Innovative Filipino brunch and unique dishes, praised for creative takes on classics and a lively atmosphere.
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'.
NAKS is an East Village Filipino restaurant from the Unapologetic Foods group, offering a unique and contemporary take on traditional dishes. It's particularly noted for its exceptional brunch menu, with standout items like the salted egg pancakes and Kare Kare Omelette receiving high praise. While reservations can be easier to get than some of the group's other establishments, the dining experience is described as lively and inviting, with some patrons noting a slight price increase but generally excellent flavor profiles.
NAKS offers a contemporary approach to Filipino cuisine, with many patrons highly recommending their brunch offerings. Standout dishes include the highly praised salted egg pancakes and the flavorful Kare Kare Omelette. While some dishes like Lumpiang received mixed reviews for being too cabbage-heavy, the Ube Cheesecake is consistently lauded. There are some recent comments suggesting a decline in quality, but the unique flavors and preparation, especially for brunch, are often highlighted.
"The salted egg pancakes and Kare Kare Omelette are frequently highlighted as must-try dishes, with the Ube Cheesecake also receiving consistent praise."
Customers generally have a positive sentiment towards NAKS, with many praising its unique take on Filipino cuisine, particularly during brunch. Some recent feedback suggests a potential decline in overall quality compared to past experiences, though specific dishes like the ube cheesecake remain highly recommended.
Important Note
Some recent feedback suggests a decline in overall quality compared to past experiences, and a la carte offerings have been criticized by some.
"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"The commenter suggests Naks as a better option for Asian-inspired brunches compared to Thai Diner."
Positive"This user recommended Naks as a dining option."
Positive"This user visited Naks recently and, along with their group, felt it was worse than remembered, though the ube cheesecake was excellent."
Negative"This user found Naks' a la carte offerings to be terrible when it previously offered both tasting menu and a la carte, expressing uncertainty about its current quality."
Negative"This user loved Naks previously but believes it has unfortunately lost some quality recently. They still enjoyed the ube cheesecake."
Neutral"This user considers Naks to be among the best of its kind, specifically recommending it for Filipino brunch."
Positive"This user expressed positive interest in Naks, especially the salted egg pancakes, based on the provided review."
Positive"A recent diner at Naks particularly enjoyed the salted egg pancakes, describing them as 'something special'."
Positive"The Original Poster highly recommends Naks for brunch, finding the food, especially the omelettes and salted egg pancake, significantly improved from prior dinner experiences."
Positive"The commenter recommends Naks as a place to visit."
Positive"Lists Naks as one of several suggestions for a date night, in response to the original poster's request for non-European cuisine options."
Neutral"The user enjoys the Kamayan Feast at NAKS and is looking for similar group dining experiences."
Positive