Cafe Beautiful
730 Massachusetts St,Ste B, Lawrence, KS, 66044
Cafe Beautiful Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Lawrence for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Lawrence for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Lawrence for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
730 Massachusetts St,Ste B
Lawrence, KS, 66044 - Phone (785) 843-7423
- Website https://www.cafebeautifullawrence.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :5:00 pm - 4:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Intimate, Romantic
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Jill C.
Chef Mel has this insane experience dialed! The room ambiance is cozy. It feels as if you are actually a guest in her dining room. My daughter has been raving about Mel's talents for a couple of years now. Being here felt as if we were completely transported out of Lawrence to an exotic country. Her food flavors compliment from dish to dish. EVERYTHING coming out of her kitchen was lovingly and expertly prepared. My daughter commented 3x..."MOM!!! I have never seen you eat so much!" (Thanks Gabi)!!!! Mel has been a hidden gem...but not for long!
(5)Matt E.
As those of you following along at home might be aware, After 15 years in the area, I'm in the process of moving out of KC. Also I'm recovering from major surgery. Life is stressful. What did I need? A completely relaxing, luxe experience for the husband and I to just decompress, share some quality time and instead of freaking out about the 1000 different little details of our experience, instead celebrate our success. Cafe Beautiful was a perfect choice. Walk up the stairs off of Massachusetts Street and into a converted apartment, and suddenly you're in a tranquil private dining oasis. There are two tables to accommodate different sized parties, but you'll never have to share the room. Candlelit and decorated with an Asian influence, the space is undoubtedly zen. Chef Mel poured us some honey pomegranate fruit tea. The stress was leaving my body at a rapid clip. There is no menu. For some I'm sure this could be a reason to pause, but knowing you are in expert hands and about to embark on an epicurean adventure, it made me relieved that I didn't have to make any decisions or choices. Tonight, we were eating what Mel wanted to serve. Because she had already asked if we had any food allergies or dietary restrictions, everything went smooth as silk. I took thorough notes about the meal, but in writing this review, I'm scrapping them. Each of the seven courses were delightful and I don't want to be responsible for ruining the surprise. Everything was plated beautifully, and Mel was on hand to answer questions about the dish, the restaurant in general, or herself. Because she's tending only to you, the pace is slow and relaxed, and you get to really bond with the person who is lovingly crafting your meal. That's an experience you can't get at the finest of fine dining restaurants, as the chef has many other tables to please. It's BYOB, and we opened up a decent bottle of wine, and Mel made sure our glasses stayed full. Service is top notch, which it has to be to match the food. As the meal wound down, Mel insisted we could stay and relax for as long as we needed. It was a tempting offer, as we knew that once we walked out the door it was back to the reality of uprooting our lives and tying up loose ends. The reviews don't lie, people. Cafe Beautiful is a simply phenomenal dining experience, and one I recommend you consider for the special moments in your life. Unless you're a baller, then just come here whenever you like!
(5)Scott G.
Chef Mel at Cafe Beautiful prepared THE best meal I have ever eaten. All courses were perfectly delicious. I cannot thank Chef Mel enough for the experience. Sometimes you find a place and they have that one really good type of item like tri-tip or pasta. Cafe Beautiful transcends all food types. I do need to note that when you get to the "foyer" area you may feel like you are in the wrong place ... You are not.
(5)Myranda S.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Cafe Beautiful. It is not a meal--it is a complete and overwhelmingly satisfying dinner experience. Chef Mel was the greatest, sweetest, and most humble chef I have ever encountered. After seeing the dollar signs next to its name on here, I was very worried about pricing--but for a 7 course meal prepared and served by the chef herself, 75$ per person seemed beyond reasonable. The entire restaurant only seats 10, so even if it's a "packed house," it is still a very personal and intimate experience. I can't wait to go back!!
(5)Tiffinie F.
