KAI

I am a foodie and have been to many great restaurants. Kai needs to be added to that list. I live in Old Scottsdale so have been to Atlas and Cafe Monarch and many other top notch places. Went to Kai at Wild Horse Pass Resort tonight. Jeremy and Taylor were our hosts for the night and were both fantastic. Can not say enough about the service and the food but the real winner was the small touches. The pour over coffee, the desert rain smell, dry ice garden, the candle they sent home with us, the personal note thanking us for the night and the special desert for our anniversary. Everything was tip top and fantastic. You will not be disappointed. Will go again.

It’s quite unfortunate that I can’t rate this place higher than 5 stars, because it deserves it and more. Where to start??? From the moment we dropped off our car at the valet, we knew this was going to be something special. The service was out of this world exceptional. I’ll say that twice. Exceptional!!! The staff was amazing. We were celebrating our anniversary and it seemed like they were there just for us. The food was phenomenal. The chef deserves his flowers. The explanations of all the foods went over my head, I’ll admit, but boy!! I’ve never had those combinations of flavors before. Portion sizes were small, but it was a tasting menu and we left quite satisfied. We were pampered for the 2.5 hours we spent there. My wife got up to go to the bathroom, and as soon as she left the room, they came and changed out her napkin. At the end of the night, when we got our car back, they had left some sweet deserts and a very lovely card on the dashboard for us. It is pricey, but it is absolutely worth every penny.

My friend and I had the pleasure of having Jeremy guide us through our meal, and provide us with menu suggestions in addition to sharing the history and tradition behind Kai. We had a great dinner due to the entire team behind this experience, but it wouldn't have been the same without Jeremy. More than the ingredients used or personal favorites we had, I'd highlight how well balanced almost every single dish was. Some started slow with a suggested order before culminating in a complete blend of flavors, while others melded together from the start, but no dish was finished and felt completely disjointed or unbalanced, which is a personal annoyance of mine when eating at a proclaimed fine dining restaurant. If you've made it this far, I recommend making a reservation. I didn't regret it (it's in my top 3 now) and I doubt you will either. Edit - A second visit was just as good. We greatly enjoyed Taylor's wit and expertise throughout our meal.

We dined at Kai Restaurant on New Year's Eve, and it was an unforgettable experience. As a five-diamond restaurant, Kai truly lives up to its reputation. The service was absolutely amazing—attentive, professional, and welcoming. The drinks were crafted to perfection, and the food was exceptional. The highlight of the meal was the Wagyu—it was cooked to perfection and every bite melted in my mouth. The presentation of each dish beautifully incorporates the essence of the Pima and Maricopa tribes, adding a unique and meaningful touch to the dining experience. The ambiance made the evening feel extra special. If you're looking for a top-tier dining experience, Kai is a must-visit!

We’ve done several tasting menus around the country, and Kai was truly an experience like no other. From start to finish, we were spoiled like we’ve never been before. We knew we were in for a treat when they called ahead to confirm our reservation and asked us how to properly pronounce our names. Food and drinks were exceptional. Every dish was not only delicious but also a testament to the thought, creativity, and artistry that went into its creation. The Pee Posh Garden was an incredibly fun and beautiful dish, unlike anything I’ve ever tasted before. The chef’s vision and expertise were evident in every bite, and we truly felt like we were experiencing something unique and special with each course. One of the many factors that sets Kai apart is the service. Our napkins were placed on our laps (for us!), silverware was promptly changed, and plates were collected with seamless grace. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive, creating a dining experience that made us feel as though we were the only guests in the restaurant. A special mention goes to Feliciano, our head server/captain, who was exceptional. He greeted us with a warm, local Native American greeting, which we thought was such a meaningful and unique touch and really set the tone for the evening. Not only was he welcoming and eager to answer all of our questions(we had many), but his in-depth knowledge of the dishes and their cultural significance enhanced the entire experience. Feliciano’s passion and expertise made the evening even more memorable. The cultural aspect of the experience was equally impressive. The restaurant’s decor, inspired by Native American stories and beliefs, created an immersive atmosphere that deepened our connection to the food and the story behind it. The staff’s thorough knowledge of these cultural elements only added to the sense of reverence and respect for the ingredients and the traditions they represent. This is where you see the true difference between an exceptional restaurant and one that earns its Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond recognition. At the end of our meal, we were surprised with a gift—a candle from a local Tucson artisan. When we got to our car, we found another surprise waiting for us: a handwritten card and a jar of local raw wildflower honey! It was such a thoughtful way to end an unforgettable evening. This experience was truly one for the books. Kai has set a new standard for dining, and we’ll definitely be back for more.

One of the best dining experiences I have ever had. The food is unquestionably phenomenal and creative. Every course was of consistent quality. Fantastic date night location. The staff is so friendly and knowledgeable.

This place was incredible! Jeremy was so knowledgeable and personable, you can tell he’s passionate about what he does. All of the staff were excellent. The food and drinks were all phenomenal, it’s hard to pick a favorite dish! The presentation was gorgeous and the food was fresh and crafted so thoughtfully. 10/10, the perfect 5 year anniversary dinner experience!!

