~Tiny hidden neighborhood restaurant in Queens serving up world-class authentic Japanese food Check out my full review with helpful photos here: http://asupr.us/katsuno Katsuno is one of those true hidden gems. The restaurant is really camouflaged among surrounding stores. I literally walked past the place a few times before realizing where Katsuno actually was. The relatively dull exterior design continues on in to the restaurant. As opposed to dimly lit with blaring electronic music like some other trendy restaurants, Katsuno instills a true traditional Japanese feel with bright lights and a rather simple setup. To go along with the traditional Japanese look, Katsuno serves up truly authentic Japanese food (yes, there is more to Japanese food than sushi, tempura, and teriyaki). The food at Katsuno is truly amazing. While I unfortunately have still yet to travel to Japan, the food tastes very authentic. I would like to think it's fairly similar in terms of tastes and textures to what I could get in Japan. But in saying that... if you were to eat here often, you probably could have bought a ticket or two to Japan for the prices here. Again, for the most truly authentic Japanese meal I've ever had, it's worth it as a one shot deal to me. Sushi was delicious. Maybe the decor and feel added to the experience, but the sashimi was unbelievably fresh when I was there. In addition, the American in me, couldn't help but appreciate the generous cuts of sashimi as well. My spicy tuna roll had nice little yummy chunks of tuna instead of the mushed up together tuna mixture from other places. read more

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I am so glad that Katsuno exists! It is probably one of the only truly authentic Japanese restaurants in Queens, and it just so happens that their food is AMAZING. Looking at the other reviews for this restaurant, it seems that many come here with the wrong expectations. This is NOT a sushi restaurant, if that is what you are expecting. They do serve rolls, nigiri and sashimi but it is not the focal point of this establishment. Also, the prices here are higher than what you would find at any other Asian eatery in queens. However, this is due to the fact that they serve high quality, fresh food and put a great deal of attention and care into what they serve. On several visits, I have gotten the appetizer omakase, which came with an egg custard, pumpkin, and seaweed. All of these are excellent, and I especially love the custard which is really smooth, dense and flavorful. I normally do not like kara-age chicken because I find it to be bland and dry. I ordered it here, and am so happy that I did! It was crispy, extremely juice meat and my friends and I ended up ordering another. I also love the fluke yuzu carpaccio and the salmon carpaccio - these are my favorites here. I love raw fish, and the presentation and taste of these dishes are on another level! The restaurant also serves a variety of grilled fish, udon and soba and I have found all of them to be really good!! If it's on the menu, please order the sōmen with ume! I could eat this stuff everyday for the rest of my life! I have already dined at Katsuno several times and definitely plan on visiting again and again. The service here is really friendly and polite. Also, the restaurant is small but has a very homey, comfortable atmosphere - great place to catch up with friends over an excellent meal! read more

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I have eaten here a few years back. My only complaint before was the pricing. However, the quality of the food served justified the pricing in my mind. The owner definitely doesn't cheap out on the food. But that is not the reason for the bad review. I recently went with my wife this week. The food was still good but the service had a lot to be desired. Upon entering the restaurant the food server coldly said reservations only. I was confused by this as I wasn't aware that this was ever done. We were never asked this before. What made it worse was that all tables but one were empty. The waiter than realized I was looking at all the empty tables and she said "only this time could I take you." She then walked away in a huff. This was the start to a bad meal. As we waited for our meal other diners came into to the restaurant and were offered a seat immediately. There was no mention of reservations only. The same waiter's demeanor changed from cold to warm and friendly when it came to the other tables. I was already becoming frustrated by the fact that the other diners weren't question if they had a reservation or not. My wife and I felt singled out. Why? I dare not think about the reasons why, less I get more upset and this post becomes politicized. We then decided to order more food. The same waiter seemed annoyed that we requested the menu. Again, I just don't understand what the problem was. We were ordering more, which meant a bigger bill and a bigger tip for her. When the time came to settle up I actually for once contemplated not tipping. The fact that I considered doing that really bothered me because I'm not the type to do something like that. That's how upset I was with the way we were treated. I then called the waiter over and politely asked her to clarify the need for a reservation. She had a hard time explaining it to me. I then pointed out that the diners that came while we were there did not have reservations, hinting that she did not question them. She was not able to give me any straight answers. Completely dissatisfied with what was happening I decided to take the high road and move on. Our dinner was already being ruined. I tipped her (which some would say I'm rewarding bad behavior). I will no longer ever considering going there. I will tell everyone I know not to eat there. There are plenty of Japanese restaurants in Queens let alone the rest of NY. read more

