Hokkaido Introduce
For residents and visitors exploring the vibrant town of New Paltz in New York's beautiful Hudson Valley, Hokkaido stands as a highly regarded destination for authentic Japanese cuisine. Often hailed as one of the "favorite restaurants in the world" by its loyal patrons, Hokkaido has carved a niche for itself with its unwavering commitment to quality and flavor. Whether you're craving expertly prepared sushi, a comforting teriyaki dish, or a lively hibachi experience, this restaurant aims to deliver a memorable meal every time.
Hokkaido is particularly celebrated for its exceptional teriyaki, with one reviewer declaring it "easily the best teriyaki I have ever had." This high praise extends to their sushi and sashimi, which are consistently described as "so fresh and delicious," highlighting the restaurant's dedication to sourcing premium ingredients. The inviting atmosphere, coupled with a staff that is frequently lauded as "helpful and kind," creates a dining environment that is both welcoming and enjoyable.
While a solitary negative review mentioned issues with takeout presentation and a less-than-ideal phone interaction, the overwhelming sentiment from the community emphasizes Hokkaido's culinary excellence and warm hospitality. Its popularity often leads to a wait, indicating its strong appeal as a "small corner restaurant" that delivers an authentic true Japanese cuisine experience. For anyone in the New York region seeking top-tier Japanese food, Hokkaido in New Paltz is a highly recommended choice that continues to impress its discerning clientele.
Hokkaido is conveniently located at 18 Church St, New Paltz, NY 12561, USA. This prime spot is situated on a quiet side street just off the main thoroughfare, making it easily accessible for residents of New Paltz and surrounding areas in the Mid-Hudson Valley, including Gardiner, Highland, and Kingston. Its location provides a balance of central convenience and a slightly more intimate, "secluded spot" away from the busiest parts of Main Street.
Despite being on a side street, accessibility is generally good. Parking in New Paltz can sometimes be a challenge, but the specific parking situation for Hokkaido is generally manageable, especially for a village setting. Being in the heart of New Paltz means it's a short walk from other local attractions and businesses, allowing for a combined outing. The restaurant is described as being in a "very pretty in a natural setting," with the option for "outdoor seating" when weather permits, enhancing the overall accessibility and dining experience.
Hokkaido provides a comprehensive range of services, catering to various dining preferences and occasions:
- Dine-in Service: Enjoy the cozy, intimate atmosphere inside the restaurant, or, weather permitting, take advantage of their outdoor seating.
- Takeout: Conveniently order your favorite dishes for pickup. This is a very popular option, with many locals opting for takeout.
- Delivery: Hokkaido partners with third-party delivery services like Grubhub and DoorDash, allowing customers to enjoy their Japanese favorites from the comfort of their home or office.
- Extensive Sushi & Sashimi Menu: A wide selection of fresh sushi, sashimi, classic rolls (e.g., California, Tuna, Salmon Avocado), and a vast array of signature and specialty rolls. Popular options include the Hokkaido Roll, Spider Roll, Black Dragon, Samurai, Godzilla, and unique creations like the Pink Flamingo Roll and Fatboy Roll.
- Exceptional Teriyaki Dishes: Highly praised for their teriyaki, available with chicken, beef, salmon, or shrimp, served with a medley of vegetables and rice.
- Hibachi Dining: While not necessarily with a live chef at every table like larger hibachi steakhouses, Hokkaido offers a full hibachi menu with various proteins (Chicken, Steak, Shrimp, Salmon, Scallop, Filet Mignon) served with fried rice and vegetables.
- Appetizers: A diverse selection of appetizers from both the sushi bar (e.g., Yellowtail Jalapeno, Tuna Tataki) and kitchen (e.g., Gyoza, Spring Roll, Crab Rangoon, various Tempura options).
- Soups & Salads: Including classic Miso Soup, clear soups, and various salads like Seaweed Salad.
- Udon & Soba Noodle Dishes: A range of warm and comforting noodle soups and stir-fried noodle dishes.
- Donburi (Rice Bowls): Various rice bowl dishes with different toppings like Chicken Teriyaki and Tempura.
- Lunch Specials: Hokkaido offers attractive lunch specials including various sushi/sashimi combinations, maki roll combos, hibachi lunch options, and bento boxes, usually served with soup and salad. These are available typically Monday through Saturday during lunch hours.
- Vegetarian & Vegan Options: Hokkaido thoughtfully includes various vegan and vegetarian dishes, such as Cucumber Avocado and Shiitake Avocado rolls, Vegetable Tempura, and vegetable noodle dishes.
Hokkaido in New Paltz boasts several features that make it a standout Japanese restaurant in the New York region:
- Unrivaled Teriyaki: A major highlight for many, with customers exclaiming it's "easily the best teriyaki I have ever had." This consistent praise points to a masterfully crafted sauce and perfectly cooked proteins.
- Incredibly Fresh and Delicious Fish: Whether it's sushi, sashimi, or other fish preparations, patrons consistently commend the "so fresh and delicious" fish. The "Hamachi Kama, a deliciously broiled yellowtail collar," is a frequently recommended special.
- Helpful and Kind Staff: The service at Hokkaido receives high marks, with reviewers noting the staff is "so helpful and kind," creating a welcoming and pleasant dining atmosphere. Even when busy, the staff maintains a friendly demeanor.
- Cozy and Intimate Atmosphere: Despite its popularity, Hokkaido retains a "nice, cozy place" feel. It's described as a "small corner restaurant" that feels "intimate," contributing to a comfortable dining experience. Outdoor seating offers an additional "peaceful retreat."
