Katabaru — Restaurant in New York

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Katabaru, a Japanese restaurant that truly impressed me with its captivating ambiance and exceptional service. My visit on Tuesday was nothing short of delightful.

Upon entering Katabaru, I was immediately struck by the beautiful decor, which perfectly blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with a modern touch. The serene lighting, tasteful furnishings, and subtle background music created a calming and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for both casual meals and special occasions.

I decided to try the popcorn chicken rice bowl, and it was an absolute treat. The chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside while tender and juicy on the inside, complemented by a flavorful seasoning that elevated the dish. The rice was fluffy and well-cooked, pairing harmoniously with the fresh accompaniments. Every bite was a blend of delicious textures and rich flavors.

What truly stood out, however, was the impeccable service. The staff at Katabaru were attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu, ensuring that my dining experience was smooth and enjoyable.

Overall, Katabaru is a gem that offers not just outstanding food but also a beautiful dining environment and top-notch service. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking an authentic and memorable Japanese...

This place is a gem! Amazing date night spot at a reasonable price per person. I live close by and have been eagerly waiting for it to open up over the past few months. I finally got to try it last night.

The food quality, presentation, the drinks, and the service are all top notch. My favorites were the soft shell crab, the pork belly, and the shiitake mushroom salad.

The soft shell crab was juicy but crunchy with a lovely creamy sauce. The pork belly was very high quality - very tender, and the smokey sauce was a great pairing. The shiitake salad was light and refreshing with a good mix of textures from daikon radish, arugula, mushrooms, and what I believe was ogonori (I forget what it was called exactly, sorry, and at the time of this posting I can’t find the online menu.)

The service was great too, our server was really friendly and attentive. I genuinely recommend this place. Stop in and show a new local spot...

We went for dinner and started with the tuna tataki. It was decent, though not particularly memorable—the sear was slightly overdone, and the dressing was a standard miso-ginger vinaigrette. Next was the beef carpaccio, which was nicely chilled, but the sauce lacked balance and leaned too bitter.

The beef rice bowl followed and was probably the best dish of the night. The flavor was OK, but the beef-to-rice ratio was a bit off—we ended up ordering an extra side of rice to make up for it. Finally, we tried the fried chicken tenders, which were unfortunately the weakest dish: bland, not crispy, and overly greasy. The sriracha mayo on the side was the only highlight.

Beer and sake were reasonably priced...