Welcome to Kaoru
Kaoru is a hidden gem nestled on East 46th Street in New York, offering an authentic Japanese dining experience that marries traditional cuisine with a cozy, upscale ambiance. Known for its fresh sashimi and delightful seafood plates, patrons rave about the impressive quality and variety of dishes, including the renowned "Tres Amigos" sushi bowl. The unique setting doubles as a charming piano bar, enhancing your meal with live music and a fun atmosphere. Diners appreciate the attentive service and a menu that spans from tender edamame to savory cold udon noodles, making Kaoru a must-visit for any culinary enthusiast.
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306 E 46th St, New York, NY 10017, United States Hotline: +1 212-867-0874
Welcome to Kaoru, a hidden gem nestled in Midtown Manhattan at 306 E 46th St, New York, NY 10017. This charming eatery is renowned for its authentic Japanese cuisine, offering a delightful blend of traditional flavors and a cozy ambiance. The tranquil, classy yet relaxed atmosphere, accentuated by the soothing sounds of live piano music at night, makes it a perfect spot for any occasion. From the moment you step inside, you are transported to a Japanese izakaya experience that feels both fresh and timeless.
At Kaoru, the centerpiece of the menu is undoubtedly the seafood. Diners rave about the sashimi, which is celebrated for its unparalleled freshness and delicate flavors. Whether you’re a sashimi novice or a seasoned connoisseur, you’ll be impressed by the quality. The Three Amigos sushi bowl is another must-try – a medley of flavors that captures the essence of the ocean, all while being filling and reasonably priced. Customers have indicated that this dish stands out as one of the best they have ever had, making it a compulsory stop for future visits to NYC.
The diverse menu offers something for everyone. From the perfectly cooked edamame, tender and generously portioned, to the delightful Cold Udon noodles with their inviting texture, each dish compels you to savor every bite. The Tonkatsu, thick and juicy, showcases the skill of the chefs, who pride themselves on authentic Japanese preparation methods. Don't miss out on the tantalizing dumplings in chili oil, bursting with flavor and just the right amount of spice.
And for a comforting finish, the Miso Pork Rice Bowl doesn’t disappoint, layered with a rich miso sauce and plenty of green onions, it brings warmth and satisfaction in every mouthful. The attention to detail, from the vibrant presentation to the amicable service, creates an inviting dining experience. This is not merely a meal; it’s a culinary journey through Japan's rich food culture.
Kaoru isn't just a place to eat; it’s a sanctuary for lovers of authentic Japanese cuisine. With impeccable seafood, a tranquil ambiance, and dedicated staff fluent in both English and Japanese, every visit feels special. Whether you come for a cozy dinner, a lively karaoke night, or simply to enjoy a refreshing Yuzu Soda, Kaoru promises an unforgettable experience.
Contact: +1 212-867-0874
True japanese food. Very cozy with authentic japanese seafood plates. Love, love, love! But the ell was little dry
The sashimi is really fresh here! Nice, classy-but-chill ambiance as well--it's a Japanese Piano Bar, which means that at night there's live piano music that sometimes people do karaoke to. I didn't drink any alcohol, but I really liked their Yuzu Soda. Food was high quality--don't expect your usual "bar food". Summary below: -Edamame was tender and the portion generous. --a good snack. -Sashimi--tried it for the first time and was VERY impressed. Very fresh (no smell at all!) and the manager was kind enough to recommend the best raw fish for a first-timer (amberjack). -Cold Udon noodles were bouncy and savory and there was a fun texture from the little fried bits on top. Has a dashi broth, so if you don't like any seafood taste, I'd skip. -Tonkatsu was Japanese-style thick and juicy and nice--a fresh and clean fry. -Dumplings in Chili Oil were sooooo yummy and the chili oil was spicy, but the good kind of spicy that makes you want to eat more. -Miso Pork Rice Bowl was kind of like a fried pork dipped in this miso-forward sauce--amazing and warm and comforting. They don't skimp on the green onion topping. Other notes: -Bathrooms were clean -There's a karaoke room (I didn't use it, just saw it) -Love that the bar stools are regular-chair height. -Most staff seemed to speak both English and Japanese. -Some food looked like it was only served in the evening. Overall, I can't recommend this place enough. It feels like a hidden gem, tucked away across the street from the UN. I really enjoyed my visits!
Top potato salad all time, great fish quality, very yum
The best sushi bowl I've ever had (make sure to try "Tres Amigos", it will be worth your while!), in a cute little restaurant in Midtown NYC. Delicious, filling, healthy, and at a very reasonable price. Compulsory stop for any future trips to NYC.
This is probably the most authentic Japanese place I’ve been to for sashimi. So fresh. Rolls are fresh as well. Their eel is amazing, absolutely the best I’ve ever had. However, it is 30 a bowl, so it’s quite expensive, but it is worth it. I recommended it. Three amigos is a great dish. I think people should give it a try.
Absolutely iconic little kaisendon spot. The vibes are 70s back room izakaya meets karaoke bar. The service was friendly and quick. I ordered the ankimo (very hard to find and it was a considerable portion for 15!) and the special Hokkaido uni don. Both were delicious and it came with a fabulous miso soup. On a rainy day, this was the perfect lunch to raise my spirits. The kaisendon was so much food and the fish was so fresh and the uni incredible. Would absolutely return. They offered a cash discount and the ladies were so sweet and adorable!
Had a wonderful Japanese dinner at Kaoru on East 46th off 2nd in Kips Bay. An off-the-beaten-path, low key spot, they offered a very traditional array of sushi & sashimi. We started with an order of edamame and kinpira (a salad of burdock, lotus roots, a carrots in soy sauce with sesame seeds) and moved on to some simple but delicious rolls.
Updated review (7/11): What the....how did they up their came on presentation in a week?! Take a look at the second 3 amigos bowl pic posted -nice! Original review (7/2):What a great find! Had lunch with some colleagues here and while it’s not cheap, it’s reasonably priced for what you’re getting. I got the 3 amigos bowl (regular, 24) which was a good variety of sushi, and came with a bowl of miso soup. We were seated at the counter and the counter staff was friendly, and let us have our conversations without interruption. Would definitely come back again.