East Village spot for adventurous eaters; unique ingredients, experimental dishes, great wine list.
Amber Sutherland-Namako reviews Foxface Natural, an impressive East Village establishment known for its frequently updated menu and unique ingredients like kangaroo and exquisite seafood preparations, promising a pleasant and unrushed dining experience.
This East Village gem offers a bold and experimental dining experience, evolving from a sandwich shop into a destination for unique ingredients and adventurous dishes. Known for its frequently updated menu, it features items like kangaroo and exquisite seafood, all served in a laid-back atmosphere with a thoughtfully curated, reasonably priced wine list.
The cuisine is primarily New American with eclectic influences, known for utilizing uncommon ingredients such as kangaroo, game meats, and exceptional seafood. While dishes like the whole fluke and kangaroo tartare receive acclaim, some diners have noted inconsistencies with the preparation of certain meat dishes, with opinions varying on whether the rare cooking style is intentional or flawed.
"Standout dishes include the kangaroo tartare, whole Montauk fluke, and the Hiramasa 'pastrami'. The wine list is also consistently praised for its quality and reasonable pricing."
Customers generally praise the restaurant's unique approach and wine list, though some experiences with specific dishes, particularly the preparation of meats, have been mixed.
Important Note
Some diners have experienced inconsistent preparation of meat dishes, with opinions divided on whether the rare cooking style is intentional or flawed. The restaurant has also been noted to be closed for an extended period, with uncertainty about its reopening.
"The user lists Foxface as a place they are considering visiting."
Neutral"Fox Face natural is mentioned as a well-regarded restaurant for which same-day Friday or Saturday reservations have been secured."
Positive"Mentions Foxface Natural as a potential dining option."
Neutral"Fox Face was briefly recommended."
Positive"The user questions if Foxface is still open."
Neutral"A user questioned if Foxface Natural has reopened yet."
Neutral"The user recommends Foxface."
Positive"This user seconded the recommendation for Foxface Natural, describing it as a divine spot."
Positive"Foxface Natural is recommended as a dining option."
Positive"The commenter stated that the owners are very wealthy and run the restaurant as a hobby, believing they are likely just on vacation."
Neutral"This commenter is a strong advocate for the restaurant's culinary risks and ambition, noting it as a place that teaches diners something new. They found sport fish to be a standout dish, but felt red meat preparations lacked consistency and found some wine pairings unconventional."
Positive"The commenter agreed with a previous negative sentiment, recalling a visit shortly after opening where the wine selection was limited and the game-based menu lacked bold pairings. They found the goat dish to be under-seasoned."
Negative"The commenter shared a positive personal experience where the owner showed great care during a diner's panic attack. They also mentioned that the takeout food was very good, even for items they were initially skeptical about."
Positive"The commenter noted that the restaurant seemed to be a passion project of the owners, who appeared to be wealthy. They suggested that a long vacation might lead to staff attrition and a prolonged closure."
Neutral"The commenter mentioned that the owners own the building, suggesting this could be a positive factor for their potential return."
Neutral"The commenter speculated that the restaurant might return but possibly in a different form, as a long vacation wouldn't typically require such an extended closure."
Neutral"The commenter noted the lack of reservations and praised the restaurant as one of the best in the city for being genuinely adventurous and unique. They expressed disappointment at the possibility of it having closed down."
Positive"The commenter expressed concern about the restaurant's prolonged closure without a return date, speculating that it might be permanently closed."
Negative"The commenter expressed worry about the restaurant's status."
Negative"The original poster recalled visiting Foxface Natural when it first opened and found a kangaroo dish to be excessive. They also noted that the restaurant now appears to be closed."
Negative
