Peruvian-Japanese Nikkei cuisine w/ inventive ceviches & cocktails. Great for biz lunches or group eats.
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.
Papa San, from the Llama Group, offers a unique Japanese-Peruvian fusion with a focus on creative dishes and vibrant cocktails. Reviewers highlight its suitability for business lunches and group outings, praising its ambiance and many of its inventive menu items. While some fusion combinations may miss the mark for certain palates, the overall experience is often described as exceptional and worthwhile.
Papa San specializes in Japanese-Peruvian (Nikkei) fusion cuisine. Highly recommended items include various ceviches, the Cacio e Pepe udon, and the eel pizza. While many find the food creative and flavorful, some fusion dishes, like certain sushi rolls, have received mixed reviews for not always balancing the flavors effectively.
"Standout dishes frequently mentioned include the Cacio e Pepe Udon with squid, the Eel Pizza, various ceviches (especially fluke and scallop), and the Wagyu dishes. Cocktails like The Paloma and Tonic Colada are also highly recommended."
Customers generally have a very positive experience, praising the creative and delicious food, vibrant cocktails, and enjoyable ambiance, although some find it a bit pricey. There are occasional criticisms regarding specific fusion combinations and service inconsistencies.
Important Note
Some reviewers find the restaurant to be on the pricier side, and its location in Hudson Yards, primarily an office area, may contribute to it not being as busy as expected, especially for dinner. Certain fusion dishes have received mixed feedback.
"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"The author has had client lunches at Papa San and found it excellent, but noted it doesn't feel right for dinner due to the office building atmosphere."
Positive"The commenter stated that Llama Inn is closing on December 20th and Llama San has already closed. Papa San is presented as the last remaining restaurant from the group, and it is described as excellent."
Positive"The commenter suggested that the restaurant's sophisticated dishes might not appeal to a 'business palate,' contrasting it with the consistent popularity of a place like Milos."
Neutral
