We went for happy hour during the week, honestly did not expect to have great food/snacks. We ended up ordering almost every dish on the happy hour menu ? I love the sushi, it very refreshing to pair with the cocktails. If you are looking for something light before dinner, try this place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi
Despite Wisdom
The Absolute Best Dining Experience & Best Tasting Food I've Had So Far In NYC!!! Our waiter was excellent!!!
The food at this restaurant is quite delicious, whether it's the sushi or the hot dishes, all with flavors that lean more toward traditional tastes. Beyond the food, the service and ambiance are also excellent, creating a cozy atmosphere that makes it a great spot for small gatherings with friends.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cheryl Pink
If you’re craving some next-level foods with serious tradition behind it, you’ve gotta check out! ,They’ve brought over 400 years of Japanese tradition straight from Nagoya to the heart of NYC! ??✨ Located in Midtown. The vibe inside is super cozy but modern at the same time—perfect for a chill dinner or date night. You have to try the Hitsumabushi . It’s a grilled eel over rice . It’s so good, nothing like what you’d get at other sushi spots. And their A5 Wagyu? So tender it practically melts in your mouth! ? Also, shoutout to Sinta for making the whole experience even better with her top-notch service! Definitely adding this place to my faves. ?
Lovely atmosphere- my husband and I love Tokyo and this really felt so similar - the food quality was very good and the ambiance was so nice and not crowded feeling and high ceilings and comfortable chairs. We what for happy hour then had dinner - potato salad, sea bream donabe, wagyu sando and the special toro dish were all great - the dessert hojicha ice cream and traditional mochi was awesome too - not too sweet at all and very good quality tasting and very different. The homemade tofu was also great. Fantastic service from hostess, our server, and the kind manager. Love the kimonos the waitresses were wearing too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michelle Agudelo
The food was all really yummy. Definitely recommend the wagyu steak, the wagyu uni sushi roll, the shrimp sando, and the karaage. Our server Andrew was super attentive and explained everything very thoroughly. Would come back
My husband I enjoyed our 1st dinner here, with it's intimate restaurant interiors. While menu is limited, there are interesting dishes that we ordered and enjoyed. We returned to try lunch which was very enjoyable too. This has become a new favorite for us.
Sammie
Don't take the unagi over rice here, I have never had such terrible unagi before. Half of the unagi itself is burnt and it costs 60 dollars (which of course didn't include tax and tip) the food doesn't match the price at all. The grilled eel had a piece underneath that was completely hard, burnt, and inedible. In the end, I actually threw away two pieces.
Maitreya Padukone
Both my wife and I had a wonderful dining experience at Kawabun thanks especially to Reiko for her excellent and gracious hospitality ! Both Sonam and Lena also added to the positive experience
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
itzelenaho
Join me for Japanese culture and flavor from centuries old at Kawabun where it’s history can dateback to the first half of the 17th century with founder Kawachiya Bunzaemon. Step inside history with contemporary and modern setting with their friendly staffs. With warm cozy lighting, it’s an excellent place to enjoy a delicious meal and drink with friends, family and loved ones. They have seasonalmenus and sakes perfect for those who seek something different. Eachdish is made to order so there is a wait but I’m telling you, it’s worth the wait. Choose from sashimi, different kinds of sushi, appetizers, main courses, and a variety of Wagyu beef! Freshness and quality will be the feedback from your tastebuds. Make your reservations on Opentable and come taste the flavors of traditional Japan!
I would absolutely go back. Everyone and everything was wonderful, and exceeded my expectations, which was quite high! The Agedashi Nasu was fantastic, as well as the cocktail with Yuzu and chili powder. How great is that?!
Angel
Kawabun is a really cozy restaurant and the food and service is exceptional! I have been twice in a week because I wanted to try the different sets they have to offer for lunch. I had the Unajuu, the eel over rice and it is one of the best I have had! Also the quality of the wagyu beef and rice was amazing. The ebi tempura with cold noodles is also highly recommended. I would also suggest having the Hojicha Ice cream at the end as it is just simply unique and delicious! I will go again for sure and also try their Kaseiki restaurant next door.
