“A once in a lifetime experience enjoying the craft of the chef and delicious fish from Japan. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes sushi. I was excited and nervous going into it (based on not being able to choose my own food), but was very pleased with all of the menu items.”
B.P. 6/20/2026
“One of the best dining experiences we've ever had. The chef was amazing, taking us through the courses and educating us along the way. The hostess and company were great as well. Truly a dining experience we will forever remember. “
S.P. 6/29/2026
“Amazing experience. Everything was so dialed in. We'll never forget it. Thank you.”
R.F. 6/20/2026
“The best restaurant in KC by a mile. Beth is the best hostess around and Karson is a master at his craft. If you have not dined here you are missing out big time.”
A.W. 6/7/2026
“always a stellar 5/5 experience with Chef. love the variety of fish, always of the highest quality. Beth is a wonderful addition and attentive to anything you may need during your experience at SK. looking forward to the next dinner already - thank you Chef & Beth!
A.A. 6/4/2026
“An authentic Omakase experience. The ingredients truly make a difference, the preparation was pristine, a very well balanced menu served in the right order to enjoy each piece. The table is well set up for all of us to see the preparation and have a conversation with the chef.”
L.M. 4/30/2026
“An amazing experience. Chef and Beth are very engaging people. The sushi was outstanding and we left very full! I appreciated the insight about the fish that Chef Karson gave. I will definitely be back!!”
L.M. 5/8/2026
“Kodawari remains on my list I try to book every 6-9 mos. This was my 3rd evening with Karson and colleague. New fish you simply cannot get anywhere else, aged to ideal, and artfully prepared. Last night several mom/kid pairings: adult bream, young bream; adult conger eel and glass eel (juvenile pre-fresh water)- brilliant! Also, he is partly right: the unique rice is the key partner of the show. The beverage pairing was exquisite- a lovely blanc de blanc Champagne, a Japanese white I dont think we'd find elsewhere, then the sake I was going to pick myself (Gold, junmai daiginjo), and the crispest Reisling I'd ever had. I'm not a particularly chatty type at dinner (live for solo dining) but there is always some pleasant banter but never grating for us less extroverted.”
S.L. 4/4/2026
“The experience from beginning to end was very enjoyable. My date and I gained an understanding and appreciation for the level of detail that not only went into the food but the entire operation. That elevated the experience and set it apart from other high end dining options. It should go without saying that the food was incredible. I also recommend adding the drink pairing option.”
J.W. 3/8/2026
“This was the most enchanting dinner we've ever experienced and will absolutely be back to enjoy more. Carson and Beth are a dream to talk to. Thank you for all your efforts!”
L.S. 2/12/26
“What a special experience Chef Carson brings to Kansas City. Among the best dinners I've enjoyed in my life. While the presentation is formal, it is also decidedly unstuffy, friendly, and fun. I was made to feel welcome and a part of the table. Sushi Kodawari is a gem.”
S.B. 2/19/2026
“Chef, thank you for having the vision, courage and talent to gift Kansas City with an intimate omakase experience. This is now one of my most memorable dining experiences. The meal, the ambience, the history and BETH took the entire evening to perfection.”
S.R. 1/18/2026
“Fabulous! There is no other sushi experience like this in the Kansas City metro area. Chef Karson Thompson does not disappoint and there was no part of the evening that wasn't delicious and expertly curated. We will be back!”
H.H. 1/8/2026
“Amazing experience. From the design of the space, the service and execution of menu this is a true 5 star experience. They cap at 8 seats which gives a great opportunity to spend quality discussion with the chef. His attention to Japanese style sushi using fish/ingredients from Japan is spectacular. I live in CA but this will be a spot I will go to again.”
D.I. 12/14/2025
“Amazing experience! Even better food!! This was not oversold as one of the best dining experiences we could have. The drink pairings were perfectly selected and the menu was mind-blowing. Presentation, flavors, textures, vibes, everything curated to provide something we have never thought existed. Thank you for the dedication to your crafts. We are appreciative to have had the chance to enjoy the omakase experience at Sushi Kodawari and can't wait to return!!!”
E.M. 12/19/2025
“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!”
A.A. 10/30/2025
“Closest thing to a Michelin Star experience in KC.”
S.M. 10/4/2025
“This was an experience unlike any other my husband and I have ever had. Chef Carson and Beth have developed an evening that will leave you speechless and unable to eat sushi any where else. Each course is carefully crafted with masterful precision and intent. The fish is so fresh you can almost taste the ocean. And the sushi rice is unlike anything I've ever tasted before and now it's all I can think about!! I highly recommend the wine pairing to go along with dinner, Chef has a great palate. It's highly encouraged to ask questions and have a dialogue with Chef, Beth and the other diners which creates an atmosphere that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed. The only negative to the experience is it ends!”
A.N. 10/2/2025
“Genuinely the best dining experience we have had. The food was phenomenal and Chef and Beth were wonderful hosts for the evening. We will absolutely be returning!”
I.K. 10/4/2025
“Hands down the best dining experience my wife and I have ever had. Loved the atmosphere and the menu was perfect. Would definitely recommend to anyone who is looking for a romantic and intimate dining experience.”
M.K. 9/6/2025
“Our visit was more than just a nice dinner, it was a sushi-life-changing experience. The care and pride Chef Carson takes in selecting each cut of sushi is obvious in every bite. He's a storyteller with his preparation of each dish. Beth was pleasant, delightful, engaging, and all the wonderful things. Her personality is as bright as her pink lipstick. This experience made us walk away saying ‘how will we ever eat sushi anywhere else?’ We can't wait to visit again!”
M.L. 5/11/2025
“Best sushi experience of our lives. Thank you for the education and for awakening our taste for truly delicious sushi made the proper way. Already looking forward to our next visit.”
K.F. 3/1/2025
“To say it was a great experience would be an understatement. Chef Karson and Beth do a fantastic job creating a one of a kind experience with a close knit and personal experience while enjoying amazing unique sushi. You won't find another experience like this in KC or the Midwest.”
J.B. 4/12/2025
“My wife and I had been looking for a night that we could visit for two months and it was worth the wait. Incredible in both atmosphere and service. I thought I had eaten good sushi before, but this was a transformative experience. It was like driving a fun car and then driving a supercar for the first time; realizing what it can be when done with care and passion. We will be back, and we'll be bringing others with us. Thank you for the mind-changing food and fantastic experience.”