My husband and I ate here this summer to celebrate our anniversary. I have very little to say other than it was one-- if not the best dining experiences we've ever had with one another. Food, service, atmosphere. Everything. I'm actually hesitant to tell others because I don't want to have a hard time getting in if I want to go! I love that it is quiet and romantic. You feel as though she is only concerned with you. NO MENU--which I love. Surprise me with your best creation. She creates food like an artist. YUM! Unlike a previous reviewer you cannot go into this place to tell the chef what you want to eat. There are places like that you can go. Burger King for instance says you can have it your way. This is her special restaurant where she prepares food for you that she has purchased fresh. Each time you go I've been told it's a little different. If you do not like sushi, asian food or food with some heat to it just don't go. I would never say to a steak house that I choose to go to---I'm so upset because I'm allergic to steak and that's all you have! smh? Ok wait I lied. One thing you can have your way is your own bottles of wine. BYOB. No corking fee. There ya go! Wonderful experience. Great food! Very thankful for Cafe Beautiful! I hope she continues here in Lawrence for a long time! Ignore the 1 star out there. She got it all wrong!
(5)L. M.
The food is wonderful and it's a beautiful presentation. My reason for a lower rating is that it's simply not enough food. We are not "large" Americans, try 160, 130, and 140, and we are not marathon runners either. However, at the end of our meal, I felt disappointed because my appetite simply was not satiated. I have eaten in small high end establishments in LA, San Fran, Chicago and Paris, and while the price/quality is better at Cafe Beautiful, at least I was full at the other restaurants. It is hard to be completely happy with a $70 meal (which is comparatively expensive given the relative cost of living and cost of operating a business in Lawrence, compared to, say, LA) when you feel the need to toss down a sandwich once you get home. If Mel could add another small course or make the appetizers larger, then I would have been completely happy.
(3)Erick A.
I was blown away with our meal here. My wife and I went the other night having heard good things about the experience. Needless to say the meal and ambiance exceeded everything I had expected. Chef Mel welcomes you into her space and treats you to simply the best meal you can find in Lawrence and maybe the Midwest. I've dined at a number of Michelin starred restaurants and many others that get rave reviews. Cafe Beautiful stands toe to toe with anything out there. Her attention to detail and imagination with her dishes is worth every penny. I loved the butternut squash soup that had hints of Tom Yum flavors and her scallop and egg dish just blew me away. We were the only seating at the 9:00 hour and you could occasionally hear music and noise from the bar downstairs but that in no way took away from the room and view of Mass Street. I loved it also how Mel let us enjoy our meal respectfully but when asked or brought into the conversation she opened right up and told us all about how she prepares her dishes and past stories of her tribulations running a restaurant as the sole employee. Both my wife and I had happy, full bellies after leaving and I liked how each course was enough to enjoy the dish more than a few bites but not large portions. In conclusion I'd encourage anyone who has any interest at all in dining here to make a reservation and try it out because you will sit down to a meal you won't soon forget.
(5)Erin M.
One of the top five meals of my life. I went with two of my best friends on a warm May evening and we had the whole place to ourselves for most of the night. The tiny space looks down on Massachusetts Street and if you're there during nice weather the windows are open. It's BYO but there's no corking fee! My vegetarian meal was $30 ($20 cheaper than the regular). The chef was so welcoming and TALENTED and we left there ridiculously stuffed and happy. This was my first foray into "sushi" and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. p.s. Gotta call in and make a reservation! p.p.s. It's located above Vermont BBQ, across from the Hookah House
(5)Scott T.
Lawrence's best kept... no, make that Lawrence, Topeka and Kansas City's best kept dining secret. Last night four of us were the sole diners at Cafe Beautiful. This is a by appointment only dining spot tucked away and hidden upstairs on the east side of Mass Street between 7th and 8th. You won't walk by and see it by mistake. No signage! Small, it can pass for an old apartment that has been newly redecorated to provide an intimate and private dining experience, the quality of which is far beyond what this town deserves, but I'm not complaining! Single owner restaurant - the chef is your waiter. You bring your own wine. We scheduled for the 9-course menu and had previous experience with the 6-course version. Decided I wanted two in-house dining experiences before reviewing it. Could it really be *this* good twice? It was. The cuisine is Asian influenced, all purchased and prepared (and served) by the owner. A cold green tea water with apricot and plum infusion is a nice welcome along with a few wasabi peas as you are seated. The first course was a marvelous savory clear soup with mushrooms, chili, lime with a clam and mussel. Superb. Second course was a fresh fruit salad with a creamy ginger dressing. The fruit was edible art in itself and a refreshing change after the soup. From there it only got better. I won't try to recreate every dish but two in particular were simply stunning--food so good it makes you re-evaluate what is possible. One was a custard with mushrooms that had a smokey finish, the other one of the main entrees consisting of sliced duck breast with mushrooms in a sauce that can only be described as food porn--sweet, salty, savory, insane. So over the top wonderful everyone was shaking their head. Bowls were shamelessly licked. Hell, the wine was flowing and it was all private. Afraid the experience is way better than I will be able to describe. If you really want to spend some quality time with friends in an intimate setting that's a little off-beat and be served world class fare, I don't see how you can do better. Certainly not in this region. The evening melted away in bliss. Something about the environment, the owner and the experience just make for a perfect evening out. We'll be back. P.S. leave the camera at home for a change. The food is truly beautiful, but an experience this great deserves your full attention.
