Sushi Kodawari

Absolutely amazing. Best sushi in KC and honestly anywhere I’ve been. The whole experience is so intimate and pleasant and calming. The chef and waitress work together and complement each other so well. We did the beverage pairing and I would recommend that. Overall just an outstanding experience and I want to take all the people I’m close to here to experience it! So lucky we have this in KC!

First omakase experience for myself, and it was fantastic. The 8-person max makes this a comfortably intimate dining experience. Guests are encouraged to chat with the staff and amongst themselves after the chef introduction. The staff (only the two of them) ensure that your experience is the best it can be. They are experts in their respective duties, and very friendly. The food is simple but excellent, allowing for each of the ingredients to show up in the dish nicely balanced. The small, bite-sized dishes are spread across a couple of hours of conversation and drinks. We left fully satisfied, and immediately began telling everyone about our experience

Sushi Kodawari was such an experience! I’ve had my eyes on this place since it opened 18 months ago. They have two seatings a day, Wednesday through Sunday, and only eight people per seating. It’s a true Japanese Omakase style that is 100% chef‘s choice. He doesn’t serve you what’s the freshest, he serves you what is the best. He has fish flown in from Japan twice weekly. Every step was elegant and refined, but also somehow casual and relaxed. It was just the chef and his cohort, who served drinks, antidotes, and removed dishes. The dinner was elegant, but incredibly unstuffy. Every bite was explained, the chef was so knowledgeable about where it all came from, and there was a really nice general conversation about what we did and didn’t like, the flavors that surprised us and have everything worked together. There was aged soy, there was Yuzu, there was shisho, there was fish so delicate and translucent, you could see through it. There was caviar, there was rice so elegant, it was in a category all on its own. It was decadent, it was rich, it was fresh, it was beautiful. It was a beautiful evening with my daughter and my best friends. For us this was a treat, a special occasion and it did not disappoint. It so nice to have a place in Kansas City with this level of food and authenticity.

Chef Karson and Beth are dedicated to delivering a memorable experience to diners lucky enough to score a reservation. Sushi Kodawari is not pretentious, it is warm and welcoming and engaging. It’s an exceptional educational and culinary experience. I have dined here at least 5 times and always have the same consistent wonderful experience. The fish is as good as the Michelin Star omekase restaurants that I have dined at without the snobbery. If Missouri had Michelin then this place should grab a star. It’s a beautiful and intimate and wonderful way to spend an evening. A very welcomed addition to Kansas City.

Chef Karson’s passion for Japanese dining, high quality ingredients, and traditional techniques made dining an exceptional experience. His attention to detail and enthusiasm to answer questions and share his knowledge inspired a deep appreciation for sushi as an art form and experience, in addition to just being delicious. Each ingredient (fish, sauce, rice, produce, etc - primarily imported directly from Japan) and preparation was meticulously selected for each course. The service from our host was also top tier: thoughtful, warm, communicative. The food itself was so good it almost feels silly to say how good it is. I even think my zero patience, meat and potatoes, midwestern dad would love it. Eggs on Eggs needs to stay on the menu forever. I live in Seattle and was originally skeptical of eating sushi so far away from a coastline but IT IS WORTH THE HYPE. KC you are a lucky duck to have Chef Karson bless his Kansas roots with his love of sushi.

Fantastic experience! This was our first time trying this dining style and type of authentic Japanese sushi. Service was fantastic, food was so flavorful beyond expectations. This is NOTHING like the simple sushi you get anywhere else. The deep, rich flavors and passion put into each hand-made piece brought about a flavor sensation not found elsewhere in the Kansas City area. If you are considering trying this place, don’t hesitate and book now!

I was absolutely blown away by this experience. It wasn’t just about eating incredible food—it was about the intention behind every single bite. Each course was thoughtfully crafted and truly unique, creating an unforgettable journey from start to finish. I’ve never had fish and rice this exceptional—nothing else in Kansas City even comes close. This place is a true gem. The standout for me was the Shima Aji, followed closely by the dessert: a beautifully simple vanilla ice cream paired with aged soy sauce—it was unexpected and unforgettable. I can’t recommend this place enough. It’s fun, informative, and will leave your taste buds completely amazed.

One of my favorite dining experience is I’ve had anywhere. The atmosphere and food is unlike anything you’ll get anywhere else in KC. Reminded us exactly of the Omakase in Tokyo we went to. Can’t recommend enough.

Our experience at Sushi Kodawari was absolutely incredible. We went there for our 5 year anniversary and couldn't have picked a better place to eat. Every single course was absolutely delicious and perfectly executed. The atmosphere was fun and the chef and his assistant encouraged us to engage with banter. We will definitely be back!

Great food. Great atmosphere. Fantastic staff. The sushi was incredible. Fun to learn about the sushi as we were eating it. Best sushi in KC, hands down.

Oh yes, the first Yelp review! KC seems to be having a sushi renaissance , and what a great addition with Sushi Kodawari- a 15-course omakase restaurant located in the heart of the Crossroads. If you have never experienced an omakase meal, it is a pre-selected menu by the sushi chef/owner based on the freshest available fish mostly sourced from Japan, as well as what is in season. You've never had sushi until you've experienced something like this. The fish was so fresh and it was very interactive with the sushi chef as you watch him prepare each course and he engages with you about the overall process of sushi making. You eat each course as the chef wishes it to be prepared (so eat with an open palette!) A truly special dinner for those sushi connoisseurs like myself. Perfect for date night, special occasion, solo diner (myself) and just because. 8 spots per seating so make sure to get your reservations early! And future sake pairing coming too. Service was superb as well, Beth did it all! Final review: 5/5 stars, fantastic addition to the KC foodie scene. Obviously not for vegetarians (sorry not sorry)

Incredible experience and amazing food!! Loved every course, atmosphere and restaurant is beautiful, chef and service both fantastic. Can't wait to go back!

This is a great addition to the KC food scene. We were able to get a reservation for Sunday night. Chef Karson and Beth did not disappoint. Every course had the right attention to detail. We also got the wine pairing which was great. The setting is for 8 people per session - so a very cozy atmosphere. While a bit pricey (not any more than what omakase restaurants charge in other cities) it is worth the splurge.

Chef Karson and Beth were amazing, as were each of the items on the menu. The entire experience from beginning to end was thoughtful, fun and most importantly, delicious. Cant wait to come back!

Best sushi experience in KC! (And only omakase style in the city). The chef obviously cares about quality. Great atmosphere and service.