In the intimate confines of Chef Ray and his wife Christine's culinary haven, there exists a sanctuary of unparalleled mastery—a realm where every morsel bears the weight of cherished tradition and whispers of the passing seasons. Nestled within their cozy kitchen, with only two tables—one a sushi bar, the other a cozy dining spot—awaits a transcendent journey, a bastion of gastronomic enlightenment amidst the clamor of the outside world.As I stepped into this welcoming space, I was greeted not only by the tantalizing aromas wafting from the kitchen but also by the warm embrace of Chef Ray and Christine. Their genuine hospitality, steeped in humility and passion, set the stage for an unforgettable culinary experience.Each dish that graced the table was not just a culinary creation but a labor of love—a testament to Chef Ray and Christine's unwavering dedication to their craft. From the delicate slices of sashimi, shimmering like jewels on the sushi bar, to the simmering broth infused with the essence of the forest, every bite transported me to a realm of pure bliss—a testament to the soulful essence of Japanese cuisine.Yet it was not only the exquisite taste and presentation that captivated me; it was the underlying philosophy imbued into each dish. In the meticulous selection of ingredients and the artful arrangement on the plate, I glimpsed the ancient wisdom of balance and harmony—a reflection of Chef Ray and Christine's deep respect for nature and tradition. Through the symphony of flavors and textures, I felt a profound connection to the fleeting beauty of life—a reminder to savor each moment with gratitude and mindfulness.As I savored the final course—a sublime fusion of seasonal fruits and delicate pastries—I felt a sense of gratitude welling up within me. Gratitude for Chef Ray and Christine, whose culinary prowess had elevated simple ingredients into works of art. Gratitude for the cozy ambiance and heartfelt hospitality that made me feel like a cherished guest in their home. And above all, gratitude for the opportunity to partake in this intimate culinary journey—a testament to the transformative power of food to nourish not only the body but the spirit as well.In the tranquil aftermath of the meal, as I bid farewell to Chef Ray and Christine and stepped back into the bustling streets outside, I carried with me a sense of profound contentment. For in that fleeting moment of culinary communion, I had not only tasted the flavors of Japan; I had experienced the essence of life itself—a reminder that true fulfillment lies in the simple joys of shared moments, lovingly crafted with care and passion.Kid-friendliness: Very kid friendly too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Anthony Lee
Excellent meal cooked with passion. Service is warming and attentive. Ingredients were unique and well sourced. Highly recommended.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Eric Leung
多謝Ray san and Christine! My family and I had a great dinner again in Kuroki! Not only the food was delicious, but also the stories behind Japanese food culture, history of Kaiseki in Kansai and the relationship between Buddhism and Kaiseki (Balance and Simplicity) are great to hear. I would recommend people to try it themselves to feel how great the dining experience is! And I would definitely come to enjoy the dinner and the time with Ray san and Christine again with my family
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
MrJumplo
Food was very fresh, a different experience of Japanese foods for me and an enjoyable experience. Staff was very nice, friendly, and explained each and every dish. Definitely give this place a try if you haven't yet!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jason Kwan
I usually don't post reviews but this restaurant is definitely worth going to if you want a thorough kaiseki experience done with excellent customer service, patience, and care. The husband and wife duo were friendly, warm, and explained every dish as well as the thought behind it. Presentation was beautiful and the food served was diverse and delicious.Recommended for special occasions as it a treat and a special experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joey Boayes
Ray and Christine provide an outstanding 2.5-hour dining experience with their amazing Kaiseki, situated in a cozy 11-seater space in Steveston's heart. The dishes are fresh, tasty, and creative. Their customer service and warmth are unparalleled, offering incredible value at $158 for a 10-course meal, featuring over 25 items. My birthday celebration was made extra memorable today, thanks to them. Highlights included the sashimi, kettle rice, and a delightful steamed dish with egg custard and crab. We're eagerly looking forward to our next visit. A heartfelt thank you to Chef Ray and Christine!Parking: Plenty of free street parking.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Egg Custard with Crab Meat, Steamed Egg, Sashimi
Dylan Chan
Such an incredible and memorable experience. Ray and Christine were both so welcoming and provided great hospitality, it truly felt like we were dining with friends rather than being served.Ray took extra care to explain the concepts behind each dish and the meal as a whole. We learned so much about Japanese culture and cuisine. Every dish was balanced very well, and there was definitely enough quantity to feel satisfied in the end. Even with so much Japanese food around Vancouver already, I was introduced to many new flavors and ingredients.I would 100% recommend them if you want a very personable experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Siew Hoon Goh
Chef Ray & Christine are such fantastic hosts, the whole experience feels like we were dining in their home. All the 10 courses were great, it was one of the best omakase we ever had, we will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
F C
A great place for our 9th wedding anniversary.Chef Ray has deep knowledge and insights in the Japanese culture that pairs incredibly well with the dishes he created. Along with his wife Christine, they are wonderful couple who provided us a phenomenal and memorable omakase experience. We will definitely return and tell our friends and family all about it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Egg Custard with Crab Meat
D L
Phenomenal Kaiseki experience with Chef Ray. Ray is not only a master of his creations in the kitchen, but he is also a great story teller as he shared with us the evolution on Japanese food culture across hundreds of years. His passion in culinary and the personal approach in his omakase experience he delivered was forever memorable. Thank you.
