Like being back in Osaka! These balls are legit. The gooey inside is exactly right.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ruquyya Abdul-Mubdi
Tried at a food festival. I’ve never had this food before I wouldn’t try it again feels raw in the mouth but good flavor.
Food: 2
Service: 4
Andy Phuong
Was at the park slope food fair and I saw this amazing stall and everything looked amazing and smelled great so I went and asked the cashiers to make me their best selling product and I was not disappointed at all. Customer service was top notch. I will be back here again for the next food fest.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
MI Google Account
I am fan of Karls Ball Takoyaki. It genuinely impressed and the real Takoyaki! The takoyaki were freshly cooked, not reheated or frozen like you often find elsewhere. You can really taste the difference — the outside was perfectly crisp while the inside stayed soft and gooey, just how real takoyaki should be. Each bite was packed with flavor, and the generous toppings made it even better. If you're looking for an authentic takoyaki experience, Karls Ball is definitely worth it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Steve Kwan
Was randomly passing through NYC and encountered this stall at a festival in East Village. Frankly, I was mildly shocked that there was legitimate Osaka-style takoyaki available, and doubly shocked that it actually tasted good and authentically proper, perhaps a little on the light side flavor-wise compared to Japan. It’s hard to understate how difficult it is in the US, west coast and Hawaii included, to find this more brothy and gooey texture takoyaki. The price was steep ($16 for 5), but seeing as clearly pre-frozen Gindaco was being sold for the same price a few stalls over, can’t complain too much. Very nice to see that Osaka takoyaki available in NYC now, highly recommended!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
近藤一哉
I came across this food stand by chance at big street fair Japan fes while traveling from Osaka to New York. I decided to try American takoyaki to make a memory of my trip. To my surprise, it was exactly like the takoyaki in my hometown, Osaka! Later, I found out that this studious takoyaki chef is the only non-Japanese chef to be certified by the Konamon Association in Japan. If you want to eat real Japan-Osaka food, I recommend you come here!
I picked pics from Japan Osaka Konamon Association IG posts.... wow cool.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kyle Sanders
My first Takoyaki was one year ago from these pros. I think about it often. Wish they had a storefront!
Olive Ho
Must try!!! Most authentic Osaka style takoyaki you can find in new york
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Takoyaki
phin
We just came back from Japan and as so excited to try karlsballs at Japan fest. I was excited seeing the takoyaki grills/press being used. However, it just wasn’t right.I think mine had been sitting out for a bit. Takoyaki should be piping hot (like burn your mouth hot) and mine was lukewarm at best. Didn’t have the crispy outside either. Make sure yours is made fresh infront of you or don’t bother.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Anton S.
Had the pleasure to try out the takoyaki at the japanese festival in Chelsea. It is def good, but also a bit overhyped IMOGood taste, but nothing over the top
Want Takoyaki? Karl's Balls got you covered. Have it hot and freshly made. Always present in most events I go to in NYC.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ksenia K
The best takoyaki in NYC!?☄️☄️☄️
Don Park
Karl has brought Japanese street food that takes a ton of time, care, and skill to do right straight to New York. All the places I've tried Takoyaki from in the city are either microwaved from frozen packets or just aren't that level of quality. Karl sells something that tastes just like what you'd find in the streets of Osaka and brings it to life an ocean away. Noone else can beat it. When I get that itch for good takoyaki there's only one game in town and that's KARLSBALLS.10/10 would ball again.Edit: Takoyaki should be runny and gooey inside. That contrast in texture is another element you get to enjoy. That's how I had it when I was in Osaka. It's something that isn't very common here in the US so give it a shot! I promise you, you will not be disappointed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Steven DeLaurentis
Had it at the Forest Hills street fair and it was delicious. Had the original flavor and hopefully I’ll run into them again so I can try the different flavors. Best part was my wife said “eww octopus “ so I was able to enjoy all six pieces. Owner/ chef was very friendly, he really adds to the great experience
Gina Lipere
Karlsballs is the BEST takoyaki I've ever had. I've tried a lot of takoyaki in multiple Japanese restaurants, grocery stores, etc. and my friends and I always say "It's good, but not as good as Karsballs." You can't beat it. I've only been to the Karlsballs locations at conventions, such as NY Comic Con and AnimeNYC, and it's worth the wait every time. It is THE convention meal for me. Super flavorful. Octopus melts in your mouth. You can tell its made with fresh ingredients. Highly recommend.
