Narita Japanese Restaurant in Forest Hills, Queens, NY has earned a solid reputation among locals and beyond. This post will explore Narita's menu, delve into customer reviews, and provide a comprehensive overview to help you decide if it's the right place for your next Japanese food craving. We'll examine various aspects, from the quality of the sushi to the ambiance and service, drawing upon both online reviews and personal insights.
Exploring the Narita Menu: A Culinary Journey
Narita's menu is extensive, offering a wide array of Japanese culinary delights. It's not just about sushi, although that's definitely a highlight. Let's break down the key sections:
Sushi & Sashimi: The Heart of Narita
The sushi and sashimi selection is arguably the star of the show at Narita. Reviews consistently praise the freshness of the fish and the skill of the chefs in creating beautifully presented and delicious pieces. Expect a range of classic options, like tuna, salmon, and yellowtail, alongside more adventurous choices. Many reviews highlight the uni (sea urchin) and toro (tuna belly) as particularly noteworthy.
- Classic Rolls: California rolls, Philadelphia rolls, and other staples are available for those seeking familiar flavors.
- Specialty Rolls: Narita also boasts a creative selection of specialty rolls, often incorporating unique ingredients and sauces. These are often mentioned positively in reviews, with descriptions like "inventive" and "deliciously unexpected."
- Sashimi Platters: For those who prefer their fish unadorned, Narita offers several sashimi platters, showcasing the chef's selection of the freshest cuts.
Beyond Sushi: Exploring Other Menu Sections
Narita's menu extends far beyond sushi. Other popular options frequently mentioned in reviews include:
- Ramen: Rich broths, perfectly cooked noodles, and generous toppings make Narita's ramen a contender among Forest Hills' offerings. Many online comments focus on the depth of flavor in their ramen bowls.
- Tempura: Lightly battered and perfectly fried seafood and vegetables are a hallmark of quality Japanese cuisine, and Narita's tempura consistently receives high marks.
- Teriyaki: The teriyaki dishes are praised for their savory glazes and tender meats. Chicken and steak are popular choices.
- Noodles: Beyond ramen, Narita offers udon and soba noodle dishes, providing variety for those looking for something other than ramen.
- Appetizers: A solid selection of appetizers like gyoza (dumplings), edamame, and seaweed salad allows diners to sample a variety of flavors before their main course.
Drinks and Dessert
Narita offers a selection of Japanese beers, sake, and other beverages to complement your meal. Dessert options typically include mochi ice cream and other traditional Japanese sweets. However, dessert isn't a significant focus based on online reviews.
Narita Reviews: A Synthesis of Customer Experiences
Online reviews for Narita are largely positive, showcasing a consistent level of quality. However, there are some recurring themes:
Positive Feedback:
- Fresh Ingredients: Many reviewers emphasize the freshness of the seafood, a crucial element in Japanese cuisine.
- Skillful Chefs: The expertise of the sushi chefs is frequently praised, with compliments on presentation and taste.
- Ample Portions: Several reviews highlight the generous portion sizes, offering excellent value for the price.
- Friendly Service: While not universally lauded, many reviewers note pleasant and attentive service.
Areas for Improvement:
- Ambiance: Some reviews mention the restaurant's ambiance as somewhat lacking, describing it as basic or unremarkable.
- Service Consistency: There are a few instances of reviews mentioning inconsistent service, with some experiences being less positive than others. This suggests that service quality might depend on the time of day or specific staff member.
- Wait Times: On busy nights, wait times can be significant, as is typical for popular restaurants.
Conclusion: Is Narita Worth a Visit?
Based on the available evidence, Narita Japanese Restaurant in Forest Hills is a solid choice for a satisfying Japanese meal. The high praise for the quality of sushi, freshness of ingredients, and generous portions outweighs the occasional concerns about ambiance or service consistency. If you're looking for excellent sushi and other Japanese dishes in Forest Hills, Narita is definitely worth considering. Just be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours. Remember to check online reviews closer to your planned visit for the most up-to-date information.
