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For a friend's birthday dinner, we went to konban, which she apparently has been visiting every year for her birthday the past three years. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The interior is minimalistic with a japanese feel through the zen garden.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] For drinks my friend and I had the sayonara which I enjoyed, but she thought was too strong. We ordered family style, sharing the corn ribs, zucchini, butter scallops, ebi tempura, pork katsu, mazemen, ube tiramisu , and corn ice cream amongst four people. The ube tiramisu was free since we wrote a google review for the restaurant. Everything was delicious and the zucchini was surprisingly good as well. The pork was so tender. the ebi tempura were huge, and the mazemen was thankfully not spicy. However, the scallops could've been more tender and we we were all unimpressed with the ube tiramisu. Overall, I would come back and would definitely recommend konban! Get the corn ribs, zucchini, pork katsu, and corn ice cream! My friend did notice that some menu items changed from her previous visit (instead of the zucchini they had the eggplant in the past)
The corn ribs WAS SO GOOD. Absolutely kept going after that dish and I found out they literally use Doritos as a seasoning lol. The clam pasta was good, and the peppers was grilled to perfection. I enjoyed the drinks too and I had a matcha cocktail. Overall, I enjoy the place but wouldn't come back unless I am in passing. Service was friendly, and our server helped us order when we got stuck. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance is quiet, and a little hole in the wall.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We walked by it and didn't realize we missed it. It's like you walk into a whole new place that isn't part of nyc. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a perfect date spot if you're trying to have a conversation and a calm night.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]
Our server was super sweet and attentive - she checked on us regularly without being overbearing. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The view was great from our table and made for a very relaxing atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Food-wise, the grilled corn was deliciously cheesy. The mazamen was oilier than flavorful, but I did enjoy the pork chunks. We got the pork loin katsu, which was perfectly cooked, very juicy, not oily at all, and super crispy. We got both desserts. The corn ice cream was so delightful! The creaminess of the ice cream contrasted perfectly with the white chocolate and pieces of corn. We were disappointed by the ube tiramisu because it tasted nothing like ube. That said, the texture was great: light, mousse-like cream with ladyfingers that held their structure. Overall, I was happy with my experience at Konban and think you should definitely give them a try.
Everything we tried was honestly amazing--nothing missed. The service was great too. Portions were good, and every bite was super enjoyable. The ube tiramisu was a standout. I'm not usually an ube fan, so I wasn't expecting much--but they told us it was just added to the menu and we were some of the first people to try it. After one bite, I literally said "wow" out loud. My friend even laughed because I never react like that unless the food is really good. Overall, everything we had was a solid 10/10. Would definitely come back!
[[HIGHLIGHT]]konban is a modern Japanese restaurant that focuses on creative takes on classic comfort dishes, especially katsu, noodles, and small plates.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]We walked into a stylish, energetic space with a menu designed around sharing, making it a good option for a casual dinner or group meal.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The interior has a contemporary, lively feel with an open kitchen that adds energy to the room, and the seating is arranged to accommodate both small groups and larger parties comfortably.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Instead of sticking strictly to traditional Japanese dishes, the menu mixes familiar flavors with more modern presentations, creating a dining experience that feels both approachable and exploratory. The standout item is the katsu, which is where the restaurant really shines. We ordered the pork loin and tenderloin versions and found the breading crisp while the meat stayed tender and juicy, the crust holding up well without becoming greasy. The mazemen is another highlight, with chewy noodles and a rich sauce that brought a lot of flavor without feeling too heavy, the sauce coating each strand evenly and the toppings adding layers of texture and depth. Beyond those, dishes like the butter scallops, corn ribs, and seafood options added variety and made it worth ordering multiple plates to share. The scallops were well seared with a buttery finish, and the corn ribs offered a smoky, slightly charred flavor that paired well with the richer dishes. The desserts are also a memorable part of the meal. The corn ice cream is one of the more unique items, with a sweet and savory flavor that sounds unusual but works surprisingly well, the sweetness of the corn balanced by a subtle savory note that kept it from feeling cloying. It fits the restaurant's overall approach of taking familiar ingredients and presenting them in a more unexpected way, and the creativity of the dessert menu feels consistent with the rest of the meal. Service and atmosphere add to the experience, with attentive staff and a lively dining room that feels suited for groups. The team checked in at the right moments and kept the pacing of the meal comfortable, and the open kitchen added a layer of engagement as we watched the dishes come together. Reservations can be difficult to get, especially during busy times, and the small plate format means the best experience comes from ordering several dishes rather than focusing on one entree. The variety across the menu encourages sharing, and the pacing of the meal works well for a longer, more social dinner. konban delivers a well-executed modern Japanese dining experience. While some of the more hyped dishes may not completely live up to expectations, the katsu, noodles, and seafood dishes make it a worthwhile visit. The combination of creativity, quality ingredients, and a lively atmosphere makes it a destination for exploring different flavors and dishes together rather than just ordering one signature item, offering a meal that feels both engaging and satisfying.
