TLDR
Innovative Japanese-Peruvian fusion in a sun-drenched, plant-filled space; beloved for standout wagyu and inventive small plates.
Instagram Posts References
Chef Erik at Papa San NYC presents a unique take on Lomo Saltado, prepared in a bao-style. The dish utilizes wagyu chuck flap, marinated in dashi and grilled, then thinly shaved. It's accompanied by classic Lomo Saltado components like red onion, cherry tomato, cilantro, and ginger, all cooked in a soy-based sauce. Diners assemble their own bao with beef, vegetables, pickled chilies, and a huacatay crema, dipping the final creation back into the sauce. Chef Erik likens the flavor profile to a mix between sukiyaki and French dip. This dish is intended for sharing and is available during dinner service.
Papa San Izakaya Peruano is a food cart in New York City offering a variety of gourmet hot dogs with unique toppings. Their menu includes the 'Mr. Miyagi' with teriyaki sauce, wasabi mayo, pickled cucumber, crispy onion, and nori; the 'Ktown Dog' with kimchi, gochujang mayo, queso, and potato strings; and 'The Chow Chow' with spicy Asian relish, mayo, purple potato chips, and cilantro. They also serve a 'Plain Dane' beef hot dog on a Martin's bun. Drinks like Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale, Club Soda, Aqua Fresca, and San Pellegrino are also available. The cart is noted for its creative and fusion approach to hot dogs, blending Japanese and Korean influences with Peruvian flavors.
Papa San is supporting the United for Venezuela Silent Auction by donating a prize that includes a dinner for two and a Chef Meet & Greet with Chef Erik Ramirez. The auction aims to raise critical funds for children and families impacted by recent earthquakes in Venezuela through FUNDANA. The donated prize is valued at $300 for the dinner and offers a unique behind-the-scenes experience.
Papasan NYC participated in the Sake Harmony Weeks, presenting an innovative pairing of their Eel Pizza with Tozai Sake. The reviewer found this combination to be exceptionally well-balanced and perfect, noting how the sake's acidity effectively cut through the rich, salty, and fatty pecorino cheese in the pizza. This pairing created a harmonious and layered flavor profile, demonstrating sake's ability to complement non-Japanese dishes and balance their richness.
Willa Moore reviews Papa San, a Peruvian-Japanese spot in Hudson Yards, highlighting its pleasant ambiance for business lunches but mixed results with its fusion dishes.
Details
A chic Japanese-Peruvian fusion venture from the team behind Llama Inn, this spot offers creative plates like eel pizza and wagyu tri-tip in a bright, plant-filled Hudson Yards space [1]. While many praise the innovative cuisine as excellent and well-balanced [2], some diners find the office-building setting disconnected and the service occasionally inconsistent [3]. It remains a destination favored for business lunches and celebratory occasions [4].
Food Overview
The restaurant serves inventive Nikkei cuisine, featuring highlights like wagyu tri-tip with yuzu bearnaise and sensational cacio e pepe-style udon noodles with squid [3]. While the eel pizza and rotating ceviches are frequently recommended [1], [5], some fusion dishes like the blue crab maki with Frank's Red Hot have been criticized for lacking balance [1].
Highly recommended dishes include the wagyu tri-tip with yuzu bearnaise, the cacio e pepe-style udon noodles, and the eel pizza [3].
Feedback is polarized; while many celebrate the high-quality cuisine and festive atmosphere for special occasions [3], others criticize the sterile office-building location and inconsistent service standards [3].
Most Mentioned Dishes
- 01eel pizza8 mentions
- 02udon noodles4 mentions
- 03cacio e pepe udon2 mentions
- 04bok choy salad2 mentions
- 05mussels2 mentions
- 06miso black cod2 mentions
Caveats
The restaurant is located in a sterile office building, which some find inconvenient or unsuited for evening dining [3]. Prices are on the higher side [3], [4].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About PAPA SAN
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Solo Weekday Lunch Recommendations In The Hudson
"Shared a positive experience from an anniversary dinner."
PositiveFrom post: Solo Weekday Lunch Recommendations In The Hudson
"Enjoyed the experience and noted the availability of bar and counter seating, though mentioned it can be pricey."
PositiveFrom post: Just Moved Back To Nyc For The First Time In 5
"Recommended as a seafood-focused restaurant."
NeutralFrom post: Dinner Near Penn Station Looking For More High
"Papa San is mentioned as a solid restaurant option near Penn Station, comparable to top restaurants in other cities."
PositiveFrom post: Top Trendyhigh Vibe Restaurant Around
"Papa San was listed as one of several restaurants in Hudson Yards suitable for business crowds, noting that reservations are typically available."
Neutral