My husband nor I found any, anywhere. When I told the waiter, and asked for more, he brought out a tiny little dish about the size of a half dollar, less than a 1/2 inch tall! I was charged an additional $1.50. We were served octopus hush puppies, we didn't order. Pretty sure we were charged for them anyway. For that price, could have gone about anywhere for a better meal. I can't see them being open very long. Really puzzled reading the rave reviews this place got. We waited a long time for the cheesecake to come out. No one picked up our tab with credit card to cash us out. I asked someone who was bussing tables if she could take care of it. Very disjointed service. Started out ok, then quickly declined. Won't be back.
The food is so lackluster here and the prices are insane. I ordered the chicken udon and the noodles were really bad. The chicken were meatballs and were way too salty. It's shame since the concept here was so great, but the food is inauthentic and subpar. It's hard to justify spending 24 dollars for a small bowl of soggy noodles. We also ordered the agadashi tofu and it was also a disappointment. The ambiance is nice for a date, but I won't be back for the food.
For these prices, I expected better. Having been to Japan a few times, wife and I are not new to Japanese cuisine. While the fusion with Southern food worked with some dishes, the portions for the price is outrageous.Some of the dishes were great, then some had issues where the flavors didn't mix as well as it should have with all the ingredients.Where this place shines is the friendly and efficient service, along with the wonderful atmosphere of the restaurant. Lots of room for improvement, and plenty of potential.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Matcha Cheesecake
Being someone whom enjoys a well executed meal—I can confidently say Enso is one of the best restaurants in Louisville! The flavors were incredible! Server, Melissa and the Manager-Bobby—also at the top of their games! Not enough superlatives — this place is that good...made another reservation prior to leaving...
Service regarding food and server was very good. Bar service was really slow. My Knob Creek 9 year old bourbon was closer to 10 years old by the time it arrived at the table. Had our drinks come promptly we would have each had two instead of one. This is a common theme we have encountered with many restaurants. An additional bartender would surely result in additional liquor sales.