Hibino LIC — Restaurant in New York

Hibino used to be our favorite sushi place in Long Island City. My boyfriend and I went here a lot during the pandemic. I loved how authentic the dishes are. I liked how friendly and accommodating the former hostess/ server was. I came here two weeks ago after a very long time. I sat at a wall area with the high top seats and I was fine since I was dining alone. This petite Asian lady took my order. I got confused with what I ordered, asked her to repeat my order then she gave me a little scowl and responded curtly, "So what's it going to be - tuna roll or tuna sashimi?" I ignored this. I smiled and I even apologized TO HER for being indecisive with my order. I brushed that incident off and came again with my boyfriend the following week. It was a very busy cold night on February 3 at 6:30PM. LO and BEHOLD - The same petite lady gave us the menu and gave us attitude (and her signature scowl - again!) when we took our time thinking of what we were going to order. Mind you, it was a very cold night when we went and we took our time sitting down taking off our coats and everything so we only had about 5 minutes to think about what we were going to eat. My point is - we felt rushed and this little woman server was just so unpleasant that we feel like we do not even want to come back here anymore. Also, my nice boyfriend apologized to her! I was soooo upset! I did not say anything anymore because I would rather bite my tongue and not get into a confrontation. We should have gone to Manetta's Italian restaurant next door where everyone is so friendly and nice where NO ONE RUSHES us and give us attitude or rolls their eyes at their customers. What happened, Hibino? I love your food but good luck with this new lady. I hope this serves as a constructive criticism so your staff can improve their customer service. I have worked in hospitality for 12 years and this is not how you treat customers. No one deserves to be...

I have lived in New York City for almost five years, and this was my 10+ visit to this restaurant.

When I entered the store, the two clerks stood at the counter, far away from the door, and just looked at me without approaching me and asking me for my reservation name. I had no choice but to say my name loudly, and then they just pointed at the empty seats and asked me to sit there. Still, no one approached me…

The miso soup they served was cold (the tofu in it was even worse; it was tasted like it had just been taken out of the refrigerator, which I had never experienced during several previous visits.). They didn't apologize; they just said they would give me a new one.

However, even though the new soup was hot, the tofu was still cold. The worst thing was that when I wanted to order dessert, I raised my hand several times, but no one saw me. There were only two clerks and one of them kept staring at the screen and didn't see me waving. It seems that they need more waitress/waiter.

Worst of all, the waiter asked me what dessert I wanted; I said I wanted "Tofu Pudding," but she gave me a salty tofu side dish. After I told her I wanted the sweet tofu pudding as dessert, she told me it is called "Soy Pudding" instead of "Tofu Pudding," but this item is not listed on their menu. How do I know the full name? And who would order a salty tofu after all the meal is finished and been taken away?

I have been here more than ten times before, and every time I told the waiter that I wanted "Tofu Pudding," they all served me sweet tofu pudding desserts. This has never happened before😅

I don’t know if the store manager or waiter has changed. All of these have never happened before🥲I’ve brought my friends and family here before, but after all of these I will never come again…also it was my first time had a cold miso soup in a Japanese...

An absolute hidden gem that deserves all the praise it can get! From the moment you step inside, you’re welcomed by a warm, inviting atmosphere that balances modern simplicity with authentic Japanese charm. Whether you’re a sushi connoisseur, a lover of comforting Japanese homestyle dishes, or just someone looking for an outstanding meal, Hibino delivers on every level.

The food is nothing short of spectacular. Their sushi is pristine, featuring impeccably fresh fish that melts in your mouth. Every bite bursts with delicate flavors, highlighting the top-quality ingredients they use. Their daily obanzai specials are a must-try—these Kyoto-style small plates change regularly, offering a glimpse into home-cooked Japanese cuisine that you won’t find at most restaurants. Each dish is prepared with care and precision, showcasing a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

One standout is the house-made tofu, which is unbelievably silky and rich, served simply to let its natural, delicate flavor shine. Their salmon rice ball soup is another comfort dish that truly warms the soul. And if you love sushi but want something extra special, their omakase-style selections never disappoint!

Beyond the food, the service is outstanding—attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable without being overbearing. The staff genuinely care about your dining experience, always ready with recommendations or insights into the menu. The prices are incredibly reasonable for the quality, making it an amazing value, especially in NYC.

Hibino is a rare find that perfectly blends authenticity, quality, and hospitality. Whether you’re stopping in for a casual dinner or a special night out, it’s the kind of place that keeps you coming back for more. If you’re in LIC and appreciate fantastic Japanese cuisine, do yourself a favor and visit Hibino—you...