Michelin-starred yakitori spot. Skewer perfection w/ secretive entrance. Don't miss the chicken.
A Michelin-recognized Japanese restaurant specializing in yakitori, Torien offers a unique dining experience with a focus on skillfully prepared chicken skewers. The intimate setting, complete with a secretive entrance, complements the high-quality binchotan charcoal grilling. Guests can expect a multi-course meal that highlights various cuts of chicken and seasonal vegetables, making it a sought-after destination for authentic yakitori.
This Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant excels in yakitori, offering a set menu that showcases various chicken skewers prepared over binchotan charcoal. Standout dishes often include unique cuts like bonjiri (tail), suji (cartilage), hatsu (heart), and tsukune (meatball), along with other expertly grilled items. While highly recommended for its quality and preparation, some patrons find the a la carte skewers to be on the pricier side.
"The restaurant is highly recommended for its expertly prepared chicken yakitori skewers, with specific call-outs for unique cuts like bonjiri, suji, hatsu, and tsukune. Noodle dishes have also been noted as excellent."
Customers generally have a very positive view of the food and overall experience, often praising the quality of the yakitori and the unique dining atmosphere. However, some have raised concerns about the pricing of a la carte skewers and the restaurant's service fee and tax calculation practices.
Important Note
Some patrons have noted that the a la carte skewers can be expensive, and there have been criticisms regarding the restaurant's service fee and how tax is calculated on it.
"The commenter reported that their experience at the restaurant took 2 hours, but felt that the overall experience was very worthwhile."
Positive"The commenter confirmed that the full dinner took about an hour and a half. They also mentioned that the service was excellent and that diners are not rushed, allowing for a leisurely experience."
Positive"This user stated that the meal took an hour and a half to two hours, but acknowledged that the duration could be adjusted based on preference."
Neutral"Torien is listed as one of the best yakitori places in NYC, comparable in price to other top options. The commenter has not yet visited but has it on their list."
Positive"Torien was part of the user's 5-day NYC dining experience, fitting their preference for Asian cuisine."
Positive"A private room at Torien was accidentally booked via Resy for a party of four. The group only paid for their food and drinks, implying no separate room charge or minimum."
Positive"Torien, a one Michelin star restaurant specializing in chicken yakitori and donburi via a set menu, is open on Sundays. The commenter enjoyed their experience there and noted they don't state an inability to accommodate shellfish allergies, suggesting confirmation regarding sauces."
Positive"The user enjoyed the Ikegawa-san Torien residence for the first couple of years but stopped attending as the price increased."
Neutral"The user clarified their complaint about Torien, stating that the restaurant labels a tip as a service charge, then calculates tax on the higher amount, and still provides an additional tip line."
Negative"This user speculated that Torien's practice of taxing the service fee might be a legal requirement if the fee is retained by the restaurant. They also acknowledged that the high price of skewers might be a valid reason for customers to avoid the restaurant."
Neutral"The user had some negative experiences with Torien's service and noted that the restaurant adds a 20% "service fee" on which tax is calculated, increasing the total bill. They also found the a la carte skewers to be expensive at around $20 each."
Negative"The commenter lists Torien as a restaurant with good service."
Positive"The commenter lists Torien as a restaurant with good service."
Positive"Author suggests Torien as a potential best value option, specifically considering the original poster's criteria of Japanese/Korean, 1-star Michelin, and value."
Positive"Commenter highly recommends Torien, calling it 'absolutely amazing'."
Positive"OP is considering Torien as a potential replacement for an omakase experience during their NYC trip due to pregnancy dietary considerations."
Neutral"Mentions Torien as another restaurant offering a yakitori experience, similar to KONO."
Positive
