Cafe Beautiful
- 728 1/2 Mass. Lawrence, KS 66044
- (upstairs)
- 785-843-7423
- Visit website
Description
Chef Suken's new "Asian Fusion" sushi restaurant is an intimate affair with four tables and all kinds of atmosphere. "Come, eat, and get to know one another" is the guiding philosophy behind the establishment, and it's reflected in the dining-room vibe of the seating and Suken's encouraging patrons to linger for a couple hours over the meal. Advanced seating request highly recommended.
Comments
cdc 14 years, 3 months ago on Cafe Beautiful
Cafe Beautiful
Also: there are only TWO tables currently (with a special events room) and there is NO menu for sushi or anything else (it seems from some of the comments in 2005/2006 that there WAS a menu at one time). Also, this is absolutely NOT a sushi restaurant. It is an Asian fusion restaurant. Atmosphere: the music is lacking, the rest of the atmosphere is very comfortable. Service: Divine. Chef Suken served us and thoroughly explained each course. We ended up having a lovely conversation with him and chatted the night away (which is why we were there for 3 hours. you could finish the meal promptly in 2 hours if required to do so). One final note: The women's bathroom had NO toilet paper and NO soap when i was there last night so that was a bit...rustic. Regardless, it was a marvelous experience and the food was worth every cent. A true DINING EXPERIENCE, not just eating out!
cdc 14 years, 3 months ago on Cafe Beautiful
Cafe Beautiful
You MUST make a reservation for Cafe Beautiful. My partner and I went on a Wednesday evening at 8:00 p.m. The price was $62.50 per person for a prix fixe, 8-course dinner. With tax and tip, we paid $154 for two people. We had NO alcohol of any kind (it isn't served there; you can bring your own, but there IS a corking fee) with our meal, and just had the included hot tea and water to drink, so this $154 was for FOOD (and service, of course) ONLY.How was it? Worth every penny.Sure, it's ONLY for special occasions (unless you're super duper richie rich), BUT it's all the more special because of this.We were the only two people in the restaurant and were there for 3 hours eating our 8-course meal. It was incredible and Suken is an exceedingly accomplished chef.My only regret is that Cafe Beautiful has been open for nearly 4 years, I have lived in Lawrence for over 3 years, and this was my first visit here!I have to make up for this by dining there regularly (if only i was richie rich...darn it all!!!).
whatatown 14 years, 8 months ago on Cafe Beautiful
Cafe Beautiful
By far the most amazing dining experience I have ever had. The atmosphere is so cozy and inviting- a very romantic feel. This is fueled by the exclusivity of the place- don't think of coming here without a reservation!The courses were all prepared impeccably, and the level of service is very high. It is unusual to have your chef be your server, but Chef Suken takes pride in both the taste and the presentation of the meal and takes the time to explain each dish. The timing between the courses is perfect, and I enjoyed the best dinner of my life.I was a bit weary of the sashimi course, as I had never had large chunks of raw fish before, but found that it was amongst my favorite of the courses. The food is as much art as it is nutrients and every aspect was out of this world. Come with an open mind and an empty belly and you will not be disappointed. Do bring in some wine or sake to drink with your meal. You are going to spend about 2 hours for this dining experience and you might as well have a few drinks, too! We spent $60 a person, plus a very generous tip, and the meal and experience were totally worth every penny. This is a great special occasion restaurant!
pimeamark 14 years, 9 months ago on Cafe Beautiful
Cafe Beautiful
Ok I'm gonna break it down for everyone out thereFor starters this place is expensive. If you're not ready to drop some cash, dont go. I payed about $150 for 2 people after tax and tip. this was on in august 2008. That being said, there isnt really a more special place in lawrence, so if you got a special occasion, this is perfect. Especially if it concerns a lady. This will impress her for sure. I thought it was worth the 150, but that may be up for debate.I'll break down the experience. It's a 7 course dinner and theres no menu. The chef brings out a dish every 15 minutes and explains it. Be prepared to be in there a good 2.5 hours overall. My menu went like this : soup, fruit salad, appetizers, salad, sashimi course, sushi course, and ice cream for desert. Everything you get is amazing and the presentation is beautiful. If you've ever seen the show Iron Chef, that's basically what it is. The sashimi had lobster, red snapper, and caviar. So yeah the 150 isnt going to waste. It's BYOB and by B i mean wine or sake. Take my advice and bring some wine. He'll serve it for you, so it;s great. The whole experience is even better while buzzed.Another great thing about this place is even though it's really fancy, it's not pretentious at all. It's very Lawrencey. Me and my date dressed up just because i want to do that if im spending that much money, but i also saw a guy in there with a polo shirt and jeans. So do what you will.Overall a great experience, so if you want the best food in lawrence or want to impress someone, go for it. You need to call and reserve at least 3 weeks in advance also, otherwise you'll probably have to adjust your time. Chef Suken, you're the man.
boxturtle 14 years, 10 months ago on Cafe Beautiful
Cafe Beautiful
Great place for a special occasion. You feel really well served by the Chef, the only employee in the small intimate, dare I say beautiful, restaurant. Every course tasted wonderful, and was made with such care and artistry. I made many flavor discoveries. An experience worth having. The only downside? Might be some bad 80s music.
shemme 15 years, 6 months ago on Cafe Beautiful
Cafe Beautiful
Sure to be one of the best meals of your life. This is not an exaggeration. Suken's cuisine is to be savored. Approach as if it is your very first time tasting food, forget your idea of what it is to eat Asian or Japanese or sushi, these words don't matter here. Relish in the perfect harmony of flavors, honor the character of your meal.