Best katsu I've ever had! I was never crazy about katsu since I don't like the thick breading, but this katsu is not like anything I've had, breading is light and airy, flaky like a croissant. However besides the katsu and corn ribs, everything else was underwhelming and some were even considered bad. Overall score still a 4, since they do make really good katsu, and if we had just ordered that and the corn ribs (those were the only ones out of the ones we tried that were good) -mackerel sushi tasted too fishy, and it doesn't work in a roll -toro uni Shari: too much rice, and fish not the freshest. For how much it costs (33), def NOT worth - branzino / mushroom: one of the worst branzino I've had (overcooked and bland), mushroom is what boosted the overall score otherwise this would be a 2/10 if it's just the branzino - karage: dipping sauce was bomb, but texture felt a bit off (almost stale?), was not crispy like all the other karage I've had. In one hand I'm glad it's "healthier", since breading was thin, but it's night and day compared to the breading of the pork loin -corn ribs: solid, very good flavoring
My friends and I had a meal here. We ordered the Tenderloin katsu, Eggplant agebitashi, Mackerel sushi, Mazemen, and Konbon Corn ice cream. The service was great and the dishes were delicious. However, the portion sizes are small. I would say it is tapas style. We left feeling hungry. They have one restroom on the main level and another one in the basement. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Unfortunately, the workers mopped the floor in the basement and it was very wet and slippery when I got down there.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I felt like the workers who mopped the floor should've stopped customers from going downstairs. The workers helped me up as they saw me fall on my side. I was gliding on the floor. I informed the waiter when I returned to the table and he asked if I were okay. Im fortunate that I am fine, but it might not have been that way. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Please do not mop when customers are around or ensure customers are not entering the premise when it is wet.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]
My favorite spot of 2025 by far. Everything we ordered was so delicious. Perfect from the texture to the flavor. When you're seated, they give you a small shot glass of a yuzu drink and some fresh tomatoes with cream cheese. This starter is so simple yet so refreshing. The yuzu paired so well with the tomato and cream cheese flavors, and it was the perfect way to start off our meal. We got the katsu, niku udon, and mazeman. The katsu is probably the best I've ever had in the city. The breading was so crisp, yet still light, and the meat was incredibly tender. It comes with a truffle salt that adds the perfect flavor. The mazeman was also incredible. The noodles were so fresh and chewy, and the meat was so flavorful. The niku udon was also delicious! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Everything from the cozy interior to the amazing dishes makes Konban a standout for me.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I will be back again and again!
One of the blessings of being raised in the South is appreciating soul food. There's no food that personally hits my soul more than katsu and curry. I was craving coco ichibanya and my friends told me about this place that had excellent katsu and you know I had to try. [[HIGHLIGHT]]When walking in the first thing I noticed was how cozy I felt. The mix between warm colored wood furniture, stone accents and recessed lighting gave a modern but cozy feel. The semi open kitchen gives it a homely feel as well.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food was solid with the Katsu being a standout. The other dishes were tasty and the service was good. Would highly recommend going here for a casual night out or lunch with your friends
[[HIGHLIGHT]]Wow what a beautiful restaurant with great ambiance.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The wait staff here were super diligent and accommodating . All the food came out at a good pace, presented nicely and tasted delicious. Konban means corn in Japanese and the corn ribs were my favorite def didn't disappoint, so flavorful. The beef udon was super flavorful and the noodles had perfect texture. The toro uni dish was also very good and fresh. Another amazing dish we had was the ebi (shrimp ) tempura. Probably one of the best tempura fried ebi I've had in NY super flavorful and crunchy. We will be back
Corn ribs: amazing flavor. The cheese, lime, and other seasonings really come together to make the corn super flavorful. Cutting the corn in rib shaped pieces also makes the texture quite unique and enjoyable. It's definitely a bit expensive for just corn at $15 but it's also just so good. 5/5 Lunch set: during lunch, you can upgrade a katsu to a lunch set to get rice, miso soup, and cabbage/salad for an extra $11. This was pretty average tasting, the miso soup and salad were nothing special and likely not worth $11. 3/5 Mazemen: I believe this was a sesame butter based noodles dish; it was quite delicious, the flavors mesh together well to create a cohesive dish that tastes great. I do wish they would have increased the amount of noodles by about 50% since then it would be easier to split the dish and enjoy more bites. 4.5/5 Pork katsus: the tenderloin katsu was definitely better than the pork loin katsu, it was less fatty and more juicy which meant more flavor. Both katsus were great though, the breading was perfect in bringing out the flavors in the meat. Pork loin: 4.5/5. Tenderloin: 5/5. Try to reserve this place a few days in advance, it can be booked out quite fast. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This place is great to bring one or a few friends for a nice casual lunch or dinner, it can be loud but you have plenty of space to eat comfortably and chat.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 4.8/5
This was my second time (forgot to leave a review the first time) here. I got the tenderloin & brunch set which came with rice, cabbage, and miso soup. The katsu is not as good as I remembered. It tasted more irony than I remember. The katsu sauce didn't go well with it either. The miso soup was bland. The shredded cabbage was the star of the dish, but for $28 I didn't think it was worth it. My friend got the same as me and didn't touch her katsu after one piece. I can't remember if I got the pork loin ($19) the first time but maybe that was the difference. The tenderloin I got was ($17). The corn rib was definitely the star of our meal. The corn cheese powder coated it nicely. We got the wedding peach for dessert. It had a super sweet aftertaste that lingers. It was alright, I wouldn't get it again.
