HORI

### Introduction / Overview

In the vibrant culinary landscape of New York City, where new restaurants emerge daily, finding a truly exceptional and deeply personal dining experience is a rare treat. HORI, nestled in the lower level of an unassuming building in Midtown East, offers precisely that. This intimate, eight-seat izakaya is the brainchild of Chef Tsuyoshi Hori, a renowned Japanese master of soba noodles, marking his much-anticipated return to the New York City dining scene since the closure of his beloved Sarashina Horii. For those "in the know," Chef Hori's name is synonymous with perfection in soba.

At HORI, the focus is squarely on exceptional quality and a highly personalized approach to traditional Japanese cuisine, with soba noodles taking center stage. Diners can expect not just a meal, but a culinary journey guided by a master. The small, exclusive setting ensures that every guest receives meticulous attention, fostering an atmosphere of quiet reverence for the craft. While details on specific dishes outside of soba might be limited, the reputation of Chef Hori promises a menu that reflects his mastery and dedication to authentic Japanese flavors.

### Location and Accessibility

HORI is strategically located at 231 E 50th St Lower Level, New York, NY 10022, USA. This address places it firmly in Midtown East, a central and highly accessible neighborhood in Manhattan. While its "Lower Level" designation suggests a discreet entrance, this often adds to the exclusive and hidden gem appeal that many New Yorkers seek out.

The restaurant's position on East 50th Street ensures excellent connectivity for locals. It's within comfortable walking distance of numerous corporate offices, residential buildings, and major transit hubs like Grand Central Terminal. Multiple subway lines (including the 6, E, and M trains) and various bus routes serve the immediate area, making HORI easily reachable from almost any part of the city. For those looking for an intimate dining experience away from the direct street-level bustle, HORI's lower-level setting offers a unique sense of discovery in a prime Manhattan location.

### Services Offered

HORI, being an intimate and specialized establishment, focuses on delivering a bespoke Japanese dining experience:

• Limited Seating Dine-in Experience: HORI is described as an "eight-seat izakaya," emphasizing an extremely intimate and exclusive dine-in setting. This limited capacity allows for highly personalized service and a close interaction with the chef and staff.
• Soba Noodle Specialization: The restaurant's core offering revolves around soba noodles, prepared by master chef Tsuyoshi Hori. It is highly likely to feature various hot and cold soba dishes, perhaps with different broths and dipping sauces. Specific mentions include a "Mera Mera dip soba" where noodles are cooked by the diner, suggesting an interactive element.
• Curated Izakaya Menu: As an izakaya, HORI likely offers a selection of small plates (otsumami) designed to accompany drinks, showcasing traditional Japanese culinary techniques beyond just soba. While details are sparse, expect dishes that complement the soba and reflect Chef Hori's expertise.
• Personal Service: Due to its small size, "exceptional personal service" is a key feature, allowing staff to cater closely to diner needs and preferences.
• Reservations Highly Recommended: Given its very limited seating, making reservations well in advance through platforms like Resy is essential to secure a spot. The restaurant is often fully booked.
• Private Room Option: While the main experience is at the bar seats, there is mention that "the same menu is served at both the Bar Seats and the Private Room," indicating a potential option for small private gatherings.

### Features / Highlights

HORI distinguishes itself in the New York dining scene through its unique and highly specialized offerings:

• Master Soba Chef Tsuyoshi Hori: The most significant highlight is the presence of Chef Tsuyoshi Hori, a "Japanese master of soba noodles." His reputation, especially among those who remember Sarashina Horii, is a major draw, promising "noodles worthy of worship."
• Exceptional Soba Noodles: The soba noodles are consistently praised as outstanding, with specific mentions of the "Mera Mera dip soba" as "one of my favorite dishes in the entire city." The interactive element of cooking noodles yourself adds to the unique experience.
• Intimate Eight-Seat Izakaya: The incredibly small, 8-seat setting creates an exclusive and personal dining atmosphere. This allows for direct engagement with the chef and a focused appreciation of the cuisine.
• Highly Personalized Service: Due to the limited seating, guests receive "exceptional personal service," ensuring a memorable and attentive experience tailored to individual needs.
• Authentic Japanese Experience: HORI offers a truly authentic Japanese dining experience, particularly in its focus on traditional soba and an izakaya style. It aims to transport diners, providing a genuine taste of Japan right in Midtown East.
• Discreet "Hidden Gem" Vibe: Located in a lower level and being an exclusive, hard-to-get-into spot, HORI embodies the "hidden gem" quality that many discerning New Yorkers appreciate.

### Promotions or Special Offers

Given HORI's exclusive, master-chef-driven, and intimate dining model, traditional "promotions" in the form of discounts or widespread specials are not typically offered. The value and allure of HORI lie in the unique culinary experience itself. The limited seating and high demand mean that the "special offer" is the opportunity to secure a reservation and experience Chef Hori's renowned soba and cuisine.

• Exclusive Access: The primary "offer" is the chance to dine at an 8-seat izakaya led by a master soba chef. This exclusivity in itself is a significant draw for food enthusiasts in New York.

Diners interested in securing a spot should focus on booking well in advance through their reservation platform (e.g., Resy) rather than looking for promotional deals. The pricing will reflect the high quality of ingredients, the chef's expertise, and the personalized nature of the service.

### Contact Information

To experience the highly sought-after soba and izakaya offerings at HORI, here is their contact information:

• Address: 231 E 50th St Lower Level, New York, NY 10022, USA

As of current public data, a phone number for HORI is not readily available through common listing services or their reservation platform. This aligns with the establishment's exclusive and intimate nature, likely encouraging reservations through online platforms like Resy. It is strongly recommended to use Resy for booking, as availability is extremely limited.

### Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

HORI is an exceptional and highly suitable destination for New York locals, particularly those with a refined palate and an appreciation for authentic, specialized Japanese cuisine. Its suitability stems from several compelling factors. Firstly, its status as an exclusive, eight-seat izakaya led by a master soba chef (Tsuyoshi Hori) immediately positions it as a must-visit for discerning New Yorkers who seek out unique and unparalleled culinary experiences. This level of intimacy allows for a direct connection to the chef's artistry, making each meal feel truly special and personal.

Secondly, for locals who are true connoisseurs of Japanese food, the "worship-worthy" soba noodles are a significant draw. Chef Hori's reputation precedes him, and the promise of expertly crafted, authentic soba, potentially with interactive elements like the "Mera Mera dip," offers a culinary depth rarely found elsewhere in the city. This focus on a specific, high-quality craft resonates strongly with a local populace that values specialization and authenticity.

Finally, HORI provides an intimate escape from the typical New York hustle. Its discreet, lower-level location fosters a sense of discovery, creating a tranquil environment where diners can truly savor their meal. The exceptional personal service ensures that every guest feels valued and attended to, contributing to an overall experience that is both luxurious and deeply satisfying. For New Yorkers eager to explore the pinnacle of Japanese soba and enjoy an exclusive, memorable dining occasion, HORI is not just a restaurant; it's a cherished culinary secret waiting to be discovered and revisited.

HORI

231 E 50th St Lower Level, New York, NY 10022, USA