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Aburiya Kinnosuke
Categories: Restaurants Japanese Restaurants Asian Fusion Japanese, Asian Fusion
213 E 45th St(between 3rd Ave & 2nd Ave)
New York, NY 10017
Neighborhood: Midtown East
(212) 867-5454
- Nearest Transit:
-
Grand Central - 42 St (7, 7X)
Grand Central - 42 St (4, 5, 6, 6X)
51 St (4, 6, 6X)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:30 am - 11 pm
Sat 5:30 pm - 11 pm
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Upscale, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
291 reviews for Aburiya Kinnosuke
Review Highlights
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"I will def be back to try the homemade tofu." In 43 reviews -
"The green tea tiramisu is aaahhh heavenly." In 18 reviews -
"Their robata grill is to die for." In 25 reviews
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291 reviews in English
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Review from Jodi Y.
New York, NY
5/22/2012
Year after year, still my favorite Izakaya in NYC. I started eating here in 2005!
After Chikubu closed (44th bt 5th & Madison) - they had the best Friday ramen special and stone pot eel rice ever - I started coming here more regularly and keep coming back! Still miss Chikubu, but alas, the chef retired after 20 years to go back to Japan, closing down his restaurant and not selling to anyone - not even an apprentice. Crazy! But after watching Jiro Dreams of Sushi, I get it :)
In Summary:
Best miso cod in town (I suspect it's because they use egregious amounts of butter) and best stone pot noodles - the thick bacon-y broth and quail eggs combined with the crispy crunchy noodley goodness sends me straight back to my childhood. That's comfort food with sophistication! Their homemade tofu and other grilled items are awesome. Considering they're neighbors with Sushi Yasuda and Soba Totto - they still kill it for me when I crave Izakaya. Sakagura doesn't even hold a candle :) -
Review from Shoko O.
Los Angeles, CA
5/14/2012
Like I said earlier in other reviews, I'm a straight-up, 100% Japanese girl, born and raised there in my younger years. I grew up eating Japanese food, so I'm really picky when it comes to the cuisine in USA, especially if its izakayas- my favorite style of Japanese restaurants. It's basically a small bar/pub/tapas bar, Japanese style.
Aburiya Kinnosuke is by far one of the best izakayas I've been to in the WORLD. INCLUDING JAPAN. It was as if someone cut out a portion of a trendy izakaya in Akasaka, Tokyo, and transported it to NYC. It was incredible. I never felt so back at "home".
The place is packed, and obviously my dad made reservations. The staff, who are mostly Japanese, greeted us with "irasshaimase" and took us to our seats. The place is trendy, and has a great izakaya-ambience. Lots of other Japanese expatriate business men were there, as well as a lot of American business executives. Because izakayas are usually packed with "salarymen" in Japan, you'll find yourself among men in suits here (my father included).
My family ordered a large Kinnosuke original salad, which was pretty dang good and refreshing. We ordered some sashimi platters- with salmon, kanpachi (yellowtail) and suzuki (seabass). SO GOOD. Fresh. Great. Taste of back home right here in the hustle and bustle of NYC.
We also ordered some yakimono/aburimono- things that are grilled on a small slab of hot stone that came to us on a plate sizzling. We ordered salmon, scallop, and willow leaf fish. These were grilled to perfection and amazing as well.
We ended the meal with sauteed yakisoba in a hot pot plate... SO GOOD! This was really delicious and great ending to an amazing meal. My dad ordered noodles- something that looked like Nagasaki chanpon noodles, and they tasted yummy with lots of seafood.
What was awesome about this place was THE SERVICE. Our waiter, a Japanese man, was SO POLITE and amazing. All our food came just in time. His attentiveness was great. Again, another reason why I felt back at home with really polite staff. My dad's beer glass came chipped at the rim, and so he asked him to change it for him. The waiter was so polite and kind, apologizing endlessly. Not only was he polite enough to change the glass for him, but he gave us a service with a bottle of beer. Again, really polite, and too kind.
Aburiya Kinnosuke, I salute you for delivering the New Yorkers with true, genuine izakaya experience. If you want to experience Japanese cuisine aside from ramen, sushi, and other overly popular and common Japanese food in America, GO HERE!
But do be warned it is pricey. I would probably not be able to go here with just my friends.Listed in: Empire State of Mind
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Review from Alexandra C.