Came here to celebrate my husband’s 40th birthday, and the place did not disappoint. Ray is truly amazing in his craft, and Christine was really welcoming and genuinely warm from taking our reservations all throughout to settling our bill.The menu is carefully thought out, and food is fresh and delicious. Ray had no hesitations in telling you how dish is prepared - we enjoyed everything and were very entertained by Ray and Christine’s stories about their kaiseki journey.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
John Wu
Such a gem. Chef is Japanese trained and the level of detail in food preparation is top notch. Best meal this year , should get 1 Michelin
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michael G.
At first I was disappointed that they refused to accommodate parties of one ever, which seems non-inclusive or discriminatory, as not everyone has another to dine with them, especially at that price point. However, I remained patient about that. A meal for two was well over $700 CA and we only ordered two small drinks plus uni and o toro add ons that were not standard in the base price, and we are used to eating that as included most places we go. The people that run the restaurant are very nice and accommodating, and they generally offered very good service keeping drinks like water and tea always filled. I felt it wasn't in the greatest taste after we paid what we did to ask us if we could give them a good review. When I said I would give them a review on Yelp they had the nerve to ask if I could do it on Google instead. Who's working for who here? I know who's paying for my meal and it's me. Ambiance was cute but very simple. I did love that there is only one bar and tables seating per night and that it is not a rush to eat there. The pace was good but at one time there was a longer break than would be desired disrupting the flow.In the end, the food was mixed between excellent in some dishes and disappointing in others, but it just didn't seem worth the money they charge compared to what you get. While the quantity of amount served was very good, It seemed too much food was preprocessed like the sashimi fish was all pre sliced and some pieces still tasted a little frozen. Their chawanmushi was delicious and one of their soups was also very good. Yet another soup at the end of the meal was not that good. It was a mushroom soup in a fish flavored broth but the broth was too rich in flavor and had an unpleasant after taste. They offered extra if we wanted it and it was a bummer that the only thing they offered more of was a dish we didn't enjoy.It was also surprising that the appetizer included a single big piece of chilled cooked shrimp that looked and tasted more like a shrimp cocktail shrimp than anything Japanese. Even though the garnish was good, that kind of shrimp was out of place in that dish.While many foods were decent, you just didn't get the same amount and kind of luxury product you would at the same price point at other restaurants. For example the rice dish was loaded with cheaper tobiko in three colors, plus an egg that wasn't cracked fresh, plus ikura salmon eggs. While the tri color tobiko is pretty, the entire dish was filled with way too many types of eggs and it was too rich in flavor.Their small dessert was pretty delicious including a great homemade simple ice cream flavor. On the other hand, the fried course was a bit greasy and very starchy. The ingredients weren't that impressive. One dish tasted like eating a pile of onion rings with a hamburger. They also served too many uncooked bonito flakes on top of one of the items.The quantity of sashimi was great and some pieces were good. Others were hard and lacking in texture. Some items were not that familiar but I don't necessarily say that in a good way.Others are right that this place is charging top $ but not offering the quality of product to back it up.If the price was half what they charged me, I would give four stars, but for what we paid I feel we got 2 stars and in the end were disappointed wasting that kind of money here vs better places in the area and region. We wanted to love it so much especially because it wasn't that hard to reserve for two, but unfortunately the reason it was an easier reservation was because it is a very expensive but lower value experience.
Katrina
Very good food. Everything was really fresh and service was excellent. I like that its only 2 tables and bar seats so very intimate. I would definitely come back.
Janna Lim
One of the nicest restaurant experiences I've had in the Greater Vancouver area. The ingredients are fresh and dishes are well presented. Ray is amazing at his craft, and both he and Christine are friendly and welcoming. They also were absolutely wonderful when accommodating my semi-seafood / shellfish dietary restrictions, despite that limiting what types of seafood they could give me. They did this, while still providing their full menu to everyone else I was with (who love their shellfish and seafood!). It is a small restaurant, not seating much more than 10 people, so the atmosphere is cozy and inviting. This might not appeal to some, but it is perfect for me! I would highly recommend.Dietary restrictions: I cannot eat many other seafood outside of fish for health reasons, and they were very accommodating adjusting parts of their menu specifically for me, while the others with me could enjoy everything to the fullest.
