KITARO is a Japanese inspired café coming to Bushwick, Brooklyn, built around fermentation, functional ingredients, and refined Japanese culinary technique.

Our menu is designed to be both delicious and supportive, centered on naturally fermented staples like amazake, koji, miso, and shio koji. You will find beverages naturally sweetened with amazake, koji based dairy alternatives, shio koji marinated dishes, specialty coffee, and artisan baked goods crafted with care and intention.

We created KITARO to offer something different from the typical café experience. It is a place where Japanese tradition meets modern wellness and where everyday routines like coffee, breakfast, or a quick lunch can feel restorative. Whenever possible, we choose sustainable and organic ingredients and materials, and many of our recipes are made in house.

KITARO is founded by hospitality and food and beverage professionals Kazuyoshi Karasudani and Yu Suenaga, who bring over 25 years of combined experience across restaurants, cafés, beverage programs, and hospitality management. Their approach is hands on and detail driven, focusing on consistency, thoughtful service, and deep respect for Japanese ingredients and craftsmanship.

KITARO aims to be a welcoming neighborhood place where people can enjoy comforting flavors, thoughtful service, and carefully prepared food and drinks.