(5)Felicia S.
Superlative, sublime, spectacular!
(5)Madeline O.
Chef Mel knows her path. She is a passionate flavor seeker and takes great delight in bringing her guests on a journey. A meal at Cafe Beautiful is like a day at the perfect spa.....feels so good.
(5)Megan W.
My boyfriend had been wanting to eat here for over TWO years. It apparently has more recently (past year or two?) been taken over by a young woman chef. She clearly doesn't know how to provide customer service. We came to the restaurant with high hopes and great expectations and my boyfriend was VERY excited to be eating at this restaurant that has received nothing but rave reviews. Needless to say we were disappointed. My boyfriend exchanged messages (emails) with the chef prior to coming, alerting her that I was a little more picky than most, she advised IN WRITING that she would be able to accommodate and that it was "no problem at all." Guess what? She KICKED US OUT of the restaurant after serving three of the nine dishes as I did not eat COLD duck. I apologize as I am a picky eater, but when a chef is made aware of this, advises it wont be a problem, and then even acknowledges she knows that it is us when we sit down to dinner, you would expect her to not serve cold duck. She advised us "I do not want to continue" while making odd and uncomfortable gestures with her hands as if there was something wrong with her. She also mentioned "this is awkward for me, I don't know how to handle this situation." CLEARLY she didn't. How appalling! Lets just say...there is a reason that COOKS don't serve. We will never be going back and have advised may of this experience. I honestly have never been so upset and embarrassed in my whole life. Not to mention my boyfriends frustrations with not being able to eat there because, shame on him, his gf is picky. Too bad we advised her of this before hand and were made to feel welcome and as if this would not be an issue. HUGE disappointment and skip it because if you 'offend' the rude chef, you're out.
(1)Dustin C.
Cafe Beautiful lives up to all the hype and more. The food is simply phenomenal, the service is just as excellent, and the ambiance is very intimate and romantic. Mel, the chef, does a wonderful job accommodating diet restrictions and explaining her very creative and complex dishes. Jo, the server, is very pleasant and always there when you need her. Plan to spend an entire evening eating and drinking with friends and family at Cafe Beautiful - it's an experience everyone should enjoy!
(5)Laura J.
This is the only restaurant I ever recommend to anyone, ever. Every other culinary artist and establishment, no matter how extraordinary will consistently fail in comparison. Everything Mel touches turns to gold. Go experience Cafe Beautiful. If you truly appreciate the finer things in life, your mind will be blown.
(5)Suzette M.
This place is the highlight of my entire experience living in Kansas. I have been there twice and plan to go at least one more time before I move out of the area. Chef Mel delivers an experience like no other. The intimate setting is fantastic and she really goes out of her way to deliver the whole dining experience. The food and presentation are unbelievably wonderful. I'm sorry for the experience of those that did not love this cafe. If you want a memorable dining experience - this is your place. I am a gluten-free vegetarian and Chef Mel accommodated me just fine. You'll never regret it.
(5)Michael V.
The thing to remember about this place is that it isn't really a "restaurant." It's more of a dining experience - one chef, a few tables. The food choices are fresh and the Chef is more than accommodating of allergies (celiac, low tolerance gluten.) We brought a bottle of wine, sat by the front window (ask when making your reservation) and really enjoyed ourselves. We'll be back.
(5)Andrea S.
What a wonderful experience! Chef Mel treated us to an exquisite meal. Seven courses of fabulously presented food. My absolute favorite dish was a curried butternut squash soup with lime, cashews, coconut and cilantro. It just hit all the right notes. I'm already planning to wow out-of-town friends with a meal here during their next visit!
(5)Michael H.