My review from Kai is way past its due time. My wife and I were there on Feb 24, 24. However, the experience both in terms of service and food was so outstanding that we still remember and discuss it. The theme was corn and there was a story to tell from the start to the end of the menu. In terms of food, all the dishes were some of the most complex foods we had, both in terms of taste and texture. The service was also spectacular, the staff took care of us from start to the end. I will let the photos speak for themselves.

Excellent food, service, and ambience! Make a reservation and go! My wife and I celebrated our anniversary at Kai while visiting Arizona and it was a wonderful experience. I can't stress that enough, it's not just dinner, but an experience, and an amazing one at that. Every second of the dinner was exceptionally thought out. From the menu design, to when they open the shades to enable guests to watch the sunset, of course each and every menu option, to when you walk out of the restaurant, their entire staff take the extra step to ensure it's a classy and tasteful experience. I definitely recommend checking the restaurant out!

Being with friends in the industry made the evening fantastic! The narration of what is on the plate is perfect. It draws you into the flavors before you even taste the food. I loved the great service in a relaxed environment. We all started at the bar, and the Cosmo was on point. We visited the beautiful fireplace and then meandered to the dining room, where the group I was with filled the entire room. Our lead waiter was gracious to our chit-chat and moved around to network. The wine pairing was perfect, as you could choose white, red, or both to accompany whatever tasty course you were presented. I highly suggest this as a place to take your team or go out on a romantic evening for two.

My husband brought me here to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary! We arrived early and that gave us time to walk around the grounds and just enjoy the sunset. Once we got to the restaurant, we were given a glass of wine and we sat next to the fireplace. I have to say I have never experienced such outstanding service! The service was exquisite! the food was delightful and our servers were knowledgeable and ever so friendly! The only criticism I have is that the lobster tail could have provided more lobster! I know it's a tasting menu but really one bite of lobster for $350 was a tad disappointing! Oh yeah, the wine pairing was phenomenal! but don't come here if you don't want to spend money with the wine pairing, it was $350 apiece and with the tip it was $900! But it was well worth it because the experience is something that's hard to put into words!

We dined at Kai Restaurant on New Year's Eve, and it was an unforgettable experience. As a five-diamond restaurant, Kai truly lives up to its reputation. The service was absolutely amazing--attentive, professional, and welcoming. The drinks were crafted to perfection, and the food was exceptional. The highlight of the meal was the Wagyu--it was cooked to perfection and every bite melted in my mouth. The presentation of each dish beautifully incorporates the essence of the Pima and Maricopa tribes, adding a unique and meaningful touch to the dining experience. The ambiance made the evening feel extra special. If you're looking for a top-tier dining experience, Kai is a must-visit!

2nd time here was not a disappointment food and service as good as last time the bar tender I I wish I could remember her name she went well beyond what she had to do for a drink she even made and new one ramons aviation fiz it was the best

Experience photo-documented. MIC DROP. WOW. The service BLEW US AWAY more than the food and ambiance. And the food and ambiance were stunning. Yes, it was pricey, but it was so worth the visit. What a treat. Of course, MAKE RESERVATIONS. Overall, highly recommend!

Eating at Kai is about the experience. If you like to be pampered, have someone pay attention to the details, and try flavors in a new way, this is your place. From the moment we walked in to the moment we left, it was perfect. Exceptional service. This is just as special as the food. Intimate setting with tables spaced well enough to have your own conversation. Highly recommend for those special occasions when you want to feel special.

I have to say this was the best experience I have had at a restaurant to date. From being called by our last names, having our chairs pulled out for us, napkins placed on us to a full on history lesson and a timeless story told through the food. Not to mention the lighting was yellow which I normally I'm not a fan of but they were able to match the lighting with all the colors around bringing out an exotic feeling.

Service was 10/10, ambiance was beautiful 10/10, food was beautifully presented with a lot of different flavors but I wasn't that wow'ed by it so 8/10. From their website, the restaurant "celebrates Native American cuisine... while highlighting the culture and history of the area" and it did just that. Maybe it was that I am not used to this kind of cuisine that things didn't sit so well with me that evening, but during the meal everything was great. It is pricey for the meal so maybe that why I was hoping for more. The history and culture that the servers were sharing was very interesting and the plates and silverware were created to match the vibe.

My partner took me out for my birthday and we were super excited because we haven't been back to Kai since before Covid. It was our first fine dining experience in three years and one that was extremely disappointing. In the crab dish my partner bit into the cartilage, which should be an absolute no-no in fine dining. The onion tart was overwhelmingly horrible, one not, and missing a lot of seasoning. It was the only thing either of us could taste for the rest of the evening, which my partner ended up throwing up when we arrived home. Overall everything seemed to lack seasoning. The saving grace was the terrific service and desserts. Nothing was taken off of our check for the cartilage. It's a real shame to see such a fine establishment go down hill. It used to be my favorite restaurant but now I do not think we will go back.