Uni . I had never tasted your delicacy . I was waiting to pop this culinary cherry by waiting to eat it somewhere atleast safe if not tasty . I had Been eyeing this place since it has raving reviews on Yelp . I finally made my way here for our date night last week . I needed a satisfied tummy before watching miss peregrines school of peculiar children . This place is hard to find as there is not a huge sign but the outside looks like you are back in ancient Japan which is a nice touch . You walk in and it's pretty small maybe 10 tables max . The hostess/ waitress asked first if we had a reservation . I am guessing this place gets packed and reservations are recommended . We didn't have a reservation but she sat us anyway. Alas Uni and I were meant to meet! The menu is simple . They have sushi rolls , sushi and sashimi . They also have cold soba and udon . I ordered the Uni tofu which is a cold appetizer and the cold soba with the tempura on the side . My husband got 4 rolls. The Uni had asparagus on it which luckily didn't kill me as I am allergic to it but my husband scarfed it down as soon as he saw it . My hero ! So finally I tried Uni and I had mixed feelings . It didn't taste too fishy but it had this weird consistency I can't explain . The tofu was less appetizing though . Overall it tasted " fresh" and not out of a can or salty. The cold soba was good but not to die for. The waitress forgot we had tempura and brought it a little later after I asked for it . That wasn't special either . The rolls were standard and came with 6 pieces . Our whole bill was over $60 which is pricey I think . However I popped my Uni cherry and had cold soba which is a successful night . My husband says he would rather get 9 piece rolls from somewhere cheaper . Come here for authentic Japanese like soba or Uni which tasted fresh. The sushi was just ok . We should have ordered the sushi dinner which would have been 8 rolls for $30 .. next time ! read more

Katsuno - Cold soba - Japanese Near Me - Forest Hills, New York

The sōmen was everything! Get it. Egg appetizer, could have passed on. The sushi was delish. Spicy rolls were mayo-y, not a fan. Loved the saki. Love this date night spot for me and my future hubby! read more

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The Forest Hills area still only has one Japanese restaurant worth the money, in my opinion, and that's Sushi Yasu on Austin Street. Food: the omakase appetizer is definitely recommended. The rolls and other items are good, but not anything to "wow" about. Prices are extremely high and this made it lose one star. Service: relatively responsive, but for a small restaurant, it's probably not difficult to do so. Decor: unassuming little space with interesting decorations on the walls. Take your money elsewhere. read more

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The only reason that I didn't give them four stars is that the pours of sake was not overflowing as it is tradition in the Japanese culture (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sake) - we each had a 2nd round, I gave the waitress a chance to redeem herself, but the results were the same (see picture). It was really quiet here on a Thursday evening at 7pm. The staff consisted of 2 people, the man behind the sushi counter, and a waitress. Water was refilled as needed, portions were good. Simple, functional decor. We had the salmon & sea urchin salad, yellowtail collar, pork belly, beef tataki, and chirashi. Food was delicious, and served at a good pace. We wish they had included ikura in the chirashi, and the large hamachi kama had parts of skin that were too burnt, the buta no kakuni was needed a stronger mustard accompaniment. Although it was a little pricey for Queens, we were full and satisfied - I wouldn't mind returning here again. read more

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I came here with my favorite foodie after Time Out New York reviewed it as one of the best sushi places in NY. It truly deserves the accolade however you must know a few things: 1. Reservations only (small restaurant) 2. Empty tables will not guarantee you a table 3. This is a casual but an upscale Japanese Sushi restaurant not your typical sushi rolls and gyoza apps(nothing wrong with that just not the place) We had the fried chicken appetizer and we shared the tuna avocado salad- beyond delicious. He had the 5 pc sashimi dinner and I had salmon sashimi meal with a bowl of rice (no brown rice). The meal was amazing and filling. We will be back but are still looking for a good neighborhood sushi place where the dragon roll, rainbow roll etc. are in abundance- this is NOT that place. read more

