Kisa Photos
Business Info
Kisa Popular Dishes
KISA ATMOSPHERE
You might also consider
Recommended Reviews - Kisa
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
Such a fun place to visit! If you do come, reserve in advance. I waited about an hour on a Friday night for 7pm seating. You choose one meat (we ordered spicy squid and bulgogi) and it comes with a bunch of banchan. These are no ordinary banchan. They have braised pork, fried tofu in a delicious soy sauce, beef tartare, fish cake, kimchi, cabbage, and shrimp with a horseradish sauce. All so good and we left extremely full. The main guy at the front goes out of his way to make it an enjoyable experience for the diners.
Finally went to try this place!! Got the spicy squid meal and it was delicious with all the Banchan and soup!! Around $46 with tips and tax tho.. will come back try the bibimbap and the donkatsu
Stopped by Kisa and got the spicy squid baek ban, while my friend got the spicy pork. The menu is pretty short, but that's kind of the point -- they stick to a handful of dishes. Everything came out pretty quickly with all the banchan already on the table. The squid had a nice kick, and I stole a bite of my friend's spicy pork, which was really solid too. Everything felt homey and comforting, the seaweed soup especially. Honestly, I liked that the menu was simple. I'm too indecisive about what to get and what I'm missing out on, but the short menu made picking what to get really easy. Everyone was friendly, and our food came out pretty quickly. I'd come back and try one of the other baek ban dishes depending on what I'm in the mood for.
Went back to Kisa for lunch and it wasn't packed or a wait for a table. Service is fast and attentive. Scan QR code on table to menu. Got the bulgogi set which comes with an array of banchan and the donkatsu lunch set which is only available currently from Wednesday-Friday. Both meals came out quickly with big portions. Food is consistent and enough to eat for two meals. There was definitely leftovers. Love how it feels homey with quality service and food.
If you dont have a reservation expect to wait an hour - it is already a small establishment and they are very popular. If youre not familiar with the theme if Kisa it's based off of Korea's taxi driver diners. That means a very small selective menu to be a quick in and out meal. You will get a choice iof 1 of the 4 entrees they offer and that's it. The ban chan you get is whatever they have made (if it's something like raw meat they will ask you to make sure it's okay or if they have to replace that). The four options you have are: Bulgogi, Spicy Pork, Stir-fried Squid, and Bimbimbap. Sometimes they have Donkatsu too. They also offer some beer/soju as well as sodas. They have hot water/coffee in a korean dispensing machine next to the door. The food came out really quickly and was great. The squid I got was well cooked without being chewy and I enjoyed the banchan options given. It's surprisingly more filling than you may think without making you feel super bloated.
I was in NYC for work and a colleague recommended this place. Waited an hour. But the food and service was worth the wait! They even gave me a shot of soju.
Finally had the chance to try Kisa while my parents were visiting, and I think I can speak for all of us when I say the food was AMAZING. I think my expectations weren't too high because this is the type of stuff I grew up eating, so it was somewhat familiar, but I'd say that meal took core Korean comfort food and elevated it without being too complicated. My family got the spicy pork and stir-fried squid, both of which I'd highly recommend. Especially the squid, because I feel like I'm not the biggest seafood person, but it was so good and succulent, marinated beautifully with the sweet and savory spicy sauce. The highlight of the side dishes had to be the mul hwe - like 10/10 if that was a main I'd eat a whole meal of it. It's a much more delicate sweet and spicy, and the fish itself is so clean and fresh. They were pretty packed when we got there as the restaurant itself isn't too big, so definitely would recommend making a reservation. Service was great, and idk if it was one of the owners or a manager, but he greeted us and was a super friendly guy. My parents and I were stuffed and satisfied, and it's great to have this diverse buffet of little bites to support the main because their side dishes seem to have their own personality and are different from the usual banchan I find in Korean restaurants. The one thing my parents and I would say is that the price is definitely not cheap because it's $36 per order. It is a hefty portion, but it was not the price we expected lol. Regardless, had a great meal and would love to try their seasonal menus!