Dylan
The flavors of every dish were absolutely divine, and we couldn't get enough! The wagyu dishes, in particular, were incredibly delicious and highly recommended. I can't wait to go back for more!
Patrick Wong
TLDR: Kawabun literally feels like going back to Japan. Came for a la carte but everything we ordered, we enjoyed. Shitake Ebi Shinjo, Tabaragani, Tai Donabe, Ume Potato Salad, Saba Buozushi.
We weren't even planning to eat here but it was a very random meal and so tasty. The interior is done very nicely, this feels like being back in Japan. Upstairs is the Kaiseki counter, Kawachiya. I figured let's try the a la carte before the actual kaiseki which is a much larger investment.
The cocktails were interesting. Both were decent but not sure if we loved the finish on these. Food-wise, we got a bit from each menu section and really enjoyed it.
The Ume Potato Salad had a nice punch from the salted plum, very well flavored and the crispy lotus root slices were great for crunch.
Tabaragani. King crab with grilled kani miso on top. It's a small portion but king crab is expensive. This quite rich but if you like crab - boom, it's nuts.
Wagyu Sando. Three small pieces but cooked properly. No sinew, no chewiness, just pure tender fried A5 wagyu.
Shitake Ebi Shinjo. Chopped rock shrimp inside a mushroom cap and fried. I love this, not greasy at all, there's salt on the side to dip and a bit of citrus finish I could taste.
Saba Bouzushi. The scoring on this was beautiful, pickled mackerel, slightly seared. The sushi rice had the perfect chew as well.
Tai Donabe. This was great, tender flaky slices of sea bream, watercress, chopped ginger and rice flavored with lots of dashi. I enjoyed the flavors of this which were pronounced but I could taste them all individually. The shichimi goes perfect with the rice bowls.
We are absolutely going to be back. Probably one of the best finds of the year for us.
We went for happy hour during the week, honestly did not expect to have great food/snacks. We ended up ordering almost every dish on the happy hour menu ? I love the sushi, it very refreshing to pair with the cocktails. If you are looking for something light before dinner, try this place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi
The Absolute Best Dining Experience & Best Tasting Food I've Had So Far In NYC!!! Our waiter was excellent!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Karaage Fried Chicken Wings, Wagyu Beef Claypot Rice
The food at this restaurant is quite delicious, whether it's the sushi or the hot dishes, all with flavors that lean more toward traditional tastes. Beyond the food, the service and ambiance are also excellent, creating a cozy atmosphere that makes it a great spot for small gatherings with friends.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
If you’re craving some next-level foods with serious tradition behind it, you’ve gotta check out! ,They’ve brought over 400 years of Japanese tradition straight from Nagoya to the heart of NYC! ??✨ Located in Midtown. The vibe inside is super cozy but modern at the same time—perfect for a chill dinner or date night.
You have to try the Hitsumabushi . It’s a grilled eel over rice . It’s so good, nothing like what you’d get at other sushi spots. And their A5 Wagyu? So tender it practically melts in your mouth! ? Also, shoutout to Sinta for making the whole experience even better with her top-notch service!
Definitely adding this place to my faves. ?
Feature ⤵️
Wagyu Roast Beef. $40
Hitsumabushi $70
Ebi soba $28
Sake Miso ice cream 8
Raspberry Sorbet 14
Follow @spinx17 for more NYC foods recs!
Lovely atmosphere- my husband and I love Tokyo and this really felt so similar - the food quality was very good and the ambiance was so nice and not crowded feeling and high ceilings and comfortable chairs. We what for happy hour then had dinner - potato salad, sea bream donabe, wagyu sando and the special toro dish were all great - the dessert hojicha ice cream and traditional mochi was awesome too - not too sweet at all and very good quality tasting and very different. The homemade tofu was also great. Fantastic service from hostess, our server, and the kind manager. Love the kimonos the waitresses were wearing too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was all really yummy. Definitely recommend the wagyu steak, the wagyu uni sushi roll, the shrimp sando, and the karaage.