- Authentic True Japanese Cuisine: Customers emphasize the authenticity of the food, noting it's an "absolutely a different experience" and "authentic true Japanese cuisine," distinguishing it from more Americanized offerings.
- Diverse Menu Offerings: Beyond the stellar sushi and teriyaki, Hokkaido provides a comprehensive Japanese menu, including various appetizers (like the highly recommended Yellowtail Jalapeno), noodle dishes (like Spicy Cold Noodles), and hibachi options, catering to a wide range of tastes.
- Consistent Quality (Overall): Despite a rare negative experience regarding takeout presentation, the overwhelming majority of reviews underscore consistent quality in food taste and freshness, making it a reliable choice for locals.
Hokkaido in New Paltz offers value-driven options that serve as ongoing promotions for its local clientele:
- Comprehensive Lunch Specials: Available typically Monday through Saturday during specific lunch hours (e.g., 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM), these specials provide excellent value. They include:
- Maki Roll Combos (Any 2 or 3 Rolls at competitive prices)
- Sushi Lunch and Sashimi Lunch (combinations of sushi/sashimi with California or Tuna rolls)
- Sushi & Sashimi Combo Lunch
- Chirashi Lunch
- Various Bento Boxes (e.g., Sushi Bento, Chicken Teriyaki Bento, Shrimp Tempura Bento), which typically include soup, salad, spring roll, and shumai.
- Hibachi Lunch options at more affordable prices than dinner.
- Sushi & Sashimi Combo Dinners: For dinner, Hokkaido offers various platters and combos (e.g., Sushi Regular, Sushi Deluxe, Sashimi Regular, Sashimi Deluxe, Sushi & Sashimi Combo, Sushi & Sashimi for Two) that provide a curated selection of their fresh offerings at a set price, often a good value for sharing.
- Gift Cards: Available through platforms like Giftly, allowing customers to purchase gift cards for friends and family, promoting repeat business and new customer acquisition.
While specific daily deals might vary or be seasonal, the consistent availability of these lunch and combo options provides excellent value. For the most current information on any limited-time promotions, it's always advisable to check their online menu (via Grubhub or other platforms) or call the restaurant directly.
To experience the highly-rated Japanese cuisine at Hokkaido in New Paltz, here's how you can get in touch:
- Address: 18 Church St, New Paltz, NY 12561, USA
- Phone: (845) 256-0621
You can also reach them via mobile phone at +1 845-256-0621. Given its popularity, especially during peak dining hours, calling ahead for reservations or to place takeout orders is often recommended to ensure the best experience.
For residents of New Paltz and the wider New York Hudson Valley region, Hokkaido stands as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended Japanese dining destination. Its reputation for having "easily the best teriyaki" and "so fresh and delicious" fish firmly positions it as a top choice for those seeking high-quality Japanese cuisine. This commitment to fresh ingredients is a cornerstone of their appeal, ensuring that sushi, sashimi, and other dishes consistently meet a high standard.
Beyond the superb food, Hokkaido offers a dining experience that balances culinary excellence with a welcoming atmosphere. The "helpful and kind" staff contribute significantly to the overall enjoyment, making every visit pleasant and comfortable. Its "cozy" and "intimate setting," even with occasional waits due to popularity, underscores its charm as a beloved "small corner restaurant." The diverse menu, ranging from extensive sushi and sashimi options to comforting teriyaki and engaging hibachi, ensures that there's something to satisfy every craving. Furthermore, the availability of comprehensive lunch specials and convenient takeout/delivery services caters to various local lifestyles. Despite a rare instance of an order issue, the overwhelming positive feedback regarding taste, freshness, and service firmly establishes Hokkaido as a true local gem and a must-visit for authentic Japanese flavors in New Paltz.
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Hokkaido Reviews
This is one of my favorite restaurants in the world. Easily the best teriyaki I have ever had, and their fish is so fresh and delicious. If I could rate it even I higher, I would! The staff is also so helpful and kind.
Jan 19, 2025 · SarahYikes. Was craving sushi all day and ordered from here tonight. After a long wait to pick it up, got home and didn't know what we were looking at. The sushi was thrown in the tray like a bag of trash on the sidewalk. The flavor was ok, but didn't know what we were eating because it was mashed together. But at least the fake grass survived the massacre. I understand it was Friday, but highly disappointed. Called about it and the employee was extremely rude on the phone.
Nov 04, 2024 · Bo PaulThe service is excellent truly the best Sushi in New Paltz Probably the best Ulster and Orange county. It’s worth a trip.
Sep 16, 2024 · Big CountryHokkaido is in a quiet side street off the main drag and very pretty in a natural setting. Not a big space so it feels intimate. Food is fresh and tasty. Staff is friendly even when we sat pass the closing time. The court yard is great, weather permitting. Special mention is the Hamachi Kama, Salt and pepper broiled yellowtail collar part (Limited Availability) which is excellent with so much meat. Will go back.
Sep 14, 2022 · mycats. nycSmall Mom and Pop Sushi in the The town of New Paltz. Be sure to call and see how busy they are as sometimes you’ll be waiting an hour or two just to get a seat. The sushi is the best in town and other items on the menu don’t disappoint. Noteable mentions is the Teriyaki Steak with noodles and the Spicy Cold Noodles.
Jan 08, 2024 · Benjie Ventura
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