After reading that they made the Top 100 NYT list for 2026, I decided to give it a try. The venue definitely did its best to recreate the nostalgic Korean diner vibe, and I have to admit, they captured the atmosphere quite well. The food? Preset banchan (side dishes) with your choice of a main dish , which was okay. I grew up surrounded by incredible home cooks: my mom, grandmother, and older sister. The hot sauce and tofu reminded me of those comforting homemade flavors, which I appreciated, but overall the meal itself was not as tasty as anticipated. That said, I truly hope this place lives up to the hype and continues to succeed.
Kisa is a literal blast from the past - the design of the restaurant is very nostalgic and cozy. It feels like you are transported to a very homey mom-and-pop shop. It's decorated with paper calendars on the wall, framed family photos, small square televisions, and more. It is also incredibly popular! A reservation is a MUST for this restaurant. My friend and I booked a reservation for 5 p.m., which is the start of dinner, and there was already a line forming to be let inside. Despite the crowdedness of the restaurant, I did not feel rushed at all, and the server addressed all our questions and checked in on us every so often. The menu is very simple - you have a choice of protein, bulgogi, squid, spicy pork, or bibimbap. Each meal comes with a variety of banchan for each guest. It's all seasonal and includes dishes such as kimchi, pollack soup, fruit salad, japchae, and raw fish (mul hwe). As someone who loves to eat family style and pick at various dishes throughout my meal, Kisa was perfect. I also felt very satisfied with the portions. I decided to pick the stir-fry squid as my protein, and I was incredibly happy with my choice!! After your meal, you will receive a coin to use a vintage coffee machine. You'll receive a to-go cup of coffee or tea! Overall, it was such a lovely experience. The food tasted great and felt authentic. I can not wait to come back. :)
I love the concept behind Kisa. Modeled after cheap eateries from the 80s, this restaurant is outfitted with all the nostalgic pieces from that time. A box television flickered to life with the weather report. An old electric metal fan perched on the ceiling. Framed family photos, a paper calendar, and a wooden clock lined the walls. The vibe is certainly homey. There's a cafeteria-like buzz here. Conversations, metal chopsticks clanging against metal plates, and upbeat music drown out what's spoken between two diners across the table. This place is indeed lively and so well desired. I was lucky to secure an 8 pm table on a Saturday for two, and about 45 minutes into our time, we were rushed out by our server as the seat was booked for another party at 9. This is the only snag in my experience. Restaurants should allow for patrons to stay for at least an hour and fifteen minutes. Standard dining times usually run for an hour and thirty to two hours. Nonetheless, the delicious meals made up for our hastened dining. The menu is simple: You have a pick of three mains -- bulgogi, pork, squid, or bibimbop -- with the banchan already pre-chosen for you. I ordered the bulgogi and my friend ordered the pork. Both were delicious, with the former leaning into the sweet soy sauce flavors while the latter leaned smokey. I enjoyed the banchan as well. The rice was hot and sticky. The tofu, as someone who doesn't normally like it, was silky smooth. The spicy soy-chili sauce that came with it was phenomenal. The sashimi was equally as good, fresh, and not at all polarizing, even for someone who doesn't normally like raw fish. Would I return to Kisa? I certainly would. Hopefully I won't be rushed out next time.
This cozy Korean restaurant is so delicious and unique! I love the idea of having a set menu and being able to choose your choice of protein. The Spicy Pork is so delicious and well-seasoned, and pairs perfectly with the white rice and banchans. The staff are nice and quick, and I enjoyed both times I came here. I recommended making a reservation if possible since it may be difficult getting a table with walk-in since it's first come first serve.
Was finally able to make it here. Made reservations and was promptly seated for lunch. There's only 4 mains on the menu which comes with 7 banchans (small sides) per person. Bulgogi (thin beef in a sweet soy), spicy squid, spicy pork, or vegetarian rice bowl. They have 1 special dish Wed- Fri. My friend and I both got the bulgogi beef. The banchans were the highlight of the meal. My favorite was the velvety raw beef with the Asian pear and the shrimp salad with the wasabi miso. It also comes with rice and a nice perilla soup. My only complaint was the noise level. It was too loud to have a conversation. We will be back
Kisa in NYC is such a fun dining experience. One thing to note is that everyone at the table has to order a plate set, but honestly, it's worth it. Each set comes loaded with a variety of Korean side dishes (banchan), so you get a lot to try. We ordered the beef and the squid. I'm usually not a squid person, but this one surprised me. It was tender, well-seasoned, and really flavorful. The japchae also included minced meat, which added a nice touch. Every order also comes with rice and a hot soup, making it feel like a complete, comforting meal. The space is on the smaller side, but we made a reservation so there was no wait, which I definitely recommend. Super convenient location too, especially if you're coming from Midtown since the subway is literally right in front. I'd definitely come back again and try the pork next time!
