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Kai Sushi & Dining

3.8 (172 reviews)
ModerateSushi Bars, Japanese
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Alicia C.

While visiting Santa Fe, we decided to give this place a try. Food was pretty good. We ordered the sashimi platter and it was very fresh. We got 2 rolls and were ok. The soft craft was better, the Seattle was fell apart as soon as one touches it. The rice was super overcooked and smushy. Udon noodles soup was pretty ok. Service was average. The waitress was nice but a bit lost. The place had a nice ambience but in the middle of dinner some lights went off.

Taos roll
Donna C.

This was our first venture inside Kai. It was chill and cozy. Previously, we had just used takeout or delivery. So glad we popped in. We promised ourselves we'd try new rolls. We ordered two shrimp tempura ones, just in case the other three didn't work out. ; ) I'm so happy I was adventurous, because I now have a new go-to order. The Taos roll is BAKED! I had no idea I'd enjoy hot sushi so much. Also could have been because it was snowing and the warm food felt really good. I also had the Calamari roll. Both were delicious. My daughter raved about the Tootsie roll she ordered. Just the perfect amount of heat. Her shrimp tempura rolls were also enjoyable. Overall we thought the ingredients were fresh, prepared well, and met our sushi expectations. I have previously ordered their teriyaki salmon bento box and enjoyed it immensely. For visitors to Santa Fe, Kai is conveniently located just off St. Francis and St. Michael's streets in a shopping center with ample parking. It's worth a 5-minute drive out of the downtown Plaza area. Staff greeted us when we came in and were helpful with menu questions. You can watch your sushi being prepared if you choose to sit at the counter.

Original Japanese Mille Crepe Cake
Travis M.

Is there actually great sushi in New Mexico? The land of frito tacos, fry bread, and rough red and green smothered tacos to make a grown man cry?!? Yes! Actuary there is! I decided to try out Kai Sushi for the first time because it had a lot of great reviews. The first thing I noticed was the small, unassuming interior. It definitely has a small cozy vibe, not a big expensive vibe. The service was really good and the food came out quick! I went with the Kai roll, which was a good choice, I thought the individual components went together very well, and it was a little bit spicy, but not too much. I decided to get the original flavored Japanese Mille Crepe Cake as well. I thought it was fantastic. I'll be back!

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3 years ago

Sushi is quite good. Chefs not generally friendly. Space needs a complete overhaul. Very grimy.

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6 years ago

Super rolls. Good service. Kai roll was a favorite. Location is in a shopping center by Smith's grocery so lots of parking.

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Ask the Community - Kai Sushi & Dining

Do you serve alcohol?

Beer and Wine only

What time and days is happy hour?

4:30-6:30

View All 3 Questions

izanami

izanami

3.9
(509 reviews)
5.8 mi
$$$

Food is 5 stars. Service is super friendly but a bit slow and unpolished. Our waitress was lovely…read more At one point we got some food and our table was crowded with dishes so I asked the deliverer to take away some dishes and he said he could not but would get someone else to. No one else came to take them away till the near end of our meal so I found that a bit odd. The restaurant is beautiful and even has a traditional Japanese eating area where you can sit on the ground. We all enjoyed our sushi, bento boxes, fried asparagus, and grilled avocado.

Whether booking through the spa (on Ten Thousand Waves grounds) or walking in (Juan was graciously…read morewelcoming without reservations), this is a sushi spot on a hill worth visiting. Happy Hour runs twice daily with reduced prices on food & beverages from 3-5p and 9-10p. They have an extensive sake menu categorized by flavor profile designed for pairings, along with a lean but modern wine list including detailed tasting notes. Japanese whisky and exotic green tea (try the kuki cha!) round out a full beverage program, and deep booths offer private views of the lush valley below. Chef Kiko Rodriguez offers a four-course tasting menu at an exceptional value for $65 - trying this or any of Paloma's suggestions from their fresh sushi menu (only restaurant in New Mexico with fish flown in from Japan daily) will surely please. Gloriously chilled tuna sashimi was thinly sliced cut with heat from fresh wasabi and a savory ginger shoyu. Hand rolls are served in pairs, and the spicy tuna was simple, elegant, and delightful - a perfect showcase of the freshest fish. Before switching to dessert, shaved ginger is also snappy and cleansing. I was absolutely mind blown by the Sakura Pannacotta - delicate and dreamy custard textured like chawanmushi with soft aromatic cherry blossom and the most delectable shortbread accent. Three light courses that were fully nourishing, absolutely satisfying, and delightfully delicious!

Photos
Ambiance
Ambiance
Japanese rice pudding
Japanese rice pudding
Persimmon (kaki) salad

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Persimmon (kaki) salad

Kai Sushi & Dining - sushi - Updated July 2026

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