I have been eating here for six to seven years now. I go here every New Year's Eve and for my monthly sashimi quota. My partner and I often get the chef's choice sashimi for two which is really generous and fills us up if we get this alongside the chef's trio of appetizers and a miso soup each. The sashimi is Michelin star quality--like the essence of sweet and briny ocean umami goodness melting in your mouth. His stewed and chilled pumpkin is so deep in flavor and creamy. It tastes of pure pumpkin like he sous vides it for hours in a homemade dashi stock that is briny and tastes like the sea. Served cool, the flavor heightens like sun flares of pumpkin goodness. The chef does magic to his sashimi, especially the Spanish Mackerel, to cure them, so his sashimi melts like spun sugar of the sea in the mouth. The sashimi is as good as what you get at award winning Manhattan sushi places like Sushi Yasuda. The egg custards are silky, light and creamy---not a single bubble, which is a good measure of a good Japanese sushi chef. The miso soups are surreal and powerful, strong on dashi and dense miso. My favorite is the red miso soup. Homemade fresh soba is also another sign of this great Japanese neighborhood gem. The only thing I haven't tried is the grilled yellowtail collar--but I have seen fellow diners happily pick apart every morsel of flesh and collagen from this intimidating dish. read more

Grilled free range chicken with sea salt is good appetizer to start. Braised pork belly is tender and savory. Udon with tempura is a good choice. ( remember ask the special noodle instead of regular udon All the sashimi are fresh and well prepare. Steak with ponzu sauce is good iWeb you crave for a meat. read more

The owner/server was so polite and brought out food out to us. Excellent food! First time I ever had Japanese

Amazing. I truly enjoyed this restaurant. It was a spur of the moment walk-in right as they opened for dinner last Saturday. The venue is small and intimate (in such a good way). It's dimly lite and the sophisticated music in the background really sets the tranquil Japanese scene. The art on the walls are each beautifully chosen and add to the restaurant quite well. One item (which still didn't defer me from giving them 5 stars) was the strong smell of gas. It was pretty powerful but since we did come in just as the restaurant literally opened I figured it was just the place warming up. We started with two appetizers, the chilled octopus and the asparagus and tomato salad. Sooo good and FRESH. The waitress was beyond accommodating and patient with our decisions. We also had the apple green tea- great choice. This was a little different from the norm and gave the tea a sweet taste. We shared three rolls: salmon, crab California roll and the eel roll. All were made in front with the sushi chef and wonderful. I honestly think that any item on their menu would be very good- we couldn't have gone wrong. Would come back and recommend this place to others. read more

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My wife and I had an interesting dining experience on a Saturday night. The place was empty except for us and another couple. Maybe the place picks up later at night? We were sat in a dirty table that had a layer of grease on it, as if the table hasn't been turned over and reset in quite a while. The grease and film collects from sitting idle. Maybe that reinforced my perception that the restaurant isn't real busy with customers. Why 4 Stars? The food was absolutely amazing. Some of the best Japanese food we've had in quite a while. Ingredients were fresh, and all the plates were put together beautifully. Great sushi, sashimi, and other small plates. The menu also had a pretty nice noodle selection. I'm hoping to go back and try the soba nobles the next time out. read more

Katsuno - Salmon Carpaccio - awesome - Japanese Near Me - Forest Hills, New York

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Came here for dinner on a Thursday evening. There was only one other couple who was seated. Shortly after we were seated business picked up. We were served water and we placed our appetizers: fried chicken and salmon sushi sashimi. I wish the chicken came with a sauce. The chicken had a light batter. A little dry but delicious. The sashimi was light, fresh and delicious. Entrees: regular udon and black miso cod. The udon noodles were nice and chewy. The broth was a little salty. The dish was topped with shredded scallion and some spinach. Kinda light on the veggies, wish there was more. The cod had a light crispy skin and the fish was flaky and perfect. Be careful for bones. Ordered black sesame ice cream to end a perfect meal. read more