Came here with two friends and got to try all their classic meats- bulgogi, spicy pork, and spicy squid. I loved all the banchan, and the spicy squid was a surprising hit amongst our group. Their complimentary black bean latte is also the perfect dessert to round out the meal. read more
Choose a main! The bulgolgi was well seasoned. Yummy sides that you can refill. The meats sides are extra. Just wish the food was warmer. Fish cakes, kimchi, and shrimp salad sides were great. Kind servers and warm space :) read more
Such a fun place to visit! If you do come, reserve in advance. I waited about an hour on a Friday night for 7pm seating. You choose one meat (we ordered spicy squid and bulgogi) and it comes with a bunch of banchan. These are no ordinary banchan. They have braised pork, fried tofu in a delicious soy sauce, beef tartare, fish cake, kimchi, cabbage, and shrimp with a horseradish sauce. All so good and we left extremely full. The main guy at the front goes out of his way to make it an enjoyable experience for the diners. read more
3 days ago
Finally went to try this place!! Got the spicy squid meal and it was delicious with all the Banchan and soup!! Around $46 with tips and tax tho.. will come back try the bibimbap and the donkatsu read more
11 days ago
2 months ago
Stopped by Kisa and got the spicy squid baek ban, while my friend got the spicy pork. The menu is pretty short, but that's kind of the point -- they stick to a handful of dishes. Everything came out pretty quickly with all the banchan already on the table. The squid had a nice kick, and I stole a bite of my friend's spicy pork, which was really solid too. Everything felt homey and comforting, the seaweed soup especially. Honestly, I liked that the menu was simple. I'm too indecisive about what to get and what I'm missing out on, but the short menu made picking what to get really easy. Everyone was friendly, and our food came out pretty quickly. I'd come back and try one of the other baek ban dishes depending on what I'm in the mood for. read more
3 months ago
Went back to Kisa for lunch and it wasn't packed or a wait for a table. Service is fast and attentive. Scan QR code on table to menu. Got the bulgogi set which comes with an array of banchan and the donkatsu lunch set which is only available currently from Wednesday-Friday. Both meals came out quickly with big portions. Food is consistent and enough to eat for two meals. There was definitely leftovers. Love how it feels homey with quality service and food. read more
26 days ago
If you dont have a reservation expect to wait an hour - it is already a small establishment and they are very popular. If youre not familiar with the theme if Kisa it's based off of Korea's taxi driver diners. That means a very small selective menu to be a quick in and out meal. You will get a choice iof 1 of the 4 entrees they offer and that's it. The ban chan you get is whatever they have made (if it's something like raw meat they will ask you to make sure it's okay or if they have to replace that). The four options you have are: Bulgogi, Spicy Pork, Stir-fried Squid, and Bimbimbap. Sometimes they have Donkatsu too. They also offer some beer/soju as well as sodas. They have hot water/coffee in a korean dispensing machine next to the door. The food came out really quickly and was great. The squid I got was well cooked without being chewy and I enjoyed the banchan options given. It's surprisingly more filling than you may think without making you feel super bloated. read more
4 months ago
Finally had the chance to try Kisa while my parents were visiting, and I think I can speak for all of us when I say the food was AMAZING. I think my expectations weren't too high because this is the type of stuff I grew up eating, so it was somewhat familiar, but I'd say that meal took core Korean comfort food and elevated it without being too complicated. My family got the spicy pork and stir-fried squid, both of which I'd highly recommend. Especially the squid, because I feel like I'm not the biggest seafood person, but it was so good and succulent, marinated beautifully with the sweet and savory spicy sauce. The highlight of the side dishes had to be the mul hwe - like 10/10 if that was a main I'd eat a whole meal of it. It's a much more delicate sweet and spicy, and the fish itself is so clean and fresh. They were pretty packed when we got there as the restaurant itself isn't too big, so definitely would recommend making a reservation. Service was great, and idk if it was one of the owners or a manager, but he greeted us and was a super friendly guy. My parents and I were stuffed and satisfied, and it's great to have this diverse buffet of little bites to support the main because their side dishes seem to have their own personality and are different from the usual banchan I find in Korean restaurants. The one thing my parents and I would say is that the price is definitely not cheap because it's $36 per order. It is a hefty portion, but it was not the price we expected lol. Regardless, had a great meal and would love to try their seasonal menus! read more
