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].
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].
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].
"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]."
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].
Important Note
A significant point of contention for some diners is the absence of rice and sides with the katsu dish during dinner service, leading to feelings of dissatisfaction and a need for additional food. This has led some to recommend visiting only for lunch when a more complete set might be available or to suggest alternative restaurants for katsu [1].
"Konban is an Asian restaurant recommended for a dinner with a budget of $130pp tip and tax."
Neutral"Konban is listed as a place to avoid."
Negative"The user highlighted Konban's corn ribs and corn ice cream as favorites from a corn crawl video."
Positive"Responding to a recommendation, the OP expressed thanks and stated these items look fantastic."
Positive"The user suggested Konban for its corn rib appetizer and corn ice cream dessert."
Positive"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"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"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"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"The commenter expresses disbelief that Konban would deny a request for rice, especially during dinner."
Neutral"The commenter expresses disbelief that Konban would deny a request for rice, especially during dinner."
Neutral"The commenter expressed annoyance with the prevalence of truffle flavoring in dishes."
Neutral"The commenter expressed annoyance with the prevalence of truffle flavoring in dishes."
Neutral"The commenter mentioned that rice might only be available during lunch, finding this policy strange."
Neutral"The commenter recommended Ichibantei as another solid choice for katsu, noting that they are open very late."
Positive"The commenter recommended Ichibantei as another solid choice for katsu, noting that they are open very late."
Positive"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"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"This is a continuation of a debate about the intelligence of Reddit users."
Neutral"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