Kabawa Is New York's Most Fun Fine Dining Experience

"The former Momofuku Ko space in the East Village has been transformed into two restaurants: Kabawa, where Barbados native Paul Carmichael pulls from his experience cooking around the world for an exuberant choose-your-own-adventure prix fixe meal; and the more casual Bar Kabawa for daiquiris and patties next door. The Kabawa prix fixe is a true delight: $145 for a starter, main, dessert, and plenty of surprises from the kitchen."

"There's a short cocktail list with influences from the Caribbean - a rye, peanut, and whey option was a recent standout. But don't overlook the wine list. Kabawa inherited Momofuku Ko's wine cellar, and the friendly, knowledgeable sommeliers can recommend bottles under $100 that pair beautifully with the menu - we went with a mineral-heavy red from Sicily. The counter-top seats look into the open kitchen in the center of the space."

"The Kabawa prix fixe is a true delight: $145 for a starter, main, dessert, and plenty of surprises from the kitchen. Breadfruit toston - a hearty starter of octopus-topped cracker. Chuletas can can - the up-charge of $65 for two is worth it, and you'll have pork belly leftovers for days. Sorbet of the day - a refreshingly satisfying way to end the meal, especially if it's coconut."

Two adjacent restaurants occupy the former Momofuku Ko space in the East Village: Kabawa offers a celebratory, Caribbean-influenced fine-dining prix fixe, and Bar Kabawa offers casual daiquiris and patties. Kabawa's $145 prix fixe features a starter, main, dessert, and kitchen surprises, with standout dishes such as breadfruit toston, a chuletas can can up-charge, and coconut sorbet. Staff convey joy about the dishes, the soundtrack is energetic, and there is a disco ball in the wine room. A Caribbean-influenced cocktail list complements an extensive wine cellar with sommeliers recommending bottles under $100. Counter seating faces the open kitchen; groups of four are ideal.

Read at Eater NY