KATSUNO Introduce
For New Yorkers seeking a truly refined and intimate Japanese dining experience away from the bustling crowds, KATSUNO in Forest Hills, Queens, offers a unique proposition. This establishment distinguishes itself as a quiet, low-key spot where the focus is firmly on quality and culinary artistry. Operating strictly by reservation, KATSUNO provides an exclusive atmosphere, allowing diners to enjoy high-quality Japanese cuisine in a tranquil setting, perfect for deep conversation and savoring each bite.
KATSUNO prides itself on serving authentic Japanese flavors, with a menu that goes beyond typical sushi rolls to include meticulously prepared appetizers, entrees, and exquisite sashimi. While some might find the pricing reflective of its exclusive nature and the portions on certain items on the smaller side, many patrons attest to the exceptional quality of the ingredients and the authentic taste that rivals what you might find in more celebrated Manhattan establishments. The restaurant's commitment to fresh, perfectly cleaned fish and expertly cooked dishes like the black cod and pork hirekatsu consistently earns high praise.
The dedication to a reservation-only policy creates an environment conducive to a more personalized and unhurried dining experience, which can be a welcome change for New Yorkers accustomed to fast-paced restaurant scenes. It speaks to a restaurant confident in its offerings, inviting guests to immerse themselves fully in the culinary journey. For those who appreciate subtle flavors, precise execution, and a serene ambiance, KATSUNO is a destination worth discovering in the heart of Forest Hills.
KATSUNO is located at 103-01 Metropolitan Ave, Forest Hills, NY 11375, USA. This address places it within the charming and desirable neighborhood of Forest Hills, Queens. Metropolitan Avenue is a well-known street, and KATSUNO is situated in an area that balances residential tranquility with accessibility to local amenities.
For New Yorkers, Forest Hills is very well-connected by public transportation. The Forest Hills-71st Ave subway station (serviced by the E, F, M, and R trains) is a significant hub, offering straightforward access from Manhattan and other parts of Queens. From the subway station, KATSUNO is a manageable walk or a short cab ride away. The neighborhood is also served by various bus routes. While street parking can be a challenge in any New York City neighborhood, its location on a main avenue in a residential area means that with a bit of planning, it is accessible for those traveling by car. This prime spot in Forest Hills makes KATSUNO a convenient destination for locals seeking an elevated dining experience without venturing into Manhattan.
- Reservation-Only Dining: KATSUNO operates strictly by reservation, with no walk-ins accepted. Reservations are taken exclusively by phone between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. This policy contributes to a quiet, controlled, and intimate dining atmosphere.
- Intimate Seating: The restaurant is designed to comfortably accommodate smaller parties, typically up to 4 guests, with parties of 5 to 6 considered on a case-by-case basis. They generally do not accept reservations for groups larger than 6.
- Dinner Service: KATSUNO primarily offers dinner service, with specific hours on Wednesday through Saturday from 5:45 PM to 9:00 PM, and Sunday from 5:45 PM to 8:00 PM. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
- Authentic Japanese Cuisine: The menu features a range of traditional Japanese dishes, including sushi, sashimi, and other entrees, with a focus on fresh ingredients and authentic flavors.
- High-Quality Ingredients: There is a strong emphasis on the quality of ingredients, with mentions of perfectly cleaned, fresh fish and well-prepared dishes.
- Exquisite Desserts: Their matcha dessert has been highlighted as "EXQUISITE" by customers, indicating a strong finish to the meal.
- Exclusive, Quiet Ambiance: The reservation-only policy ensures a "nice, quiet, lowkey spot," making it ideal for intimate conversations and a peaceful dining experience. This is a significant differentiator from many bustling New York restaurants.
- Authentic & High-Quality Food: Despite some comments on portion sizes, the consensus is that the "flavor really is authentic and the quality of ingredients used are good." Dishes like the Agedashi tofu, Magritte duck appetizer, black cod, pork hirekatsu, and sashimi platter are frequently praised for their taste, freshness, and perfect preparation. The sashimi is noted for being "so fresh and cleaned perfectly."
- Skilled Culinary Execution: The black cod is described as "absolutely delicious, so tender, cooked to perfection, jam packed with flavor but not tough or mushy." The hirekatsu is noted for being "four large pieces, fried to perfection" with "moist and juicy" pork.
- Exceptional Matcha Dessert: The matcha dessert is a standout item, described as "EXQUISITE," providing a memorable conclusion to the meal.
- Attentive Service: The service is consistently described as "very nice" and attentive, contributing to the overall pleasant dining experience.
- Emphasis on Quality over Quantity: While some reviewers note small portions, this is often indicative of fine dining establishments that prioritize the quality and artistry of each dish rather than large, overflowing plates. The quality is stated to be "on par with what I get in the city."
- Refined Atmosphere: The overall vibe of the place is one of subtle elegance, suitable for those seeking a more sophisticated dining experience.
KATSUNO, being an exclusive, reservation-only Japanese restaurant with a focus on high-quality ingredients and an intimate dining experience, typically does not rely on extensive public promotions or daily specials in the same way a more casual eatery might. Their pricing strategy and business model are centered around providing a premium culinary experience. Therefore, patrons should not expect to find frequent discount codes, happy hour deals, or large-scale promotional events.
However, potential "offers" for guests at this type of establishment might be more subtle or inherent in the dining experience itself:
- Seasonal Menus: Given their emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients, KATSUNO might offer seasonal tasting menus or specials that highlight the freshest catches or produce available. These would be culinary offerings rather than discounted prices.