New York, NY
5/10/2012
Go here if you want a totally different Japanese dining experience!
Loved how different it was. (Didn't love how high my bf's bill was...ha!) But worth it to go once for the tasting experience.
Homemade tofu with 3 flavored salts - delicious and I'm not a huge fan of tofu.
Shrimp on sizzling platter with asparagus- this would have been 5 star. The table next to us got it (you are close together here) and made me want to order it. Their shrimp looked succulent, the asparagus the perfect cooked shade of green and plentiful thick sauce. Unfortunately our platter came out WAY overdone -- the sauce dried up, the asparagus were overcooked. Still it was very good and if cooked right it would have been delicious.
Sashimi - good. Toro.
Pork belly- I think we ordered the wrong option as there was another pork belly on the menu. This - not too good. For all that fat and calories, pork belly should be tender and delicious how it is at some other restaurants.
The chicken teriyaki- like no other.. Served with a soft boiled egg you dip into.. This was ground up chicken in a roll shape with asparagus inside and the most delicious, thick teriyaki sauce!
You have to order bowls of sushi rice separately - and I ordered two- their rice was that good! -
Review from Jo K.
New York, NY
Updated - 5/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've been here a few more times for dinner and the food is really interesting and good but a lot of it was reeeaaaalllly salty.. i keep going back because I had such a great experience the first time but I wish they would lay off the salt a little.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/27/2010
I loved it!!
Ate the chef's lunch menu for $13! And it came with 6 plates! '
Food was delicious and… Read more »
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Review from Shira F.
Massapequa Park, NY
5/9/2012
This place was amazing. It was the first time I had Japanese food like this, and I highly recommend it.
We ordered a few dishes to share, the little neck clams in sake broth, sooooo good. But of everything we ate that night, the homemade tofu took the cake. Smooth and delicious, everything I believe tofu should be. The place gets packed, so you better be comfortable sitting very close to your neighbor! -
Review from Alex W.
New York, NY
4/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
One of my go-to local izakayas. A variety of food (be warned: many of the dishes on the menu may be sold out). Things worth ordering again and again:
clams in spicy miso broth - simple, but so tasty and delicious
fried chicken - crunchy and juicy and moist
pork in spicy miso - think a slab of peter lugar's bacon, cut into bite-sized pieces and covered with a tasty miso sauce and scallions
whole fish - every night they have a variety of fresh whole fish that you can have prepared in a variety of ways...i suggest having it in soy sauce with scallions and ginger...usually moist and perfectly cooked
black pork belly rice - perfect for two bowls of rice with slices of fatty pork and scallions on top, makes the rice tastier -
Review from Kim B.
Pasadena, CA
4/4/2012
The food is really top notch, very good. We ordered a wide variety of dishes to sample and were pleased with all of them. Service is also very good. Had a great dinner here on Thursday night. It wasn't too crowded, but the bar was hoppin'.
My reason for that 5th star: my husband accidentally left his credit card here after we paid. He didn't realize this until the following evening. Of course, we panicked and dropped what we were were doing to race over to the restaurant. The place was PACKED, I mean,standing room only; they were so busy. Even though they were swamped, the hostess was incredibly helpful and immediately brought the manager to us. Thankfully, he had the credit card in the register, which he promptly returned to my husband after verifying his identity.
Just a nice reflection of the service and hospitality. We'll definitely return (and we won't forget our credit card next time). -
Review from Erica S.
3/21/2012
EXCELLENT Japanese food + Service + Ambiance in Midtown! Great place to grab a casual / semi fast lunch at reasonable prices!
Friend and I ordered the Queen set and 2 of the dons. The tuna don was superb -- slices of fresh tuna + herby dressing. The salmon don was average.
Overall, I really enjoyed sampling my friend's queen set -- grilled mackerel + eel omelette + vegetables. The mackerel was incredibly moist and flavorful and the eel omelette was probably my favorite dish of the meal!
Topped off the meal with a rich green tea tiramisu that was to die for! -
Review from Misa M.
Brooklyn, NY
4/14/2012
I love that there are so many places to get great yakitori in New York! Unfortunately, I don't think this is one of them.
Been here a couple times, as well as to the affiliated restaurants, all with friends that love them. The $20 minimum (really? for tiny grilled sticks of chicken and green onion?) and 2 hr table time just sucks, as does the long standing wait even on a Monday night.