After reading that they made the Top 100 NYT list for 2026, I decided to give it a try. The venue definitely did its best to recreate the nostalgic Korean diner vibe, and I have to admit, they captured the atmosphere quite well. The food? Preset banchan (side dishes) with your choice of a main dish , which was okay. I grew up surrounded by incredible home cooks: my mom, grandmother, and older sister. The hot sauce and tofu reminded me of those comforting homemade flavors, which I appreciated, but overall the meal itself was not as tasty as anticipated. That said, I truly hope this place lives up to the hype and continues to succeed. read more
4 months ago
Kisa is a literal blast from the past - the design of the restaurant is very nostalgic and cozy. It feels like you are transported to a very homey mom-and-pop shop. It's decorated with paper calendars on the wall, framed family photos, small square televisions, and more. It is also incredibly popular! A reservation is a MUST for this restaurant. My friend and I booked a reservation for 5 p.m., which is the start of dinner, and there was already a line forming to be let inside. Despite the crowdedness of the restaurant, I did not feel rushed at all, and the server addressed all our questions and checked in on us every so often. The menu is very simple - you have a choice of protein, bulgogi, squid, spicy pork, or bibimbap. Each meal comes with a variety of banchan for each guest. It's all seasonal and includes dishes such as kimchi, pollack soup, fruit salad, japchae, and raw fish (mul hwe). As someone who loves to eat family style and pick at various dishes throughout my meal, Kisa was perfect. I also felt very satisfied with the portions. I decided to pick the stir-fry squid as my protein, and I was incredibly happy with my choice!! After your meal, you will receive a coin to use a vintage coffee machine. You'll receive a to-go cup of coffee or tea! Overall, it was such a lovely experience. The food tasted great and felt authentic. I can not wait to come back. :) read more
I love the concept behind Kisa. Modeled after cheap eateries from the 80s, this restaurant is outfitted with all the nostalgic pieces from that time. A box television flickered to life with the weather report. An old electric metal fan perched on the ceiling. Framed family photos, a paper calendar, and a wooden clock lined the walls. The vibe is certainly homey. There's a cafeteria-like buzz here. Conversations, metal chopsticks clanging against metal plates, and upbeat music drown out what's spoken between two diners across the table. This place is indeed lively and so well desired. I was lucky to secure an 8 pm table on a Saturday for two, and about 45 minutes into our time, we were rushed out by our server as the seat was booked for another party at 9. This is the only snag in my experience. Restaurants should allow for patrons to stay for at least an hour and fifteen minutes. Standard dining times usually run for an hour and thirty to two hours. Nonetheless, the delicious meals made up for our hastened dining. The menu is simple: You have a pick of three mains -- bulgogi, pork, squid, or bibimbop -- with the banchan already pre-chosen for you. I ordered the bulgogi and my friend ordered the pork. Both were delicious, with the former leaning into the sweet soy sauce flavors while the latter leaned smokey. I enjoyed the banchan as well. The rice was hot and sticky. The tofu, as someone who doesn't normally like it, was silky smooth. The spicy soy-chili sauce that came with it was phenomenal. The sashimi was equally as good, fresh, and not at all polarizing, even for someone who doesn't normally like raw fish. Would I return to Kisa? I certainly would. Hopefully I won't be rushed out next time. read more
This cozy Korean restaurant is so delicious and unique! I love the idea of having a set menu and being able to choose your choice of protein. The Spicy Pork is so delicious and well-seasoned, and pairs perfectly with the white rice and banchans. The staff are nice and quick, and I enjoyed both times I came here. I recommended making a reservation if possible since it may be difficult getting a table with walk-in since it's first come first serve. read more
1 month ago
Was finally able to make it here. Made reservations and was promptly seated for lunch. There's only 4 mains on the menu which comes with 7 banchans (small sides) per person. Bulgogi (thin beef in a sweet soy), spicy squid, spicy pork, or vegetarian rice bowl. They have 1 special dish Wed- Fri. My friend and I both got the bulgogi beef. The banchans were the highlight of the meal. My favorite was the velvety raw beef with the Asian pear and the shrimp salad with the wasabi miso. It also comes with rice and a nice perilla soup. My only complaint was the noise level. It was too loud to have a conversation. We will be back read more
