Authentic Filipino feast w/ interactive Kamayan style dining! Must-try: crispy Lechon, Ube Cheesecake, Salted Egg Pancakes.
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 offers a vibrant and authentic Filipino dining experience, particularly celebrated for its unique Kamayan Feast. This communal meal, served on banana leaves, features an array of flavorful dishes like crispy Lechon and tender Wagyu beef noodles. Beyond the feast, the restaurant impresses with contemporary takes on Filipino classics, including a highly recommended Ube Cheesecake and unique brunch items such as the Kare Kare Omelette and Salted Egg Pancake.
Naks specializes in Filipino cuisine, offering both a la carte options and the highly acclaimed Kamayan Feast. Standout dishes include the crispy Lechon, flavorful Pancit noodles, and inventive brunch items like the Kare Kare Omelette and Salted Egg Pancake. The Ube Cheesecake is frequently mentioned as a must-try dessert. While most reviews are positive, a few recent comments suggest a slight dip in consistency compared to earlier visits.
"The Kamayan Feast is a highly recommended communal dining experience. Specific standouts include the Lechon, Ube Cheesecake, Salted Egg Pancakes, Kare Kare Omelette, and Vinegar Fries, which are particularly noted as a brunch-only offering."
Customers overwhelmingly praise Naks for its authentic and innovative Filipino cuisine, with many highlighting the Kamayan Feast and specific dishes like the Ube Cheesecake and Salted Egg Pancakes as exceptional. While most feedback is positive, a few diners have noted a recent decline in quality compared to past experiences.
Important Note
Some recent reviews suggest a potential decline in quality compared to earlier experiences. One commenter found a la carte offerings to be terrible in the past, though this might be outdated information. The restaurant can also be on the pricier side.
"The commenter speculates that Naks, being a Filipino establishment by the same group as Rowdy Rooster, might be related to the new concept opening at the former Rowdy Rooster location."
Neutral"The author rated the Pancit noodles 9/10, describing them as simply 'solid' with no further notes."
Positive"This restaurant was mentioned as a unique option for vinegar fries, specifically noted as Filipino style and only available during brunch."
Positive"This user mentioned Naks as a highly recommended restaurant."
Positive"Expressed extreme fondness for the Ginataang Alimango from Naks."
Positive"Expressed extreme fondness for the Ginataang Alimango from Naks."
Positive"Recommended Dungeness crab from Naks."
Positive"Recommended Dungeness crab from Naks."
Positive"This commenter suggests adding Naks for their fried chicken sandwich."
Positive"The ube cheesecake at Naks is praised."
Positive"This user simply mentioned 'Naks' in response to a query about Dungeness crab, suggesting it as a potential place to find it."
Neutral"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