In the intimate confines of Chef Ray and his wife Christine's culinary haven, there exists a sanctuary of unparalleled mastery—a realm where every morsel bears the weight of cherished tradition and whispers of the passing seasons. Nestled within their cozy kitchen, with only two tables—one a sushi bar, the other a cozy dining spot—awaits a transcendent journey, a bastion of gastronomic enlightenment amidst the clamor of the outside world.As I stepped into this welcoming space, I was greeted not only by the tantalizing aromas wafting from the kitchen but also by the warm embrace of Chef Ray and Christine. Their genuine hospitality, steeped in humility and passion, set the stage for an unforgettable culinary experience.Each dish that graced the table was not just a culinary creation but a labor of love—a testament to Chef Ray and Christine's unwavering dedication to their craft. From the delicate slices of sashimi, shimmering like jewels on the sushi bar, to the simmering broth infused with the essence of the forest, every bite transported me to a realm of pure bliss—a testament to the soulful essence of Japanese cuisine.Yet it was not only the exquisite taste and presentation that captivated me; it was the underlying philosophy imbued into each dish. In the meticulous selection of ingredients and the artful arrangement on the plate, I glimpsed the ancient wisdom of balance and harmony—a reflection of Chef Ray and Christine's deep respect for nature and tradition. Through the symphony of flavors and textures, I felt a profound connection to the fleeting beauty of life—a reminder to savor each moment with gratitude and mindfulness.As I savored the final course—a sublime fusion of seasonal fruits and delicate pastries—I felt a sense of gratitude welling up within me. Gratitude for Chef Ray and Christine, whose culinary prowess had elevated simple ingredients into works of art. Gratitude for the cozy ambiance and heartfelt hospitality that made me feel like a cherished guest in their home. And above all, gratitude for the opportunity to partake in this intimate culinary journey—a testament to the transformative power of food to nourish not only the body but the spirit as well.In the tranquil aftermath of the meal, as I bid farewell to Chef Ray and Christine and stepped back into the bustling streets outside, I carried with me a sense of profound contentment. For in that fleeting moment of culinary communion, I had not only tasted the flavors of Japan; I had experienced the essence of life itself—a reminder that true fulfillment lies in the simple joys of shared moments, lovingly crafted with care and passion.Kid-friendliness: Very kid friendly too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent meal cooked with passion. Service is warming and attentive. Ingredients were unique and well sourced. Highly recommended.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
多謝Ray san and Christine! My family and I had a great dinner again in Kuroki! Not only the food was delicious, but also the stories behind Japanese food culture, history of Kaiseki in Kansai and the relationship between Buddhism and Kaiseki (Balance and Simplicity) are great to hear. I would recommend people to try it themselves to feel how great the dining experience is! And I would definitely come to enjoy the dinner and the time with Ray san and Christine again with my family
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was very fresh, a different experience of Japanese foods for me and an enjoyable experience. Staff was very nice, friendly, and explained each and every dish. Definitely give this place a try if you haven't yet!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I usually don't post reviews but this restaurant is definitely worth going to if you want a thorough kaiseki experience done with excellent customer service, patience, and care. The husband and wife duo were friendly, warm, and explained every dish as well as the thought behind it. Presentation was beautiful and the food served was diverse and delicious.Recommended for special occasions as it a treat and a special experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ray and Christine provide an outstanding 2.5-hour dining experience with their amazing Kaiseki, situated in a cozy 11-seater space in Steveston's heart. The dishes are fresh, tasty, and creative. Their customer service and warmth are unparalleled, offering incredible value at $158 for a 10-course meal, featuring over 25 items. My birthday celebration was made extra memorable today, thanks to them. Highlights included the sashimi, kettle rice, and a delightful steamed dish with egg custard and crab. We're eagerly looking forward to our next visit. A heartfelt thank you to Chef Ray and Christine!Parking: Plenty of free street parking.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Egg Custard with Crab Meat, Steamed Egg, Sashimi
Such an incredible and memorable experience. Ray and Christine were both so welcoming and provided great hospitality, it truly felt like we were dining with friends rather than being served.Ray took extra care to explain the concepts behind each dish and the meal as a whole. We learned so much about Japanese culture and cuisine. Every dish was balanced very well, and there was definitely enough quantity to feel satisfied in the end. Even with so much Japanese food around Vancouver already, I was introduced to many new flavors and ingredients.I would 100% recommend them if you want a very personable experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chef Ray & Christine are such fantastic hosts, the whole experience feels like we were dining in their home. All the 10 courses were great, it was one of the best omakase we ever had, we will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A great place for our 9th wedding anniversary.Chef Ray has deep knowledge and insights in the Japanese culture that pairs incredibly well with the dishes he created. Along with his wife Christine, they are wonderful couple who provided us a phenomenal and memorable omakase experience. We will definitely return and tell our friends and family all about it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Egg Custard with Crab Meat