I don't know if their food has tons of MSG, or if they purposely over-sauce everything. But after eating here I felt horrible, cotton-mouthed and nauseous.
I know I can't compare it to izakaya joints in Japan, but one thing is certain: this place is sooooo NYC (and specifically, Midtown... ugh). The waitresses speak Japanese, but will not speak it to me when I ask them questions... I always wonder why. -
Review from Rumiko A.
Manhattan, NY
5/9/2012
Great foods !
But be careful, the restaurant limits the turn over within 2 hours, means you have to leave the restaurant in 2 hours. Can you believe it ? So don'r go to Aburiya for the business, catch up with old friends, slow foods..... it's for just eating and leave. ,
I'm not sure if I would go back... -
Review from Xinyuan W.
Bronx, NY
5/17/2012
very authentic Japanese place, has a good selection of small dishes, I tried the ox tongue which comes with a cube of sizzling salt and it was a fun experience. I don't remember a large sushi/sashimi selection, so if that's what you were looking for, this is not the place. otherwise, the food is great quality.
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Review from Yesbelt F.
Little Italy, Manhattan, NY
5/7/2012
I just had lunch at Aburiya Kinnosuke. What a hidden gem! Authentic, inventive, and very fresh. It is the perfect place for a clandestine lunch - just reserve a table behind closed curtains. Or you can eat at the counter like I did. The Omakase Sashimi Deluxe lunch special is reasonably priced at $23.
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Review from John Q.
Brooklyn, NY
2/16/2012
So I walked into Aburiya Kinnosuke one evening last week and requested a seat at the bar; not terribly late, was informed the bar was closed. Huh?
After assurances the full menu was still being served, I agreed to a table and was seated next to a young man and a young woman on one side and a screen opposite. Beyond the screen were a man and a woman of a much larger age gap; it wasn't readily apparent whether or not this was a sugar daddy scenario. Soon enough the man would make mention of his convive's new boyfriend; the tone in which he did made him appear possibly jealous.
I had ordered a glass of Kuromaru shochu; neat, and a glass of water. I was plenty happy with the Kuromaru and it would suffice throughout the meal. Later during the week at Sakagura, I would read on that restaurant's menu that Kuromaru was "a good shochu for ladies". My avatar will be appropriately replaced when I come across a fitting pic of a cosmo or appletini.
What a beautiful and lengthy menu at Aburiya; so hard to choose! A snapper head first drew my attention, but there unfortunately were no more for the night. Then I switched my focus to the special beef from Japanese cattle - raised in Oregon! Went for the tongue.
Even at $22, I did not expect this to satiate my voracious appetite and inquired with the waiter how large the portion might be. At first he mistakenly informed me it should be an ample amount of food for one person before correcting himself that perhaps I might like to order an additional dish. His grasp of the English language may not have been up to par, but the service otherwise would prove to be most acceptable. Diligent even.
Finally I decided on a ginger berkshire pork rice bowl and tacked on the intriguing wasabi leaves small plate. First to arrive were the wasabi leaves - stems was more like it. Anyone who enjoys wasabi should find these to be transcendentally delightful. Why aren't all Japanese restaurants serving wasabi leaves! Each stem commanded to be slowly savored so that the delectable stems would last to complement the other courses.
While waiting for the wagyu to arrive, I eavesdropped as the older man offered his young companion his worldly take on the age old question. "Looks are more important than money!"
Tongue arrived sizzling on a rectangular hot stone accompanied by a bowl of chopped tomato. As well as a smaller bowl which contained what the waiter informed me was a vinegar sauce, but tasted more of pure sesame oil than anything. There were seven chunks of tongue; I'd estimate about one and a half Coatzingo lengua tacos worth of meat. If my rough measurement was accurate, the tongue here costs nine times as much as in a hole-in-the-wall Mexican joint! An apples and grapes comparison I suppose, but still...come on!
That tongue was rather tasty though; and the chunks of tomato would even turn out to be relishable after recalling the instructions to place them where the meat had lain on the still warm stone in order to soak up the lingering flavors.
While awaiting the following course; as the sage doyen to my right expressed how thrilled he was with the food at Abuiriya, I noticed he had ordered sashimi, taking the utmost of care to completely dunk and then vigilantly grind his fish into soy sauce.
