Kessaku

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For Texans seeking an extraordinary Japanese dining experience that combines exquisite cuisine with unparalleled ambiance, Kessaku in Dallas truly delivers a "masterpiece." Perched atop the 50th floor of The National, this high-end sushi and cocktail lounge offers a unique vantage point, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. It's an establishment that elevates the act of dining into a truly memorable event, making it a hidden gem right in the heart of the city's downtown.

Kessaku, meaning "masterpiece" in Japanese, lives up to its name by serving elegant sushi crafted with fresh, globally sourced fish and perfectly warm artisanal rice. Patrons consistently rave about the "absolutely incredible" sushi and "delicious" sashimi, with many noting its ability to meet even the highest standards, including those of West Coast sushi aficionados. Beyond the food, the sophisticated interior, the attentive and knowledgeable staff, and the stunning cityscape views all contribute to an experience that feels both upscale and welcoming.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, looking for an impressive spot for pre-dinner drinks and sushi, or simply desiring a memorable nightcap with incredible views, Kessaku stands out as a premier destination for Japanese cuisine in the Dallas region, inviting locals to discover its unique charm.

Kessaku is dramatically situated at 205 N Akard St, Dallas, TX 75201, specifically on the 50th Floor of 1401 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75202, USA. These two addresses essentially point to its location atop The National, a prominent skyscraper in Downtown Dallas. Its elevated position is a defining feature, offering some of the most spectacular views of the city.

Accessing Kessaku is part of the experience. Guests typically take the elevators to the 49th floor, where The Monarch restaurant is located, and then navigate to a discreet entrance (often marked with Japanese script) or a hallway that leads upstairs to Kessaku on the 50th floor. This subtle approach adds to the "hidden gem" or "speakeasy" feel, making the discovery part of the adventure.

For Texans, the Downtown Dallas location ensures good accessibility from various parts of the metroplex. While navigating Downtown can sometimes be busy, options for arrival are plentiful. The Thompson Hotel, which occupies part of The National building, offers valet service (typically for a fee, e.g., $10 through Towne Park). Additionally, numerous paid parking garages and lots are available in the vicinity. Ride-sharing services are also a highly convenient and popular choice for reaching this central location, especially for those planning to indulge in Kessaku's impressive cocktail and sake offerings. Its unparalleled views from the 50th floor make the journey well worth it for any local seeking an elevated dining experience.

Kessaku, as a high-end Japanese restaurant and cocktail lounge, offers a refined set of services designed to provide an elegant and comprehensive dining experience, with a strong emphasis on quality sushi and an impressive beverage program.

• Dine-In Service: Providing an opulent and intimate setting on the 50th floor, perfect for romantic dinners, special celebrations, or sophisticated gatherings.

• Sushi & Sashimi Bar: A core offering featuring exquisitely prepared sushi and sashimi. The menu showcases an array of nigiri, sashimi, and rolls ranging from traditional to more unexpected and creative interpretations. Key offerings include:

  • Sashimi: Ahi tuna, hamachi, ora king salmon.

  • Nigiri: Queen Nigiri (ahi tuna, hamachi, amber jack, salmon), King Crab Nigiri (with drawn butter & miso, crab & caviar), Miyazaki Nigiri (Wagyu & salmon with soy, lime, and caviar).

  • Signature Rolls: King Crab Roll (with truffle, togarashi aioli, drawn butter), Tuna & Crab Roll (with togarashi, serrano, ponzu), Spicy Salmon Roll, Hamachi Roll.

  • Cold & Hot Dishes: Hamachi Ponzu (with serrano & ginger), Tuna Tartare (sweet-soy, sesame & wonton), Yellowtail Carpaccio (often cited as a favorite), and potentially other cooked items from a grill.

• Extensive Cocktail & Sake Lounge: A significant highlight, offering an opulent array of handcrafted cocktails, a world-class selection of Japanese sakes, and a curated list of Japanese whiskies and fine wines. It serves as an ideal spot for pre-dinner drinks or a sophisticated nightcap.

