A Cozy Tatami Japanese Hideaway in Astoria 🍣｜Honzen

My first visit to Honzen felt instantly healing — quiet, minimalist, and warmly inviting, like stepping into a cozy Kyoto eatery straight out of a Japanese drama. Perfect for a relaxed catch‑up with friends. ✨ We sat in a private tatami room with soft lighting and a beautiful fan display, creating a serene escape that truly made us forget we were in NYC. Every dish was a delight: the miso cod was tender and savory, melting on the tongue; the U&I Don (uni & egg yolk rice bowl) was luxuriously rich; and the cold noodles with A5 Wagyu balanced freshness with decadent flavor. The uni & toro toast — thick toast topped generously with sea urchin and fatty tuna — was pure happiness. The A5 Wagyu tartare was smooth and delicate, paired perfectly with a creamy, slightly sweet Nigori sake 🍶 that complemented the seafood beautifully. The pacing was just right — unhurried and intimate — and service was attentive yet unobtrusive. It felt more like a private chef’s dinner than a traditional omakase, and I’d absolutely return. 📍 Address: 37-12 31st Ave, Long Island City, NY 11103 If you love Japanese cuisine and crave a peaceful, immersive dining experience, Honzen is a true Astoria treasure. Loved this serene escape? Don’t forget to like, follow, and save for more hidden culinary gems in NYC! Let me guide you to meals that feel like a getaway. 😘🍱 #NYCFood #NYCExploration #NYCWorkLife #NYCLiving #HonzenAstoria #JapaneseCuisine #TatamiDining #LICEats #NYCEats #CozyVibes