Review Insights
1 year ago
TLDR: Konban is probably one of the best tonkatsus in Manhattan ATM. Originally from South Korea, it's more of an izakaya here. Sabazushi, definitely katsu, corn ribs + spicy mazemen! Konban is a katsu specialty shop from Seoul but the location here is a bit more izakaya-like. It's a cool space with a Japanese style garden in the middle of the restaurant. The katsu is definitely something you should try. The loin and tenderloins are my favorite. Menchi katsu is a bit on the greasier side and the shrimp katsu are HUGE. On my last visit we got the toro uni shari. While toro/uni is classic, the rice here is mixed with roasted laver (seaweed/gim) so it's more of a Korean flavor but it's very tasty. Corn rib is a definite stand out. They're grilled, dusted in shio kombu and doritos with a squeeze of lime. One of the best versions of sabazushi can also be found here. It's lightly seared and wrapped around sushi rice with ginger and vinegar. We enjoy the mazemen which is made in house with almond butter and a spicy pork ragu. Definitely try the corn dessert which is corn ice cream but encased in a white chocolate shell that looks like a corn on the cob! read more
1 year ago
I've been wanting to konban for sooooo long! Happy to finally try it We tried the mackerel sushi, mazesoba, and pork tonkatsu set with rice. Everything was really good, service was very attentive and friendly as well. We had a reservation for a big party and everything went smoothly read more
Konban was pretty good! I can tell why it's so popular because their corn ribs, udon, and katsu are quite delicious. I thought the star of the show was their uni dish, and it was a lot of fun making little wraps with this! I LOVE corn, so their corn ribs were a hit. It's an intimate dinner spot with limited seating, so I would definitely get a reservation. I would love to come back and try their other menu options! read more
1 year ago
First time at Konban and had heard great things! We made a reservation for Saturday at 11:45am and I would say it was almost a full house around that time. I will definitely recommend making reservations if possible. It was four of us so we ordered two tenderloin katsu plates and one pork loin katsu plate, one order of the cheese corn ribs, and one order of the chicken karage. We also added two brunch sets to the Katsu that included rice, cabbage, and miso soup and we shared one brunch set for two people. Everything was absolutely delicious and fresh. The Katsu was crisp to perfection and came in thick slabs. I have never tried corn on the cob with cut in ribs like this but the cheese seasoning was fantastic. The chicken karage was also delightful with a nice batter that paired well with aïoli. The service is great and they are extremely attentive. the interior is simply beautiful, giving Japanese zen vibes. read more
20 days ago
Konban was fantastic. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Place was a bit small, so not really for big parties[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], but the food was fantastic. I went with my friends and we would go back solely for the corn ribs. Waiters and waitresses were kind and attentive! read more
We definitely had a corn themed meal here! The corn ribs are by far the standout dish here. We had ordered a mackerel sushi roll per our waiters recommendation, but were disappointed by it. He was kind enough to replace it with a dish of our choice free of charge, and we opted for another order of the corn ribs because they were that good. The hikari and sayonara cocktails were great, and it's a nice ambience inside. I loved the rock garden and the lighting. I don't eat meat, so while the vegetarian udon noodles were tasty, they weren't as flavorful as the mazeman noodles my cousin and aunt got. We also got the shrimp tempura which were yummy, especially with truffle salt. The katsu was definitely quite thick and crunchy, and I prefer a lighter batter. Overall a very good meal here and I'd recommend going! read more
9 months ago
An absolute gem of a place! It's tucked in a little alleyway and once you are inside, the inner zen garden courtyard makes it all so calm and peaceful. Service was attentive and friendly. Food was also very good. Favorite was Konban corn rib and Niku Udon (though the udon was more like Chinese flat hand pulled noodles). Pork loin katsu was good but I wanted more of a crunch for the crust (the crust is lot more airy than I am used to) and needed rice with it. Branzino and mushrooms was not my favorite way to prepare the fish but still good. Eggplant agebitashi was an interesting, yummy fusion dish. read more
My friend made a reservation here and it was one of the best meals I had in NYC! The service was extremely quick and servers were very attentive. We got the mackerel sushi to share (not pictured), pork loin and pork tenderloin cutlet, maze udon, and the corn ice cream. The mackerel sushi was very good but my friend who doesn't really like fishy fish found it to be a bit too fishy. The pork loin and tenderloin were so juicy and tender and paired with the truffle salt was a perfect duo! The udon was also very good and the noodles seemed very fresh. The interior is very pretty and aesthetic, I would definitely come back with friends or for a date night! read more
