Walking into Bistro Kai, there’s an immediate good feeling — the stunning décor, light chatter and sophisticated feel to it.
The staff greeted us warmly, and service throughout was attentive.
We ordered three standout items: the Wagyu cheeseburger, Chicken Maryland, and a green‑tea (Uji) matcha cheesecake. The Wagyu Cheeseburger is one of those dishes we’ll remember for a long time.
The burger arrived served open, cut perfectly in half to see the cross section, making it visually appealing. The wagyu beef was juicy and rich, with a satisfying beefy depth, cooked medium rare as suggested. The cheese complemented it and the soft bun held up well. We would order this time and time again.
My pick was the Chicken Maryland, one of their signature mains and often praised by reviewers for good reason. The chicken was tender and well-cooked, with moist meat under its crust. It came with cauliflower and an abalone sauce, which was rich and umami-laced, elevating the dish without overwhelming it. The cauliflower was a thoughtful side — mild but helpful in contrast. It felt like it struck a very good balance between comfort and sophistication.
Whilst it was lunch time, we couldn’t go past the Green Tea / Matcha Cheesecake. The matcha’s bitterness was tempered rather than masked, giving the cheesecake an elegant green tea character. The balance between density and lightness was good — it wasn’t overly heavy, leaving a pleasant lingering matcha note, a fine finish to the meal.
The added benefit is that they have excellent coffee, using artificer as the bean. We loved the flat white, and the most perfect cold brew, served in a plumm wine glass, providing for a crisp cool coffee. We also enjoyed the matcha latte and were super impressed with the drink options.
The cafe is outstanding. The food is creative, well thought out, and well executed. Service was friendly, polished and responsive. The restaurant atmosphere is modern and perfect whether it be for brunch or dinner.
316 Victoria Ave
Chatswood NSW 2067