Honzen - Japanese Eatery

- 37-12 31st Ave, Long Island City, NY 11103

For New Yorkers seeking a truly authentic and refined Japanese dining experience that goes beyond the typical sushi joint, Honzen - Japanese Eatery in Astoria, Queens, is a destination well worth exploring. This Asian-owned restaurant is not just another eatery; it’s a culinary journey, specializing in the traditional and highly respected style of Japanese cuisine known as Honzen Ryori. Originating from the samurai class during Japan’s Muromachi period (13th-14th centuries), Honzen Ryori is a formal, ritualized style of serving food, celebrated for its exquisite balance of flavors and meticulous presentation. At Honzen, this traditional concept is reimagined to offer a sophisticated yet cozy dining experience right here in Long Island City.

Honzen stands out in the crowded NYC food scene by focusing on set meals, allowing patrons to choose a protein and a rice bowl to create a beautifully curated, multi-component dining experience. This approach ensures that every dish, from the savory grilled mackerel to the rich miso cod, is prepared with the utmost care and attention to detail. The atmosphere at Honzen is both cozy and trendy, featuring a stylish design that makes it an excellent choice for a solo treat, a gathering with family and friends, or a memorable date night. While it is certainly a spot for higher-end ingredients—including fresh uni, toro, and A5 Wagyu—the experience is consistently praised for the quality of the ingredients and the authenticity of the dishes, successfully transporting diners to a momentary escape that feels like a return to Japan.

The restaurant offers a welcome respite from the city's hustle, promising solid, well-made food with a unique focus on traditional Japanese culinary philosophy. Whether you're intrigued by the historic Honzen Ryori set or tempted by luxurious small plates, Honzen provides an elevated and authentic culinary adventure in the heart of Queens.

Honzen - Japanese Eatery is conveniently located at 37-12 31st Ave, Long Island City, NY 11103. While technically located in the Astoria section of Queens, its proximity to Long Island City makes it highly accessible to a broad swath of New Yorkers. The location on 31st Avenue places it in a busy and popular neighborhood known for its diverse culinary offerings.

Accessibility is generally quite favorable in this part of Queens. The restaurant is situated near major subway lines, making it easily reachable from Manhattan and other boroughs via public transportation. For those who prefer to drive, the area benefits from the availability of free street parking, a highly valued amenity in New York City. The entrance to the eatery is easily found on 31st Ave. While specific accessibility details beyond the general neighborhood context are not listed, its prime location on a main avenue in a highly populated area makes it a natural gathering spot for locals and groups.

Honzen - Japanese Eatery focuses on providing an intimate and complete dining experience within its premises. The service model emphasizes quality and a comfortable, unhurried meal, especially given its focus on the refined Honzen Ryori style.

• Dine-in Only: The restaurant emphasizes the on-site experience, offering both seating and table service. This focus is key to enjoying the traditional presentation and components of the Honzen Ryori set meal.
• Reservations Accepted and Recommended: Due to its unique and high-quality offerings, dinner reservations are accepted and highly recommended, ensuring guests secure a table for this distinct dining experience.
• Counter Service Option: In addition to standard seating, the restaurant offers counter service, providing an alternative dining option that may appeal to solo diners or those interested in watching the preparation.
• Full Beverage Options: The menu includes a selection of alcohol, beer, and wine, perfectly complementing the Japanese dishes.
• Payment Flexibility: Honzen accepts all major credit cards and debit cards for easy and convenient payment.
• Inclusive Amenities: The restaurant provides a gender-neutral restroom, is LGBTQ+ friendly, and is noted as a transgender safe space, fostering a welcoming environment for all patrons.

Honzen is more than just a Japanese restaurant; it is a cultural and culinary experience defined by its unique features and high-quality offerings.

• Honzen Ryori Set Meal: The signature highlight is the focus on the Honzen Ryori set. This traditional style of dining provides a curated, multi-component meal, allowing diners to customize their experience with a choice of protein and a rice bowl.
• High-End Ingredients: The menu showcases premium ingredients rarely found in typical neighborhood Japanese restaurants, such as A5 Wagyu Tartare, Hokkaido uni, toro, and Hamachi Kama (yellowtail collar).
• Authentic Japanese Experience: Patrons often feel "transported back to Japan" due to the genuine flavors and unique set-meal structure, making it a great choice for those seeking true authenticity.
• Cozy and Trendy Atmosphere: The interior space is described as cozy and trendy, creating an intimate and stylish setting perfect for a refined meal.
• Diverse Small Plates: While the set meal is the focus, the Otsumami (Snacks) menu offers excellent small plates like Karaage (crispy chicken thigh), Shitshitos, and Gyoza, which are perfect for sharing or enjoying with a drink.
• Healthy Options and Beer/Alcohol: The menu includes healthy options alongside a curated selection of beer and alcohol, catering to various dietary and personal preferences.
• Asian-Owned Business: The restaurant proudly identifies as Asian-owned, connecting it to the cultural roots of the cuisine it serves.
• Inclusive Environment: Honzen is noted as family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, and a transgender safe space, ensuring a welcoming environment for all New Yorkers.

• Address: 37-12 31st Ave, Long Island City, NY 11103, USA
• Phone: (929) 597-7761

A visit to Honzen - Japanese Eatery is defined by its signature offering, making the Honzen Ryori Set the essential choice for any first-time visitor. This customizable set meal allows you to build a perfect, balanced Japanese dinner. Within this set, certain protein and rice bowl combinations stand out as exceptional choices. The Miso Cod and grilled mackerel are highly recommended protein options, praised by customers for being tasty, well-made, and delivering on authentic flavor.

When selecting your rice bowl (part of the set meal), the U&I bowl (likely featuring Uni and another ingredient, possibly Ikura or another delicacy) and the Unagi bowl are described as "phenomenal" and "delicious" by patrons. These components offer a rich and satisfying element to the overall meal.

Beyond the set, the Otsumami (Snacks) menu features luxurious small plates that are worth exploring. The Uni Toro Toast, a high-end appetizer featuring Hokkaido uni, toro, and caviar, is an indulgent highlight for those who appreciate premium seafood. For something more savory and comforting, the Karaage (crispy chicken thigh) and Gyoza are solid choices that offer familiar Japanese comfort food. While not the cheapest meal in the city, the consensus is that the quality of the ingredients and the refined nature of the dishes—especially the exquisite preparation of the seafood—make the meal truly worthwhile. To ensure the best experience, checking on the availability of highly sought-after items like the Yellowtail Crudo or Bluefin Tuna before ordering is a good strategy.

Honzen - Japanese Eatery

37-12 31st Ave, Long Island City, NY 11103, USA