Like being back in Osaka! These balls are legit. The gooey inside is exactly right.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tried at a food festival. I’ve never had this food before I wouldn’t try it again feels raw in the mouth but good flavor.
Food: 2
Service: 4
Was at the park slope food fair and I saw this amazing stall and everything looked amazing and smelled great so I went and asked the cashiers to make me their best selling product and I was not disappointed at all. Customer service was top notch. I will be back here again for the next food fest.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I am fan of Karls Ball Takoyaki. It genuinely impressed and the real Takoyaki! The takoyaki were freshly cooked, not reheated or frozen like you often find elsewhere. You can really taste the difference — the outside was perfectly crisp while the inside stayed soft and gooey, just how real takoyaki should be. Each bite was packed with flavor, and the generous toppings made it even better. If you're looking for an authentic takoyaki experience, Karls Ball is definitely worth it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Was randomly passing through NYC and encountered this stall at a festival in East Village. Frankly, I was mildly shocked that there was legitimate Osaka-style takoyaki available, and doubly shocked that it actually tasted good and authentically proper, perhaps a little on the light side flavor-wise compared to Japan. It’s hard to understate how difficult it is in the US, west coast and Hawaii included, to find this more brothy and gooey texture takoyaki. The price was steep ($16 for 5), but seeing as clearly pre-frozen Gindaco was being sold for the same price a few stalls over, can’t complain too much. Very nice to see that Osaka takoyaki available in NYC now, highly recommended!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I came across this food stand by chance at big street fair Japan fes while traveling from Osaka to New York. I decided to try American takoyaki to make a memory of my trip. To my surprise, it was exactly like the takoyaki in my hometown, Osaka! Later, I found out that this studious takoyaki chef is the only non-Japanese chef to be certified by the Konamon Association in Japan. If you want to eat real Japan-Osaka food, I recommend you come here!
I picked pics from Japan Osaka Konamon Association IG posts.... wow cool.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
My first Takoyaki was one year ago from these pros. I think about it often. Wish they had a storefront!
Must try!!! Most authentic Osaka style takoyaki you can find in new york
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Takoyaki
We just came back from Japan and as so excited to try karlsballs at Japan fest. I was excited seeing the takoyaki grills/press being used. However, it just wasn’t right.I think mine had been sitting out for a bit. Takoyaki should be piping hot (like burn your mouth hot) and mine was lukewarm at best. Didn’t have the crispy outside either. Make sure yours is made fresh infront of you or don’t bother.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Had the pleasure to try out the takoyaki at the japanese festival in Chelsea. It is def good, but also a bit overhyped IMOGood taste, but nothing over the top
Restaurantji Recommends
Want Takoyaki? Karl's Balls got you covered. Have it hot and freshly made. Always present in most events I go to in NYC.
Food: 5
Service: 5
The best takoyaki in NYC!?☄️☄️☄️
Karl has brought Japanese street food that takes a ton of time, care, and skill to do right straight to New York. All the places I've tried Takoyaki from in the city are either microwaved from frozen packets or just aren't that level of quality. Karl sells something that tastes just like what you'd find in the streets of Osaka and brings it to life an ocean away. Noone else can beat it. When I get that itch for good takoyaki there's only one game in town and that's KARLSBALLS.10/10 would ball again.Edit: Takoyaki should be runny and gooey inside. That contrast in texture is another element you get to enjoy. That's how I had it when I was in Osaka. It's something that isn't very common here in the US so give it a shot! I promise you, you will not be disappointed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Had it at the Forest Hills street fair and it was delicious. Had the original flavor and hopefully I’ll run into them again so I can try the different flavors. Best part was my wife said “eww octopus “ so I was able to enjoy all six pieces. Owner/ chef was very friendly, he really adds to the great experience
Karlsballs is the BEST takoyaki I've ever had. I've tried a lot of takoyaki in multiple Japanese restaurants, grocery stores, etc. and my friends and I always say "It's good, but not as good as Karsballs." You can't beat it. I've only been to the Karlsballs locations at conventions, such as NY Comic Con and AnimeNYC, and it's worth the wait every time. It is THE convention meal for me. Super flavorful. Octopus melts in your mouth. You can tell its made with fresh ingredients. Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Takoyaki
Loading...