My wife and I went last night with another couple we are getting to know. This was not just dinner it is very experiential. As we ate what she had provided with no menu. I loved that. The atmosphere was amazing. Mel is awesome to observe listening, telling stories, sharing what dish she just brought out while making sure our glass was full with our wine and beer we brought. She really was amazing. The food was outstanding and beautifully plated. She knows her food for sure with what hits your tongue first and how it finishes and she nailed them. We started at 5:00 and to my astonishment left at 9:30. I'm not sure how anyone could not love the room, Mel, or the food. I would recommend the experience to anyone and will be back for sure.
(5)Kisha S.
Amazing!! After reading all the reviews, i have to admit that my hopes and expectations were set pretty high. We went as a belated Valentines dinner, and it was even better than I had hoped! My boyfriend and I were both licking our plates (literally!), so it's a good thing it is such an intimate atmosphere. The music is different and pleasant, the perfect volume allowing for easy conversation but just loud enough to cover the hookah lounge next door. I'm a vegan, and Chef Mel made me an absolutely exquisite 9-11 course meal, almost identical tommy boyfriends', but totally animal friendly. And speaking of Chef Mel, she is just delightful! The venue is lovely, the meal was the best Either of us has ever had, and the Chef/owner/server was simply fantastic! We will definitely be returning. Thank you Cafe Beautiful, for such a memorable evening! Oh, and thank you Lawrence weather, for the beautiful mood-enhancing snowfall :)
(5)Huan R.
This is a gem in Lawrence. I used to dislike Asian fusion food because I grew up in China and had so much wonderful Asian food, but Chef Mel completely changed my view. This place is amazing! From my point of view, dining is more than just tasting the food. In fact, a lot of factors can contribute to how food tastes like, just as in the old Chinese saying, "The look, fragrance, and taste are what's essential for a successful plate." Besides this, I think the environment and the personal experience also matters. First, I like the setup of the place. It is hidden on second floor of a building downtown. This somehow adds some romantic mystery to this little restaurant. I also like that it is not crowded or loud so that I can focus more on the food. The dining area is small, but intimate and cozy. It's like you are in your friend's house and you can just be there and relax. Secondly, the food. My friend and I were served an eight course vegetarian dinner and everything was well executed. The food was very light and went perfectly well with the theme of spring. Plating was beautiful and appetizing. Mel really used some interesting (in a good way) combinations of spices and ingredients. Third, personal experiences. Mel is wonderful. We were the first table that evening and Mel had the chance to explain to us all the dishes. I really appreciate this. Lastly, this is a BYOB establishment and as far as I know there is no corkage fee. I'm sad that I'm moving out of Lawrence and had just discovered this wonderful place. But if you have the chance you should go and try it out.
(5)Chase L.
I can't encourage this place enough. The atmosphere, the delicious food, and the charisma of the cook herself all come together perfectly. This is the place to take a date to impress. I loved the unique combinations of flavor, texture, and even temperatures. Cafe Beautiful is simply a lovely experience.
(5)Kristi W.
This was an amazing dinner. I went here for my birthday. It was on a Sunday, and we were the only two people in the restaurant! Food: Amazing. Seriously one of the best meals I have ever had in my life. It was 8 courses of deliciousness. The theme was seafood/Asian. Chef Mel said that the seafood is flown in fresh every day from Honolulu! I have a shellfish allergy and she had no trouble accomodating this. Atmosphere: Cozy, tucked away. It's kind of hard to find as there are almost no signs. It was so nice to be almost alone in the restaurant, very private and romantic. It did feel more like an apartment than a restaurant. It was also really hot in there the day we were there, she had a fan blowing on us to help, but it was still a little too warm. I have a feeling this is only a problem on the summer days where it's above 100 outside though, as it was that day. Chef Mel: Amazing! She had the perfect balance of talking to us, and sharing her story as well as the story of the restaurant, and answering our questions, but also knowing when we preferred to be alone. She was out with us enough that we got to know her, but we also didn't ever feel forced to make any awkward conversation with her. Go here! It was amazing. $60 per person so it's definitely a special occasion treat, but the experience and food is really worth the money! I will be back!
(5)Michelle T.