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I love the idea of a great authentic sushi house on metro but unfortunately from my experience this one came up short. I am not an udon fan so this review has nothing to do with that. Unfortunately none of there appetizers really struck me as anything that desirable. The edamame came out ice cold Which I hated. We had the spicy yellow tail roll and the spicy tuna roll to start. The tuna roll was fantastic butbthe yellow tail tasted fishy and may have been bad. I also had the chicken teriyaki and while the chicken came out well the vegetables on top were also very cold and not prepared at all. The teryaki sauce came out in a very cool casing which unfortunately didn't work when I attempted to use it and the top popped knight off and spilled sauce everywhere. The atmosphere inside was very authentic although I passed the place by 3x trying to find it originally because of no real signage letting you know where it is. read more

Katsuno - Japanese Near Me - Forest Hills, New York

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Artistic perfection in Japanese food. Stellar freshness, perfectly simple presentation, deep knowledge of sake, a menu where there are no wrong choices. I don't like tofu but their agedashi tofu is uncontrollably awesome, worthy of its own standalone restaurant. Duck udon will transport you to the emperor's favorite restaurant. Eel avocado hand roll is so good, I could eat nothing but that the rest of my life. It's as good as it gets. I don't care about price, service, decor... It's about the food. The food is better than five stars. read more

This is a hidden gem in Forest Hills! I've passed by this location many times, and never noticed it until I had bookmarked in Yelp, and wow was I glad that I finally went in. Everything we had was really good -- sashimi and other fish appetizers. But what really stood out to me was the Agedashi Tofu. I've probably had 1000s of versions of this dish, but what stood out here was the quality of the dash broth that went with the Agedashi Tofu. I'd personally come back just for this. While the prices here are higher than other places in Queens, this is Manhattan level quality! read more

Authentic, traditional Japanese cuisine. Chawanmushi! Different trio of zensai every time I've come! Berkshire pork belly is accompanied by MOCHI (nomnomnom)! Tenzaru is exquisitely presented! Yuka is a wonderful host, who always makes me feel like I belong. Her husband is the chef-owner. Together, they run a neighborhood gem that is worth the trip from another borough. read more

An authentic Japanese sushi restaurant, The tuna and avocado salad is very good, I like the dressing. the fish is so fresh, well prepare, the Toro is excellent taste, the uni is so fresh and yummy, I will give it 5 star, read more

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We came here the other day after walking by this place for months. I have to say this is the best sushi in Forest Hills and quite possibly the best sushi in Queens. Everything that we had was excellent, I especially recommend the Spanish Mackerel. The wait staff was polite and attentive. The ambiance was a bit austere, but it filled its purpose. My only qualm is the price. For two people (two appetizers and two entrees with a tea) it came out to about a $100 total (including tip). In short, I recommend this place, but bare in mind that you will be paying for what you get, and it is good food, so it is worth it. read more

Not sure why Im reading these bad reviews I've been coming to this restaurant for a long time! Ive always been treated well and fed well! We love katsuno! its the gem of our neighborhood! Food is fresh and delicious and the staff is amazing!!!!! read more

Katsuno has a lot of intrigue. It's a smallish Japanese restaurant with a Michelin star. It's got a far-flung location at the end of the line in Forest Hills, Queens. It's praised as serving up authentic non-sushi Japanese food, which sets it apart from the 10,000 other Japanese restaurants in the city. It should be mindblowingly good. In reality, however, Katsuno was just good. Not great. Not bad. Just good. And the prices... ouch. A little steep for what you get. Agedashi Tofu was clearly the highlight of the meal. A mountain of lightly fried, fresh tasting tofu, smothered in a light soy sauce, vinegar and scallion mix. The Japanese are masters at melding simplicity with sophistication, and this dish is the glaring proof. Other items were tasty too, although I felt the prices were way too high for the restaurant's homestyle approach to cooking. Udon noodles with slivered duck and a soft-boiled egg was a classic dish that did not disappoint. Deep rich broth, with springy udon, soft meat and a creamy egg. I could eat this every day; although the $18 price tag is somewhat of a deterrant. Toro and avocado roll was fresh and delicious, although not a reason to make the trek to Forest Hills. My wife's udon with egg screamed comfort food, although, again, not superlative. I still scratch my head at Katsuno's equation. The math just doesn't work out: simple food + high prices + non-trendy location = an overpriced neighborhood restaurant. If the menu evolved into something more exotic, perhaps the prices would be merited. However, I just can't figure this place out. read more

