Torien

- 292 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012

In a city as culinarily rich as New York, some restaurants offer not just a meal, but a genuine experience. Torien is one of these places. Located in a charming and intimate space on Elizabeth Street, this Japanese restaurant specializes in yakitori, the art of skewered and grilled chicken. However, what sets Torien apart is its focus on the omakase format, where the chef selects and presents a multi-course meal. This approach elevates a classic Japanese street food into a high-end, thoughtful, and memorable dining journey. It's a destination for those who appreciate the precision and artistry of Japanese cooking, as well as an exclusive and curated culinary experience.

The atmosphere at Torien is best described as an elegant fusion of cozy and upscale. The space is designed to be a refined, yet welcoming environment, perfect for a special occasion or an indulgent night out. The restaurant's popularity is a testament to its unique concept and the quality of its offerings. While some reviewers note that the price point is high, the overall experience—from the food to the service and the extensive beverage menu—is designed to be a top-tier event. For those in search of a deep dive into the world of yakitori with a level of sophistication rarely found elsewhere, Torien provides an opportunity to explore unique flavors and textures in a setting that is both trendy and intimate.

Torien is nestled in a prime downtown location at 292 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012, USA. This address places it squarely in NoLita (North of Little Italy), a neighborhood renowned for its boutique shops, trendy cafes, and a more intimate, chic vibe compared to its more bustling neighbors. Elizabeth Street itself is a destination, known for its charm and quiet sophistication. The restaurant's location makes it a great spot for a pre-theater dinner or a special night out in a picturesque part of the city.

For New Yorkers, getting to Torien is relatively easy. The neighborhood is well-served by public transportation, with the 6, F, D, B, M, J, and Z subway lines all within a comfortable walking distance. This provides excellent connectivity to various parts of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. The restaurant is also committed to accessibility, with a wheelchair accessible entrance and restroom, ensuring that all guests can be accommodated. While street parking can be challenging in this dense neighborhood, the ease of public transit makes it the ideal way to get to your reservation. This focus on accessibility is a positive aspect of the overall experience.

Torien offers an exclusive and well-defined set of services designed to provide a high-end and personalized dining experience. The focus is on a formal, sit-down meal, with a limited number of service options to ensure quality and consistency.

• Dine-in: This is the primary and most important service option. The entire experience is built around dining inside, with a focus on an intimate and curated meal.
• Takeout: While the full omakase experience is designed to be enjoyed on-site, the restaurant does offer a takeout option, which may be for specific items or for catering orders.
• Table Service: The restaurant provides attentive and professional table service. The staff is well-versed in the menu and the omakase concept, guiding guests through their meal with expertise.
• Reservations Required: Due to its intimate setting and omakase format, reservations are not just recommended, but required. This ensures that every guest receives the highest level of service and attention.

Torien stands out in the New York dining scene due to a few key highlights that contribute to its exclusive and memorable nature. The entire experience is a carefully orchestrated event, from the food to the atmosphere.

• Omakase and Yakitori Specialization: The main highlight is the focus on the omakase experience, which showcases the chef’s creativity and skill through a pre-selected menu. This approach, centered around yakitori, provides a unique and elevated culinary journey. The menu, filled with various parts of the chicken and other ingredients, is a testament to this specialization.
• Cozy, Trendy, and Upscale Atmosphere: The restaurant's atmosphere is a perfect blend of cozy and upscale. The room and presentation are designed to create a sophisticated yet comfortable setting. This makes it a great place for a special occasion or a quiet, intimate dinner.
• Extensive Sake and Wine List: Torien offers an incredibly extensive and high-end beverage program. The menu is filled with a wide variety of sakes, from entry-level carafes to rare and limited-reserve bottles, as well as a selection of fine wines. This is a significant feature that caters to discerning palates.
• LGBTQ+ and Transgender Safe Space: The restaurant is identified as an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe space, providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all guests.
• Solo Dining: While great for special events, Torien is also a popular spot for solo dining, a testament to its comfortable bar seating and a format that is perfect for a personal culinary adventure.

To secure a reservation and experience this exclusive yakitori omakase, you can reach Torien at the following contact information:

• Address: 292 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012, USA
• Phone: (646) 669-9946

The primary and most recommended choice at Torien is the Omakase. This is the core of the dining experience and what the restaurant is known for. The Omakase menu, priced at $185.00, is a multi-course journey that allows the chef to showcase the best and most interesting parts of the chicken. As one reviewer noted, it's a "darn pretty good amount of food" and an "impressive" display of different flavors and textures. For those who want to take their experience to the next level, the Ikegawa Omakase at $350.00 is an even more exclusive option.

Beyond the food, the beverage program is a significant part of the experience. The sake list is exceptionally deep, with a variety of choices to suit any preference, from the more accessible Dassai 45 to a wide range of limited and reserve bottles that cater to collectors. The Beverage Pairing option is also an excellent choice, as it allows the staff to perfectly match drinks with each course of the omakase. While some diners may find the price point to be high for a meal that is primarily chicken, the overall consensus is that the value lies in the unique and thoughtful preparation, as well as the exclusive and refined dining environment. For a truly memorable and high-end yakitori experience in New York City, Torien is a top destination that delivers on its promise of quality and artistry.

Torien

292 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012, USA