TLDR
Inventive Japanese-Peruvian fusion w/ standout eel pizza & creative cocktails. Great for business lunches, unique flavors you won't forget.
Instagram Posts References
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
Papa San, a Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant in Hudson Yards from the creators of Llama Inn, offers a unique dining experience with a bright, plant-filled ambiance perfect for business lunches [1], [2]. The menu features inventive Nikkei cuisine, with dishes like fluke tiradito and eel pizza receiving praise for their creative and delicious flavor profiles [1]. While some fusion combinations may not always land perfectly, the restaurant is lauded for its overall quality and as a standout option from its culinary group [1], [3], [4].
Food Overview
Papa San offers a Japanese-Peruvian (Nikkei) fusion menu with highlights like a praised fluke tiradito and an eel pizza with bonito flakes and pecorino cheese [1]. While some dishes, such as the blue crab maki roll, have been criticized for unbalanced flavors [1], others like the Cacio e Pepe Udon and mussels in curry sauce have received acclaim [4], [6]. The restaurant also offers Wagyu dishes and creative cocktails [4], [7]. One diner recalled a delicious mackerel ceviche and rice dish that is no longer on the menu [8].
Caveats
Some diners feel that Papa San's fusion approach doesn't always harmonize flavors, and a few have found the dishes to be somewhat unbalanced or not to their taste [1], [9]. The restaurant's location in Hudson Yards, within an office building, has been cited by some as contributing to its less-than-packed status, with suggestions that it may be better suited for business lunches than general dining [1], [10], [11]. It can also be on the pricier side [5].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About PAPA SAN
Recent Reddit Mentions
From 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."
NeutralFrom post: Best Mocktails In Bkmanhattan That Arent 20 Real
"The commenter mentioned Papa San as a place with good mocktails, but noted that the food is expensive."
NeutralFrom post: Restaurant With The Cutest Platesdishware In Nyc
"The author pointed out that Papa san has cute and unique chopstick holders for every seat."
PositiveFrom post: Recommendations For Fancy Peruvian Restaurant In
"The commenter's friend is a line cook at Papa San, and they report that the food is very good."
PositiveFrom post: Recommendations For Fancy Peruvian Restaurant In
"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."
NeutralFrom post: Why Is Papa San Not Packed Every Night
"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'."
PositiveFrom post: Why Is Papa San Not Packed Every Night
"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."
PositiveFrom post: Why Is Papa San Not Packed Every Night
"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."
PositiveFrom post: Why Is Papa San Not Packed Every Night
"This commenter declared Papa San their 'freaking favorite place'."
PositiveFrom post: Why Is Papa San Not Packed Every Night
"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."
NegativeFrom post: Why Is Papa San Not Packed Every Night
"The commenter expressed surprise that the restaurant was empty despite the hyped-sounding dishes and is now curious to try the udon noodles."
NeutralFrom post: Why Is Papa San Not Packed Every Night
"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."
PositiveFrom post: Why Is Papa San Not Packed Every Night
"A brief comment stating 'good eats' regarding Papa San."
PositiveFrom post: Why Is Papa San Not Packed Every Night
"The commenter agrees that Papa San is a cool spot and very good, despite acknowledging it might be a bit pricey."
PositiveFrom post: Why Is Papa San Not Packed Every Night
"The commenter stated that the restaurant is located in Hudson Yards and is geared more towards corporate clients."
NeutralFrom post: Why Is Papa San Not Packed Every Night
"The commenter described the location as a 'horrible location' in the base of an office building."
NegativeFrom post: Why Is Papa San Not Packed Every Night
"The commenter questioned if the eel pizza was intended to be a pizza or okonomiyaki, implying it didn't fit either category well."
NeutralFrom post: Why Is Papa San Not Packed Every Night
"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."
NegativeFrom post: Why Is Papa San Not Packed Every Night
"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