Our first visit, our son kind of dragged us there. We WILL go back on our own. We loved all the dishes we, the servers were friendly and efficient. A great little place.
Wheelchair accessibility: All street level.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Everything
Aurora Lyons
Absolutely amazing food, service, and atmosphere! They have excellent gluten free options and they’re all delicious.
Love Kiki! Great spot for gluten free friends. The pork belly bao buns are insanely good - honestly we’ve never had anything we didn’t like here.
Vegetarian options: Curry pan, veggie skewers, cauliflower, jackfruit bao buns
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Curry Pan
Scott Smith
Poor take on Japanese food. Anyone who has ever been to Japan or even to a good Japanese restaurant will know what I mean if they visit. Yes, maybe it’s technically a fusion but the name and most things including the decor say they are trying to be Japanese.
Food-wise, the Karage was off and too hard. Lacked flavour. And you have to pay extra for a sauce. Shio Ramen is small and the noodles honestly seem like instant ramen noodles by the shape and taste. Broth was flavourless. The Pork Katsu was decent, but too thin. The Edamame was ice cold - prefer when I’ve had it warmed and soft. Drinks are overpriced at about $12-15.
Also: turn down the lights. So bright in there - combined with the concrete floors make it a very cold atmosphere. And honestly I’d suggest uniforms or aprons for the staff for this style of food.
Service was ok but was never asked if wanted another drink despite finishing my beer.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 3
Nikki Wei
My boyfriend took me to Kiki for my birthday dinner, and it was very disappointing. We’ve always wanted to come here because we were looking for a good Japanese restaurant in Cincy and this one seems to have good reviews. This restaurant is barely Japanese. First, the atmosphere was horrible; we thought we were eating at Walmart. So bright it was there it was killing me. The food was bad and overpriced, the ramen tasted like instant noodles and chicken karage was flavourless. The charge 1 dollar for the dipping sauce. The plates are random I felt like I was eating at someone’s house with bad taste, and not Japanese. The servers should have uniforms on and not dress random.
Overall, we were not impressed at all. We’ve been to great Japanese restaurants in Japan and in bit cities in North America.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
Katie Stout
Restored my faith in Cincinnati restaurant quality and service. Kiki is a gem that has taken but so much more! The fried cauliflower was lightly fried (not breaded) and pure heaven. The gyoza was delicious with a crackly layer on top. The matcha old fashioned was fresh and unbelievable. The oysters were fantastic. Even the pickles were a delight!
Really cannot say enough good things about this place and it’s now my date night/friend hang staple.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Raw Oysters, Gyoza Pork, Everything, Gyoza
Molly Thompson
First visit to Kiki last night with a group of 6 friends, we had the best time! We tried almost everything on the menu and truly enjoyed everything. Logan was fantastic- he made the experience fun and was very helpful in suggesting and explaining menu items. Can’t wait to return ?
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Felicity Martin
Awesome ramen and many other fantastic foods. The Japanese sweet potatoes are a game changer if you are sweet potato hater like me. If they are available try them. The pickles and curry pan are always ordered by my groups. Tasty.
The food was great. The staff provided great service and are just good people. Our waiter was great about checking the food for my son's allergies.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Everything
Sarah Doss
Beware of online ordering.
I googled the restaurant quickly last night to make a last minute letter before close. The ordering website that came up first on Google was ritual so I used that.
I made an error in my order and canceled it. I got no notification so I called the restaurant. The woman on the phone confirmed the original order had been canceled. I made the order again by phone and she told me if the duplicate order ever did somehow reappear she would cancel it.
My husband went to go pick up the food and paid in the restaurant. We received the original order and the phone order and were charged for both. It was after close by the time he got home so we couldn’t get in touch with anyone.
I contacted the restaurant today and was told there was nothing they could do.. even though their employee was the reason we placed 2 orders. Ritual said if there were any issues with the order to contact the restaurant.
They said just don’t use ritual next time. They don’t need to worry about that. I will not be ordering from Kiki ever again. To add insult to industry they kept the tip from the Ritual order.
This place is the definition of a hidden gem -- it's an unassuming, casual environment, and very easy to drive past if you don't know it's there. The dinner menu is decent-sized and sticks mostly to classic Japanese dishes, but they're always adding new things (check their IG page). Overall, they keep things simple, but they add thoughtful touches, and excellence is in the little details. The Kyoto cocktail was superb -- very unique flavor combo I can't say I've ever had. They easily have some of the best gyoza I've ever had. The pork belly bao were my favorite bite out of all the dishes we tried -- the pork was super juicy and flavorful (and not too fatty), and the slaw was an amazing compliment with another unique and unexpected burst of flavor. You can't go wrong with the karaage, either. Service was great, and the vibe was very chill. I'll happily come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork Gyoza, Karrage
Sarah Nord
I love Kiki!! My current favorite menu items include the pork bao buns, kimchi ramen, curry pan, and seaweed salad. Definitely stop by to give this College Hill gem a try. You’ll appreciate the delicious food & the warm welcome by Hideki and his team. Can’t wait to check out the new patio!
Our first visit, our son kind of dragged us there. We WILL go back on our own. We loved all the dishes we, the servers were friendly and efficient. A great little place.
Wheelchair accessibility: All street level.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Everything
Absolutely amazing food, service, and atmosphere! They have excellent gluten free options and they’re all delicious.
