Hinoki Counter

- 137-49 Northern Blvd, Flushing, NY 11354

For New York diners seeking an intimate and luxurious Japanese culinary experience, the journey doesn't always have to end in Manhattan. Hinoki Counter, nestled discreetly within the larger Blu Ember restaurant in Flushing, Queens, offers a superlative omakase experience that rivals the city's best. Omakase, meaning "I leave it up to you," is a chef-driven tasting menu where the diner entrusts the chef to select and prepare the freshest, most seasonal ingredients available.

Hinoki Counter provides this concept in an exclusive and personalized setting. Known for its small, dedicated seating area—often cited as an intimate eight-seat counter—the venue is designed for food lovers who appreciate the artistry and dedication of Japanese cuisine. Here, the chef is front and center, meticulously preparing and presenting each course directly to the guest. This direct interaction, as noted by enthusiastic New Yorkers, is a key part of the memorable experience, allowing patrons to witness the passion and talent of chefs like Chef Charles first-hand.

Hinoki Counter is more than just a meal; it is a refined Dine-in experience, perfect for celebrating special occasions, hosting business dinners, or simply treating yourself to one of the most exciting dining journeys available in the borough of Queens. The focus here is squarely on the freshest fish, theatrical presentation, and exceptional, unobtrusive service.

Hinoki Counter is situated in a key commercial and hospitality landmark in Flushing, making it easily accessible for New York locals and visitors alike. The restaurant’s address is 137-49 Northern Blvd, Flushing, NY 11354, USA.

A notable feature of its location is that Hinoki Counter operates as an intimate omakase spot snuggled inside the Blu Ember restaurant, which is itself tucked inside the Westin Flushing LaGuardia Airport hotel. This location offers several practical advantages for the New York diner:

• Convenient Access: Being located on Northern Boulevard, it is a recognizable and easily navigated location in a high-traffic area of Queens.
• Hotel Proximity: Its presence within a major hotel provides a sophisticated and secure environment, often benefiting from the hotel’s amenities and high standards of operation.
• Transportation: The Flushing area is a major transit hub, ensuring that the restaurant is reachable via various public transit options, including subway and bus lines serving Northern Queens and the greater NYC area.

As a high-end omakase establishment, the services at Hinoki Counter are specialized and tailored to deliver a seamless, elevated dining journey.

• Exclusive Dine-in Omakase: The primary service is a multi-course, chef’s choice tasting menu focusing on the freshest, highest-quality seasonal ingredients. This is exclusively a Dine-in experience.
• Intimate Counter Seating: Guests are seated at an exclusive sushi counter—often an eight-seat setting—to ensure maximum engagement with the chef and the preparation process.
• Reservation-Based Seating: Due to the highly limited seating, reservations are essential and can often be made through platforms like Resy, with seatings released on a fixed schedule.
• Personalized Chef Interaction: The omakase format encourages direct interaction with the chef, who guides guests through the meal and often customizes the final courses.
• Exceptional Table Service: Customer reviews highlight the "exceptional service," noting that staff are highly attentive, clearing plates instantly and ensuring water and needs are addressed without prompting.

Hinoki Counter has established itself as a must-visit destination for New York’s sushi aficionados by focusing on key elements of the Japanese fine dining experience:

• Value-Driven Omakase Price Point: Compared to many Manhattan-based high-end omakase spots, Hinoki Counter is often recognized for offering a superb culinary experience at a price point that offers excellent value for the number of courses and quality of fish served. For instance, reports suggest a generous 17-course omakase is offered at a very competitive rate, making luxury accessible in Queens.
• High-Caliber Chef Talent: Patrons frequently praise Chef Charles specifically, noting his passion, talent, and ability to deliver a truly delicious and memorable meal where the fish is consistently fresh.
• Theatrical Presentation: The format guarantees an up-close and personal view of the sushi master at work, turning the preparation of the meal into a captivating piece of presentation theatrics.
• Diverse and Creative Courses: The omakase menu typically extends beyond just nigiri, beginning with spectacular appetizers (often described as "so good") that showcase seasonal ingredients, creating a well-rounded and progressive culinary journey.
• Exclusive Intimacy: The small, dedicated counter seating provides an exclusive feel, giving guests the sense that they have "stumbled upon something secret and special," perfect for intimate dinners or small group outings.

For reservations or inquiries about the exquisite dining experience at Hinoki Counter, please use the contact details below. Reservations are highly recommended due to the limited seating.

• Address: 137-49 Northern Blvd, Flushing, NY 11354, USA (Located inside Blu Ember Restaurant)
• Phone: (718) 886-8000

The entire premise of Hinoki Counter is built around the omakase experience, which is undoubtedly the only way to fully appreciate the restaurant's commitment to quality and artistry. When you choose to dine here, you are selecting the chef's expertise and the freshest seasonal fish available, removing the guesswork of ordering a la carte.

For local New Yorkers seeking the best value in high-end Japanese dining, the full omakase tasting menu is the non-negotiable choice. The multi-course experience, which often features up to 17 exquisite items, ensures a culinary journey that progresses through diverse textures and flavors, from meticulously crafted sushi pieces to unique and flavorful appetizers that set the stage for the raw fish courses.

The true value lies in the counter seating itself. The ability to sit directly at the hinoki counter, watching the chef prepare each piece of nigiri and having it handed directly to you, guarantees the absolute peak of freshness and enhances the entire dining event. Customers rave about the exceptional quality of the fish and the engaging performance by the chef, which transforms the meal into an unforgettable occasion. If available, inquiries about seasonal fish or any special appetizer features are encouraged, as the chef’s selections are always the highlight. For a celebratory or indulgent evening in Queens, choosing the chef’s full, intimate omakase at Hinoki Counter is the ultimate culinary decision.

Hinoki Counter

137-49 Northern Blvd, Flushing, NY 11354, USA