Delicious, fresh menu with exquisite service. Husband and wife team offer freshest of ingredients prepared to perfection. Highly recommend stewed pumpkin, agedashi tofu, tenzaru soba, chirashi, and berkshire pork belly. Truly a delight! read more

I have to be honest--the food here was really great. But I had a restaurant.com certificate and my bill came to $99.50 excl. tax, tip. When I offered to buy something to get past the $100 mark, I was told the kitchen was closed. I asked to buy a drink and I was told that wouldn't work either. My whole family came out and we enjoyed the food and had a good time until the woman at the restaurant made it really difficult for us to redeem our certificate. I do feel it was unfair and it doesn't sit right with me. We argued about it in the car. Given the way we were treated, I don't think we'll be back. We'll just keep going to Mickey's in Bayside. It's too bad, we really would have liked to add this place to the rotation but I can't get over the way we were treated at the end. read more

Katsuno holds a special place in my heart. The food quality is exceptional and the service compels you to return again and again. Having been born and raised in Japan, I am a little picky about my Japanese food - no sushi to go, unless I really have to. If you like well cut and delicately prepared sushi (with real wasabi), this is as good as it gets in the burrough. The owners are two authentically sweet people who actually care that people are enjoying the food and the ambiance of the resto. While the music needs an update - the smooth jazz CD needs to be retired pronto, this place is homey and you can rest assured that you are supporting a small place that appreciates you being there. A few recommendations: Toro and Tekka sushi are superb (along with whatever is fresh from Japan); the salmon collar is always a great way to start; spicy tuna roll is the best in NY; and the udon with sliced duck breast is a steal. Go and order something you haven't had before at a run of the mill, Japanese restaurant. There is a reason they got a TONY award for best new Japanese... read more

Katsuno This place is definitely hidden and will miss the entrance if not pay attention. I made a reservation at 6pm on Thursday and there's no one in the restaurant but after 1 1/2 hour, the restaurant is full. There are only 24 seating so i guess I made a good call. I ordered Ice oolong tea for drink, I don't think the ice is from a machine or ice cube tray. Food order as below: Today's zensei (3 chef choice appetizers)- delicious -watercress ohitashi is not over seasoned and the green is perfecto done, -fluke in yuzu ponzu sauce is a good starter to increase the appetite -stewed cold pumpkin is full with flavor but not mushy and the sweetness is like having desserts Uni egg tofu - delicious - so silky and flavorful Magritte Duck - full of flavor and not greasy at all. Clam miso soup- there are 8 pieces of clams in the soup and they are fresh so the soup is full of seafood flavor so it's worth more than $6.50 Fluke sashimi - fresh and flavorful See scallop sashimi - fresh and tasty Spanish mackerel sashimi - this is my fave, fresh and rich but not overwhelming. Tempura appetizer -1 of each of the following - shrimp, shiso, sweet potato, asparagus, egg plant and imitation crab Almond milk pudding (aka almond tofu) - at first I thought it will taste like something that I can get from Japanese super market but its not! The dessert definitely made in house and it actually has the tofu texture. The syrup has a hint of ginger which makes it more authentic. Overall I had an amazing experience in this restaurant. I will definitely go back to order other items from the menu which will be the 5th star given. read more