The waiter delivered my rice bowl and mixed it tableside with equal vigilance. The ingredients included a green item I feared would be shisho; something I do not enjoy as it reminds me of cilantro, but fortunately the herb was of a different variety. Generally I cannot get excited about rice, but this version was bursting with flavor and brandished an equally gratifying texture; simply exquisite.
As I polished off my meal, my neighbor would complain about his convive's cell phone usage; that she was texting her new boyfriend excessively. Her immediate retort: "I texted him one time! Not even once!"
I need to learn how to send half a text message. My phone bill would be cut in half!Listed in: "Urban Sophisticates" Don't Go…
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Review from Tim G.
Manhattan, NY
3/28/2012
I go to this place once every two weeks or so - and every time it is amazing.
Food is great, every dish is unique and has a flavor that sets it apart from other japanese places.
Need to mention the specials menu - japanese styled, both on english and japanese, with cute and sometimes funny illustrations.
Service is very good too - we once came in without reservation and not having available tables, they gave us certificates for free drinks for our next time! -
Review from Sally C.
2/16/2012
I've been meaning to try Aburiya for a while and we managed to get a reservation for a private booth for a group of 4 girls on a Saturday night. I liked the privacy of the booth and there were other areas were you sit Japanese style on mats.
The food is served tapas style and is very close to authentic Japanese (one of our friends is actually from Japan so we let her be the judge of this!) The specials menu was actually handwritten in Japanese!
However, it is on the pricier side for small-ish portions of food, so don't go here if you are on a budget and very hungry.
Some reviews of the food:
Intestines - Forgot what type of meat we got, but this was actually very tasty and delicious. Would highly recommend for the adventurous!
Liver (Duck?) - Again, my Japanese friend was mostly in charge of ordering (in Japanese) so unfortunately I don't remember what type of liver this was. Duck? It was light and tasty and not as heavy as other varieties of pate I've had before in the past
Octopus with kimchee - Very good and refreshing, but very small portion
Any type of grilled beef - DELICIOUS. I especially love beef tongue
Tsukune - Very average
Shrimp Tempura - Average
Some type of rice dish with salmon and roe - Also just okay
Lots of sake varieties, but the small size of sake is actually very very small.
Best part of the meal was probably the dessert! We had fire crème brulee (it actually sat aflame for a good minute or so) and something with black sesame. I'm drooling thinking about it! -
Review from Wing L.
1/25/2012
"I feel like I'm transported to Japan," exclaims my friend. It's true, inside this restaurant, the decor is traditionally Japanese with its minimalist design and wooden structures. I feel almost zen-like if it wasn't for the loud Japanese shouts as waiters greet the guests and as orders are being yelled at. But, I did say this feels like Japan. And so it does. If that didnt' work, how about sitting next to Japanese business "salary men" yapping about business and foreign affairs? I guess a year in Japanese Business studies paid off (or not) because I couldn't help hearing bits and pieces of their work!
Being an Izakaya Japanese bar, focus is on "tapas" and small eats. Word of advice: Do your homework or you will be overwhelmed by the large selection of foods on their menu. The menu looked like it was created randomly and just written on the whim as new ideas popped up. Still, it was still easy to navigate; I guess it's Japanese enough to call it "Organized chaos." If you want the streamlined version, check online for the menu; do your homework and plan accordingly! Another word of advice? If you RSVP, they give you 2 hours to eat, so plan accordingly.
For 2 people, we got 5 dishes and that was surely enough (those who know me know that I can eat so that's saying a lot!). Itadakimasu!
1. Scallop with butter- 'nuff said. Scallop was delicately cooked; plump, juicy, and sweet.
2. Sea Bass sashimi: fresh and simple, and sliced right so the texture isn't too soft or "rubbery". Can't go wrong with fresh sashimi.
3. Wagyu Beef with potato: Soft, tender beef with an AMAZING sweet soyu broth. Don't let the broth go to waste. Drink it!
4. Organic Berkshire Pork Simmered w/ Brown Sugar Soju- Oh succulent fatty pork, how I love thee. A mix of savory and sweet, it literally is melt in your mouth goodness. I had to refrain myself from yelling "Oishi!" over and over.
