Honzen - Review - Astoria - New York - The Infatuation

"Honzen is a Japanese restaurant that focuses on honzen ryori, a dining style that dates back to the 14th century. This Astoria spot’s 21st-century interpretation is a prix fixe meal of a meat dish, a rice bowl, and complimentary side dishes. What we like about Honzen is the range of experiences and prices the choose-your-own-adventure prix fixe offers. You can have a casual weeknight meal with a friend or date and get steamed fish and rice for about $35, or you can totally ball out and order things like A5 wagyu and an uni don, which will run you a collective $120. photo credit: Will Hartman photo credit: Will Hartman photo credit: Will Hartman photo credit: Will Hartman Pause Unmute Our favorite part of the meal is actually those included side dishes, like silken tofu topped with a nub of uni, and spinach in a sesame dressing. Pick and choose, make your perfect tray, and wonder why you didn’t come with six people so you could sit at the ground-seating table in the back and try everything. Food Rundown Madai This bowl of madai is a simple, really nicely poached piece of fish. It’s in a sweet broth made with sake and mirin. It eats clean, and pairs well with a heavier main dish option. Gyu Don Always one of our favorite dishes, because it combines two best-friend-level ingredients: beef and onions. Warning: It did come out hot enough to burn our mouth for a few days." - Will Hartman