Chiyono (CLOSED)

I passed by this place a few days ago, and after seeing the really good Zagat reviews on the door as well as a flattering article from the nytimes, I decided to give it a try. Everything was fantastic... First I had the raw octopus -fresh and delicious, then the salmon in yuzu and soy sauce - incredibly fresh, perfectly cooked, and subtle flavors. Finally, we shared a desert sample - potato ice cream, sesame pudding and banana roll. The potato ice cream was really tasty -it felt close to chestnut-. The sesame pudding wasn't the most impressing thing on the plate but was decent. The banana roll was to die for though... The service was also friendly even though the waitress' english was... simple ;) Prices are surprisingly low for the quality at first glance, even though the final price came up a bit higher than expected. So an excellent address that I hope will stay low key.

i've been going to Chiyono for many years now. i go about once maybe twice a week and continue to be puzzled by the lack of a long queue to get in. In my experience, the service is consistently friendly and attentive without being overbearing. The food ... is easily among the BEST in the city. I often think that she charges too little for it. Seriously! Chiyono makes everything from scratch- including the ice cream; the ingredients are top notch - some are imported from relatives in Japan. You cannot find these flavors anywhere else in the city. The pork belly and the grilled miso-marinated cod are so amazing that I have friends who refuse to try anything else. (And they go weekly, too!) Really. This place is worth a try! I'm not easy to please! Chiyono's food is ALWAYS perfect - both crazy-delicious and beautiful to look at. When you go and become a regular, make sure to keep an eye on the specials' board. I don't know where she gets her seafood - but I have never had sashimi that fresh and just perfect. enjoy.

After all the good reviews, I have decided to try with my sister and mom on a sat night. It was full house and only two wait staffs were working. The waiter is lack of experience and keep on messing up orders, both my table and another table. And when I told him the order was wrong, he even gave me that look and asked if I could take the wrong order instead of the one I have ordered!!! No refill on hot tea, our cups were empty the entire dinner and we decided to pass on the entree after all the appetizer arrived and we ended up went to another restaurant to have our part two sat dinner! The waiter is rude and he needed to be trained!! Food was actually healthy and not bad! Shame on his service and we will not return again.

The previous poster must have this place mistaken for another one, because there's no sushi on the menu — just authentic Japanese home cooking. And it's exceptional. Braised pork belly is amazing, and all prices are incredibly reasonable, esp. for NYC. Love this place.

I went here after reviewing good reviews. I agree service was good but food was below expectation and the place needs AC desparately!!! It was nice and cool outside but inside of the restaurant was scorching hot especially near the kitchen area. Sushi was luke warm and cold noodle dishes were luck warm too, with that condition, we couldn't enjoy the meal. If they get AC, maybe I'll go back and give a second chance.

The food at Chiyono was delicious. The tiny restaurant is hard to notice along 6th Street, but its interior is authentically Japanese, with most of the seating at one long table. The waitress was attentive, and Chef Chiyono came out of the kitchen to personally discuss the meal with my date and me. Prices were reasonable for NYC.

I agreed with Christine.. This place is a hidden gem. It's a place to go for real Japanese home style food. You will find everything so delicious and enjoyable. The atmosphere is great as well. Highly recommended.