TLDR
Upscale Filipino dishes & Kamayan Feast. Memorable 'soup no. 5,' crispy duck, and indulgent Lechon. Must-try for authentic yet modern Filipino flavors.
Instagram Posts References
Naks is highly praised as the top Filipino restaurant in New York City, particularly for its Kamayan Feast. This unique communal dining experience involves an entire table covered in fresh banana leaves, on which an array of Filipino dishes are served, meant to be eaten with your hands. Featured items include beef steak tomatoes with salted egg, sea cucumber ceviche marinated in coconut vinegar and calamansi, and egg noodles with wagyu beef and molasses. The main attraction is the Lechon, a crispy roasted pork belly infused with lemongrass, described as super indulgent and enjoyable, despite the potential messiness of the hand-eating tradition. The meal concludes with a delightful tapioca pudding called Buko Pandan, and the restaurant also provides thoughtful take-home gifts, enhancing the overall positive experience.
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'.
Details
Naks offers an upscale Filipino dining experience in the East Village, reimagining traditional flavors with contemporary flair [1]. The restaurant is praised for its unique dishes, including a memorable 'soup no. 5' and crispy 'pritong itik' [1]. Customers rave about dishes like the liempo, fried chicken, and lechon belly, making it a standout for Filipino cuisine in Manhattan [2].
Food Overview
Naks is celebrated for its elevated take on Filipino cuisine, offering both a la carte options and a unique Kamayan Feast [1], [3]. Standout dishes include the rich 'dinakdakan' [1], crispy 'pritong itik' [1], flavorful liempo, fried chicken, and lechon belly [2]. The 'soup no. 5' is noted for its unique ingredients and viscous broth [1], while the ube cheesecake and ube pie are also praised [4], [5]. While most feedback is positive, some find certain dishes like pork BBQ and brunch chicken adobo to be just okay compared to others [6].
Caveats
While generally praised, one commenter notes that the restaurant can be slightly pricier [1]. Additionally, while some dishes are highly recommended, others like pork BBQ and brunch chicken adobo received only average reviews in comparison [6].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About NAKS
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Any Pancake Recommendations On Uws Ues Or Midtown
"This commenter lists Naks as a recommendation."
NeutralFrom post: Rowdy Rooster In The East Village Has Closed For
"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."
NeutralFrom post: My Almost Month Long Food Journey Through Nyc
"The author rated the Pancit noodles 9/10, describing them as simply 'solid' with no further notes."
PositiveFrom post: Vinegar Fries
"This restaurant was mentioned as a unique option for vinegar fries, specifically noted as Filipino style and only available during brunch."
PositiveFrom post: Whats A Restaurant Youve Eaten At Recently That
"This user mentioned Naks as a highly recommended restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: Favorite Crab Dish In Nyc
"Expressed extreme fondness for the Ginataang Alimango from Naks."
PositiveFrom post: Favorite Crab Dish In Nyc
"Expressed extreme fondness for the Ginataang Alimango from Naks."
PositiveFrom post: Favorite Crab Dish In Nyc
"Recommended Dungeness crab from Naks."
PositiveFrom post: Favorite Crab Dish In Nyc
"Recommended Dungeness crab from Naks."
PositiveFrom post: Rate Our Food Tour
"This commenter suggests adding Naks for their fried chicken sandwich."
PositiveFrom post: Best Slice Of Cake Youve Ever Had In Nyc
"The ube cheesecake at Naks is praised."
PositiveFrom post: Dungeness Crab
"This user simply mentioned 'Naks' in response to a query about Dungeness crab, suggesting it as a potential place to find it."
NeutralFrom post: Your Favorite Ube Foods
"Naks in the East Village is suggested as a pricier option for their ube pie."
PositiveFrom post: Advice Needed
"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."
PositiveFrom post: Advice Needed
"The commenter recently visited Naks and found the Filipino food to be very delicious."
PositiveFrom post: Date Night Ideas Near Ukranian Village East
"Naks is listed as a recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: Date Night Ideas Near Ukranian Village East
"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."
PositiveFrom post: Kamayan A Delicious Communal Filipino Feast At
"This user recommended Naks in the Lower East Side as a better alternative to Ihawan, suggesting it for those seeking good Filipino food."
PositiveFrom post: Very Good Pancakes Recommendation
"Naks is listed as one of the commenter's personal favorite places."
PositiveFrom post: Very Good Pancakes Recommendation
"Naks is recommended for brunch, specifically for their salted egg pancake with citrus butter and salted egg cream, which is described as delicious."
Positive