5.Seafood Sauteed Noodle in a Hot Stone Pot: Basically the "filler upper". Seafood + noodles + soup is the filler needed to end a nice, stuffed hearty meal (and possibly needed to balance out the check).
Kudos to presentation of the food as well. Service was excellent and attentive. And the price for 5 dishes in a great decor/ location is another plus. Yosh!
Aburiya Kinnosuke, Aishiteru. (I love you). -
Review from Stephen T.
Brooklyn, NY
Updated - 3/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
We went back here and it was as amazing as ever.
I was able to try some new things like shark cartilage sashimi. It was a very pungent and strong food by nature so I cannot say it was my favorite, but I'm glad I even got to try it!
I also was able to try wagyu beef tongue and THAT was seriously amazing.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/12/2012
Eating at this place was AMAZING.
I came here with my girlfriend at 6:30pm after work and we were… Read more »
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Review from Jess C.
Jersey City, NJ
2/3/2012
You know a restaurant is authentic when there's a separate menu written entirely in that language.
I think of this place as Japanese with a Spanish flair--where Tapas-like dishes are best to be shared. There are so many great options to choose from but the must-have is always the Tsukune, or Grilled Ground Chicken. It's both tender and flavorful, with a side of egg yolk for dipping.
Go with a large group of people because you'll want to try some of everything. It makes it easier on the wallet, and you'll leave feeling satisfied. -
Review from Jenn E.
New York, NY
3/31/2012
Awesome japanese tapas...
menu is a little hard to read but I recommend the homemade tofu w/ 3 different salts, fried chicken (AMAZING), pork belly in miso and also the fried noodles in stone pot... delish!!! -
Review from Lisa M.
1/30/2012
This is the most authentically Japanese place I've ever had the pleasure to eat at. Even their menus look like they've been handwritten in Japanese calligraphy, with the day's specials. And you can trust me, because I have read loads of Marukami and David Mitchell and I'm pretty sure several episodes of Heroes were shot in Tokyo, weren't they? So I'm pretty much an expert on authentic Japanese restaurants.
We sat at a fairly cozy table for two - I'd love to sit at the bar area next time and watch the chefs at work. The style is sort of Japanese small plates. We had a saddle of salmon (I'm not sure that's what they call it, but its basically as slab of melty salmon), tuna sashimi, some meatballs (delish!) and something like a chicken kofta. We really over-ordered and we walked out of there absolutely stuffed.
My sense is that its not very, very cheap. But everything is carefully prepared, with the best cuts of fish and much thought about the balance of flavours. Just writing about it makes me want to go back for another visit... -
Review from Josie M.
3/14/2012
loved this japanese tapas place. wish they had something like this in the sf bay area. the menu is extensive but i was lucky to be accompanied by friend who is japanese and ordered everything for us (menu is in english & japanese).
private rooms are great for small parties and service is excellent. you do leave smelling a little bit like bbq, but not too bad.
yey:
Kinnosuke Chef's Salad
Sashimi
Cod Fish Marinated w/ Saikyo Miso
Tsukune / Grilled Ground Chicken (Plain or Teriyaki Sauce)
5 diff kinds of pickles
there was also some appetizer dish with roots and pickled veggies in it that i loved but i have no idea what it was. soju drink with kiwi was also excellent.
this place is very authentic! a must try. -
Review from Pierre S.
Manhattan, NY
2/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
So this price is pricey. Very.
But it is also excellent. Each meal is like a little trip with various flavors. Sakes were delicious and service was perfect. Very entertaining and ideal for a date if you sit at the bar.
Note: First time I get called by a restaurant because someone forgot his/her cell phone. -
Review from J D.
Cambridge, MA
12/28/2011
many fabulous little dishes.
I brought the youths here, for another experiment in eating the unfamiliar.
we were lucky not to get a table, as sitting at the bar watching the chefs carve not only sushi, but turn giant roots into long thin strips, or meticulously tweezer some unidentifiable piece of fish or fowl, was fascinating,
very very good sashimi. lovely grilled mushrooms and fish and various vinegared plants and animals. delicious sake.
the service was also great - everything appeared in a slow progression of tastes.
come with an appetite, and order a few familiar things and then as much that you have never tasted before as you can. -
Review from Vivian H.
11/26/2011
**Tapas is a trance word for me**
On one of our Friday night excursions, we ventured to this dreadful part of time. I really can't stand hanging out above 14th St., but sometimes, it must be done.
