Japanese-Peruvian fusion w/ creative ceviches, inventive sushi & fun vibes. Perfect for business lunches or group dinners.
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.
Embark on a culinary journey at Papa San, a Japanese-Peruvian fusion gem helmed by the esteemed team behind Llama Inn. This vibrant eatery offers a dynamic menu that tantalizes with creative ceviches, inventive sushi rolls, and a selection of grilled and hot pot dishes. The atmosphere buzzes with a fun, inventive energy, making it an ideal spot for both business lunches and celebratory gatherings. Prepare your palate for a delightful exploration of Nikkei flavors.
Papa San offers a vibrant Japanese-Peruvian (Nikkei) fusion cuisine. Highly recommended dishes include various ceviches, the Eel Pizza, Wagyu Sushi, and creative cocktails like the Golden Curry Cocktail. While most feedback is positive, some find certain fusion combinations unbalanced or the pricing high.
"Standout dishes include the various ceviches (especially fluke and scallop), the Cacio e Pepe Udon, Eel Pizza, and Wagyu dishes. Creative cocktails like the Golden Curry Cocktail and Papa Sour are also highly recommended."
Customers generally have a positive sentiment, highlighting the creative and delicious Japanese-Peruvian fusion dishes, particularly the ceviches and cocktails. Some mention that while it can be pricey, the unique flavors and overall experience make it worthwhile for special occasions.
Important Note
Some diners find the restaurant's location in Hudson Yards to be less appealing for evening dining, and the fusion nature of the cuisine may not suit all palates. It's also noted as being on the pricier side, typical for the Llama group and the area.
"The author pointed out that Papa san has cute and unique chopstick holders for every seat."
Positive"The commenter's friend is a line cook at Papa San, and they report that the food is very good."
Positive"Papa San is a Japanese Peruvian restaurant from the same people who previously owned Llama San and Llama Inn. This type of fusion cuisine is common in upscale restaurants, even in Lima."
Neutral"This commenter praised the drinks at Papa San and found the udon and wagyu dishes to be great, but considered other food items to be just 'meh'."
Positive"This user believes that Hudson Yards is an uncool neighborhood and that Papa San is excellent with great food and service at a reasonable price, despite the neighborhood's reputation."
Positive"This commenter celebrated their 10th anniversary at Papa San, finding each dish better than the last with fantastic service and vibes. They noted the price was high but acceptable for a special occasion."
Positive"This commenter declared Papa San their 'freaking favorite place'."
Positive"The commenter believes restaurants like Papa San don't fit the Hudson Yards neighborhood, as locals don't prioritize high-cost dining there after corporate hours. They note that nearby mom-and-pop restaurants are usually crowded."
Negative"The commenter expressed surprise that the restaurant was empty despite the hyped-sounding dishes and is now curious to try the udon noodles."
Neutral"The commenter found Papa San to be very good, although a bit pricey, noting that this is typical for the Llama restaurants and the area."
Positive"A brief comment stating 'good eats' regarding Papa San."
Positive"The commenter agrees that Papa San is a cool spot and very good, despite acknowledging it might be a bit pricey."
Positive"The commenter stated that the restaurant is located in Hudson Yards and is geared more towards corporate clients."
Neutral"The commenter described the location as a 'horrible location' in the base of an office building."
Negative"The commenter questioned if the eel pizza was intended to be a pizza or okonomiyaki, implying it didn't fit either category well."
Neutral"This commenter had a very disappointing experience during a birthday dinner due to extremely slow service, incorrect dish delivery (serving meat to a vegetarian), and a lack of apologies or compensation. They found the food looked cooler than it tasted and have not returned."
Negative"The commenter felt the menu was mediocre, with a fusion approach that felt like Japanese ingredients were simply added to non-Japanese dishes. They also found the Hudson Yards location inconvenient, as it's primarily an office area."
Negative"The commenter attributed the restaurant's lack of crowds to its bad location."
Negative"The commenter tried the eel pizza and found it was not to their taste, despite liking both eel and pizza individually."
Negative"The author questioned why Papa San wasn't packed, considering it's from the respected Llama Group and the meal was strong, even better than a previous experience at Llama Inn. The restaurant is located in an odd corner near Hudson Yards, which might contribute to its low foot traffic."
Positive