Absolutely phenomenal from the hostess stand to the walk out to your car. The staff here is out of this world. They are wholly dedicated to your experience. It is fine dining to the max. My husband and I waited for our table at the bar and he got a super cool cocktail. It was $50, and he said it was worth it. When our table was ready, the server came and got us. When you go inside, you see a gorgeous view of the sky and Native American cultural artifacts on the walls. It's simple but effective. As for the food, prepare to be amazed. I can't say enough about the thought and care the chef has clearly put into each bite. You get to choose four items off of the menu, and they add amuse-bouche, a cheese dish, and truffles as well. I chose the crab, the lobster, the veal, and the corn (dessert). I genuinely was worried my husband and I wouldn't be full, but we were satisfied in terms of hunger. In terms of taste, I don't think I can convey just how high-quality and elevated this meal was. The meat was so tender, the bread and cheese were so fresh, the sauces were so fragrant. What is extra cool is that your server (ours was Feliciano) explains each ingredient before you dive in, so you know what you're eating. It's kind of like a history lesson too, because there's a lot of Native American culture infused into the dishes. Yes, it's expensive, but it's probably the best dining experience I've ever had. When you leave the restaurant, the hostess even has the valet to have your car ready for you by the door. When we got our car, the valet gave us a jar of honey and a card thanking us for dining with them. Such a nice touch!

This is the place in Arizona to celebrate a very special occasion. There is no menu, just a 5 course dinner. The food is excellent, the service is unbelievable, and the sunset is amazing. Each dish comes with a story, they greet you by name, and have your car ready for you when you are done. First class service.

It's going to be $200+ a person plus gratuity. Let's get that out of the way. If that's going to impact your enjoyment, you should probably skip it. Kai is unique in a few ways but the most important, to me, is the tie to the native community which flows through every aspect of the restaurant; the hotel itself, the surrounding area, the views, the decor, the menus, the food, and the stories behind every that is presented to you. It really makes dining here much more than a meal. The food itself is a tasting menu of 5 courses; choice of appetizer, second course, and entree followed by a set cheese course and choice of dessert. Then there are some other items in between (bread/sorbet). Unlike some tasting menus I've done, you will be fed more than enough food. I was stuffed upon standing up at the end of the meal. Each course is substantial (in tasting meal terms) and the overall quantity is great - dare i say a value at this price point? The food quality and taste is excellent. The highlights for me were the pee-posh garden, the Pisin, and the Gi:sho. I think the desserts and the pork were just ok. The service is, for the most part, wonderful. Unfortunately, however, we did arrive early to have a cocktail in the lounge and never did get served after sitting there for nearly 20 minutes after the bartender acknowledged us. That was a hugely disappointing. Lastly, I think it's time to update the decor of the restaurant. It is a bit tired and does not match the experience of the food. Overall, if you haven't been you should go for a special occasion or just to celebrate the fact that we have such a wonderful place in our backyard.

Forbes Five-Star + AAA Five-Diamond All I have to say is wow, wow, wow. I will never be able to eat at another restaurant like this again. When you walk into the restaurant, there's a cozy lounge seating area with a bar. Live local music is playing in the background. Nice way to set the mood, tone of the evening. As for our server Kevin and the team, immaculate service. This restaurant paid homage to Native American cuisine, and focused on farm/land to table while featuring local ingredients. I can appreciate that. The menu tells a story from The Birth, The Beginning, The Journey, and The Afterlife (my fave course). Not to mention that French service! The only comment that I have is in regards to making reservations and I get it, we booked within a week out (definitely not recommended as they book months in advance), but it was just a lot of chasing. Initially left a message on their VM, didn't get a call back until the next day to which they advised they'll put me on the waitlist. They called back another day later to advise that a reservation cancelled so we were in! But just needed to fill out a credit card form online via OpenTable to guarantee. I did that, received a confirmed message on my phone screen, but never got an email or text nor did it show up on my OpenTable account. So it was 2 more days of leaving messages on their phone to reconfirm to which the day before our reservation, I received a call back saying they got our credit card and the reservation was confirmed. Whew, but it was worth the wait and anticipation, and I think they know that.

Unforgettable Culinary Journey at Kai Restaurant Kai Restaurant is, without a doubt, my absolute favorite dining destination. It's not just a meal; it's an extraordinary journey through flavors and ambiance that leaves a lasting impression every single time. I highly recommend requesting to be served by Jeremy when making your reservation. He has an unparalleled talent for elevating the dining experience, providing insightful details about the sourced ingredients and the culinary techniques behind each dish. With Jeremy's guidance, every bite becomes a story to savor. What sets Kai apart is its understated elegance. There's no need for flashy gimmicks or loud distractions here. Instead, you're enveloped in a serene atmosphere that allows you to fully appreciate the culinary artistry unfolding before you. Plus, the ambiance is perfect for intimate conversations, as no children under the age of 14 are allowed, ensuring a tranquil dining experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself and a loved one, Kai Restaurant is the ideal choice. From the impeccable service to the exquisite cuisine, every aspect exceeds expectations. It's no surprise that Kai has earned five stars, five diamonds, and three Michelin stars--it truly lives up to its reputation of excellence. In summary, if you're seeking a dining experience that transcends the ordinary and leaves you with unforgettable memories, look no further than Kai Restaurant. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Surprised I haven't reviewed Kai - I've been coming here since 2014. My most recent visit was a week after they reopened for their 2023 summer closure. Instead of the 13 course menu I've enjoyed in the past, they were only offering a five-course tasting menu. Every course offered options aside from the cheese course. The service here is unparalleled in this state. New napkin every time you get up, someone always there to push in your chair. In the past when they've closed the doors to the dining room, there's always someone there to open them like you're making a grand entrance. They always open the curtains right at sunset so you can watch the colors change across the sky. My previous complaint - the portion sizes - appears to have been addressed by the new chef. It used to be the case that you'd end up with a huge bag of to-go food by the end of the night because their portions were just too large to enjoy everything. They've nailed it now. The price tag surprised me. I know the cost of goods everywhere has gone up, but I'm used to paying $330 per person for the 13-course option with wine pairings. This visit was $330 for five courses with pairings. The wine pairings are well curated. I love to see a mostly old-world pairing selection. And when you leave, your vehicle is waiting out front with water bottles and a little gift to go. Great special occasion spot.

