Hello dear
Welcome To Torien
At Torien, culinary tradition meets innovation, offering a premier yakitori experience in the heart of New York City. As a sister restaurant to Tokyo's renowned Torishiki, Torien showcases expertly grilled skewers using binchotan charcoal, imparting a unique smokiness. Guests are treated to an intimate counter setting that invites engagement with skilled chefs and the art of yakitori. Signature dishes like juicy chicken thigh and satisfying cartilage skewers highlight the menu, alongside an exceptional ramen finale finished with infused oils. Warm hospitality enhances this dining adventure, making Torien a must-visit for authentic flavors and memorable experiences.
About
Torien
Welcome to Torien, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of New York City at 292 Elizabeth St. This exquisite establishment is not just a restaurant; it is an experience that transports diners to the fine traditions of Japanese yakitori making. As a sister restaurant to the acclaimed Torishiki in Tokyo, Torien offers a refined ambiance and top-notch skewers that both seasoned diners and newcomers alike will revel in.
When you enter Torien, you're greeted by a long counter that wraps around an open kitchen, creating an intimate setting that encourages engagement and connectivity with fellow diners and the skilled chefs at work. This design not only enhances the dining experience but allows you to witness firsthand the art of yakitori being prepared, a treat for the eyes and nose alike.
One of the standout features of Torien is its use of binchotan charcoal, known for imparting a unique smokiness to the grilled skewers. The flavors burst with every bite, making even the most casual meal feel like a special occasion. Patrons rave about the chicken thigh, hearts, and surprisingly, the cartilage—renowned for its extraordinary crunch and tender meat that melts in your mouth.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Chicken Skewers: Juicy and exquisitely grilled, these skewers showcase the careful craftsmanship that defines Torien.
- Cartilage Skewers: An elevated take on a classic, offering crunchy texture complemented by tender meat.
- Ramen: A compelling finale made from chicken bones and finished with binchotan-infused oil, it will linger in your memory long after your visit.
The service at Torien is another pillar of its reputation. With a team that is both attentive and knowledgeable, guests feel like they are receiving a personalized experience, enhancing the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Many diners have noted that the staff's hospitality elevates the dining experience beyond just food, making it a journey into Japanese culinary excellence.
Reviews speak volumes, with patrons like Patrick Wong noting that Torien is a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic yakitori, while others praise its intimate setting perfect for any occasion. It's not just a meal; it's a memorable experience that invites you to savor and enjoy every moment.
In a city teeming with dining options, Torien stands out for its quality, warmth, and connection to its culinary roots in Japan. Whether you're a yakitori aficionado or a curious newcomer, prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable feast. Don't be surprised if you find yourself returning time and again for another round of these exquisite skewers and comforting bowls of ramen.
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“ TLDR If youre looking to try a yakitori tasting, Torien should be on your list. Theyre a sister restaurant to Torishiki in Tokyo. Definitely a good spot for a special occasion. Ive been wanting to try Torien for a very long time but the stars never aligned. Finally had the chance and I was very pleased overall. Torien is a local branch from the original spot in Tokyo. Its a long counter that wraps around the kitchen so everyone has good seats. They use binchotan or white charcoal which has this incredibly strong and flavorful smokiness. The skewers are on the larger size compared to Torishin if youre looking for comparison. The cuts are dont get too deep down the rabbit hole but felt they did try to introduce more purist skewers. We really enjoyed the chicken thigh, hearts, oyster and I surprisingly loved the cartilage. Its a skewer with the crunchy cartilage but tender meat in the crevices. I also found the finale dish of ramen made with the chicken bones but finished with a binchotaninfused oil. The intense smell was insane and the noodles were perfect and paired with simple white shredded negi. I felt everything between the space, the service and the food of course was perfect. Will definitely be stopping by again. Its no surprise that many of the Japanese chefs swear by this place. ”
“ A beautiful experience from start to finish. The intimate counter style seating is great for engagement and to see yakitori in action. The flavors are some of the best Ive had, and the experience is simply outstanding. I also ran into an old friend of mine Aki San whos now apparently an expert himself too! All in all it was an amazing dinner and one that I would remember for a long time. I highly recommend this place for anyone seeking authentic yakitori with incredible hospitality! I am definitely going back again for more. ”
“ Torien was my first experience ever at a Michelin restaurant. I loved the experience, first of all I can recommend it to all single travellers because the space is intimate and you will be close to other people. Getting to the experience, the food quality and quantity is high, I was almost struggling at the end to finish all the menu. I loved the soup, ramen and the dessert was astonishing in my opinion. Price is high of course but aligned to the experience you get, the only small thing I didnt like was to pay for water my only time I paid for water in NY. The staff is awesome, the are funny and kind. To sum it up is definetly worth the money! ”
“ The service is excellent. The food is delicious. The chef knows a lot about how to grill the food properly. All the meat is so juicy and tasty. I like the chicken wings most. Even the dessert is so refreshing. ”
“ Torien is hands down one of the best yakitori spots in NYC. The kind where they make you feel like youre the only person in the room. The chefs are absolute masters of the grillevery skewer comes out perfectly cooked, smoky, juicy, and packed with flavor. Its a cozy, intimate spot where you get to watch the food right in front of you. The staff was so warm and attentive, They know exactly what theyre doing. making the whole night feel extra special. If youre into yakitori or just great food in general, this place is a must. Cant wait to go back! ”
“ Came here for a special bday dinner! They gifted a piece of charcoal to the bday person! The charcoal can act like a water filter which is pretty cool! The tasting menu of chicken was amazing! Some of the best bites were the nonchicken ones. Like that broccoli skewer!!! Who knew broccoli tasted so great over aromatic Japanese coals?! The heirloom tomato gazpacho was also insanely good! I was surprised the chicken breast was utterly delicious! I love omakases you just eat and the chef team directs. The servers were very knowledgeable about the sakes, which I appreciated. Will come again for more special occasions! ”
“ One of my favorite restaurants in New York! The chicken skewers were so delicious and made with so much care. Personally, my favorite parts of the meal were the chicken cartilage skewer and the shiso sorbet. There was also a chance to order some extra skewers with different parts of the chicken, so I got to try chicken tail for the first time!! The service was also absolutely amazing and made my night. It was such a homey environment and made the dinner so much more enjoyable. The server I didnt get his name!! was so nice, and so was everyone working in the kitchen. All in all, this is a mustgo restaurant for a date night or special occasion. ”
“ We reserved a VIP room for a group of six, and the experience was excellent. We loved all the food served by the restaurant, especially the chicken oyster and chicken knee. The servers did an outstanding job explaining each dish in detail. Food 55 Service 55 Atmosphere 55 Well definitely return with friends and family who want to try out this fantastic Japanese restaurant! ”