Absolutely delicious!! My friend took me here and was lucky to get a reservation. Everything was on point. What we ordered: - Corn rib: 5/5 OMG wtf is this? Why is it so delicious? Life changing. - Eggplant agebitashi: 5/5 eggplant was cooked perfectly and the ragu sauce just fit so perfectly. A very well done dish. - Mazemen: 5/5 the sauce was thick in a good way. Noodles chewy and QQ. Well done. - Pork loin tonkatsu: 4/5 tonkatsu was tender and juicy, though the skin was slightly soggy and fell off the meat very easily. Despite this, still so delicious, esp with the wasabi and salt. No tonkatsu sauce needed in my opinion. Ambiance was great as well--perfect for date night or catching up with friends. I'd definitely love to come again. read more
1 year ago
Food was great! Corn rib was surprisingly good. Karaage was juicy, and the sauce that came with was very memorable. The pork loin was definitely the best dish - incredibly tender and juicy! Eggplant wasn't bad, just needed a bit more seasoning. Mazemen was interesting - the noodle was aite, but the spicy pork was definitely one of the best I've had - the flavor and texture was exquisite. Sawaya sake was light and refreshing. read more
Reservations for this place was made a couple of weeks in advance. On a weekday afternoon, my friend and I were seated near a spacious window that showcased Japanese scenery. We used a QR code to look at the menu and ordered with the waiter. The Sashimi Set had a variety of sashimi, with the salmon and fatty tuna being my favorite. The Niku Udon was not too filling and was a bit more plain than I expected. The price was also a bit much for the portion size. The Pork Loin katsu came with a side wasabi and salt. The crispiness of the pork loin was good. My favorite dish from the Konban dinner was their dessert, the Konban Corn Ice Cream. While we had to wait for the ice cream to melt a bit before eating, it was worth the wait! It was creamy and tasted just like corn. It was a very unique dish and flavor I've never had at any other restaurant. There's not too many dishes to try, but if I were to go again, I would get their Konban Corn Ice Cream every single time. read more
This place is a cute tapas Asian place! I enjoy the details and it brings a nice charm. Great place to go with friends or on a date! The service was good and they are known for their corn ice cream (haha it actually looks like a corn). Overall I would recommend and do family style and try a little bit of everything ! read more
7 months ago
Service and ambiance were phenomenal. But, the corn dessert was hard and the tonkotsu a little undercooked. If you can get a reservation, go for the drinks and corn rib apps. The amuse was our second favorite. Unfortunately, the mazeman everyone raves about was a little heavy and was a funky fusion (tasted tomatoey). Drinks were strong and tasty! read more
The service and atmosphere of the space was top notch, but the food was fairly average for me. I loved the Corn Ribs, but else was fairly standard. The other dishes were all good but nothing blew me away. The prices are slightly above average, but can add up if you order a lot. read more
Located in a tiny little alley way nook - great ambiance, top notch service and yummy food! Walked in and no tables were available for 2 for another 4 hours but waitlisted anyways and got a call for a table about 20 minutes later! We were a bit out but they kindly held our table. Between the pork loin and tenderloin, our waiter recommended the loin which was more richer and fattier which ended up being juicy and delicious. The waiter does a quick breakdown on the ways to eat the katsu with between truffle salt, wasabi, and tonkatsu sauce which all was yummy but the katsu itself breading was noticeably crisp and quality - 5/5 Butter scallops were also tasty, but more so the sauce it's in! So yummy and light and as for the scallop itself it was a little burnt on top which gave a unsatisfying after taste - 3.8/5 Konbon corn rib was lovely seasoned and a good app - 4/5 Eggplant agebitashi was unique and really loved it! 5/5 Definitely would recommend but make a resy! read more
1 year ago
Overall mostly some fantastic dishes, but some misses. The corn rib, yellowtail crudo, and mazemen were all amazing. The branzino was okay--I thought the broth was a little sweet but otherwise it was very good. The pork katsu was a bit dry, although katsu is always good. And I really did not like the corn ice cream flavor, although of course it's incredible how much it looks like corn. The inside is gorgeous and serene, with a window to a zen garden, despite being hidden away in an alley. The tables for two can be a bit awkwardly close to each other, but not particularly so for New York. read more