Well, I wanted to really like this place. The cultural aspects of the restaurant and food and effort and service were amazing. However, I was underwhelmed by the food. I had the pee posh salad, the scallop, the ny strip/lobster, and date tres leches dessert. I would say the pee posh salad was by far the most creative and interesting of everything I ate. The food was not bad at all, don't get me wrong, but nothing was outstanding or outright delicious. Well, the pee posh salad was delicious, in an interesting way. But by now I've experienced other restaurants at this price point, and I would say it didn't live up to expectations.

Their food and service is beyond 5 star. We've been there 3 times and each time is better than the previous. The presentation of the food is amazing.

We were staying at the Sheraton Grand and were told Kai was one of the best restaurants in Arizona. We decided to try it out and had a phenomenal experience. They offer a 5 course pre-fix menu with a couple options and enhancements in some of the courses. The service was 5 star! No complaints. The detail from the art on the cover of the menu featuring Native American history to the many reflections to the heritage of the reservation throughout the experience was amazing. The food was inventive and super yummy. The standouts were the fried bread with cheese course, the signature dish with buffalo and oxtail, and the chocolate dessert inspired by the mountains surrounding the restaurant. The drinks were PHENOMENAL! We had a couple cocktails which were 5 star and did the wine pairing. We did not have one pairing that let us down- superb choices. I think the only thing I would change would be the carpet- it was a bit dated and with changing it to something a little more modern the restaurant would be even more beautiful. The other room for improvement was the surf and turf course- the lobster was great with bone marrow foam, but we felt the NY strip was a little tougher than our liking. Maybe if they paired with a filet mignon it may have worked better? Despite these small recommendations, if you are in the Phoenix area, Kai is a must try! They would easily be a one star Michelin restaurant. Can't wait to come back!

Kai (means "seed" in the Pima language) partners with the local Pima and Maricopa tribes to source local ingredients naturally found in the valley, foods they've eaten for centuries such as cholla buds, saguaro blossom syrup, and mesquite flour, only with permission from the tribes. Throughout Kai and the Sheraton Grand Wild Horse Pass you'll see paintings, symbols, and architecture that pays homage to the tribes of the land it's on. The restaurant requires a reservation and must be made well in advance. Ask for a seat by the window and make your reservation for sunset for the best possible view. You can self-park for free, or receive complimentary valet just validate it at Kai. The prix fixe menu is $145 per person and that comes with five courses. With the wine pairing it's $265 per person. They also have cocktails, scotch, beer, coffee, and more. One of our favorites was the "Pee-Posh Garden" which was a gorgeous and unconventional salad, it looked like a mini garden with a candied pecan soil. Another favorite was the "Pima Blue Corn & Sumac Crusted Quail" which was absolutely delicious and cooked perfectly! A third favorite was the "Chocolate & Queen Creek Olives" which beautifully combined basil cake, lemon foam, white and dark chocolate mousse. We had a wonderful experience here, and Jeremy was very knowledgeable about everything from their partnership with the Native American tribes to the details in the courses. It's no wonder Kai is Arizona's only restaurant with both the AAA Five Diamond Award and Forbes Five-Star Award.

It's really disappointing to have to leave a negative review but I feel forced to do so since I have called and emailed multiple times without any return call to schedule a dinner - being informed that as a party of 10 we need a contract. Totally fine, please give me the contract - but no one will call back or secure our date. I've spoken to Grace multiple times, she has assured me the woman the works from home will contact me to get my special event scheduled. I've called so many times she informed me my date was no longer available because "the reservation needs to be made 2 months in advance". What!?! I've been calling for that long. Such a bummer to see the scheduling service is dropped so profoundly when the actual service within the restaurant has always been outstanding.

Great experience with very dedicated host and staff! We came for a birthday celebration (stated on the reservation, but unfortunately there did not seem to be anything special from Kai for birthdays) and the host and staff were impeccably cordial and attentive. A great explanation of each dish was given before ordering and as each item was brought out. When we enjoyed a particular element of a dish, the staff was even wonderful enough to bring extras for my partner or I to taste. I think it's worthwhile to dine here for a special occasion. The menu is mostly accommodating for vegetarians, but I do think some value is missed out on the vegetarian options. The ambiance is fairly calming and there was a live musician for the beginning half of our meal. Overall, our meal came out to ~$420 with tip (2 non-wine dining option)

The most amazing culinary experience of my life! This is a must try, but be advised, the price is $$$$$, but well worth it.

My wife wanted to go to a fancy restaurant for our 18th anniversary, so I asked a buddy for a recommendation. He gave me 7 or 8 places but said if I can get reservations at Kai that I need to jump on it. So we did. We live in the northwest valley, so we made a weekend out of it by staying at the resort there. All I can say is I will never look at food the same! Everybody there was absolutely amazing, and our sommelier Faliciano was fabulous. We will most definitely make another trip to Kai, and I can't wait!