Phenomenal Kaiseki experience with Chef Ray. Ray is not only a master of his creations in the kitchen, but he is also a great story teller as he shared with us the evolution on Japanese food culture across hundreds of years. His passion in culinary and the personal approach in his omakase experience he delivered was forever memorable. Thank you.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Came here to celebrate my husband’s 40th birthday, and the place did not disappoint. Ray is truly amazing in his craft, and Christine was really welcoming and genuinely warm from taking our reservations all throughout to settling our bill.The menu is carefully thought out, and food is fresh and delicious. Ray had no hesitations in telling you how dish is prepared - we enjoyed everything and were very entertained by Ray and Christine’s stories about their kaiseki journey.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Such a gem. Chef is Japanese trained and the level of detail in food preparation is top notch. Best meal this year , should get 1 Michelin
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
At first I was disappointed that they refused to accommodate parties of one ever, which seems non-inclusive or discriminatory, as not everyone has another to dine with them, especially at that price point. However, I remained patient about that. A meal for two was well over $700 CA and we only ordered two small drinks plus uni and o toro add ons that were not standard in the base price, and we are used to eating that as included most places we go. The people that run the restaurant are very nice and accommodating, and they generally offered very good service keeping drinks like water and tea always filled. I felt it wasn't in the greatest taste after we paid what we did to ask us if we could give them a good review. When I said I would give them a review on Yelp they had the nerve to ask if I could do it on Google instead. Who's working for who here? I know who's paying for my meal and it's me. Ambiance was cute but very simple. I did love that there is only one bar and tables seating per night and that it is not a rush to eat there. The pace was good but at one time there was a longer break than would be desired disrupting the flow.In the end, the food was mixed between excellent in some dishes and disappointing in others, but it just didn't seem worth the money they charge compared to what you get. While the quantity of amount served was very good, It seemed too much food was preprocessed like the sashimi fish was all pre sliced and some pieces still tasted a little frozen. Their chawanmushi was delicious and one of their soups was also very good. Yet another soup at the end of the meal was not that good. It was a mushroom soup in a fish flavored broth but the broth was too rich in flavor and had an unpleasant after taste. They offered extra if we wanted it and it was a bummer that the only thing they offered more of was a dish we didn't enjoy.It was also surprising that the appetizer included a single big piece of chilled cooked shrimp that looked and tasted more like a shrimp cocktail shrimp than anything Japanese. Even though the garnish was good, that kind of shrimp was out of place in that dish.While many foods were decent, you just didn't get the same amount and kind of luxury product you would at the same price point at other restaurants. For example the rice dish was loaded with cheaper tobiko in three colors, plus an egg that wasn't cracked fresh, plus ikura salmon eggs. While the tri color tobiko is pretty, the entire dish was filled with way too many types of eggs and it was too rich in flavor.Their small dessert was pretty delicious including a great homemade simple ice cream flavor. On the other hand, the fried course was a bit greasy and very starchy. The ingredients weren't that impressive. One dish tasted like eating a pile of onion rings with a hamburger. They also served too many uncooked bonito flakes on top of one of the items.The quantity of sashimi was great and some pieces were good. Others were hard and lacking in texture. Some items were not that familiar but I don't necessarily say that in a good way.Others are right that this place is charging top $ but not offering the quality of product to back it up.If the price was half what they charged me, I would give four stars, but for what we paid I feel we got 2 stars and in the end were disappointed wasting that kind of money here vs better places in the area and region. We wanted to love it so much especially because it wasn't that hard to reserve for two, but unfortunately the reason it was an easier reservation was because it is a very expensive but lower value experience.
Very good food. Everything was really fresh and service was excellent. I like that its only 2 tables and bar seats so very intimate. I would definitely come back.
One of the nicest restaurant experiences I've had in the Greater Vancouver area. The ingredients are fresh and dishes are well presented. Ray is amazing at his craft, and both he and Christine are friendly and welcoming. They also were absolutely wonderful when accommodating my semi-seafood / shellfish dietary restrictions, despite that limiting what types of seafood they could give me. They did this, while still providing their full menu to everyone else I was with (who love their shellfish and seafood!). It is a small restaurant, not seating much more than 10 people, so the atmosphere is cozy and inviting. This might not appeal to some, but it is perfect for me! I would highly recommend.Dietary restrictions: I cannot eat many other seafood outside of fish for health reasons, and they were very accommodating adjusting parts of their menu specifically for me, while the others with me could enjoy everything to the fullest.