Food was amazing. Every bite of our meal was so so yummy and had unique and bold flavors. My favorite was the branzino because the fish was so perfectly cooked and crispy. The oyster mushrooms were so good in the broth that they add onto it. Truly a mouthwatering dish that I would come back just for! The Katsu was also really delicious - definitely a unique flavor to it with the fresh wasabi and truffle salt. The pork was perfectly cooked as well and lightly crisp! And then came dessert - where they did not disappoint!! It was difficult to choose between the 2 options but ultimately decided on the corn ice cream as it was different. I'm so glad we got to try it since it was so good and nothing like I've had before. I definitely recommend trying all of these core dishes that make Konban unique and what it is. Service was excellent. The host managed to squeeze us in as a walk-in which was really nice since we came here randomly and on a whim (we came on a Monday evening)! Our server made sure our waters were always filled and allowed us the time to eat and take our time. The service is quick and friendly from the host stand to the tables. Ambiance was very modern, minimalist, and clean! The hidden restaurant was surprisingly really spacious and beautifully designed inside. Overall I'd recommend if you're ready to splurge on a unique and nice dinner. Prices are a little high here but it's definitely what you'd expect from a place like this and the food/service did not disappoint so I'd say it was worth the money and visit :) read more
The food, atmosphere and service were excellent. There were no weak dishes. The corn ribs were creative and worked well. The sushi was high quality. The noodle dishes were amazing too. The drinks were nothing special though. read more
7 months ago
I booked this restaurant after seeing it recommended by an influencer (lol). A+ ambiance, great service (waiters refilled my water several times, got us new plates). My bf and I got two of the pork loin katsu, the corn ribs, mazemen, and truffle rice. -- Pork loin katsu - super tender! Wasabi and truffle salt were a nice touch. -- Mazemen - very yummy, probably our favorite -- Truffle rice - we got this to go with the katsu. It wasn't spectacular, but it felt fairly educational since we'll start making this at home. -- Corn ribs - we loved this as our appetizer. Worth the hype. Overall, I think it's not bad. The best part was that every dish felt unique. You can't find them at any izakaya. However, the price / value ratio could be better; I can definitely see why they are able to charge those prices -- most of the diners around us were young people who probably found the restaurant on TikTok, 小红书, etc. and are willing to pay. It was fun to come here once, but I don't think I will be back as I prefer hidden gems over restaurants with hype and ambiance. read more
Quaint izakaya-esque Japanese restaurant hidden in a building alley in Chelsea. I ordered the spinach udon, and we shared the corn ribs, shishito peppers and cucumber salad. The spinach udon would be a nurturing soup on a cold winter day. The corn ribs and shishitos were fine as bar snacks, although I feel like I've had more memorable renditions elsewhere in the city. The white chocolate-encased ice cream corn offered for dessert is definitely ambitious, although practically rather challenging to consume. read more
The menu is on the smaller side and so are the portions so don't be afraid to go all in and order half the menu like I did! I've heard konban is known for their katsu, but I've had better. Started off with a complimentary bite: a small grape tomato and burrata in olive oil and a yuzu shot (I think?). Let's get into it! - Ebi Katsu: 3 tiger shrimp and is paired so much better with the wasabi ranch than the tonkatsu sauce . TRUST ME. The shrimp were overcooked and rubbery--definitely a letdown. - Pork Loin Katsu: This was my least favorite. $18 for four small pieces. Bland. I'd skip it. (Also, I don't like their tonkatsu sauce!) - Sabazushi (Mackerel Sushi): Must order! Slightly torched and this was my favorite dish of the night. So delicious! - Truffle Rice: It was just OK. Nothing memorable. I'd say skip it. - Konban Corn Ribs: Absolutely delicious and perfectly seasoned. A must order! - Eggplant Agebitashi: This one didn't work for me. The pork ragu sauce clashed with the eggplant. PASS!!! - Butter Scallop: Not worth it. The scallops were overcooked and rubbery, though I did enjoy the kale and mushrooms. They were flavorful and drenched in brown butter and maple soy. - Mazemen Noodles: Spicy where? The noodles were really good and paired really well with the maze sauce. Definitely worth ordering. I'm glad I've tried it, but I don't feel any rush to go back. read more
Came here for dinner and made sure to get a reservation due to its popularity from blowing up TikTok. I would say that it is worth the hype if you make sure to order the right items and some things are not as worth the hype in my opinion. They start you off with a complimentary mini glass of a yuzu drink and a refreshing tomato snack that both are pretty tasty. In terms of food items, you can't go wrong with any of their katsu items. I got to try their pork and shrimp ones and which were my two favorite things that I ate that dinner. I think if I had to choose one I actually liked the shrimp one a tiny bit better, but ideally it would be nice to try both. I also tried their toro bap and corn ribs as appetizers which were not bad, but I think nothing too special. The only food item that I think is over hyped and wouldn't recommend ordering is their corn ice cream. It's cool looking from the outside, but the taste is pretty low quality. You can definitely tell that they pre-make it and leave it in the freezer because the ice cream has freezer burn. Overall though, I would recommend going to Konban and if I got to go back I would order the shrimp and pork Katsu again. read more
1 year ago