Possibly the best overall fine dining experience in the whole Valley. Certainly the priciest. But, for cost it's worth it. It's a 5 course pre-fixe. Wine pairing if you want it, but expect to be gorged. Wonderful ambience especially at sunset. Food is unique and delicious.

We got lucky and got in off the waitlist. Over the top in every way. Thoughtful tasting menu with options. Surprise the cheese course was the best with a fried bread to die for. They even end the meal with a special gift to take with you. You'll have to go to find out what it is.

An amazing experience--beautiful dishes with a serious nod to Native ingredients; attentive but not snobbish staff, comfortable and handsome space with great view and art. Chef Drew Anderson please never stop cooking, I beg you. Whimsical, solid and delicious fare--thank you!!! PS the foie the foie the foie--magnificent

Disappointed in everything about dinner tonight. Bad service and experience overall.

Prior to experiencing a small plate, multi-course supper, I believed that eating a burger was mandatory owing to the bite size. I was totally mistaken. The first course was an amuse buche that was expertly executed with multiple layers of flavor, crunch, acid, and salt, eliciting smiles around the table. Each mouthful was an exquisite combination of tastes. As the menu develops, the intricacy and elegance of the meals increase. There is a wine pairing for each dish, but we opted for the cocktails, which were equally as delicious as the cuisine. Although the service was excellent, there were times when our drinks ran out. But not so low as to lessen how great everything else is.

Just a wonderful experience. Beyond worth the splurge for a special evening with prestine service and such attention to detail in all aspects. The chocolate dessert is just so visually amazing...

If I could give this place no stars I would. Absolutely horrible experience. Not only was the food absolutely disgusting it came out lukewarm and by the time they're finished describing the dish you're left with a cold plate of previously frozen food. To add insult to injury our table was surrounded by fruit flies. My husband's drink had to be replaced as a result. Not to mention the endless attempt to waive the flies away. Service was tense. They're acutely aware of the fact they are selling a faux fine dining experience and it's evident in their demeanor. My husband lasted two minutes in the car before he got sick and he's yet to recover from food poisoning. Never again will we throw away nearly $500 at this place. There are far better places to support without the pretentious high prices with actual sanitary kitchens with properly prepared fresh food. I reported this to them yesterday and instead of rectifying the situation and APOLOGIZING I've received 3 phone calls all asking me to recount the events. HORRENDOUS experience.

Ultimate dining experience of a lifetime. The only 5 Diamomd restaurant in Arizona. It's Diamomd quality service, luxurious dining room, culinary masterpiece dishes. The journey courses take you through an experience not only you tasting the food its the story about the food. Who, what, where and why. Again dining experience so enjoy the ultimate journey of culinary deliciousness.

We visited Kai for a celebratory dinner, which we'd give 10 stars if we could! Kai offers a $145 tasting menu with five courses, each of which features local ingredients and a Native twist. The courses were well spaced out, and gave us just the right amount of food. We each picked different options (when possible), and all were just so good. I'll go by course to make it easy: (1) The Pee-Posh Garden is a very unique and refreshing take on a salad, with several small root veggies and legumes that work so well together. The Chilled Cactus & Melon Soup was also quite nice, and we found the Arizona melon in particular to be surprisingly tasty. (2) The Berkshire Pork Cheek & Crisp Belly was well cooked and very flavorful (a nice mix of textures, which turned out to be a theme for the evening). The Kai Lobster Roll was probably may favorite of the two second course dishes; it's a unique take on a lobster roll, with an avocado and pepper cream on the roll, and a separate piece of meat with a creamy sauce on the side. (3) The Grilled Tenderloin of Tribal Buffalo is Kai's signature dish, and I understand why. It was perfectly cooked (medium rare) and had just the right amount of sauce. The Kachk (sea bass with a fennel sauce) is also very nice; if you're fennel wary, don't worry, the sauce is lighter than you'd expect. (4) The Global Cheese & Local Mesquite Honey Comb board was great (but not nearly as unique as the other dishes). There are two cheeses--a twist on a cheddar, and a truffle Camembert. The dish also comes with a sort of strawberry compote and a bit of fresh, local honey, which is surprisingly floral. (5) The desserts were stellar. The Cactus Melange has a fun mix of different cactus parts made different ways, but I must say the cactus sherbet was one of the most unique things I've ever tasted. You know you're eating something green, but it's great! The Chocolate & Queen Creek Olives similarly offered a variety of textures and flavors; the mousse was dark and rich, and the olive snuck in some bites and packed a punch. The drinks were also quite nice and definitely aren't light pours. We tried the Pima Bear, Kai Old Fashioned, and the Caramel Appletini. All were interesting and tasty, but I think the Pima Bear was my favorite of the evening. The service was equally impeccable. Our servers started off the evening by explaining the influences behind the menu and how the restaurant sources it's ingredients. Each menu item was described in incredible detail, including the stories behind the art on the menu covers, which was done by a local artist. Towards the end of the evening, the servers offered us blankets to keep us warm. They then brought out a couple of cold hand towels and a beautiful mix of herbs that they used to make a scented mist. We were given a small final dessert (which they know to offer to box up in advance), and one of our servers even jotted down some of his favorite hikes on a letter for us to take home (we had spoken about hiking earlier in the evening). The last surprise was waiting in our car for us--a couple of small jars of wildflower honey! Just an incredible experience all around that should not be missed!

