Adrie Reinders

The Hakubai Japanese restaurant, Kitano Hotel, 60 Park Avenue, New York, NY

The Hakubai restaurant, is located in the Kitano Hotel, www.kitano.com,. The first time I visited the Hakubai, I was by my friend Hideo Ito, at that time chairman of Toshiba. It truly was what I would call “an experience”. The decor is clean and typically Japanese. The service is in style and most of the restaurant’s customers are Japanese, always a good sign. I have always been a great fan of sushi and tempura, but do have a look also at the rest of the menu which exudes Japanese cuisine.

On this occasion I had Tempura as a starter receiving a nice selection of vegetables and shrimp in a light, non-greasy batter. Perfectly prepared and very tasty. As a main course I opted for a selection of sushi – Calfiornia roll, Spicy Tuna, Tamago (egg omelet) and a handroll with salmon and avocado. Every bite was fresh and of outstanding quality. For desert I opted for the ubiquitous green tea icecream. In short – a diner fit for a king.

Hakubai comes greatly recommended. It is a perfect location to sit down for a business dinner as service is discreet and gives you time to talk as well as enjoy the wonderful dishes. Hakubai is conveniently located near Mid-Town and Grand Central Station.

Comfort: 8
Food: 9
Service: 9
Price/Quality: 8

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