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Wonderful little Japanese restaurant hidden away on Metropolitan. Run by a husband and wife, the restaurant is cozy and the service attentive and friendly. Not really a "sushi restaurant" per se (although the sushi is excellent), the menu has a variety of raw and cooked Japanese dishes. I've found it's best to share so you can try a number of things. I'm surprised at the mixed reviews here- Katsuno is more similar to the small Japanese restaurants in the East Village than the all too common outer borough hibachi joints. Either way, given the size I'm happy to keep it my little secret. read more

Sushi is good, fresh, and slightly overpriced for Queens. That's all the nice things I have to say about Katsuno. I specifically ordered (by saying EXACTLY): "I'll have the Steak with the Ponzu Citrus sauce and a Spicy Tuna Roll to start". My wife and her friend both ordered salads to start and sushi as their main course. My wife also ordered a Fried Chicken appetizer for us to share. IMPORTANT: It should be noted that the person who seated us, took our order, and serviced our table was the woman who owns the restaurant with her husband. When the salads arrived, I was also served a plate of thinly sliced fish in a tasty sauce. I just assumed they were serving me that in lieu of or addition to the soup that was supposed to come with my meal, something compliments of the house. My wife said I should find out what it was so we could order it again. But I simply forgot as were all in conversation the next time the waitress came around. Then our sushi arrived. Which was all quite fresh and pretty good. I started wondering where my steak was after a while so I asked the owner/waitress. She seemed awfully confused and said I did not order steak. So she immediately placed an order, and brought out my soup. Soon after, my steak arrived. What a friggin rip off! $26.00 for a few ounces of steak cut up and mixed with 3 asparagus stalks, a few pea pods, a few green beans, 2 cherry tomatoes sliced in halves, and 2 tiny pieces of potato. The steak was OK at best. Then our bill arrives and the real fun begins. There is a mysterious $14.00 charge for "Fluke Citrus", which we inquire about. The owner tells us that she thought I ordered that and not the steak, which would explain why my steak did not come out until I asked and also explains my mysterious appetizer. I get that people have trouble understanding people from another country speaking a language that is a 2nd language to you. She could have just much trouble understanding a white American guy speaking with a NY accent as I can have understanding a Japanese woman speaking English as a 2nd language. But clearly either there was a mistake/misunderstanding made on her part or she just scammed us to the tune of $14. Take your pick. The right thing to do is not charge us for the "Fluke Citrus" seeing as how we had a bill for $208 and it was clear that a mistake or misunderstanding occurred. The owner was unbending in her stance that she thought I ordered the appetizer when it was clear that a mistake was made on her part. She finally asked us "what do you want me to do?" We said we shouldn't have to pay for it and her response was "well it is an expensive appetizer". Apparently the customer IS NOT always right and leadsme to wonder if we were scammed. While their Sushi is good, my experience with a crappy, overpriced steak entree and the check mix up/scam is enough for me to tell you to avoid this restaurant like the plague. I've had bad meals and bad service before but I have never been blatantly ripped off at a restaurant. Now I have. I just wanted to add that the decor in the restaurant is not sparse/minimal in a austere Japanese sort of way. It just looks plain & cheap...and it is way too harshly/brightly lit (see the pictures posted for the restaurant to confirm this is not just a "sour grapes" comment from me). They are charging high end Manhattan prices and fail to deliver in every way. Also, if the restaurant is supposed to be about Japanese cuisine, why did the owner go on Ch. 7 news to cook something as pedestrian as Chicken Terriyaki? Google it. read more

My spoiled "city" food palate has been extremely disappointed since my family moved to Forest Hills but Katsuno is a flickering silver glow amongst the gloom. I have to start out by saying that this place is authentic JAPANESE. Not another "other than Japanese owned Japanese restaurant" (you know what I mean). The food is traditional Japanese fare with fresh ingredients with a Japanese chef behind the little kitchen making the calls. I would avoid getting the sushi rolls since they are not special and expensive but aim for something more authentic like the miso cod or the yellowtail collar. It is run like a small family restaurant. Do not expect fast service but they are VERY courteous and kind. I must warn you that this place is expensive for the food that is served and you can probably get a better authentic Japanese meal in midtown, little Japan or isolated locations (ex: EN Japanese Brasserie). However, if you are strapped for time and not cash this is definitely a nice place to honest to goodness Japanese in Queens. read more

