Innovative Filipino eats, highly-rated Kamayan Feast, and elevated brunch.
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'.
Experience elevated Filipino cuisine with innovative dishes and a highly recommended Kamayan Feast. This East Village spot offers a lively yet cozy atmosphere, making it a standout for both brunch and dinner. While some dishes are a hit, the overall consensus points to a consistently delicious and unique dining adventure.
Naks offers a contemporary take on Filipino cuisine, with standouts including the Kamayan Feast, a communal hand-eating experience, and a popular brunch menu. Dishes like the Kare Kare Omelette, Salted Egg Pancake, and crispy Pritong Itik receive high marks. While the Lumpiang and Vinegar Fries are generally well-received, some reviews suggest a decline in quality for certain dishes compared to previous experiences, though the Ube Cheesecake is consistently praised.
"Highly recommended dishes include the Kamayan Feast, Kare Kare Omelette, Salted Egg Pancake, crispy Pritong Itik, liempo, fried chicken, and lechon belly. The Ube Cheesecake is also a consistently praised dessert."
Customers overwhelmingly praise the unique and flavorful Filipino dishes, especially highlighting the Kamayan Feast and brunch offerings. While a few recent reviews suggest a slight dip in overall quality, the positive experiences and delicious food, particularly desserts, continue to draw praise.
Important Note
Some diners have noted a perceived decline in overall quality compared to previous experiences, though specific dishes like the ube cheesecake continue to receive high praise.
"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"The user had a brunch at Naks and found it to be better than expected."
Positive"Naks is currently a preferred spot for fried chicken for this commenter."
Positive"The commenter highly recommends Naks, a Filipino restaurant, for its $45 dinner during Restaurant Week. They particularly enjoyed the liempo, fried chicken, lechon belly, and flan, also praising the Calamansi Spritz cocktail."
Positive"The commenter has upcoming reservations for Naks, expressing excitement about Restaurant Week this year."
Positive"This place offers an upscale version of the Queens Filipino dining experience."
Positive"This Manhattan restaurant is highly regarded as very good, offering contemporary takes on Filipino dishes that the commenter finds exceptional and hard to replicate at home. It is noted as being slightly pricier."
Positive"This is listed as one of the recommended Filipino restaurants."
Positive"The commenter loves this place, appreciating its contemporary approach to Filipino food which, despite being a bit more modern, gets the flavors perfectly right."
Positive"This is a highly positive mention, indicating strong approval."
Positive
