
Torien
Yakitori
40 East 20th Street, New York, NY 10003
OUR SCORE

Accolades
- **Michelin Star**: Torien has been awarded a Michelin star, recognizing its high-quality cooking and dedication to excellence.
- **The New York Times Critic's Pick**: The restaurant has been selected by The New York Times critics as a top dining destination.
- **Zagat Rated**: Torien has received high ratings in the Zagat Survey, noting its exceptional cuisine and service.
- **Recommendation by Eater NY**: Listed as a recommended place to dine by Eater NY, a respected source for food news and dining guides.
- **Featured in the Michelin Guide**: In addition to the star, Torien is featured in the Michelin Guide, which highlights the restaurant's unique Yakitori experience.
- **Positive Reviews in Major Publications**: The restaurant has garnered positive mentions and reviews in publications like The Infatuation and Grub Street.
Restaurant Summary
Torien is an intimate and exclusive dining gem nestled in the vibrant heart of New York City, offering a culinary journey steeped in the rich tradition of Japanese Yakitori. This upscale restaurant presents a serene and sophisticated ambiance that pays tribute to the elegant simplicity of Japanese aesthetics, creating an oasis of tranquility amidst the city's hustle and bustle.
Under the masterful guidance of Chef Yoshiteru Ikegawa, Torien provides an authentic yakitori experience that transports diners straight to the streets of Tokyo with its meticulous approach to cuisine. Ikegawa, hailing from the reputable Torishiki in Tokyo — known for its Michelin-starred status — ensures each skewer is crafted to perfection. His expertise is evident in the careful selection of every ingredient and the precise control of the binchotan charcoal grill, which imbues each morsel with a delicate smokiness, while preserving the natural flavors of the ingredients.
The menu at Torien is a testament to the art of yakitori, featuring a variety of succulent chicken skewers prepared from different parts of the bird, each offering its unique texture and taste. Diners can indulge in an assortment of skewers such as the tender and juicy thigh, delicately seasoned with sea salt or house tare sauce, the crispy chicken skin with its irresistible rich flavors, or the tsukune (chicken meatballs), which are a blend of minced chicken, lightly seasoned and grilled to a perfect char while remaining moist and flavorful.
Torien also pays homage to seasonal produce, providing a selection of vegetable skewers that complement the chicken selections. Grilled to perfection, these vegetables highlight the natural taste and sweetness, enhanced by the subtle smoky notes from the charcoal.
The experience is further elevated by the selection of premium sakes and rare Japanese whiskies, curated to complement the nuances of the yakitori dishes. Each sip is designed to harmonize with the flavors on the plate, providing a symphony of taste that is both intriguing and comforting.
At Torien, the marriage of ambiance, impeccable service, and culinary excellence creates an unforgettable dining experience that is both a feast for the senses and a showcase of traditional Japanese yakitori craftsmanship, right in the heart of New York City.
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