Wafuu Izakaya

- 107-09 70th Rd, Forest Hills, NY 11375

Wafuu Izakaya stands out as a vibrant, modern Japanese restaurant located in the heart of Forest Hills, Queens. Offering a distinctive blend of Japanese culinary favorites, the restaurant is designed to bring the warm, inviting atmosphere of a traditional Tokyo neighborhood izakaya—a casual Japanese pub or tavern serving drinks and small plates—right to the New York City community. Since its opening, Wafuu Izakaya has quickly become a noteworthy spot for locals seeking authentic Japanese flavors beyond the typical sushi fare.

The concept of Wafuu, which translates to "Japanese style," perfectly encapsulates the restaurant's dedication to honoring classic Japanese cooking traditions while applying them to a diverse and engaging menu. It's more than just a restaurant; it’s a destination for a social and delicious dining experience, perfect for sharing a variety of dishes with friends or family. For residents of Forest Hills and the greater New York area, Wafuu Izakaya offers an authentic taste of Japan, focusing on comfort, quality, and rich, satisfying food.

Whether you are craving the deep, savory warmth of a well-made ramen broth, the smoky char of perfectly grilled skewers, or the satisfying crunch of a Japanese-style cutlet, this spot provides an array of options to please any palate. While some new restaurants take time to fine-tune their operations, Wafuu Izakaya shows immense potential in delivering high-quality, authentic Japanese cuisine to a neighborhood with a growing appetite for diverse and international flavors. It positions itself as a casual, yet authentic, Japanese grill and ramen house that is well worth a visit when you are in Queens.

Location and Accessibility

Wafuu Izakaya is conveniently situated in the bustling Forest Hills neighborhood of Queens, New York, making it easily accessible for local residents and visitors traveling from other boroughs. Its location on 70th Road places it right in a prime commercial area, surrounded by other local businesses and dining options.

The exact address is: 107-09 70th Rd, Forest Hills, NY 11375, USA.

For those traveling by public transportation, Forest Hills is well-served by the MTA. The restaurant is easily reachable via a short walk from the major transit hub at Forest Hills–71st Avenue. This station is a crucial intersection for the New York City Subway, servicing the E, F, M, and R lines. Additionally, the area is served by several MTA bus routes, including the Q23, Q60, and Q64. Furthermore, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) has a station in Forest Hills, providing a quick option for commuters traveling from elsewhere on Long Island or from Manhattan's Penn Station.

Its central Queens location makes Wafuu Izakaya an accessible choice for a midday lunch or a late-evening dinner.

Services Offered

Wafuu Izakaya is dedicated to providing a versatile and convenient dining experience to the Forest Hills community. Their service model caters to different preferences, ensuring guests can enjoy their authentic Japanese food wherever they prefer.

Available services include:

• Dine-in: Guests can enjoy the warm and inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of a lively Japanese tavern, for a relaxing meal.
• Takeout: For those on the go, the full menu is available for easy pickup.
• Lunch Dining: The restaurant is open during lunch hours, offering a special selection of lunch main dishes and combos, making it a great option for a satisfying midday break.
• Dinner Dining: The full menu of appetizers, donburi, ramen, and grill items are available for a complete evening dining experience.
• Online Ordering: The establishment utilizes modern technology, including QR code menus and online platforms, for efficient ordering and service.

Features and Culinary Highlights

Wafuu Izakaya specializes in a few core areas of authentic Japanese cooking, with an emphasis on rich flavors and satisfying portions. Unlike sushi-centric Japanese restaurants, the focus here is on grilled foods, hearty noodles, and rice bowls, embodying the spirit of a true izakaya and ramen house.

Key features and highlights from the menu include:

• Rich and Flavorful Ramen: The restaurant offers a variety of noodle dishes, including classic selections like Tonkotsu Soup Noodles, Miso Soup Noodles, and Shoyu Soup Noodles. Unique options like Truffle Tonkotsu and Roast Garlic Tonkotsu cater to adventurous diners, while a Vegetarian Ramen is also available.
• Yakitori and Japanese Grill Items: A prominent feature of the menu is the wide selection of Yakitori (grilled skewers), including the popular Yakitori Platter. Protein options range from Butabara (Pork Belly), Momo (Chicken Breast), and Kushiyaki (Beef), to seafood and vegetable skewers like Asparagus Yakitori and Enoki Mushroom with Bacon. Other grilled specialties include Grilled Eel, Shio Saba Yaki, and the popular Ika Yaki (Grilled Squid).
• Crispy Katsu and Hearty Donburi: The menu features excellent deep-fried Katsu options, such as Pork Katsu and Chicken Katsu, which can be enjoyed alone or with a side of rich Curry sauce (Curry Pork/Chicken Katsu). These are also served over rice as part of a Donburi bowl, like the Chicken Oyako Don and Unagi Don.
• Diverse Appetizers: A vast array of small plates designed for sharing, true to the izakaya style. Favorites include the Japanese-style Karaage Chicken (a highly praised dish by customers for its flavor), Takoyaki, Gyoza, Shumai, and various Tempura selections.
• Chef's Specials: The Chef's Special section features upscale dishes like Grilled Miso Black Cod and Beef Karubi Yaki (Grilled Short Ribs), offering a premium taste of Japanese grilling.
• Authentic Japanese Beverages: A selection of unique Japanese soft drinks, including various flavors of Calpico Japanese Yogurt and Japanese Soda (Lychee, Melon, Strawberry), complements the meal.

Contact Information

For reservations, takeout orders, or inquiries, you can reach Wafuu Izakaya at the following contact points. It is always recommended to call ahead for current operating details, especially during peak hours.

Address: 107-09 70th Rd, Forest Hills, NY 11375, USA

Phone: (718) 793-7777

What is Worth Choosing: A Local’s Recommendation

For New Yorkers in search of an authentic and hearty Japanese meal that won't break the bank, Wafuu Izakaya is certainly a spot to put on your must-try list in Queens. The restaurant delivers on its promise of traditional Japanese flavors, making it a compelling alternative to more conventional Japanese establishments in the borough.

Based on customer feedback and the robust menu, the following categories are where Wafuu Izakaya truly shines:

• The Karaage Chicken: This is arguably one of the most celebrated items, frequently highlighted by guests as exceptionally well-prepared and flavorful. It’s a perfect appetizer or side dish for anyone who appreciates expertly fried, Japanese-style chicken.
• The Ramen Selections: With a focus on rich broth bases like Tonkotsu and Miso, the ramen here provides the deep, comforting flavors that ramen enthusiasts seek. The availability of specialty ramens, such as Truffle Tonkotsu, suggests a kitchen willing to both honor tradition and experiment with modern, high-end flavors.
• Katsu Dishes: Both the traditional Katsu and the Curry Katsu options—available as entrees or rice bowls (Donburi)—are noted for their perfectly cooked, crispy cutlets. They offer a filling and deeply satisfying meal for lunch or dinner.
• Yakitori Skewers: As a modern izakaya, the various grilled skewers are a staple. Ordering a platter of Yakitori is the best way to embrace the traditional sharing culture of an izakaya, allowing diners to sample different meats and vegetables seasoned and grilled to perfection.

While the service model uses a modern, digitized approach for ordering, which can feel less personal than traditional service, the quality and generosity of the food portions often win over diners. The value proposition—excellent, authentic food with plentiful servings in a prime location—makes Wafuu Izakaya a highly recommended spot for anyone in the New York area craving quality Japanese comfort food. It provides a taste of a vibrant, authentic Japanese dining experience right here in Forest Hills.

Wafuu Izakaya

107-09 70th Rd, Forest Hills, NY 11375, USA