Incredible intimate dining experience. It's like no other dining experience I have ever had. Chef Mel was incredible and inviting. I absolutely agree with everything the other posters said. Chef Mel's passion for her trade is evident in each dish she prepares. It is perfect from the presentation, to the colors, to the extravagent taste. Her timing is perfect and we were blessed with a warm evening where the windows were open. It was the perfect way to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday. He is from Chicago and travels for work, so for him to be so impressed with this experience speaks volumes. While somewhat pricey as far as meals go, for what you get, it is very very reasonable. No where will you get the kind of service that you get from Mel. You will be the only party there. Mel only serves one table at a time. Make sure you get reservations. I cannot wait to go back again. It was an incredible culinary experience. Michelle
(5)Meryl C.
Two of the best meals I've ever had. If you're a sushi fan, you must go. The menu is prix fixe, and just as an example, the first time we ate here, we started out with plum tea, and wasabi peas. Next came a soup with all sorts of sea critters in a clear broth; a shredded vegetable salad, beautifully plated, with wasabi vinaigrette; and an appetizer platter with melon and tomato in a ginger sauce and assorted tiny fish cakes. For the main course we had sushimi including white tuna in a citrus soy sauce, red snapper, and yellow tail tuna; and a sushi platter with a roll with tuna in a spicy sauce, a roll with unagi and fried shrimp, and a roll that seemed kind of like a California roll except with with roe and mango. Dessert was ginger ice cream. Additional bits? It's BYOB, but there's no corking fee. Also, you definitely need to make reservations--there are only two or three tables , and I believe about as many seatings per evening, so you certainly can't just walk in. (I have called as late as a few days before and still been able to get a table though.) Also, it's certainly pricey, so find a special occasion. It's absolutely well worth it!
(5)Maneekwan C.
I have to say that I really wish I had a chance to eat at Cafe Beautiful. We tried to make reservation at this restaurant for my birthday. My boyfriend called a week in advance five days in a row..no answer at all. Finally the restaurant returned the call two days before my birthday and said that day is no longer available. I was very disappointed. We did try so many times to dine here since Valentine's day. We even bought restaurant.com certificate and prepare to use it..but well I guess we might not have a chance to use it now. I don't want to be the first person to give Cafe Beautiful less than 5 stars but if I experience this, someone else might be going through the same thing as well. A five star rating restaurant should provide an excellent experience since the reservation process. I hope Cafe Beautiful realizes that.
(2)Jessica R.
Cafe Beautiful is the best intimate dining experience in Lawrence and probably in all of the Midwest. Chef Suken is a master. The chef serves 4 - 8 people per night, reservation only. There are two rooms and he seats a table per room. It's a BYOB establishment, but he does NOT charge a corkage fee. I enjoy 'Sho Chiku Bai Premium Ginjo Sake' and occasionally 'Sapporo'. The menu is set and includes approximately 7 courses. Chef Suken explains the preparation and history of each dish. The food is visually beautiful, of the highest quality and expertly prepared. In a word, it's exceptional. Update 07/12 - Sadly, Chef Suken has left Lawrence for now. Cafe beautiful has been taken over by a new Chef and I'm happy to report, the dining experience is still exceptional. The overall format is the same as I described above. The courses served by the new Chef were unexpected and delicious. I've only eaten there once since she took over, but I plan to go again very soon...maybe tonight.
(5)Cherie S.
Chef Mel does a fantastic job. The meal is an incredible experience to delight the tastebuds as well as the eye, with 8 or 9 courses (you can bring your own wine!) served in an intimate setting by the chef herself. Everything is prepared to perfection. Our meal featured the freshest seafood, local produce, some pork, and gorgeous fruit, ending with two beautiful sorbets. The asian influence, including hints of Chef Suken (the original chef at Cafe Beautiful) were evident. It's an excellent value for what you receive. The little touches, like the mildly sweet tea, spectacularly beautiful fruit presentation, and personal service really make the experience special. I don't think it's fair to compare this meal with the versions offered by previous chefs (Chef Suken, and Cafe Beautiful II sushi), but in case you've dined with them, here are a couple of things to know about the differences. We've dined with Chef Suken before, and he is more expensive but also prepares a more refined and delicate meal. I would say his cooking is the most exquisite of the three. But that said, I would not hesitate to jump at any opportunity to dine with Chef Mel! Cafe Beautiful II was more of a traditional sushi shop where we ordered sushi from a menu, versus the fixed price multi-course celebration of food offered by Chef Mel. Also, in case you haven't tried eating here before, you do need to make an advance reservation, as they only serve one table at a time! This is a special occasion type of restaurant mainly because it's relatively expensive (but worth every penny if you can afford it) and because it has so many courses (it takes about 2 hours for the meal). I thought it would be too much food, but each course is ideally sized, and I felt really good afterward. If you like seafood, appreciate fine dining, and want to have an amazing experience, I urge you to make a reservation!