Dietary restrictions: Gluten free options
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Karrage, Chicken Karaage, Sashimi Salad
Love Kiki! Great spot for gluten free friends. The pork belly bao buns are insanely good - honestly we’ve never had anything we didn’t like here.
Vegetarian options: Curry pan, veggie skewers, cauliflower, jackfruit bao buns
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Curry Pan
Poor take on Japanese food. Anyone who has ever been to Japan or even to a good Japanese restaurant will know what I mean if they visit. Yes, maybe it’s technically a fusion but the name and most things including the decor say they are trying to be Japanese.
Food-wise, the Karage was off and too hard. Lacked flavour. And you have to pay extra for a sauce. Shio Ramen is small and the noodles honestly seem like instant ramen noodles by the shape and taste. Broth was flavourless. The Pork Katsu was decent, but too thin. The Edamame was ice cold - prefer when I’ve had it warmed and soft. Drinks are overpriced at about $12-15.
Also: turn down the lights. So bright in there - combined with the concrete floors make it a very cold atmosphere. And honestly I’d suggest uniforms or aprons for the staff for this style of food.
Service was ok but was never asked if wanted another drink despite finishing my beer.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 3
My boyfriend took me to Kiki for my birthday dinner, and it was very disappointing. We’ve always wanted to come here because we were looking for a good Japanese restaurant in Cincy and this one seems to have good reviews. This restaurant is barely Japanese. First, the atmosphere was horrible; we thought we were eating at Walmart. So bright it was there it was killing me. The food was bad and overpriced, the ramen tasted like instant noodles and chicken karage was flavourless. The charge 1 dollar for the dipping sauce. The plates are random I felt like I was eating at someone’s house with bad taste, and not Japanese. The servers should have uniforms on and not dress random.
Overall, we were not impressed at all. We’ve been to great Japanese restaurants in Japan and in bit cities in North America.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
Restored my faith in Cincinnati restaurant quality and service. Kiki is a gem that has taken but so much more! The fried cauliflower was lightly fried (not breaded) and pure heaven. The gyoza was delicious with a crackly layer on top. The matcha old fashioned was fresh and unbelievable. The oysters were fantastic. Even the pickles were a delight!
Really cannot say enough good things about this place and it’s now my date night/friend hang staple.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Raw Oysters, Gyoza Pork, Everything, Gyoza
First visit to Kiki last night with a group of 6 friends, we had the best time! We tried almost everything on the menu and truly enjoyed everything. Logan was fantastic- he made the experience fun and was very helpful in suggesting and explaining menu items. Can’t wait to return ?
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Awesome ramen and many other fantastic foods. The Japanese sweet potatoes are a game changer if you are sweet potato hater like me. If they are available try them.
The pickles and curry pan are always ordered by my groups. Tasty.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Curry Pan, Pork Gyoza, Karrage, Everything, Kakiage, Unagi Don, Shishito Peppers, Chicken Karaage
The food was great. The staff provided great service and are just good people. Our waiter was great about checking the food for my son's allergies.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Everything
Beware of online ordering.
I googled the restaurant quickly last night to make a last minute letter before close. The ordering website that came up first on Google was ritual so I used that.
I made an error in my order and canceled it. I got no notification so I called the restaurant. The woman on the phone confirmed the original order had been canceled. I made the order again by phone and she told me if the duplicate order ever did somehow reappear she would cancel it.
My husband went to go pick up the food and paid in the restaurant. We received the original order and the phone order and were charged for both. It was after close by the time he got home so we couldn’t get in touch with anyone.
I contacted the restaurant today and was told there was nothing they could do.. even though their employee was the reason we placed 2 orders. Ritual said if there were any issues with the order to contact the restaurant.
They said just don’t use ritual next time. They don’t need to worry about that. I will not be ordering from Kiki ever again. To add insult to industry they kept the tip from the Ritual order.
Food: 1
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
This place is the definition of a hidden gem -- it's an unassuming, casual environment, and very easy to drive past if you don't know it's there. The dinner menu is decent-sized and sticks mostly to classic Japanese dishes, but they're always adding new things (check their IG page). Overall, they keep things simple, but they add thoughtful touches, and excellence is in the little details. The Kyoto cocktail was superb -- very unique flavor combo I can't say I've ever had. They easily have some of the best gyoza I've ever had. The pork belly bao were my favorite bite out of all the dishes we tried -- the pork was super juicy and flavorful (and not too fatty), and the slaw was an amazing compliment with another unique and unexpected burst of flavor. You can't go wrong with the karaage, either. Service was great, and the vibe was very chill. I'll happily come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork Gyoza, Karrage
I love Kiki!! My current favorite menu items include the pork bao buns, kimchi ramen, curry pan, and seaweed salad. Definitely stop by to give this College Hill gem a try. You’ll appreciate the delicious food & the warm welcome by Hideki and his team. Can’t wait to check out the new patio!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Curry Pan, Kimchi Ramen, Shio Ramen
The food was delicious and the staff was so friendly!! Both people working were so helpful and social. We will be back if in the area.
Kid-friendliness: They made a plain ramen for one of the kids no questions asked.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Shio Ramen
Loved the vibe of the place. Great service. Incredible food. The pork belly bao was amazing. The fried cauliflower was the biggest, delicious surprise
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork Gyoza, Everything
Small menu but that's not a problem as everything is great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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