I had a taste for great Japanese food, and got a tag for KONBAN in Chelsea-Manhattan. It's a real hidden gem. When you enter the restaurant, you don't realize that you are in the city. It felt like a resort. The colors were warm, the lights were dim, yet still inviting. There were skylights and outdoor zen spaces. It was a very relaxing atmosphere. Jason was our server for the night. He gave suggestions on the best way to enjoy our food by tasting first without any sauces and then trying them one by one to get the full flavor and taste experience as well as making the suggestion that we get family style portions so we all could taste. He was correct. He was an excellent server, extremely friendly, and a fellow Rutgers Alum. All of the food was excellent. It was tasty, well seasoned and although it seemed to be a lot of food, it was not filling. Ok, so here's what we ate: Yaki: Butter Scallop with kale and maple soy. This was the best tasting kale I have ever had. It was soft and melted in your mouth. The mushroom was tender and the scallops were delicious, and the maple soy was the perfect blend. 5/5 KONBAN Corn Rib- with corn cheese powder was delicious. It was really like corn on the cob sliced and seasoned. 5/5 You can't go to KONBAN and not order the Katsu. We ordered the Pork Loin which was fried. It was flakey like pastry. I had never seen or tasted fried food that light and flakey. 5/5 We also got the Karaage, which is lightly batter fried chicken with black pepper mayo. This was also very light and flakey. The black pepper mayo was the star of this dish. It had a very good consistency and paired well with the chicken. 5/5 We also had the Ebi Katsu which was king tiger shrimp with wasabi sauce and truffle salt. 5/5 Lastly, we had the Mazeman. This was moderately spicy pork in maze sauce with a house made almond butter. This was my least favorite. Although it was good, I wanted more flavor and a little more heat. I think the maze sauce could have been a bit sweeter. 3.5/5 For dessert, I had to try the KONBAN corn ice cream. Yes, corn ice cream. The corn is oven roasted. It appeared as if the inside of the cob was hollowed out and replaced with vanilla ice cream and white chocolate. Once served, you have to let it thaw for a few minutes and then cut from the middle. The corn and ice cream combination had an interesting texture and unexpected cohesiveness of flavor. You gotta try this. 5/5 If you are looking for an authentic Japanese restaurant that has more than sushi, KONBAN has to be added to your list immediately. Till we eat again.... read more
I was really looking forward to trying this izakaya after hearing good reviews, but unfortunately left disappointed. The restaurant itself is cute with nice ambiance, but the food was okay at best. We started with the corn ribs and eggplant agebitashi. The corn was roasted and seasoned well, but really just tasted like elote without the mayo. The eggplant was not good, with no trace of a umami dashi or juicy eggplant. Instead it was like a soggy eggplant parmesan, we couldn't even tell the pork in the pork ragu was meat and the entire dish was completely flavorless. Not sure if they just happened to forget salt, but we ended up seasoning it ourselves with the truffle salt from the katsu. The bread was the best part. We finished off with the katsu, which was not bad but nothing special. I thought I would like the extra flaky crust, but it just crumbled everywhere and wasn't as good as normal katsu. Also no cabbage?? That's one of my favorite parts of katsu. The sauce was decent (also mixed this into the eggplant for some flavor lol), and the pork was tender at least. Overall don't get the hype. I'm allergic but heard the fish dishes are good, so maybe opt for that instead. read more
Loved the vibe. View of the zen garden was beautiful and was calming. Service was very good. The starter of tomatoes and cream cheese was good, I also like the yuzu drink. The yukanori cocktail was nice. I liked the shiso garnish on the side of the glass. The corn ribs were very flavorful and were surprisingly not hard to eat. The karaage was only ok. Wish they were crunchier and the sauce was decent. The truffle rice was a little greasy but I loved the favor. So delicious. The corn ice cream dessert was very cool and unique. Loved the flavor and then the texture of the corn. Would definitely recommend! read more
Great food and service although no rice with katsu seems criminal and the only rice you can order is overpriced truffle rice... the corn was 5/5, the uni rice make yourself handroll 4.5/5, karaage 5/5, the noodle dish (spicy) was 4/5. read more
10 months ago
Came here to try the katsu and udon and everything was delicious. The server was really friendly too. The spot feels like a speakeasy and is very zen. Would like to come back to try other dishes! read more