- Chef's Specials: The chef might introduce daily or weekly specials based on market availability, providing unique, limited-time dishes that enhance the dining experience.
- Special Events: Very occasionally, KATSUNO might host special culinary events or collaborations, which would be advertised to their established clientele.
For the most current information on their offerings, it is always recommended for New Yorkers to inquire directly when making a reservation or consult their official website if available, as they would provide the most accurate details regarding their menu and any unique culinary features.
To secure a reservation at KATSUNO and experience their refined Japanese cuisine, please use the following contact details:
Address: 103-01 Metropolitan Ave, Forest Hills, NY 11375, USA
Phone: (718) 575-4033
Mobile Phone: +1 718-575-4033
Remember that reservations are mandatory and are typically taken by phone between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. It is highly recommended to call well in advance, especially for weekend evenings, as seating is limited and exclusivity is part of their appeal.
For New Yorkers who appreciate a truly elevated and intimate dining experience, KATSUNO in Forest Hills stands out as an exceptionally suitable choice. Its unique reservation-only policy creates a tranquil and exclusive ambiance, a rarity in the bustling New York dining scene. This allows for a quiet and quality conversation, making it perfect for special occasions, romantic dates, or a focused appreciation of authentic Japanese cuisine.
The consistent praise for the freshness of their sashimi, the perfect execution of dishes like black cod and pork hirekatsu, and the overall authenticity of flavors positions KATSUNO as a serious contender for high-quality Japanese food outside of Manhattan's most lauded establishments. While some may find the pricing and portion sizes to reflect this exclusivity, the quality is undeniably "on par with what I get in the city," making the value proposition reasonable for those seeking genuine culinary excellence.
Moreover, the stellar customer service and exquisite matcha dessert further enhance the dining experience, leaving a lasting positive impression. For locals in Forest Hills and surrounding Queens neighborhoods, KATSUNO offers the opportunity to indulge in a refined, authentic Japanese meal without the commute into Manhattan, making it a hidden gem and a prized addition to the borough's culinary landscape.
KATSUNO Photos










KATSUNO Location
KATSUNO
103-01 Metropolitan Ave, Forest Hills, NY 11375, USA
KATSUNO Reviews
This place does not accept walk-ins, making it very a nice, quiet, lowkey spot. The service here is also very nice and their matcha dessert was EXQUISITE. What threw me off the most was the food and how they priced it.Considering how “exclusive” and expensive this restaurant is, it gives the impression that their food would be out of this world. But honestly…it was a bit lacking in my opinion. Definitely better than your local, go-to sushi restaurant but they’re easily beat by competitors like Takesushi. Plus, portions are so small. Felt scammed at the end of our meal.
Mar 23, 2025 · KarenaCalled a week beforehand to make a reservation for 6:15. There was only one other party dining at the same time. I actually appreciate that they are reservation only - it does make for more quality conversation with your party.We ordered the Agedashi tofu and Magritte duck as appetizers. Both were delicious and had really great sauces that paired well with the dish. For entrees we ordered their black cod, pork hirekatsu, sashimi plate, and their snow crab avocado roll.The black cod was absolutely delicious, so tender, cooked to perfection, jam packed with flavor but not tough or mushy. The hirekatsu was another hit - four large pieces, fried to perfection. The pork itself was still moist and juicy. The sashimi?? So fresh and cleaned perfectly! The quality is definitely on par with what I get in the city so the price is absolutely reasonable to me. Lastly their snow crab and avocado roll - also really good! I love how sweet the snow crab was, there also wasn’t too much rice on the roll which was appreciated.Overall, we had a wonderful time dining at Katsuno. While the prices may seem a bit high and portions of certain items may not be the largest, the flavor really is authentic and the quality of ingredients used are good too. We will be back!
Mar 03, 2025 · Minna ChiuThe best Japanese restaurant in Queens! Hands down! Delicious and authentic food served with professionalism. Been coming here for years and will continue to.
Sep 14, 2024 · Sarita MoldovanAbsolutely delicious with a perfect attention to detail. This is my third time dining here and we travel for about an hour each way to enjoy the food.
May 31, 2025 · Laura GainesA true hidden gem of a restaurant! We had seen it mentioned a few times online but we were still surprised by how good it was. The quality of their raw fish is top notch, on par with many of the very expensive omakase restaurants popping up all over the city but at a more affordable price.We had the octopus & cucumber vinaigrette, magritte duck with yuzu kosho, and sashimi plate (20 pieces). All were fantastic but the sashimi was by far the highlight for us.We had asked about the salmon & sea urchin salad but unfortunately they couldn't make it that night as they didn't have enough sea urchin (which at least attests to the freshness of their ingredients!).We also asked the waitress/owner what she recommended, but she seemed hesitant to mention anything other than karaage, black cod, and tamagoyaki despite having a menu with more unusual options than what's offered at most Japanese restaurants in Queens. To be fair, every table around us seemed to be ordering those things, so I guess their main customer base is not very adventurous and she didn't want to recommend something that we might end up not liking.Service was fairly attentive considering they seem to be a husband-wife team with no other staff, but I imagine it could get a bit chaotic during busy times. They're reservation only, but we called a couple of hours before opening time and had no issues getting a table for Friday evening. Bring cash to avoid paying a fee!
Sep 03, 2023 · IZ
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