Hi-node
Japanese restaurant · Ridgewood ·
Onigiri, katsu sandos, sashimi bowls, fresh fish, matcha
Onigiri, katsu sandos, sashimi bowls, fresh fish, matcha
"A relaxed Japanese cafe with a cheery staff and a robust menu for folks on the go—onigiri abound—also works well as a place to post up with a sashimi bowl. I can’t stop thinking about the black sesame latte: the slightly earthy, nutty flavor is ideal if you’re not into super-sweet drinks, and the texture is milky without feeling too creamy or thick. The onigiri stands out; the rice holds its shape nicely but still tastes soft and fresh, and there’s a vegetarian option with crisp cucumber and smooth avocado. Freshness can be tricky in sashimi bowls ($21 to $28 for large; $11 to $15 for smaller), but they pull it off: each one comes with a bright assortment of seaweed salad, pickled vegetables, and shio-koji edamame that brings color and crunch, and the Scottish salmon was top-notch—though the takeout sauces could be more generously portioned. This place is a time-saver when I need to grab onigiri for the road, and I noticed a decent parade of strollers and kids thanks to fries and junior-sized, lower-priced sashimi bowls starting at $10.50. While the indoor room is airy, the decor currently feels a tad spartan even for a minimalist space; on a sunny day I try to grab a seat at one of the handful of tables out front, or bundle up and order a matcha." - Francky Knapp
"A Japanese restaurant and cafe offers onigiri, temaki, wagyu sandwiches, sashimi rice bowls, and more in a casual neighborhood setting." - Nadia Chaudhury
"Hi-node is a Japanese cafe in Ridgewood where you can pair an iced hojicha strawberry latte with a tight menu of things like salmon onigiri, pork katsu sandos, and sashimi bowls. They're also doing matcha soft serve." - Willa Moore
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