Niagara Falls Dining Review: Koi Restaurant at the Seneca Niagara Casino

Koi Restaurant at the Seneca Niagara Casino is one of the few restaurants in the Niagara Falls area that offers unique Asian cuisine and dining in an upscale environment. Koi is located on the first floor of the Seneca Niagara Casino, near the hotel part of the casino, and first floor gaming areas. Koi is easily accessible for Seneca Niagara Casino guests, as well as those who want to only visit Koi for dinner.

The Ambiance of Koi

The Seneca Niagara Casino promotes Koi as a premier, Pan-Asian restaurant. Koi offers diners the finest selections in a variety of Asian dishes, with house specialty dishes to inspire diners with a love for unique Asian dishes. The general ambiance at Koi makes this Seneca Niagara Casino restaurant perfect for couples looking for a romantic night out. Koi is also a good restaurant choice for adults who want a quiet place to have dinner after a few hours at the slots or tables in the casino.

The open cooking area allows guests to see some of the kitchen work that the chefs at Koi are doing. Tables line the side walls of Koi for a more intimate dining experience. Additional tables fill the dining area, with some placed closer to the cooking area for a better view.

The Koi Dining Experience

Guests at Koi are treated to a pot of traditional tea with dinner. The servers at Koi are attentive and polite, and special dining requests are passed along to the chef. On my most recent visit, I wanted to try the Koi specialty, Pad Thai, after hearing rave reviews about it from a friend. The chef was able to make my dish less spicy, at my request. Pad Thai is a Koi specialty dish, made of rice noodles, chicken, shrimp, scallops, tofu, tamarind, egg, and lime juice.

The menu is extensive at Koi, with everything from Dim Sum and Sushi options, to Koi specialty dishes and traditional Asian favorites. Some of the traditional options at Koi included Sea Scallops ($17), Triple delight ($26), Beef and Broccoli ($15), and Kung Pao Chicken ($13). Lo Mein ($13) and Koi's Special Fried Rice ($14) are also popular choices.

Koi has a specialty menu for more unique Asian dishes. Shark Fin Soup ($21), Pho Bo (Vietnamese beef noodle soup), Prawn Dumplings ($9), Mu Shu POrk ($16), and Pad Thai ($14) are a few of the choices listed as Koi specialties. The portions are large at Koi, and diners with lighter appetites might be able to share an entree and a side dish or appetizer. I did not finish the Pad Thai, and had enough left over for lunch the next day. Other diners in my party sampled the Beef and Broccoli and the Lo Mein. Both guests reported that the dishes were tasty and filling. Though we did not try any of the sake or wine, Koi has a full bar list of wine and sake selections available.

Recommendation

Koi is an excellent choice for a sit down Asian cuisine restaurant. The extensive menu caters to all types of tastes, from the familiar Asian dishes, to the Koi specialty dishes. The menu prices are reasonable for the quality and quantity of food. The service and ambiance add to the dining experience, complete with fortune cookies for dessert. Diners in my party commented that they would rather eat here when visiting the Seneca Niagara Casino and enjoy a nice dinner than at other restaurants at the casino. Guests with Players Card comp points may use the points towards the bill.

Parking at the Seneca Niagara Casino is free and located in both the ramp area and directly ouside the Seneca Niagara Hotel, in the outdoor parking lot. Valet service is also available. Koi is located inside the Seneca Niagara Casino and Hotel at 310 Fourth Street, Niagara Falls, New York 14303. Reservations may be made by calling 1-877-8SENECA.

Koi is open for dinner from 5-10 pm Tuesday through Thursdays, and from 5-11 pm on Friday and Saturdays. Koi is closed on Sundays and Mondays.