Kai is a premium fine dining experience at the Sheraton Grand, at Wild Horse Pass near Phoenix. The cuisine is Native American - not an option you see much anywhere in the USA. And the environment, service and structure are very much that high-end, Michelin-style fine dining that you may have experienced elsewhere - although Michelin itself does not grade in Arizona. The dining room is a beautiful room decorated with cultural artifacts and with a great view that we couldn't see at that time of night. The tables have been spread for appropriate social distancing. Service is top-notch - attentive staff tend to every need, including going above and beyond when asked. Each dish is narrated as it is presented, describing both how it is composed and how it related to native American culture. Even the menus are unique and get their own narrative. In fact, all this narrative is a very slight weakness - we were seeing friends that we don't meet often, and wanted to talk. The staff had to apologise several times for interrupting, and afterwards we all remarked that the meal had involved a bit more listening than we would have preferred - although all of it was so interesting and well presented, it would have been hard to give this feedback at the time. The restaurant has just reopened after covid, and is currently only serving its large tasting menu, with no a la carte option. Most courses had a couple of options, and it was easy for me to find a dish I was excited about in each phase. I have attached a picture of the menu on the day we were there. The food was expensive ($145 per person without any drink pairings), but was quite reasonable compared to similar restaurants in other locations. The tasting menu had 5 courses. Portions were small, but perhaps not small enough. My first two courses were delicious (a soup and a lobster dish), leaving me insufficiently hungry for the beef tenderloin. I normally have a hearty appetite and had not eaten heavily this day. The two first courses were a better size for an a la carte menu, but maybe too large for a tasting menu. And if I'd have been ordering a la carte, I would have wanted even more of that amazing lobster "roll". It was easy to leave the tenderloin unfinished as this was the least interesting and unique part of the menu. Well prepared, but not my favourite even had I been hungry. Our table tried almost all the dishes and loved them all. For me the best part was the lobster "roll" and the Hail, a mesquite squash soup. Across our table almost every dish was tried and almost all got high grades. It took over 3 hours from start to finish to complete our meal, and we were not going slow. As so often at this kind of meal, there was a lot more unmentioned free food - an amuse bouche, great native american breads, a course of petit fours that were super, and a set of drinks and banana breads that were left in our car after we got it from the valet. The petit fours were better than my actual dessert (a rather dry chocolate souffle). We don't eat this way very often, but we have had better premium fine dining meals. However, this was very good, and presented new and interesting flavours with a connection to culture and history. If you like fine dining and are in the area, I'd recommend this. It's an amazing experience.

The service were excellent! The food is good, very unique, although I can't say excellent. The environment is just alright, maybe because the COVID, they have only one area room open, which is not very fancy nor romantic. They requested to have the dress code, well I think that should also apply for women, other table, girls were very casual, wearing hoodies ~ I mean ??? What?!

First off, IGNORE any bad reviews you see here! Secondly, AMAZING! My girlfriend and I were staying onsite at the resort for her law firm seminar, and saw this as an eating option. A triple A five star diamond dining option onsite?! We both figured it was something to check out. We casually walked up to put our names in and were told that it was a minimum 3 hour dining EXPERIENCE, and they only had two open spots. Say what? YES, 3 hours but can go as long as 6 hours. I thought they were pulling my damn leg. My girlfriend and I both chuckled and took the 8:30 reservation for that night. Fast forward to 8PM, we are chilling in the room and debating just ordering room service. I get on Yelp to read reviews and after reading a couple to her, she decides she wants to go. We get dressed in "smart casual" clothes (didn't know that word until coming out west) and head over. They have a small lobby area with very comfy seating and a bar, with a nice fire going. No TVs. The concierge greets us and asks us to be seated in the lobby. She comes back by a few minutes later and apologizes that our table isn't ready yet and OFFERS US TWO DRINKS on the house. I almost gasped. I'm used to waiting to eat and it seriously was only 3 minutes past our reservation. WOW! So we order drinks and then are called to be seated. This is where your journey starts. I encourage you, during your meal here, to notice the subtle and not so subtle differences in what makes this a 5 star triple A diamond dining "journey/experience". Here is what we witnessed: - Wait staff will seat you and push your chair in, then place a napkin across your lap - Your main waiter (ours was Kevin, convenient) will go over the intricate details of the land that the resort sits on and the menu - The table you are seated at has a cushioned table top - For your water, they bring out a citrus tray with tongs (no hands touch the fruit) that includes lemon/lime/orange/cucumber - The temperature in the room is perfect - The wait staff simultaneously pick up dirty plates, as well as put down new food plates - The silverware will be heated or chilled based off the dish it's served with - There is a waiter on the wall scanning the entire room at all times so they know when to bring next course and when to remove plates or do refills - All plates have a different curvature - They brew the coffee right in front of you, as in RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU ... my gf ordered coffee just to watch - Near the end of the meal, they bring out a plant and pour something into it that releases a fog which streams down and out of the sides creating a pleasant aroma - They serve a refreshing water/citrus spritzer drink before final course For the food, everything was very unique in how it was prepared and served. Exquisite! I enjoyed every dish I had minus one, and was certainly full even though portion sizes weren't huge. I'd give the food 4 stars, the service 10 stars and the cocktails 6 stars. FYI - the cocktail drink I ordered (can't recall name but it had been infused with jalapeños) was by far THE BEST COCKTAIL I've ever had. It was so good, I made I it last the entire meal. It had a sweet spicy to it and the dried pineapple dipped in it was amazing. My gf's cocktail was also very good. They also serve house-made breads as part of the meal and they are VERY unique. Another great part to the meal. So, we were both about to fall on our faces near the end (10:45PM but we were still on Atlanta time which would've been 12:45AM) and decided to skip dessert. But they brought out 4 house-made chocolate truffles and they were the best I've ever had. For an encore, since we were staying in the resort, they sent us a card and also a breakfast treat the next morning. Best dining experience of my life! Certainly make this a special occasion spot, worth wvery