• Desserts: A selection of desserts to complete the dining experience.

• Reservations: Highly recommended due to demand and limited seating, typically made via online platforms like OpenTable or by phone.

• Private Events & Buyouts: While Kessaku's main space is intimate, inquiries for private events or full buyouts may be accommodated given its upscale nature and connection to The Monarch below.

• Attentive and Knowledgeable Staff: Servers are praised for being friendly, knowledgeable, and taking time to explain the menu, enhancing the overall experience.

• Dress Code: Kessaku maintains an elevated environment, kindly requesting cocktail or business casual attire. Strict guidelines are often provided regarding what is not permitted (e.g., sportswear, gym shoes, open-toed shoes for gentlemen).

• Valet Parking: The Thompson Hotel offers valet service for convenience.

Kessaku distinguishes itself as a premier Japanese dining destination in Dallas through a collection of unique features and highlights that create a truly unforgettable experience.

• Breathtaking Panoramic Skyline Views: Perched on the 50th floor of The National, Kessaku offers absolutely stunning, unobstructed 360-degree views of the Dallas skyline. This panoramic backdrop significantly enhances the dining experience, especially during sunset and evening hours, creating a magical and romantic ambiance that is unmatched by most other restaurants in the city.

• High-End Sushi & Sashimi Quality: Kessaku is renowned for its "absolutely incredible" sushi and sashimi. The commitment to fresh, globally sourced fish (including "ora king salmon" and "Ahi tuna") and perfectly prepared artisanal rice sets a very high standard. Dishes are not only fresh but also "beautifully presented and packed with flavor," earning praise from even those with high West Coast sushi standards.

• Sophisticated Sake & Cocktail Lounge: Beyond the food, Kessaku is a "refined sake-cocktail lounge" that offers an opulent array of handcrafted cocktails and a world-class selection of sake and Japanese whiskies. The beverage program is a significant draw, designed to complement the cuisine and elevate the overall evening.

• Chic and Opulent Ambiance: The interior design is elegant and sophisticated, featuring rich textures like velvet upholstery, smoky bar mirrors, and brass lamps. The intimate, lavishly designed space feels like a "hidden club" and combines with the views to create a warm, romantic, and exclusive atmosphere.

• Exceptional Service: Customer reviews consistently highlight the "incredible service." Waitstaff are described as "absolute dolls," "super friendly, knowledgeable," and patient in walking guests through the menu. This attentive and warm service significantly enhances the dining experience and makes guests feel "extra special."

• "Hidden Gem" Appeal: Its location on the 50th floor, requiring specific navigation within The National, contributes to a "hidden gem" or "speakeasy" feel. This sense of discovery adds to the allure and makes the dining experience feel more exclusive and unique.

• Upscale Yet Not Stuffy: Despite its high-end nature, Kessaku manages to feel "upscale without being stuffy." This balance creates a comfortable environment where guests can relax and enjoy themselves, making fine dining accessible and enjoyable for a broader range of patrons.

• Complementary to The Monarch: Being located directly above The Monarch, another acclaimed restaurant, creates a unique culinary destination within The National, offering diverse dining experiences in one prestigious location.

Kessaku, as a high-end Japanese restaurant and cocktail lounge, strategically offers promotions that align with its luxurious atmosphere and clientele. The primary and most notable special offer is its happy hour.

• Happy Hour: Kessaku recently debuted a happy hour that runs from Tuesday to Friday, between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM. This promotion is a fantastic opportunity for locals to experience Kessaku's high-quality offerings at a more accessible price point. The happy hour menu typically includes:

  • Japanese-Inspired Cocktails: Special pricing on a selection of unique cocktails, generally ranging from $10 to $14. Examples include a Japanese G&T (with Roku gin & yuzu), Saketini (with Tito's, sake, St. Germain, & lemon), Japanese Sidecar, and Green Tea Highball (with shochu, honey, & lemon).

  • Wines: Discounted prices on selected wines by the glass, such as Sparkling Rosé Veuve-Olivier, Pinot Grigio, and Malbec.