My date made a reservation here and when we arrived, we were immediately seated. The place was full with lively conservation all around. The decor was Japanese alright, and there was a lot of shouting in Japanese. I don't understand what is with the shouting, but OK, whatever.
We were presented with the menu and immediately I was lost. I am a pretty simple person. Put something healthy, tasty and simple in front of me and I am happy as a clam. This menu was extremely daunting with way too many choices, especially for the feeble-minded like myself.
Luckily, the waitress was able to help and maneuver us deftly through the options.
Here is a run-down on the things we indulged in:
TOFU WITH THREE SALTS - I really enjoy the simple taste of tofu, not adulterated and totally pure. It was extremely silky, and it came with three kinds of dipping salts (Himalayan, wasabi and yuzu). Extremely refreshing and healthy!
ROBATA SALMON - This is a piece of salmon on a special charcoal grill. Extremely fresh, tender, flavorful. What a way to get your Omega-3 fix!
POT RICE WITH TUNA AND ROE - I don't normally like rice but this was done well. The rice was flavored with flecks of tuna and roe and lightly salted. It reminds me of a rice casserole dish that my uncle makes occasionally. We ordered all fish and this was a good filler.
FRIED BATTERED CRAB LEGS - Excellent dish. I wouldn't recommend eating this all the time, but it was good and not oily.
I didn't try the green tea tiramisu but my date said it was good. I had the creme brulee, but nothing phone home about.
Overall, a great dining experience and the bathroom is not to be missed (they have Q-tips for you)! A good date spot and excellent, high-quality seafood. This place suits an aquatic mammal just fine! -
Review from Ida L.
3/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great homemade tofu! We ordered the tuna shashimi, WOW! It was like butter! Delicious and fresh! Also had the crab cream croquet, fabulous. And the chopped octopus and cucumbers, in Love. It was cozy and I'd Love to return anytime! Super cozy and relaxing environment!
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Review from Eva G.
1/2/2012
My 3 stars are relative to the expectations I had for this restaurant. That is, I'd give a McDonald's 3 stars, but that doesn't mean McDonald's is of the same caliber. Aburiya's show, presentation, and delivery is distinct, but I felt that the food is too expensive for its value.
I preferably sat at the bar (where there's about 10 seats), and got to see the chefs craft the sushi/sashimi/robata dishes that people ordered, and stole glimpses of all the dishes made in the back kitchen brought to the front.
The homemade tofu ($10) with yuzu salt, wasabi salt, and sea salt is fresh and soft, and seems to be a popular item, but it's hard to appreciate the price-tag on it (maybe if I saw the equipment used and the lengthy process required to make it, I'd be more touched).
By 9pm, they were sold out of the salmon collar that Yelpers raved about, so we got the grilled cod, which turned out to be our favorite; the skin caramelized in the sweet and savory marination.
The grilled Jidori chicken (which I looked up, is the "kobe beef" of chicken) tsukune with teriyaki sauce and poached egg was our baby. We watched ours mature on the grill for maybe 15 minutes. When I see the labor and attention put into our food, I have an easier time appreciating it. Shallow? Yes.
The sweet simmered organic Berkshire pork and fried organic chicken were good but not as good as others I've tried. We watched as the chef made rolled up a tamago in a rectangular pan -- we didn't order it, but it was an artistic production.
The skewer special: $18 for a platter of 3 skewers. We got the sea eel, sea bass, and sea scallops. Served sizzling on a bed of rock salt, the pieces get saltier if you let them sit longer. Another dish that's tasteful but overpriced.
The green tea tiramisu was more like a mousse on cake and not as delicious to us as it seems to others. -
Review from Stefan B.
Manhattan, NY
2/1/2012
Was here twice for a lunch, and both times the food was really EXCELLENT !
And the service is fast and friendly.
Just the seating is a bit close to the neighbor tables in some areas (you are literally sitting closer to your neighbor than to your company), but I was told that this is also 'authentic Japanese' ;)
Fresh, light, tasty, attractive and yummy.....what else do you want from a lunch? -
Review from Andreas H.
New York, NY
11/22/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I've been on a mission to hit most of the Japanese establishments in midtown east to see which "cuisine reigns supreme"*. I love Sakagura, and thought it would be difficult to equal or even trump, but then I found Aburiya Kinnosuke.