You will go bankrupt and it will be worth it. Amazing birthday dinner, great wine. 5/5.

******* Is there a way that we could make this a 7 Star Ratting? We just had diner at Kai and the word diner does not even fit the bill here. BEST dinning experience ever! From the attention n of the Bar Tender, to Jackson Riggs Crew that took us on a journey that encompasses all our senses from tasting to pleasant surprises it makes it worth every single penny of our hard earned dollars. Being someone that came from nothing and still working hard to succeed in life, it is a blessing to live moments like these in life.

One of the best dining experiences ever. The staff was impeccable, professional, friendly, and had a little dash of fun. Loved the story of the menu and the art, the background of the restaurant and knowing they use and support local business. The food was amazing. Truly an experience. We had the tasting menu with wine pairing and it was one of the best I have ever had. I say that after going to Gordon Ramsay's place in London a couple weeks ago and being a HUGE fan of Elements at Sanctuary. The wine pairing was really something that accentuated each course...some wine pairings are really not something that elevates the food...this did! The Sommelier was well versed and definitely had passion for his craft. He was an exceptional addition to the experience. Valet parking was nice and they left a gift in the car of some of the raw honey. Kai also gave us a gift bag with a list of all the wines and nice candle. A nice finishing touch. They are definitely all about the details. Loved this place so much and glad to experience a 5 diamond place in Arizona. Well done Kai!! I am not easily wowed and this place did it. Wish the windows didn't have the large pillars the block the view of the beautiful desert sunset, but otherwise also loved the views. Bravo to the chef and staff. Enjoy y'all!

The food was great but man it's hard to book. I was able to book once when the reservation associates Patricia worked there but now every time I leave a voicemail about reservations, no one ever calls back. They should reservation online if they can't have someone call guests back. Horrible experience. I hope they do something about it because I do wanna go back

I have lived in Phoenix for almost ten years, and I have always heard about how amazing Kai is. Last night was supposed to be my wedding day, but my fiancé and I had to postpone because of COVID. So, we decided that the next best thing would be to have one of the best meals in our lives, and Kai gave us exactly that. First I want to applaud our server Feliciano and all of the other wonderful staff who took care of us. They were attentive and friendly, and everything was timed with perfection. Ok, now let's talk about the food...oh, the food! There was a complimentary goat cheese starter and bread service with three different home made breads--so good! Then we both had the mushroom soup. It was complex and rich and so different from any mushroom soup I've had. My fiancé said it's the best soup he's ever tasted, and he's an amazing cook. Then he has the lobster roll and I had the escargot. Both were prepared in ways that we'd never seen, and they were delicious. Then, for the entrees, I had buffalo and he had the wagyu special. The buffalo was fantastic, but the wagyu was something else...it literally brought tears to my fiancé's eyes because the dish was so good. It was rich without tasting fatty, and the accoutrements were perfect. We were so full at this point that I said I would only eat one bite of dessert...wrong! They were so good! I'm not even a sweets person, but my dessert was so unique and creative, and I ate way too much of it! Now I need to throw in special praise for the sommalier. We chose to do a the pairings, and they were PERFECT. Pairings almost doubles the price of the meal, but, if you are able to, it is 100% worth it. There are a lot of amazing restaurants in the Phoenix area, but Kai is more than a restaurant. It is an experience, and it is not to be missed. I will be anxiously awaiting our next experience here!

This is not intended as a review, per se, but more of a complaint. We have dined at Kai twice and found it to be fabulous. Everything was great from the food to the service. The combination of unusual/non traditional items that complimented the meals made for a wonderful dinning experience, one we wished to duplicate again, for a special occasion. Which leads to my complaint: I went to Open Table for a reservation for a specific night, which was two weeks away. Nothing was a available, so I called the restaurant and left a message. No response. The next day I tried again, no response. On the third day I called the hotel and spoke to a person there, explaining my situation. Again we have had no response. Today I made a reservation for Ocean's 44. They too had nothing on Open Table, but a phone call produced a reservation at an acceptable (though a bit early) time frame. Sorry Kai. Maybe we will try again in the future.