Overall: 3.5 I came here with my sister after making a dinner reservation for a friday. We had been trying to get a reservation here for a long time and were finally successful in securing a reservation. We came in with high expectations but overall, the food was alright. Food: 3/5 - We got the tenderloin katsu, corn ribs, menchi katsu and the rice. Everything was pretty good but I have had better tasting katsu and it was nothing memorable or something to come back for. We liked the corn ribs the most out of all the food dishes we got. Value: 3/5 - Everything ended up being around $80 which is standard for the area. Some food items seem overpriced but nothing crazy. But again, I have tried better tasting katsu for better pricepoints so this place is not that great in terms of value. Service: 5/5 - Our server was kind and attentive. I would say the experience, ambiance, atmosphere and service of this restaurant really makes up for the lackluster food. Overall, I am happy I came here to try out the famous katsu but would probably not come back because there are many katsu places in the area. read more
The outside looks like a Japanese house and inside is small but intimate. Service was prompt and courteous. For starters we tried the corn ribs and shishito peppers. Both were delicious. Sabazushi was ok. Sushi was good. Tenderloin was soft but a little undercooked for us. The highlight is the corn ice cream. The presentation itself is interesting and flavor was good! read more
This restaurant is somewhat hidden down a corridor off of W 17th street. The inside of the restaurant is cozy and stylish and very much reminded me of restaurants I visited in Japan. There's a beautiful zen garden at the middle of the restaurant that gives the restaurant great vibes. There's staff was all very attentive and kind. The food here is delicious! Since going to Japan earlier this year, I have not have any Katsu as crispy, light, and delicious as this since coming back to the US. The shishito peppers were also a delicious highlight bursting with umami. We also got the sushi set which was fresh flavorful. We ate that so fast we didn't even get pictures. All in all this place is now on my regular rotation when I visit NYC. read more
Came by for dinner with a friend to check this place out, Konban corn rib was the only thing I'd recommend. It's a blend of Mexican corn with Cheetos flavor, kinda interesting. Also got the Sashimi platter (with 13 pieces of fish), Manchu katsu and Mazemen were both skippable. The place was pretty crowded and loud on a Friday night around 7pm. Definitely make a reservation before you go. Wouldn't really recommend it since I only liked one out of the 4 dishes I tried and thought it was kinda pricey for what we got (didn't finish the food since I didn't like it as much). read more
Haven't been able to find a Japanese spot that makes katsu as lightly fried as the ones I had in Tokyo years ago until we discovered Konban today. Definitely reserve ahead as walk-in spots are limited. Nice decors overall with a cute zen garden in the middle of the restaurant. The server provided great recommendations with the sabazushi, which was unique and very flavorful. The table next door got the uni dish, and it smelled wonderful. Can't wait to return for more! read more
1 year ago
There was a lot of hype around this restaurant and other times I visited new york there were no reservations available to come visit. We got lucky this time that there was a slot for two around 9:30pm so decided on a late dinner! I love how they set the atmosphere just from the walk down to the front door with the garden and atmosphere of the entire restaurant felt traditionally inspired. It was raining when we came so i guess the rain sounds on the rock garden was a little cute. Staff was kind and quick! Biggest issue i have is how can katsu not come with rice :( Rice should have a cheaper regular option too, i think i would even enjoy the taste of regular rice over the truffle rice which was the only option. Corn ribs - actually better than i thought they would be! Weird to be eating corn not on a cob but also still on the middle hard part so you cant just eat all of it in one go but i think this played a big role in making this a super juicy burst in your mouth kernals! The seasoning reminds me of some korean snack i know but can't remember which but it was great and goes really well with the corn. I just wish i had something to enjoy with it lol. i also wish i can buy a smaller and cheaper portion of this. i probably wouldn't order this again if its only two people (and one who doesnt like corn much) but if theres a group we can split the price and amount i would definitely get it. 4/5 Tenderloin - this is softest and juiciest pork i've had and even taste on par with the ones i had in Japan! Super super yummy and i like that the fried part is on the lighter side too. 4.5/5 Pork loin - super soft as well but not as juicy as the tenderloin. Very solid and very yummy, better than most katsu's still. 4/5 Truffle rice - i wish the mushrooms were cooked more (or cooked, i cant really tell if they are or not). Tasted a bit weird. its a good enough portion to share for 1.5/5 read more
1 year ago
YOOO I STILL DREAM ABOUT THIS KATSU!! The Pork Loin katsu omg everyone has to come here and try this, it is incredibly and magically tender like so light but crispy on the outside and literally so tender the meat melts in ur mouth on the inside. I would skip the Tenderloin tbh and just get 2 of the Pork Loin lol it's that good. Another favorite bite of mine was the Chestnut Tiramisu so perfectly sweet and creamy and so much chestnut just overall incredible Staff super friendly, and food comes out super quick Vibe: small but so so cute interior read more