  • "Eats" / Bites: A selection of discounted food items perfect for pairing with drinks. These often include:

    • Island Creek Oysters ($2 each, with an option to add caviar for $10/ea).

    • Edamame (yuzu, togarashi).

    • Nigiri (salmon, tuna, or hamachi).

    • Rolls (spicy tuna, hamachi, salmon, or avocado).

    • Tuna Tartare (sesame wonton, crispy ginger).

    • Tuna Tataki Skewer (aji amarillo, pickled chilies, avocado).

  This happy hour is highly recommended for those looking to enjoy the stunning views and high-quality Japanese fare without committing to a full dinner at regular pricing.

• Special Event Opportunities: While not regularly advertised promotions, Kessaku, given its elegant setting and affiliation with The National, may host special ticketed events, tasting nights, or New Year's Eve celebrations that offer unique experiences or bundled offerings. It's advisable to check their official website or social media channels for announcements regarding such exclusive events.

For the most current details on their happy hour or any other special offerings, it is always best for patrons to consult Kessaku's official website or contact them directly.

For those in the Texas area eager to experience the elevated Japanese dining and breathtaking views at Kessaku, here is the essential contact information:

• Primary Address: 205 N Akard St, Dallas, TX 75201, USA

• Secondary/Descriptive Address: 1401 Elm St 50th Floor, Dallas, TX 75202, USA (This indicates its location on the 50th floor of The National building, accessible from both Akard and Elm Streets.)

• Phone: (214) 239-9999

• Mobile Phone: +1 214-239-9999

Due to its popularity and exclusive seating, making reservations well in advance is highly recommended. Guests can typically book through online reservation platforms linked from Kessaku's official website, or by calling the restaurant directly during operating hours. For inquiries about the happy hour, menu details, dress code, or assistance with directions, contacting them via phone is the most direct approach.

For Texans, particularly those in the Dallas metropolitan area, Kessaku stands out as an exceptionally suitable and compelling Japanese dining destination. It perfectly aligns with the city's sophisticated palate and desire for elevated experiences, making it a highly recommended spot for locals.

Firstly, its most immediate and striking appeal is the breathtaking panoramic views of the Dallas skyline from the 50th floor. This unparalleled vantage point transforms a meal into an unforgettable occasion, providing a stunning backdrop for any celebration or simply a memorable night out. For locals who take pride in their city, experiencing it from this height, surrounded by exquisite food, offers a unique and truly special perspective.

Secondly, Kessaku delivers on exceptional quality sushi and sashimi. Dallas has a growing appreciation for authentic and high-caliber Japanese cuisine, and Kessaku's commitment to fresh, globally sourced fish and artfully prepared rolls meets and often exceeds these high standards. Even those with discerning tastes, accustomed to West Coast sushi, find the offerings here to be "absolutely incredible." This dedication to culinary excellence makes it a reliable choice for true sushi lovers.

Moreover, the sophisticated cocktail and sake lounge aspect resonates deeply with Dallas's vibrant social scene. Texans enjoy a well-crafted drink, and Kessaku's extensive selection of Japanese whiskies, creative cocktails, and fine sake provides the perfect complement to the cuisine or a standalone reason to visit. It’s an ideal spot for pre-dinner drinks or a chic nightcap, perfectly suited to the city's upscale nightlife.

Finally, despite its high-end positioning, Kessaku maintains an atmosphere that is "upscale without being stuffy," and its attentive, friendly staff ensures a welcoming experience. This balance is crucial for locals who appreciate refined dining but also value genuine hospitality. The happy hour offers a fantastic opportunity for a broader audience to experience this "hidden gem" without the full cost of a dinner, making it more accessible for regular enjoyment. For Dallasites seeking a truly extraordinary Japanese culinary journey with a view, Kessaku is a masterpiece worth discovering.

Kessaku

205 N Akard St, Dallas, TX 75201, 50th Floor, 1401 Elm St 50th Floor, Dallas, TX 75202, USA