This was probably the most incredible culinary experience I've ever had. I have been to the best places all over the world and this one was by far the most exquisite and unique experience. The food is amazing but not exactly my favorite types of dishes; however, the entire experience is a lesson in the ultimate wowing of the customer. From the heated silverware (chilled for dessert), menus with authentic Indian art on them that the waiter tells the story about (ours was about the medicine man), multiple palate cleansers, explaining all the ingredients and how they were used by the Pima tribes, the most artistic plates of food and then gifts for us when the valet brought my car up. It's a 3-hour deal. Expensive so not something I would do regularly. Almost $400 for 2 of us and we didn't order any alcohol. Our waiter, Jeremy, was fabulous and Taylor was super cute and helpful . I took my grand daughter for her bday and they made it an unforgettable experience for her. Highly recommend for a very unique experience!

Had this restaurant on the bucket list and checked it off tonight for a special evening. Upon arrival we valeted our car and walked in to a nicely white Christmas desert arizona decor of the lobby. Several of the staff stood waiting for our arrival and guided us to our table. We were greeted by our names and given an area separate of the main area due to a little one in our party. This is great because I'm guessing probably rarely anyone brings a baby to fine dining like Kai. Anyway our server Francias (I think that was his name) was well versed in the seasonal menu and advised that the buffalo is the one dish that stays on the menu year round. (I should have tried this but I can always try next time). He greeted us in the native Indian language and educated us on the menu front covers which showcased the some beautiful native art. (I totally was distracted and didn't take pictures of the menu so pardon the lack of the actual names of each food item.) We had a first taste of an egg yolk bite and pee posh garden mini which was a nice light bite. The Birth: escargot on top of a French toast circle with truffle, goat cheese sauce and a frozen yogurt stick. The escargot was already out of its shell and covered within the sauce. The Beginning: Compilation of Lobster was served in 3 ways. In simplified descriptions the first was Lobster tail on a bread; second was mixed in a curry like sauce and the third was in a beautiful greenery pea salad. All was presented in a square slate dish. Although creative it wasn't the right dish to cut on when it resembles a chalk board and scratching. Intermezzo: Apple sorbet helped cleansed the palate. The Journey: a mixture of the ocean. Nicely presented with a white fish, jumbo shrimp, and jumbo scallop garnished with cherry tomatoes, fennel and the romanesco broccoli (aka Roman cauliflower) all sitting on a black pasta sheet and covered with uni blanc. Our server throughout each dish asked about the flavors of each dish and almost all were good. We mentioned that this dish was slightly salty. But it wasn't until I took a bite of the jumbo shrimp that I really tasted the "slight saltiness" and by slight, I mean extremely salty as if swallowing ocean water. Our server mentioned to have it redone (prior to eating a bite) however since we had a little one in the party we chalked it up by scraping the outsides and tops of each of the remaining seafood item and gulped lots of water. Maybe the chef accidentally coated it twice with salt. Although the experience from the server and staff was phenomenal we didn't want to take up more time. Water was topped off frequently. An aroma of jojoba plants, sage and others helped enhance some flavors. Dessert: smoked marshmallows on sweet potato cream with edible flowers was a nice finish to dinner. Chocolate truffles was an added sweet treat. After picking up our car from the valet service they sent us home with a card to thank us for our dining with them, as well as provided water and blue corn muffins with local honey. Enjoyed this the next morning. Overall experience was phenomenal - just next time i would like to have the dish recooked when time permits. Next time I would like to try their buffalo and fois gras.

Sat down and took 10 mins before the waiter showed up and another 20 before we got our drinks , decided against ordering food based on service as we did not have 9 hours to enjoy a dinning experience

This is my very very favorite restaurant. We have lived in AZ over 20 years and have been to Kai from the time we moved here till now! There is something about this restaurant that I fell in love with the first time I ate there. My whole family loves to go there.

I had the privilege of dining here and it was the most wonderful experience I could have hoped for. The ambiance was perfect. The sommelier chose the perfect glasses of wine for each course. I never knew how outstanding something could taste when the chef has as much passion as they did. I can't wait to dine here again!

What an amazing evening! The ambience, food, knowledgeable wait staff, top notch service etc Highly recomend!

Phenomenal & unforgettable dining experience! Impeccable and superb service from entire crew, especially from Jackson and Alicia! The staff's unison yet unimposing delivery and execution was a symphony to behold. Hands down, KAI truly cares about their patrons and made each us feel like a VIP. The "Storytelling" behind KAI came alive using ALL our senses! TASTE - Each dish was delicately complimented with native ingredients, reflecting the Pima and Maricopa culture. SIGHT - From the presentation of the hand-painted menus and decor, and beautiful & colourful plating to the breathtaking desert sunset. SMELL - From the release of smoking aromatic native medicinal herbs such as Arizona juniper, jojoba and sage in covered dishes and infused centrepiece "air freshener". SOUND - From the subtle rhythmic background music of flutes, drums and percussion instruments that invoke healing, relaxation and wellbeing. The 13 course tasting menu "Journey" with wine pairing named appropriately described our epic 5.5 hour meal that felt like time stood still. Deserving and highly recommendation for a future Michelin Star! Five star and five diamond accolades are a testament to KAI's unrelenting pursuit to perfection. Parting gifts of hand crafted scented candles added to the magic and wonderment. KAI's storytelling did not end when we left the restaurant, but continued when we entered our car from the complimentary valet parking. We were absolutely blown away with farewell offering of Voss waters, box of special home made cornbread and honey, and a hand-written note from Jackson!Absolutely, one of the best dining experiences we have ever had!