Our server Andrew was super attentive and explained everything very thoroughly.
Would come back
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Karaage Fried Chicken Wings, Shrimp Sando
My husband I enjoyed our 1st dinner here, with it's intimate restaurant interiors. While menu is limited, there are interesting dishes that we ordered and enjoyed. We returned to try lunch which was very enjoyable too. This has become a new favorite for us.
Don't take the unagi over rice here, I have never had such terrible unagi before. Half of the unagi itself is burnt and it costs 60 dollars (which of course didn't include tax and tip) the food doesn't match the price at all. The grilled eel had a piece underneath that was completely hard, burnt, and inedible. In the end, I actually threw away two pieces.
Both my wife and I had a wonderful dining experience at Kawabun thanks especially to Reiko for her excellent and gracious hospitality ! Both Sonam and Lena also added to the positive experience
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Join me for Japanese culture and flavor from centuries old at Kawabun where it’s history can dateback to the first half of the 17th century with founder Kawachiya Bunzaemon. Step inside history with contemporary and modern setting with their friendly staffs. With warm cozy lighting, it’s an excellent place to enjoy a delicious meal and drink with friends, family and loved ones. They have seasonalmenus and sakes perfect for those who seek something different. Eachdish is made to order so there is a wait but I’m telling you, it’s worth the wait. Choose from sashimi, different kinds of sushi, appetizers, main courses, and a variety of Wagyu beef! Freshness and quality will be the feedback from your tastebuds. Make your reservations on Opentable and come taste the flavors of traditional Japan!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Very special place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Karaage Fried Chicken Wings, Sushi, Assorted Tempura
I would absolutely go back. Everyone and everything was wonderful, and exceeded my expectations, which was quite high! The Agedashi Nasu was fantastic, as well as the cocktail with Yuzu and chili powder. How great is that?!
Kawabun is a really cozy restaurant and the food and service is exceptional! I have been twice in a week because I wanted to try the different sets they have to offer for lunch. I had the Unajuu, the eel over rice and it is one of the best I have had! Also the quality of the wagyu beef and rice was amazing. The ebi tempura with cold noodles is also highly recommended. I would also suggest having the Hojicha Ice cream at the end as it is just simply unique and delicious! I will go again for sure and also try their Kaseiki restaurant next door.
The flavors of every dish were absolutely divine, and we couldn't get enough! The wagyu dishes, in particular, were incredibly delicious and highly recommended. I can't wait to go back for more!
TLDR: Kawabun literally feels like going back to Japan. Came for a la carte but everything we ordered, we enjoyed. Shitake Ebi Shinjo, Tabaragani, Tai Donabe, Ume Potato Salad, Saba Buozushi.
We weren't even planning to eat here but it was a very random meal and so tasty. The interior is done very nicely, this feels like being back in Japan. Upstairs is the Kaiseki counter, Kawachiya. I figured let's try the a la carte before the actual kaiseki which is a much larger investment.
The cocktails were interesting. Both were decent but not sure if we loved the finish on these. Food-wise, we got a bit from each menu section and really enjoyed it.
The Ume Potato Salad had a nice punch from the salted plum, very well flavored and the crispy lotus root slices were great for crunch.
Tabaragani. King crab with grilled kani miso on top. It's a small portion but king crab is expensive. This quite rich but if you like crab - boom, it's nuts.
Wagyu Sando. Three small pieces but cooked properly. No sinew, no chewiness, just pure tender fried A5 wagyu.
Shitake Ebi Shinjo. Chopped rock shrimp inside a mushroom cap and fried. I love this, not greasy at all, there's salt on the side to dip and a bit of citrus finish I could taste.
Saba Bouzushi. The scoring on this was beautiful, pickled mackerel, slightly seared. The sushi rice had the perfect chew as well.
Tai Donabe. This was great, tender flaky slices of sea bream, watercress, chopped ginger and rice flavored with lots of dashi. I enjoyed the flavors of this which were pronounced but I could taste them all individually. The shichimi goes perfect with the rice bowls.
We are absolutely going to be back. Probably one of the best finds of the year for us.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loading...