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KONBAN NYC

Updated

Phone: (917) 675-6070

Address: 311 WEST 17 STREET 10011

TLDR

A hidden Japanese gem offering a tranquil escape with addictive corn ribs & crispy katsu [1, 2]. Don't miss the mazemen noodles or their value-packed sushi set [4].

Reddit Sentiment for KONBAN NYC(based on 121 Reddit opinions)

12% Positive60% Neutral28% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

japanese 63korean 56izakaya 3katsu 44rice 29tonkatsu 7View All

Neighborhoods

Chelsea

Instagram Posts References

Summary
Summary
Summary
Summary

Details

Konban NYC is a Japanese restaurant in the West Village, lauded for its flavorful dishes and tranquil ambiance, often described as a hidden gem and a minimalist oasis [1]. Standout items include the addictive corn ribs dusted in corn cheese powder and the incredibly crispy pork katsu [2, 3]. The mazemen noodles, tossed with spicy pork and a house-made almond butter, are also a must-try [4]. For those seeking value, their sushi set offers a variety of premium fish at a reasonable price [4].

Food Overview

Konban NYC is celebrated for its inventive Japanese and Izakaya-style dishes, with standouts including their highly addictive corn ribs and exceptionally crispy pork katsu [1, 2, 4]. The mazemen noodles, featuring a spicy almond butter sauce, are another popular choice [1, 4]. While many dishes receive high praise, a notable criticism revolves around the katsu not being served with rice or sides during dinner, which has led to dissatisfaction for some diners [5]. The restaurant also offers a praised sushi set and a unique ube tiramisu dessert [4].

Highlights / Recommended

"The corn ribs and crispy pork katsu are frequently highlighted as must-try dishes [1, 2]. Other recommended items include the mazemen noodles with spicy pork and almond butter sauce, and the value-packed sushi set [1, 4]."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • katsu(2)
  • tonkatsu(2)
  • corn ribs(2)
  • mazemen noodles(2)

Customer Sentiment

Customers generally have a very positive view of Konban NYC, praising its unique dishes like corn ribs and crispy katsu, and appreciating the serene ambiance that makes it a repeat visit destination [1, 2, 3, 4]. However, a significant point of contention is the exclusion of rice with the katsu dish during dinner service, leading to dissatisfaction for some [5].

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About KONBAN NYC

This extensive discussion centers on the lack of rice served with the katsu dish at Konban, with many users expressing frustration and criticizing the portion size and value. Several users suggest alternative restaurants for katsu.
This thread recommends Konban for its corn rib appetizer and corn ice cream, with users highlighting these items as favorites and visually appealing.
Konban is listed as a suggestion for an upscale Japanese restaurant.
Konban is mentioned as a solid dining option located a few blocks east of the Highline.
Konban is recommended as a good Japanese restaurant option in the West Village, noted for having easier reservation availability compared to other popular spots.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Dinner Recs Manhattan Midweek

"Konban is an Asian restaurant recommended for a dinner with a budget of $130pp tip and tax."

Neutral
Dec 10, 2025View Comment →

From post: Bestyour Favorite Chicken Katsu Curry In The City

"Konban is listed as a place to avoid."

Negative
Nov 6, 2025View Comment →

From post: My Wife Is Obsessed With Corn Any Recs

"The user highlighted Konban's corn ribs and corn ice cream as favorites from a corn crawl video."

Positive
Oct 29, 2025View Comment →

From post: My Wife Is Obsessed With Corn Any Recs

"Responding to a recommendation, the OP expressed thanks and stated these items look fantastic."

Positive
Oct 28, 2025View Comment →

From post: My Wife Is Obsessed With Corn Any Recs

"The user suggested Konban for its corn rib appetizer and corn ice cream dessert."

Positive
Oct 28, 2025View Comment →

From post: Browheres The Rice

"The commenter reiterates their frustration about Konban not serving rice for dinner, calling it 'tapas-style' and expressing dismay as they market themselves as katsu specialists."

Negative
Oct 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Browheres The Rice

"The commenter reiterates their frustration about Konban not serving rice for dinner, calling it 'tapas-style' and expressing dismay as they market themselves as katsu specialists."

Negative
Oct 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Browheres The Rice

"The commenter expresses shock and frustration that Konban would refuse to serve rice, especially when they would be willing to pay for it, and notes the inconsistency with Korean dining expectations."

Negative
Oct 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Browheres The Rice

"The commenter expresses shock and frustration that Konban would refuse to serve rice, especially when they would be willing to pay for it, and notes the inconsistency with Korean dining expectations."

Negative
Oct 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Browheres The Rice

"The commenter expresses disbelief that Konban would deny a request for rice, especially during dinner."

Neutral
Oct 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Browheres The Rice

"The commenter expresses disbelief that Konban would deny a request for rice, especially during dinner."

Neutral
Oct 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Browheres The Rice

"The commenter expressed annoyance with the prevalence of truffle flavoring in dishes."

Neutral
Oct 10, 2025View Comment →

From post: Browheres The Rice

"The commenter expressed annoyance with the prevalence of truffle flavoring in dishes."

Neutral
Oct 10, 2025View Comment →

From post: Browheres The Rice

"The commenter mentioned that rice might only be available during lunch, finding this policy strange."

Neutral
Oct 10, 2025View Comment →

From post: Browheres The Rice

"The commenter recommended Ichibantei as another solid choice for katsu, noting that they are open very late."

Positive
Oct 10, 2025View Comment →

From post: Browheres The Rice

"The commenter recommended Ichibantei as another solid choice for katsu, noting that they are open very late."

Positive
Oct 10, 2025View Comment →

From post: Browheres The Rice

"The commenter explained that Konban is an izakaya (small plates for sharing), and serving rice with the katsu would be pointless as it would prevent customers from ordering other dishes. They believe the dish in the picture and other items ordered made a sufficient meal without separate rice."

Neutral
Oct 10, 2025View Comment →

From post: Browheres The Rice

"In response to a user's sarcastic comment, this user doubled down on their previous statement about Reddit being generally smarter than the 'lowest common denominator'."

Neutral
Oct 9, 2025View Comment →

From post: Browheres The Rice

"This is a continuation of a debate about the intelligence of Reddit users."

Neutral
Oct 9, 2025View Comment →

From post: Browheres The Rice

"In response to a user's sarcastic comment, this user doubled down on their previous statement about Reddit being generally smarter than the 'lowest common denominator'."

Neutral
Oct 9, 2025View Comment →