(5)Jennifer T.
By far the most impressive meal in Lawrence. I dont know what Lawrence did to deserve such a talented chef to set up his modest dining room in our neck of the woods, but we are certainly very lucky.
(5)C C.
I have to echo the wonderful reviews of other yelpers - this place is fabulous! Café Beautiful is an amazing dining experience. Everything we ate was delectable. The bf, who doesn't even eat sushi, ate everything Chef Suken prepared, and kept saying "this man is brilliant!" I have food allergies, and we called in advance and the chef had no problem designing the entire 8-course meal around my dietary restrictions! It is not by any means cheap, but worth experiencing this kind of deliciousness in Lawrence - nothing in town even remotely compares to this place. Easily one of the best meals I've eaten, combined with an eclectic, interesting, comfortable, and private dining room! Go. As soon as possible!
(5)Sarah S.
I'm going to help anyone who is wondering whether they should check this place out. The answer: yes, absolutely, especially for a special occasion. Here are the best things about Cafe Beautiful: 1. The ambiance. Imagine a private dining experience, where it's just you and your special significant other, or you and a special group of friends. This restaurant only has three tables, and when we went there on a Sunday night, we had the whole place to ourselves. It was super romantic, and the room itself is lovely, overlooking Mass Street. 2. The food. We had a nine course meal expertly prepared for us by Chef Mel, the new owner. The woman knows what she's doing! Everything was delicious, from the fresh fruit with ginger sauce to the ahi tuna cake to the bacon topped sushi. She gave us a detailed explanation of each dish and helped us really appreciate the intricacies of each. 3. The service. So Chef Mel, like Chef Suken before her, runs the place, cooks and serves as a one-person show. She was extremely welcoming and took extra care to make sure we never lacked anything. She even chilled our champagne upon arrival, and the food came at perfectly spaced intervals. 4. The price. No corkage fee, so BYOB! For $50 each, we had one of the top meals of our lives. For me, this is extremely reasonable, considering the number of courses, the private experience, the quality of the food, and the overall experience. I've paid more for dining that just wasn't as good. Sure, you wouldn't go here every week, but you cannot beat it for a special occasion. I don't know what else to say other than go! A true gem in Lawrence. Be sure to make a reservation since there are only three tables, and prepare for one of the best nights of your life.
(5)Jessica S.
About 5 months after fellow Yelper Erin M. (see review below) wrote her review on Cafe Beautiful, she took me there as my graduation present. Like my other friend Annie T. said (see below), this is one of the most amazing meals of my life. Never have I had such intricately and exquisitely meal complete with personal service and a full explanation of every dish. We brought two bottles of wine with us and feasted like kings (queens?). Yes it's expensive but it's a 5-course dinner with dessert. Would you eat here every Friday night? No. But you most absolutely should treat yourself 1 or 2 times a year to this mind-blowing place. Thank you again Erin M. for opening my eyes to world of Cafe Beautiful! I will forever regret moving away from Lawrence for the sole reason that I won't have this delicacy at my doorstep.
(5)Tony C.
the food was fine,nothing special. i am sure that for 75/person u will get much better food and dinner experience on other place
(2)Andria N.
Chef Suken is one brilliant man and chef. This dining experience is one of a kind and consisted of an eight course fixed menu decided upon Chef Suken. Every course was paired with a sauce that was simply divine and if you ask him, he will give you the recipe.There was a Ginger/soy/honey sauce on the veggies/fruits, horseradish sauce on the yellow tuna, lemon/soy on the sashimi, etc., etc.. The fish was fresh, seasoned well, and cooked (or kept raw) to perfection. Again, as all other reviews state, Chef Suken is brilliant and Cafe beautiful is worth the wait of a reservation because he only serves 4 tables per day. You can bring your own wine/saki and there is no corkage fee. The price was very reasonable for the quality of the food and the overall superb dining experience.
(5)Jon N.
