Elevated Filipino fare & communal Kamayan feasts w/ interactive hand-eating! Must-try: Lechon, crispy duck & unique 'Soup no. 5'.
Amber Sutherland-Namako reviews Naks, an East Village Filipino restaurant from the acclaimed Unapologetic Foods group, noting its unique dishes like the 'soup no. 5' and crispy 'pritong itik'.
This East Village Filipino restaurant, from the Unapologetic Foods group, offers a unique and elevated take on traditional cuisine. Known for its Kamayan Feast, a communal dining experience where dishes are served on banana leaves for hand-eating, it provides an interactive and memorable meal. Standout dishes include the indulgent Lechon and flavorful options like Soup no. 5 and Dinakdakan. While some reviews note a recent dip in quality, the restaurant remains a highly recommended spot for its creative approach to Filipino flavors and its lively, inviting atmosphere.
Offers an upscale interpretation of Filipino cuisine, with the Kamayan Feast being a major highlight for its interactive, communal dining experience. Standout dishes mentioned include the indulgent Lechon, crispy Pritong Itik (duck), and uniquely flavored items like Soup no. 5 and Dinakdakan. While most feedback is positive, a few recent reviews suggest a decrease in overall quality, though specific items like the Ube Cheesecake and Salted Egg Pancake continue to receive praise.
"The Kamayan Feast is highly recommended for a communal dining experience. Specific dishes frequently praised include the Lechon, Kare Kare Omelette, Salted Egg Pancake, and crispy fried chicken."
Overall positive, with strong recommendations for its unique Kamayan Feast and creative Filipino dishes, though some recent feedback suggests a slight decline in quality.
Important Note
Some recent reviews suggest a decline in the restaurant's quality compared to previous experiences, although specific dishes like the Ube Cheesecake and Salted Egg Pancake still receive positive mentions.
"Naks in the East Village is suggested as a pricier option for their ube pie."
Positive"The commenter suggests Naks as a good option, noting they personally prefer it for brunch. They also raise the important consideration of price point per person."
Positive"The commenter recently visited Naks and found the Filipino food to be very delicious."
Positive"Naks is listed as a recommendation."
Positive"Naks is recommended for its upscale Filipino food, amazing cocktails, and lovely service, suggesting it's suitable for a dressy occasion like Valentine's Day."
Positive"This user recommended Naks in the Lower East Side as a better alternative to Ihawan, suggesting it for those seeking good Filipino food."
Positive"Naks is listed as one of the commenter's personal favorite places."
Positive"Naks is recommended for brunch, specifically for their salted egg pancake with citrus butter and salted egg cream, which is described as delicious."
Positive"Naks was listed as a restaurant that offers a positive sharing plate experience, implying good portioning."
Positive"Naks is mentioned as a Filipino restaurant that is likely to be open on Thanksgiving, though confirmation is advised."
Positive"This commenter recommended Naks as a place that offers a kamayan (eating with hands) experience."
Positive"Suggests Naks, noting they previously had a 'Kamayan' option for groups of 7+ and may still offer it upon direct contact."
Positive"This user had a fantastic prix fixe experience at Naks when they first opened, appreciating the chef's personal stories shared with each course."
Positive"This user frequently thinks about the crab and fried chicken from Naks."
Positive"This user found Naks to be very delicious and highly recommended the crab dish."
Positive"This user had a positive birthday brunch at Naks last year and enjoys the restaurant group. They appreciate the elevated take on Filipino cuisine and found the service warm. They are anticipating a tasting dinner."
Positive"This user had a positive dinner and brunch experience at Naks, highlighting several excellent dishes like the karekare, fried chicken, marano gulay, and lechon. They consider it the most consistent and best Filipino restaurant in Manhattan currently."
Positive"Despite expecting a mediocre experience based on prior reviews, this user was pleasantly surprised and happy with their overall experience at Naks."
Positive"This user expressed great enjoyment of Naks, having visited for the second time and found it fantastic. They also mentioned positive experiences with the parent restaurant group, Unapologetic Foods, and are looking forward to a tasting dinner."
Positive"This user shared a link to a review of Naks' brunch menu, indicating recent discussion about the restaurant."
Neutral