Kisa in NYC is such a fun dining experience. One thing to note is that everyone at the table has to order a plate set, but honestly, it's worth it. Each set comes loaded with a variety of Korean side dishes (banchan), so you get a lot to try. We ordered the beef and the squid. I'm usually not a squid person, but this one surprised me. It was tender, well-seasoned, and really flavorful. The japchae also included minced meat, which added a nice touch. Every order also comes with rice and a hot soup, making it feel like a complete, comforting meal. The space is on the smaller side, but we made a reservation so there was no wait, which I definitely recommend. Super convenient location too, especially if you're coming from Midtown since the subway is literally right in front. I'd definitely come back again and try the pork next time! read more
3 months ago
The food was pretty good, with soft bulgogi and a wide assortment of delicious banchan. But $36 for this set meal that is for taxi drivers in Korea (less than $5 in Korea!)? Really can't justify it considering there's so many better options in the city. They just brought a unique concept, and hiked up the price since they're the only ones doing it. But if you just look at the food, it definitely isn't worth over $50 per person after adding tax and tip. read more
Something about this place made me feel like I was sitting in someone's home getting served. We went to Kisa on a Saturday night. There was a very long wait, but I have to say the staff at Kisa were wonderful! They communicated with us through text with updated and they were so kind to us thanking us for waiting so long. The food was standard Korean food, but I loved the way it was served and it was a very large portion. read more
Been wanting to try this spot for the longest. Put my name down and went to a nearby bar - it was a 1.5 hr wait without a resy. The squid was great and bulgolgi was smoky. Solid protein choices. I wish the banchan was still unlimited refills but it wasn't. None of the banchan was particularly mindblowing & the chicken as banchan threw me off. The (free) cafe machine at the end was a cute touch - you had choices: cafe latte, black bean latte (this was the best), and hot chocolate. read more
Such a cool throwback experience. We had this in our list for a while and finally made our way for a weekend dinner. The ladies who greeted us and helped us at our table were super bright and friendly. They were helpful and checked in occasionally to make sure we were all good. I went with the bulgogi option which was excellent. Great flavors for the main plus all the sides/banchan that came with it. The soup that came on the side was flavorful and a nice touch. The ambiance is so fun with lots of throwbacks to those kisa restaurants in korea if you're familiar. But even if you're not, you can still enjoy that 80s/90s vibe here all around. Recommended! read more
8 days ago
i have mixed feelings about this meal. obviously it was a beautiful spread and quite the generous portion size but it's def overpriced for the quality of food. dare i say the tj's bulgogi i made the other night tasted better than there's. i also think it's a little silly to label galbijjim and beef tartare as banchans but then again i'm not complaining because they were still good read more
25 days ago
Very filling! Decor inside reminded me of the older days in Korea, similar to the kdrama reply 1980. Small inside but the food portions were very big. Comfort Korean food read more
KISA's unique atmosphere is a throwback to the fast casual settings found in Korea for workers on the go. Located on the corner of Houston and Allen, this hot spot is well run by a host of styling young adults. Enjoyed the tray of banchan surrounding my main dish which had a sauce so wonderful, I just lapped it up until it was all gone. read more
I have been wanting to try Kisa for a very long time, but during the height of its hype, there were no reservations and the line was down the block every day. We were happy to find out that they accept reservations now. We finally went last night and were not disappointed. The decor makes it feel like you are in someone's home. The staff is super friendly and the service is fast. The concept is simple: you choose one of four entrees and they all come with the same banchan (side dishes). The food is delicious. I ordered the stir-fried squid and my wife got the spicy pork. Mine was definitely the better choice. For 35 USD per person, you get plenty of delicious food served in minutes. After dinner, you can even get a hot sweet beverage from the automatic machine. I definitely understand the hype now and will be back. This place is great. read more
Overall rating: 4.7 I was a little concerned that it's on a first come basis, but I was lucky that there was an open spot before the line starts. The food was very good but oof the lighting. It was too bright! They bring out soup first which was delicious. Chose the Spicy pork and I was able to eat only half. Took the rest home for the next day and it was delicious. read more
