One of the most popular and traditional ways to eat Japanese food, a hibachi porcelain is a device that literally heats up and remains cooking food even as people are getting ready to eat it. With the method being such a hit with people all over the country, I figured that I would take a closer look at some of the best restaurants in one of the world’s biggest cities—New York City. As the most cultural dependent city in the United States, there are a blending of backgrounds from around the world that meet in the Big Apple to give visitors and natives the best food around. And because hibachi continues to be a favorite of millions, here are the restaurants that you might want to check out the next time you visit New York, because they are rated as the best for a reason.
10. Arirang Hibachi Steakhouse
Although Brooklyn’s Arirang Hibachi Steakhouse is priced relatively low at $11-$30, reviews suggest that a few of the items were a little bit more expensive thanks to the fanciness of the restaurant—but it still didn’t deter from the entire experience. With a chef that seemed engaged with his audience and quite the sampling on the menu, reviews suggest that Arirang Hibachi Steakhouse delivers on every aspect.
9. Midori Matsu
Although it’s a bit off the beaten path by being located in Forest Hills, Midori Matsu is still looked at as a great option for hibachi in the New York area. With a price point between $11-$30, the menu also consists of items that normal people can actually enjoy, too, unlike some of the more expensive restaurants that serve similar dishes that you’ll read about as this list goes on. With chefs doing standard tricks like egg juggling, knife throwing and more, it might be a little bit too family friendly for some guests’ tastes, but the reviews seem to suggest that the food is definitely worth it.
8. Benihana
Located right in the heart of Midtown West, Benihana is known for a great experience thanks to the chefs and delicious food. While some reviews on Yelp tend to gripe about the communal sitting, for those who don’t mind striking up conversation with strangers, it isn’t too much of a problem—especially when the dishes are as delicious as they are here. Benihana appears to be a place worth going for those who are looking for the bustling, trendy places in the city, and is priced nicely with an average ticket between $31-$60.
7. Eleven Madison Park
Like others on this list, Eleven Madison Park is well received—even though the price point is around $61 per ticket. Unlike others on this list, though, this restaurant comes with tremendous acclaim, as it is often referred to as one of the top places to eat in the entire world, receiving numerous accolades like the AAA Five Diamond Award and three stars from The Michelin Guide. WIth beautiful dishes and serious hibachi, EMP doesn’t fall short in leaving its guests very happy with each experience. With over 1,100 reviews totaling 4.5 stars, this place might just be your next, favorite hibachi spot in the city.
6. Megu
While some customers have talked about the portions being a bit smaller than other hibachi restaurants in the city, make no mistake that Megu is still one of the more popular places to dine out when looking for hibachi. With an abundance of sake and other fantastic dishes to choose from and a quaint atmosphere in the dining room, guests can enjoy a great meal that is worth the average ticket price of around $61.
5. Bar Masa
Located just outside of Central Park, Bar Masa brings the nightlife along with some serious food and libations. That’s because, even though the average ticket price is around $61, most of the reviews I read consisted of positive feedback that talked about the atmosphere being some of the best in the city, featuring tremendous music and drinks that opened up conversation splendidly. For those looking for a unique menu and authentic Japanese food, Bar Masa is a must visit.
4. New York Sushi Ko
With an average of $61 per bill, New York Sushi Ko seems to use the freshest ingredients and most traditional methods of hibachi for its customers. While the reviews mention that the restaurants tends to be quite strict on the usage of cell phones within the dining room, but, most customers, mentioned that they both understood and enjoyed the refreshing break from having people use them during dinner. With a chef who treats his work like an artist does his painting, this is one restaurant worth stopping into to enjoy.
3. Kyo Ya
With just about 300 reviews at an average of 4.5 stars, Kyo Ya is perfectly located in East Village and seems to be beloved by those who ether stop in once or continue to go back as regulars. Described as understated and simple, Kyo Ya seems to rely on the product more than the visualization and trendiness that some of its competitors might use to gain customers. With a price point at $61, Kyo Ya is another restaurant that might dip into your bank account, but, it appears to be worth it for everything guests are getting in return.
2. Nobu 57
One of the most famous names in restaurants in the Big Apple, Nobu 57 is located right in the heart of Midtown, giving guests the feel that they should get while in New York. Based off some of the reviews I read, it seems that the service and food were both up to the expectations of guests, and, yes, it’s not uncommon to even spot a celebrity in here every once in awhile. While that might not be the reason to go for a meal, it’s a nice little alternative and promotion by those who like nice things—especially at an average bill of over $61.
1. Morimoto
Located in the Chelsea Meatpacking District, Morimoto has proven to be the trendiest hibachi restaurant in New York City. With a menu that’s both diverse and exquisite, the restaurant also has a sister location in Napa in California, but the mothership is here in New York, thriving in an area where the wealthy enjoy to wine and dine themselves. With an average ticket price of just above $61, Morimoto might be expensive, but, from reviews and press that it receives, it also happens to arguably be one of the best.