After two-and-a-half years of fantasizing about what lies behind this café's nondescript door I finally had the privilege of dining here. Though I did miss out on the old owner, the new owner left nothing to be desired. I don't quite remember the order of the courses, but our omakase style (Chef's Choice) meal was served ~ as follows Drink - White peach & lemon tea. Snapple aspires to be a shadow of this nectar. Course 1 - Wasabi peas and roasted pine nuts Course 2 - Edamame Course 3 - Potato & Leek soup Course 4 - Butternut Squash, Sweet Pepper, & Pecan soup Course 5 - Yellowfin Tuna, Avocado, & Crispy rice Course 6 - Lobster, shrimp, homegrown mushroom cream custard Course 7 - Spiced Calamari, Sweet Potato Hay, Candied Coconut w/cold Panang Curry sauce Course 8 - Asst. Fruits with ginger sauce Course 9 - Red King Crab Cake (not really "cake" I suggested the name "Krabby Patty" which she seemed to like) with thai chili sauce Course 10 - Braised beefsteak with sautéed home-grown mushrooms and butter/tamari sauce Dessert - Lemon, Red bean coconut, & tangy blueberry sorbets. This dinner was phenomenal. 4, 6, and 7 are my second favorites with the best being courses 9 and 10. She told us after dessert that she normally uses duck in course 10 It was already a foodgasm and I can't even imagine the transcendance that duck would bring to the dish. 1 and 2 were simple, but a good warm up. 3 was about the size of a double-shot and was the best potato soup I've ever had. The layers in 4 were melodic not to mention the texture. 5 was one of my friend's favorites, but I thought it needed a bit more kick. 6 melted in your mouth and was what miso soup wishes it could be. 7 was similarly a textural delight brilliant. The fruits were more of an intermission/palate cleanser. I wasn't overawed. The "Krabby Patty" was perfectly crusted with an excellent sauce. Then there was 10. "Dessert before dessert," according to the chef. It was a foodgasm pure and simple. I can't do it justice here. Dessert was very gentle, though the sorbets melted quite fast. She could have frozen the dishes before hand, but they were still a nice finish. We chatted with her for about ten minutes after we were done eating and the chef is a true Wunderkind. I look forward to watching her culinary skills develop. Atmosphere was amazing. Great music. Creative decor. Would suggest avoiding window seat due to obnoxious street light. You will not have a menu. For the two of us this meal was $180 including gratuity. We did not bring alcohol. My friend, who hails from northern California, said such an experience in the bay aera would run at least $200 a piece. This restaurant is a true gem that you absolutely cannot pass up. Bon appétit! tl;dr: She fooded my brians out. Eat there.
(5)Bob W.
Only one word can acurately describe this place.....Baller! It is the most privatized and romantical restaurant in Lawrence. The Chef is a smooth operator, but don't be fooled his pimp hand is strong, and it will be used to prepare and serve you the best meal of your life. Word is bond.
(5)Laura B.
This is a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Also one of the most expensive meals you can have in Lawrence, at $50/person. (not bad compared to the rest of the country) They have taken over a space that USED TO BE WILT CHAMBERLAIN'S APARTMENT. I kid you not, remember that Chamberlain played for the Jayhawks in college. Well, you can feel the love in this room. Ask for the private room, they'll let you dine there at no additional cost, and you feel like you are in the chef's home. There is a huge window with a view down onto Mass Street, and the ambience is incredible. The food is amazing, a prix fix meal of sushi and other goodies (including incredible teas and ice creams) that the chef concocts, and overall you will leave in the BEST mood. This is probably the best dining ambience I have ever encountered. How often do you get to eat in a room with just your guest, and have the waiter knock before he comes in?
(5)Lance W.
Cafe Beautiful is amazing, bring your closest friends here for an unforgettable dining experience. Remember to bring your best bottle of wine that you have been saving for a special occasion, Cafe Beautiful does not charge a corkage fee. Asian/French fusion cuisine served Omakase style by an outstanding chef in an intimate environment. Cafe Beautiful only has a handful of tables so be sure to make a reservation well in advance. The dining room seems to be the living room of an old 2nd floor downtown apartment. A large picture window offers a view of Mass St from your table. The night that I dined here with my wife and another couple, we leisurely dined on 9 courses over 2 hours. The courses ranged from curry coconut soup to tuna tartare to a sweet/sour duck breast. Everything was beautiful and fantastic! Plan a dinner here soon, you won't regret it!
(5)Brooke B.
If you don't eat here you're stupid. Should cost twice as much. Also, plenty of food and if you want more just ask.! I promise no chef wants to send you away hungry!
(5)