*heart fluttering*
Well hello gorgeous...
That was my first experience when I walked down the short hallway into this lovely restaurant. The service was spectacular, and the food was beautiful, fresh, and delicious. I love the fact that they have a limited number of chef's specialties for the day. Also, the "King" and "Queen" daily specials are an amazing deal for lunch. I had a combination of salmon and beef that was quite possibly one of the most amazing things I have ever eaten. Their miso soup was also delicious. The only meh moment was when they brought out the dessert that was still slightly frozen. At that point, however, my 5-star review was in stone and the micro-dessert wasn't going to remove a star.
I will be back as soon as humanly possible.
*Shout-out to the ORIGINAL IC series! -
Review from Emily C.
3/10/2012
Great place for cooked (non-sushi) Japanese food. Atmosphere is cozy and lively, but quiet enough for easy conversation. The daily lunch special simplies one's decision-making process down to choosing between "meat" or "fish" and everything they bring out will be delicious. Advance reservations recommended as they can get busy during peak hours.
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Review from Aaren K.
Laurelton, NY
3/24/2012 2 photos
This restaurant is wonderful. I went here for lunch with my husband who is Japanese, His ex-co woker works here. The lunch is incredibly cheap for what you get. The food is amazing authentic Japanese food cooked prepared and served by a Japanese staff. My husband had the Yellow Tail collar and I had the Queens Lunch which came with fried shrimp potatoes rice miso soup and sashimi-I had mo worries eating the sashimi even though i am 6 months pregnant because i knew it would be fresh as all the seafood is shipped in directly from Japan. We look forward to going here for dinner soon. I highly recommend this restaurant!!
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Review from Jin Y.
11/14/2011 12 photos
I use to work near Aburiya Kinnosuke (I don't even know how this is pronounce) and it's a great spot to go to after work (great location). I'd like to thank my friend for taking me here. It's an izakaya (Japanese bar). I saw my friend waiting outside the restaurant for me and later she took me to one of their private rooms for 4 people (how coool!). I really like the private room so I have no idea how the rest of the restaurant looks like.
Our waitress was lovely, gentle, and soft spoken. Our male friends could easily fall in love with her. We love the cups, plates, and tableware, but they wouldn't let us buy it and the waitress warned us to "not steal" she's so funny. The food and service was really great. I loved dining here. We had:
- Duck Dish (so good and flavorful!)
- Crab Meat Salad (minced crab meat tossed in salad, very good!)
- Pork Belly (OMG! soo good!)
- Assorted Grilled Fish (AHHH! SO SO SO GOOOD!)
- Salmon (this was okay)
- Chicken Ball w/ Asparagus (this was also okay)
- Kobe Beef (so goood!)
- Green Tea Tiramisu (AHHH! SO SO SO GOOOD! MUST GET THIS!)
- Tasting Dessert (AHHH! SO SO SO GOOOD! AND SO SO SO CUTE!)
Oh, my friend made reservation for the private room, so reservations are required. -
Review from Clara H.
11/29/2011
Used to come here all the time with my husband, but since moving from NY to Japan, I guess my taste has naturally changed a bit...
Anyway, this spot has some decent good typical Japanese dishes and it is one of the few places I would hit up frequently a few years ago. But after a recent visit to Aburiya (this time, hailing in directly from Tokyo) - I felt it was just alright and deserves 3 and not 4 stars.
Of the items I can still vouch for as items I like, it is rather limited now. Plain tofu, berkshire pork, karaage, tsukune and their miso cod.
Still, eating in Tokyo is a little different - so don't expect the same if you visit Japan. -
Review from Stephen L.
New York, NY
10/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is one of my Top 5 restaurants in Manhattan. Really, really amazing and authentic Japanese food. Step through their narrow jazz-filled entry way and you're transported to Tokyo or Osaka. Intimate semi-private rooms for larger groups, small tables or bar seating for couples. And by bar seating - I'm talking about in front of their traditional coal robataya grill.
House made tofu with 3 salts is a must try. Their sauteed pork belly was amazing. The only place in NYC I've found seafood ichiyaboshi - delicious. Extensive fresh daily seafood selection. Choose your own cut of beef from the grill making it an actual Japanese Steakhouse (no Benihana here). Also, a real delicacy - marinated wasabi leaves. I've never had anything quite like it.