Inspired by a traditional Korean taxi restaurant in the 80s.. you feel the aesthetic once you walk in with the dolly curtains, fans, and small tvs on the wall. Get a resy if you can! If not, prepare to put your name down, wait & explore for a bit. On a Saturday evening, we arrived at 6:20 and were the first on the list for 2 people with a wait of 45 mins but the parties after us had to wait 1-1.5 hours Service/greeter was very communicative and efficient at getting people on the list and tables turned over. Small restaurant so no space to wait inside, Menu is straightforward - you use one main that comes with ride and a set of banchan for $36. Highly recommend the bulgogi!! Was between the pork and squid and went with the squid as the second. The bulgogi isn't overly greasy and has a lovely smoked/charred flavor to it. Squid was also cooked well. Good portion overall. The japchae and tofu were our favorite banchans, with the chicken being our least favorite as it lacked flavor. However, this was a delicious, hearty meal overall and we left full and happy. Food feels home cooked. read more
Love everything about this restaurant!! Had a reservation for 5pm and waited on line for them to open and got seated right away. Our server was extremely knowledgeable and attentive. We ordered the squid and bulgogi set and they both were perfectly seasoned and delicious. Loved all the the side dishes but the braised chicken as I thought it could've used a bit more seasoning/flavor however everything else was really good! I especially loved the jap chae and the yellowtail. The set also came with a spicy fish soup which was perfect for the winter we're having! Definitely recommend this spot and the price point is great for how much food you get! read more
5 months ago
Representing a staple in the Korean community, Kisa embodies the vibe of the 80s taxi driver's restaurant. The Baek Ban has a little bit of everything that makes this meal super filling and exciting all at the same time. I appreciate how easy it is (just pick your meat) I chose the traditional bulgogi, but everyone at my table picked something different so we could all try. The staff was lovely and quick and luckily we had a reservation so we didn't wait any more than 5 min for a table to be cleared up for us. read more
- for the amount of food, their tables are comically small - came for dinner, no fuss menu, very casual - the concept is executed thoughtfully - a solid meal especially for the cost but not particularly memorable - over rating: 3.5 - i enjoyed the banchan more than the entree, they were the standout of the meal read more
9 months ago
I came here on a Monday evening with a resy and got the bulgogi platter. The platters all come with banchan but I think each banchan was very much hit or miss with a couple lacking flavor. The bulgogi and kimchi were great. The tofu and cucumbers were okay but again not a whole lot of flavor. The fruit salad wasn't my favorite either. The soup was really good though and super refreshing on a cold night. Service was super quick though and they've put as many tables as they can inside so it feels popping. read more
1 month ago
9 months ago
My friend and I finally came here after hearing about this place. We had a later dinner reservation and were seated in the corner which actually was good since it is the winter. Ordering was really easy. We choose our main and then the sides all came with it. We both got the squid which was a bit spicy for me. Some of the sides were better than others. I definitely loved the tofu. You can get 3 or 4 sides refills including tofu as one of them. It does seem like they were short staffed that day we went since asking for side refill did take longer than expected. The drink at the end was a nice touch and pretty tasty. From my expectations I did think this place could have been better as I was still hungry to be honest. The food is good and yummy. It just did not exceed my expectation. read more
Really good even though the menu is short and sweet ! For the bulgogi and spicy pork! We got a bottle of their house soju! Really good ! Highly recommend to make rvsp in advance. We walked in when it opened and got lucky to grab a table for 2ppl. But they had another rvsp 1 hour after which we were ok with. read more
Honestly love the concept. There were a couple of plates that I didn't think were special and not a fan of but the majority of the experience was great! Came on a Sunday afternoon with a friend and got seated immediately. I always love a short menu. We ordered the bulgogi and squid and it def did not disappoint! Bean sprout soup and rice were served first and it was such a good start after walking in the cold! You can never go wrong with Korean rice too. Then the dishes came. Most of the dishes were pretty unique and I got the bulgogi which I enjoyed a lot. I'm quite picky with my bulgogi and this def did not disappoint! It had a smokey taste which is very unique because bulgogis are usually a bit watery and sweet. Will def come back here again! (I do think paying $45 after tip and tax is a bit expensive though) read more