Best sushi and Japaneae restaurant in New York. No question. The sushi is fresh. Delicious. Mr. Seo is a world class sushi chef who also adds a wonderful selection of traditional Japanese dishes that you don't get elsewhere. My wife and daughters regularly visit from Manhattan, returning to the old nabe. While there are many good and excellent Japanese restaurants in NYC Katsuno remains our favorite. read more

Katsuno - Japanese Near Me - Forest Hills, New York

Hands down the best sushi place in the neighborhood. Always fresh sushi and excellent customer service. Haven't been inside due to COVID yet but can't wait to return. read more

I'm really torn about this place. Pros: 1. Close to home (walking distance) 2. Fresh fish 3. Friendly staff Cons: 1. Food took forever... We were a table of 4 and there were only 2 other tables for 2 2. They ran out of yellowtail neck! :cry: 3. Just meh. Most memorable for not being memorable. Meh. read more

WOW. Really... WOW. Amazing authentic Japanese food! The quality was great... the variety is fantastic. I have definitely found a new favorite Japanese spot in Queens! If you arent looking for this place, you wont see it... Its very well hidden and you cant really see into their windows... so at first glance, you probably would have no idea what it was. But inside is a warm friendly environment with only 7 tables or so, modestly designed with a well lit sushi bar, and a very friendly and attentive Japanese staff. Heads up, dont come here with a group more than 4 people. Its just not that kind of spot... More an intimate date dinner or a nice dinner with friends kind of place. Not a loud place either. Its not a yakitori/sake bar type place. I am pretty sure they have the best Age Tofu I have EVER had.... and I mean EVER. Other appetizers were amazing as well.. I was very tempted to skip entrees til next time and just have a huge assortment of appetizers and be done with it! But I couldnt pass up their thinly sliced duck soba noodle soup... Mmm... add in a softly poached egg and it was SO GOOD. Pricing was moderate, but for the quality of the food and service, I feel its well deserved. Good job Katsuno! I AM a fan... and I'll be back soon! read more

This place is great! I frequently have to go to Manhattan to get good japanese food as I've only experienced a select few places in Brooklyn and Queens. I had the chirashi, salmon carpaccio, and the chawanmushi here. Everything was done right, and was very fresh. The chirashi had a good amount of fish, and unlike many japanese places, they did not try to pack it with rice. They packed it with fish. I normally end up eating only half the rice of my chirashi and this is one of the few places where I actually ended up finishing the rice. The decor was on point as well. The place was really small though, so I would strongly recommend getting a reservation. Can't wait to go again! read more

There are some serious operational deficiencies here that make you feel like it may be worth trekking to the East Village for Japanese food instead. My biggest issue was the service. There was ONE waitress in addition to the husband and wife team serving dinner to a packed restaurant. We had to beg the waitress to refill our water/tea, and even so we had to wait for it. The wife also forgot our order a couple times... There were some misses on the food end: the magritte duck was COLD, which was not made clear in the menu. the grilled sea bass was undercooked and was overcooked after we sent it back. Unsurprisingly, food service was also slow. so, why would you come here? well, my three stars are namely for this: 1) chawanmushi (admittedly, the best I've ever had) 2) uni on tofu 3) the food served here does, overall, contribute to a finer dining in the Queens culinary scene. gotta represent! I took my mother here for her birthday, but decided I had to make it up to her. A week later, we went to Sushi Yasuda and had the best sushi of our lives. read more