I'd give this place 6 stars if it were allowed. If you are adventurous and have the money to spend, this place is an absolute treat. I would eat here more often, but I'm afraid it would spoil the giddy feeling I get every time I sit down and open the menu. -
Review from Sun Hee K.
Manhattan, NY
2/9/2012
Be aware of their hidden rules when you go there. I am not sure if I know them all either, but this is what I learnt from my experience.
1. There is 2 hour limitation per table, but the waitress decides whether this rule will be applied to your table or not. I do not know how they discriminate the tables, maybe by the order amount?
2. I see someone mentioned that there is 20$ min order per person.
Anyway, I am writing the review to inform others before you go to that restaurant, so no others will experience such an unpleasant evening with their rules and rude waitress.
These were what went wrong for me 1) we were pressured to order more and eat fast 2) Our conversation was interrupted 4 times just to ask for the payment in 30 minutes 3) and we were finally rushed out of the table. 4) We didn't even get a chance to order our dessert.
2 out of 3 were pregnant at the table, we were not going crazy, or rude or drunk. We exceeded their hidden min charge rule with dinner order.
Food is decent but pricey. -
Review from Jeff A.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 2/20/2012
Still one of my favorites in NYC! Tip, if you're a bit overwhelmed by the menu just say omakase! Yes, it takes some of the fun away from ordering but everyone loves the anticipation of surprise especially when the previous dish has you drooling for more!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/5/2009
Wow, very, very impressive and thank you Yelp! I was trying to find a good izakaya style restaurant… Read more »
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Review from J L.
Brooklyn, NY
9/21/2011
I went here twice for dinner already. The first time was not a great experience because it can be overwhelming for people who have never been. The menu is extensive and it's hard to figure out what to order. The restaurant decor seems pretty authentic and I love the small "private" rooms for larger parties.
For our first time there... it didn't help that when we asked the waitress for recommendations, she would say something along the lines of, "Well, it depends on what people like... some people like this, and some people like that". Wow... helpful... she was not. So we ended up succumbing to the omakase option. We let them bring out their best (supposedly) to us. Most of it was good, but we could have done without a few of the dishes.
Second time there... we had a better waitress. We also ended up ordering a la carte based on the items we loved the previous time. We also saved quite a bit of money this way.
Food: all the sashimi was excellent, salmon collar is an excellent choice for salmon lovers, tofu with the salts was okay and worth a try, the beef ("outside" portion of the cow) was awesome, and the rice pots are a must-have.
Overall, I'd definitely come back for good quality Japanese tapas... but not sure if I'd crave it. I totally forgot about it after the first time I went. -
Review from Victor H.
New York, NY
3/8/2012
Best Japanese restaurant in the city...period.
We're not talking Gari or Sushi Yasuda; some overpriced sushi establishment where wealthy Midtown finance-types go to be "wowed" or entertain Japanese who can enjoy authentic and impressive sushi in a Tokyo subway terminal whenever they want.
If you want a truly enjoyable, honest Japanese culinary experience without pomp, or a modernist Scandinavia meets Japan aesthetic and attitude, skip Kyo Ya (my #2 choice for best Japanese in the city) and journey up to Midtown East.
Simply put: It's the place Japanese people go to for the best NYC has of their country's offerings.
Reservations recommended for dinner, even on a Tuesday night (Japanese patrons fill the place up during weeknights). Come with someone who knows what/how to order. The menu changes frequently and they have different dishes available seasonally. -
Review from Will C.
8/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Japanese Tapas. The concept still escapes me a lil bit, but for a L-family dinner the service was impeccable.
I'd really skip the meat dishes (tell them no steaks or skewers for the omakase). I just feel the meat is poor quality and overcooked.
Instead get the sashimi as it was fabulous. Toro, Uni, and various others!
The tofu is a must-try so get that.
We had a private room, but I don't think there is a bad seat in the house. -
Review from Lisa D.
Washington, DC
1/12/2012
The family LOOOOVED this special meal. The sashimi was top notch and all the grilled dishes were great. We had a great private eating space.
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Review from Elli F.
Manhattan, NY
2/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
I only tried their lunch specials twice. But everything is pretty authentic and just enough as lunch. I will come again surely.