9 months ago
The menu of mains is short, but it covers the basics - bulgogi, spicy pork, spicy squid, and bibimbap so there's probably at least one dish that you'll be happy with. I've had Kisa on my list for a while and I know everyone raves about the banchan so I went in expecting it would be good, and it still blew my expectations away. At $36 per meal, it seems a little pricey, until you see what comes as banchan. Each dish comes with 7 banchan, a dried pollock soup, and white rice. My favorite was the silken tofu, but I also lived the spicy braised chicken and the mul hwe. I wasn't expecting meat in the banchan, so getting two whole wings plus yellowtail was a real pleasant surprise. The kimchi was addictively savory. The fruit salad was my least favorite - it reminded me of my aunt's ambrosia salad (but had the redeeming quality of not having marshmallows, at least!). As for the mains, my go to is always beef, but the spicy pork was so smoky and flavorful that it might have eked out the bulgogi for me. My only complaint was that the food could've been hotter. We came by on a brutally cold winter night and I felt like our food was already getting cold about 10-15 min into the meal. There's also a little free hot drink dispenser where you can get mini cups of a latte, hot chocolate, or black (soy)bean latte. I'm a sucker for the nuttiness of kinako, so I grabbed one when we were first seated to warm up from waiting outside, then took a second for the road. read more
Good to know: - Don't give up just because you don't get a resy. There are always walk-in options available. If you want no little to no wait at all, come close to opening time on a weekday. It seems like it's getting easier to snag a table these days. - This place is good for introducing people to Korean food or eating a nostalgic Korean meal again. Menu is simple. Choose one main (option of pork, bulgogi, squid or bibimbap). The other side dishes, a bowl of rice/soup are set for everyone. - They offer samples on their alcoholic drinks before you officially made a decision on what to order - They offer free mini drinks (coffee, black bean latte or hot choco) at their self-dispensing machines. Give their black bean latte a try - it's a good post meal dessert-like drink. Eating in: - I really love the whole concept of it all. It's like a typical Korean meal, but only individualized (almost covid style - so you don't have to share banchans with others). Everything comes out very pretty/organized platter. I can see how it impresses non-Koreans/foreigners. It's a great way to introduce people to Korean cuisine/dining culture. - All the banchans are delicious. [They only offer refills on kimchi/seaweed nowadays and charge for refills on any other ones.] - I personally had the spicy pork option. I did enjoy it, but my only minor complaint was that it was a bit drier than I would have liked. - Service is excellent. They are really quick to refill your water cup or get rid of trash/empty dishes. They are really on top of it. Overall, my foreigner friends were really impressed. Aesthetically, it's quite pleasing. As a Korean, I feel like it really did represent Korean home cooking well. So, I would recommend this place. read more
5 months ago
Cute and simple Korean diner experience. They have a small menu but it comes with a lot of sides. At the end they also give you a coin to use for their coffee machine or you can get a tea. I like the concept and food is great! Food comes quick and the meal is filling! read more
"Soulless Seoul" This is the perfect place for wannabe hipsters. Replete with indecipherable Hangul alphabet characters outside and no English sign. Seemingly authentic. But you won't find an Asian within 15 blocks of here. It's Korean food for people who don't like Korean food. What's to Cheer: - Low lighting, high intention. - The room hums with that "we definitely like sucker white people - Service is nice and friendly. Like Ted Bundy What's to Jeer * Food is bland and tailored for hipsters * Portions that say "we don't care about you" as much as saving money * Spending $120 here when you can have a meal that's 3x as good about 25 blocks away in Koreatown. *The crowd is a little... self-aware. *Expect at least one person explaining a dish to their date like they personally helped develop it. Vibe Check: Date night? Yes. Group? NO Pro Tips: * don't bother read more
Page 1 of 10
More info about Kisa
205 Allen St
New York, NY 10002
Lower East Side
Directions
(646) 866-8622
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.kisaus.com
Full menu
Hours
Payment methods
Food & Alcohol
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
Other Amenities
More Info
Health Score
Kisa Reviews in Other Languages
Ask the Community - Kisa
You might also consider
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
14 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
2 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
2 months ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