I love Japanese food. I adore sushi and sashimi. I had given up on eating Japanese food in Queens, sticking to Hatsuhana and Sushi Yasuda, both in Manhattan. Now, I go to Katsuno, where Chef Seo and lovely Yuka are a gift to what's really an otherwise mediocre food neighborhood! I don't remember how I was clued-in to Katsuno, but I've had about a dozen outstanding meals there over the past few years. It can only be laziness and/or selfishness that prevented me from reviewing this restaurant earlier, because they deserve some real recognition. Their ingredients are impeccable. And, the chef knows the rules well enough to break them with utter poise. So, you can decide on the most traditional japanese fare: the best chawanmushi ever, beautiful sashimi to pine for, simply perfect ohitashi (get the watercress if they have it)....or, you can explore the chefs 'riffs' and try a stellar salmon and sea urchin salad that incorporates olive oil and red onion, or a panko crusted filet mignon with an opulent demiglace. Explore the menu. It's a delight. The sake list is pretty good too; I'm a Wakatake girl myself, but Yuka can guide you ably. 5 stars? Yes...for food and cleanliness and service. It's not fancy; it doesn't need to be. Expect a comfortable local vibe with stellar food and kind & generous service. Call for reservations or to check short-notice availability. read more

The food was fine for the most part. Many daily specials weren't available at 8. We got our miso soup but had to wait an hour for our appetizers and then another 45 minutes or so before entrees came. We know the food was made to order but it seemed really long when we were hungry. Service was lacking. We had to ask for refills on water and tea after trying several times to get anyone's attention. Not sure we will go back. read more

A Great Japanese place to enjoy yourself to some authentic Japanese dishes in queens. People have mentioned that the prices are quite expensive, but what do you expect for an authentic Japanese place? It's actually not that different from NJ or in Manhattan. I went to visit Katsuno based on the review from miss Kazuko N on yelp. I ordered the 3 Appetizer set and the appetizers came out delicious! It is quite pricey for the amount of food that you're getting, but the quality the food is absolutely fantastic! Makes you want to enjoy a sip of Kubota sake every time you took a bite in to one of their appetizers. I also ordered the Kamaage Udon (Udon with mentsuyu dipping sauce) and their Steak with Ponzu sauce. I honestly must say, the steak here is good, but it's nothing that you can't get anywhere else so I would recommend you ordering something besides steak. The kamaage udon was simple yet delectable! The prices are a little bit higher than you would expect, but I can assure you that this place serves authentically prepared Japanese food that is rare to find in the tri-state area! Definitely worth at least a visit. read more

Solid japanese restaurant in Forest Hills and a welcome addition opposed to the growing list of crappy sub-par restaurants in the area. I've always felt that Forest Hills is like the rotten step child of the food scene. There's so much potential here but they're always being neglected by the good chefs. We came here on a Friday night. The decor is like dining in my basement but what they lack in eye candy they more than make up for in the tastey food department. We started off with an eel and avocado roll and steamed egg custard in bonito broth. The avocado roll was ok and the egg custard was really good. The broth was delicious and not too salty and there were pieces of shrimp in there that were deceivingly fresh. For my entree I ordered the sushi combo and my date ordered the duck udon. The sushi was really fresh as well however the udon soup was a tad salty. They also serve REAL wasabi here, the type that disintegrates in soy sauce (my litmus test and no I don't eat it like that!). I will definitely be back more often for a casual night out when I don't feel like travelling far from home for good japanese. If this restaurant were located in LES I would probably rate it a 3.5 given it's competition. Given the location and the lack of other choices in FH I'll give it a 4! read more

This place is a hidden gem in Forest Hills. The place is small, probably can only sit no more than 30 people and there's no sushi bar. Reservation is highly recommended as all the table had 'reserved' on it so if you just walk in you will most likely not get seated. Food was absolutely delicious and fish was really fresh. Fried chicken: ok, but nothing special, 3/5 Magritte duck: this was really good, 5/5 Beef tataki: this was really good, 5/5 Maguro nuta: this was really good, 5/5 Fluke yuzu ponzu sauce: this was really good, 5/5 Salmon carpaccio: I think they forgot to put this in but I'm glad I remembered because this was so darn good, 5/5 Salmon and urchin salad: excellent, 5/5 Battera: I wasn't impressed, 3/5 Toro: this was good but I had better, 4/5 Pork belly: melt in your mouth and great flavor, 5/5 Sashimi assortment: consisted of salmon, fluke, yellowtail, scallop, tuna, Spanish mackerel, and kanpachi. We asked if they can put kanpachi in there and they did so we didn't have to order it separately, 4/5 There were only 2 waitresses. They were both very nice and accommodating. read more