absolutely beautiful interior deco. feels so peaceful and therapeutic just sitting inside. some of the best japanese food ive had in the city! the service is impeccable (they were able to squeeze in our walk-in on a busy day too!) katsu and karaage on another level and i was blown away by the corn as well and spinach udon as i wasnt expecting there to be as much flavor packed into those bites. a beautiful cocktail that was refreshing on a hote summer day. another place i cant wait to go back to! read more
There was a looot of hype around this place, so I had to check it out. Service was meh-- we arrived a bit later than our reservation time, but we still had to wait quite a bit to get our table. We ordered 4 dishes to share between the two of us. - Pork loin katsu: 10/10 (super crispy and yummy. Nothing extraordinary, but still really good.) - Corn ribs: 8/10 (sweet and savory, but I wish the corn bone wasn't there-- it was a bit messy and difficult to eat. The corn tasted exactly like 꼬북칩 (Korean chips)) - Sushi: 2/10 (I'm surprised how bad the sushi here was, considering that the sushi in their sister restaurant domodomo is fantastic. The fish slices were fishy and the rice texture was too lumpy.) - Mazemen noodles: 10/10 (the highlight of the night. Loveddd the sauce and the noodles had the perfect texture.) Overall, loved some dishes, but some dishes were bleh-- it was a very mixed experience, but I'm glad I checked this place out! read more
Mmmm this was very yummy! My first time at Konban but I've heard a lot of great things from others. This certainly lived up to its hype, every dish was delicious and well made. The vibes and space are really nice. Service was good as well. We got the Mackarel sushi, corn, and tenderloin katsu. Everything was delicious but my favorite is definitely the katsu which was perfectly crispy but also tender on the inside. Definitely recommend and will come back! read more
2 years ago
Konban I just celebrated my wife's birthday, here, and had a great meal. We went on a Friday at lunch and enjoyed their full menu (which doesn't seem to be available for lunch Monday-Thursday). I was surprised to notice that the place is not super tiny and has more seats than I had expected. Pork loin: we were told that this is a less thick cut than the tenderloin. Either way, they do their katsu extremely well. Karaage: we got this for my 6-year old and she ate the whole thing. Nothing to write home about, but a solid option, especially if you're going with kids. Sabazushi (Mackerel sushi): heavenly. This dish is outstanding. The mackerel is delicious and the roll comes already with all you need inside. You don't need any sauce and it comes slightly warm. We should have doubled up! Konban corn ribs: I don't think you could get tired of these even if they brought you a bucketful. They're simply to die for! Butter scallop: only three small scallops, but man... the buttery nutty sauce is excellent! You'll love drowning the kale and mushrooms in it (and drink the rest when you're done with the solid food). Amazing dish. Niku udon: after reading so much about the broth of this udon dish, my expectations were high. However, I was a lil disappointed. The beet was super tender, but the broth wasn't very flavorful. I'd skip this next time. Mazemen: anytime you combine ragù sauce with butter you pretty much get a similar result. Yummy, but not as inventive as I had expected. I'd skip this too, unless you have never had Italian pork ragù in your life. Konban corn ice cream: you order this dessert for the presentation - which is truly memorable - and not for the actual quality of it. The ice cream itself wasn't memorable. Overall, you'll eat very well, here. Service is attentive and the food does hit a few home runs. On aside note, it's clear they're targeting a young hip crowd, but I don't get why they'd go as far as building a Japanese garden - that takes quite a few seats away from the floor - and at the same time blast western music. A turn off for me. read more
I really loved the corn ribs - they were perfectly, heavily seasoned. They also gave a delicious yuzu juice at the start of the meal with was refreshing. The mackerel sushi was good as was the beef udon. The beef was tendon and the broth was flavorful. The uni with rice was just alright. Overall, pricey food and small portions. Service was good and attentive. The ambiance and decor were warm and cozy. read more
More info about Konban
311 W 17th St
New York, NY 10011
Chelsea
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(917) 675-6070
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https://www.konbannyc.com
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Ask the Community - Konban
Is this reservation only? Can you just walk in and be seated?
Thank you for reaching out via our website. While we do accept walk-ins, please note that if our reservation slots are fully booked during your desired time, we may not be able to accommodate walk-ins. Fortunately, our establishment is currently…
My niece is visiting this Sat. I tried to make a reservation but there is no availability. Will I be able to get a table if I just show up when they open at 11:30 am?
I believe it's worth a shot because they were taking names and giving an ETA for a table when I was waiting to be seated. Good luck!
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Konban - izakaya - Updated July 2026
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