What does beauty taste like? What about luxury? Or passion? How do these words translate into something only your tongue understands?
There's only one way to find out.
ukillaJJ 15 years, 7 months ago on Cafe Beautiful
Cafe Beautiful
Hands down the best restaurant in town. Creative dishes with creative ingredient presented in creative ways by a creative man. Great atmosphere and a great time. Make a reservation, come in and sit down, and have the best dining experience in Lawrence.
alkalinesmile 15 years, 10 months ago on Cafe Beautiful
Cafe Beautiful
you'd be hard pressed to experience cafe beautiful and have something negative to say about it. it was maybe the best meal of my life, the food was so amazing and it was really fun to stay and talk for hours while tasting the different courses. the candle lit atmosphere make the restaraunt the most romantic in town. its perfect for special occasions or just because.
Robert Herrington 16 years, 5 months ago on Cafe Beautiful
Cafe Beautiful
Best I have had around the world. No Joke. A must if you like fine dinning and quality food with great service. A fraction of what I have paid in Tokyo, San Francisco for such a great experience.
Horizon Analog
jedipalooza 17 years, 1 month ago on Cafe Beautiful
Cafe Beautiful
Wow. What an experience. Try to reserve the table by the window if you are on a date.
Emily Lubliner 17 years, 2 months ago on Cafe Beautiful
Cafe Beautiful
You have GOT to give Cafe Beautiful a try. I took my husband there for his birthday last night, and it was a truly amazing experience. Everything from the service to the presentation was phenomenal. And the food : oh my god. My husband actually said this was one of the top five meals of his life. I would have to agree. Definitely the best sushi we've ever had, including trips to both coasts.
The setup for the restaurant is now a fixed menu only. For dinner, this included tea and snacks (assorted crackers), soup (with seafood and noodles), salad, appetizers (dumplings), sashimi (five large pieces), sushi (about six pieces of various styles), and ice cream. It was a lot of food, and it was all expertly prepared. Each dish had layers of flavor, and it was on an entirely different level than the standard fare of most sushi joints. I cannot do it justice with a description.
The liquor policy at the moment is bring-your-own. We brought a bottle of wine, which they gladly served us. At about $40 per person, this is certainly a special occasion place. But when an occasion comes around, I can't think of any place in Lawrence I would rather go.
wilson 17 years, 4 months ago on Cafe Beautiful
Cafe Beautiful
Warm, relaxing vibe. Impeccable, personal service. Delicious sushi prepared impeccably (and plenty of it). Prices are comparable with other sushi restaurants in Lawrence, but the food and the experience are on a completely different level. Don't even think about asking for a california roll. Go for the chef's dinner and let Chef Suken show you what sushi ought to taste like.
townie42 17 years, 4 months ago on Cafe Beautiful
Cafe Beautiful
The whole experience was fantastic! In addition to his talent for sushi, the chef is an excellent host. The decor is elegant, and the 2nd story view of Mass street with the lights is wonderful.
I HIGHLY recommend Cafe Beautiful! Even if sushi's not your thing, try it here before you make your final ruling.
ispeakthetruth 17 years, 4 months ago on Cafe Beautiful
Cafe Beautiful
Dining at Cafe Beautiful was one of the best restaurant experiences I've ever had. The food was amazing, the building is inviting, and the service was intimate. Everything was absolutely beautiful.
mamsir 17 years, 5 months ago on Cafe Beautiful
Cafe Beautiful
it's pretty much like going to Wa or any other sushi restaurant in the area as far as price goes. they have a sushi menu as well as dinner menus/options. it's definitely worth checking out if it works w/ in your budget!
lori 17 years, 5 months ago on Cafe Beautiful
Cafe Beautiful
So what's the average price? 5-40 $ range is pretty general. Can i get buy with spending 10-12, or will that limit me entirely?
Gilmore 17 years, 5 months ago on Cafe Beautiful
Cafe Beautiful
I went there for New Year's Eve and it was amazing. I have been to sushi resturants in Lawrence, Kansas City, and Chicago and by far this is the best. I just couldn't wrap my head around the fact that normally I don't like Philadelphia rolls, but I loved them at Cafe Beautiful! I definitely recommend this place if you are trying sushi for the first time or want an intimate dinner.
foodcritic 17 years, 5 months ago on Cafe Beautiful
Cafe Beautiful
Hey guys how about a menu? Or at least a sample so I can get an idea of the price point of this place? I don't understand why so many local restaurants don't have more of an online presence. It's a must these days - I won't go into a place unless I know what I'm getting into.
mamsir 17 years, 5 months ago on Cafe Beautiful
Cafe Beautiful
My husband and I decided to check out this place because of the little "featured restaurant" piece on lawrence.com. I was curious as to how this place would fare here and I must say, I am very impressed! The sushi was some of the best I have had in years- this includes what used to be available to me living in a very large city highly populated with five star sushi establishments. I enjoyed the smaller, upstairs location, and the decor fit well with the concept of the restaurant. The service was great and the presentation of the food was excellent. You could tell that the chef used high quality ingredients. He did not skimp on the sushi cuts, either- which, btw- were insanely fresh and melted in your mouth. Once the tables were filled, it was a very cozy place to enjoy a fabulous dinner on a cold winter night in wonderful downtown Lawrence. There is something about that place that makes you want to stay for a while, as the overview on lawrence.com said. Lawrence is lucky to have such a fine new establishment such as this and I wish them the best of luck. I look forward to dining there again. My husband and I keep commenting to each other on how excellent the cuisine was. One note- wine/beer is byob. You may want to call ahead of time to find out the specifics on that, as well as make a reservation.
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