Matsuri

In the vibrant and diverse borough of Queens, specifically in the bustling neighborhood of Woodside, a true culinary gem awaits those with a penchant for authentic Japanese cuisine: Matsuri. This cozy restaurant has quickly become a local favorite, not just for its delicious food but also for its remarkable affordability, making high-quality Japanese dining accessible to everyone in New York.

Matsuri distinguishes itself by offering a wide array of Japanese dishes, from fresh, expertly prepared sushi and sashimi to hearty bento boxes and savory appetizers, all crafted with a clear commitment to flavor and quality. What truly sets Matsuri apart is its ability to deliver this exceptional culinary experience at prices that feel like a "step back into a pre-COVID time," as one delighted customer noted. The restaurant aims to provide a welcoming atmosphere for both dine-in guests and those opting for convenient take-out, ensuring that every patron leaves feeling satisfied and happy. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the Woodside area, Matsuri promises an authentic and delightful Japanese meal that won't break the bank.

Matsuri is strategically located at 39-56 61st St, Woodside, NY 11377, USA. This address places it in the heart of Woodside, a neighborhood known for its convenient transportation links, making Matsuri incredibly accessible for New Yorkers from various parts of the city.

One of Matsuri's biggest advantages for local users is its proximity to major transit hubs. It's ideally situated for anyone "hopping off the 7 train on 61st" Street, a vital subway line connecting Queens to Manhattan. Furthermore, it's also conveniently close to the LIRR Woodside stop, making it an excellent dining choice for commuters heading home or traveling through the area. This prime location ensures that whether you're a daily commuter, a local resident, or just exploring the neighborhood, Matsuri is an easy and quick stop for an authentic Japanese meal. Its accessibility contributes significantly to its suitability as a go-to spot for a satisfying bite to eat.

Matsuri offers a comprehensive menu of Japanese delights, catering to various tastes and dining preferences. Their offerings focus on quality, flavor, and generous portions.

• Bento Boxes: A standout feature, particularly their lunch and dinner bento boxes, which are praised for their generosity and affordability. Options typically include:

  • Salmon Bento Box: Featuring a large slice of grilled salmon.

  • Steak Bento Box: With a generous portion of grilled steak.

  • Each bento box usually comes with complementary sides such as a California roll, two imitation scallops, a mix of grilled vegetables, soup, and salad, providing a complete and satisfying meal.

• Sushi and Sashimi: Matsuri offers a selection of fresh, high-quality raw fish options. Notably, their Tricolor Sashimi provides nine pieces of fresh, high-quality fish at a very reasonable price.

• Appetizers: A range of expertly prepared appetizers perfect for starting your meal or enjoying as a quick bite:

  • Pan-Fried Pork Gyoza: Described as "executed to perfection," with an ideal balance of crispy exterior and soft, meaty filling, complemented by a nice dipping sauce.

  • Chasu Pork Buns: Fluffy buns filled with succulent pork belly, scallions, cucumbers, and Chasu sauce, praised for being packed with flavor and well-balanced.

• Dine-In Service: Matsuri provides a cozy and comfortable atmosphere for guests who prefer to enjoy their meal at the restaurant. The service is described as quick, flexible, and attentive.

• Take-Out Service: For those on the go or preferring to eat at home, Matsuri offers convenient take-out options, with customers noting seamless experiences.

• Full Japanese Menu: While specific details on ramen, teriyaki (beyond bento boxes), or other classic Japanese dishes aren't detailed in reviews, the mention of "authentic Japanese appetizers" and being a "Japanese restaurant" suggests a broader menu than just sushi and bento.

Matsuri has quickly become a beloved spot in Woodside due to several distinctive features and highlights that set it apart:

• Exceptional Affordability: A major highlight is its "reasonable pricing," particularly the $14 Bento Boxes, which are noted for feeling like a "step back into a pre-COVID time when meals were still affordable." This offers incredible value for the quality and portion size.

• Generous Portions: Customers consistently praise the "generous portions" of their meals, ensuring a satisfying and filling experience, especially with the bento boxes.

• High-Quality Freshness: Despite the affordable prices, there's no compromise on quality. The sashimi is described as "fresh, high-quality pieces," and appetizers are "executed to perfection," indicating a commitment to fresh ingredients.

• Authentic Flavors: The culinary offerings, from gyoza to chasu pork buns, are described as "authentic Japanese appetizers that won’t disappoint," showcasing a genuine approach to traditional Japanese cuisine.

• Cozy and Welcoming Atmosphere: Matsuri is described as a "cozy Japanese restaurant," providing a comfortable and pleasant setting for both quick bites and more relaxed dining.

• Quick, Flexible, and Attentive Service: The staff is commended for being efficient and accommodating, with service noted as "quick and flexible" and servers being "attentive," contributing to a positive dining experience.

• Convenient Location: Its proximity to the 7 train (61st St stop) and LIRR Woodside station makes it incredibly accessible for commuters and local residents, solidifying its status as a convenient "must-visit" spot.

While Matsuri's primary "special offer" seems to be its consistently affordable pricing for high-quality food, especially noted with its bento boxes, specific, ongoing, advertised promotions beyond that general value proposition aren't explicitly mentioned in the provided reviews. However, based on the nature of similar local businesses in New York, we can infer potential types of offers:

• Everyday Value with Bento Boxes: The $14 Salmon or Steak Bento Box is effectively an ongoing promotion, offering a full, balanced, and generous meal at a price point that is exceptionally competitive for the quality and variety provided in New York City.

• Lunch Specials: Given the popularity and affordability of their bento boxes for both lunch and dinner, it's highly probable that these (or other similar combos) serve as their consistent "lunch specials," attracting a regular midday crowd.

• Take-Out/Dine-In Consistency: The fact that the reasonable pricing extends to both take-out and dine-in experiences ensures that customers receive consistent value regardless of their chosen service method.

• Seasonal or Chef's Specials: While not a discount, restaurants focused on fresh ingredients like Matsuri may occasionally feature seasonal fish or limited-time dishes that act as a special offering for discerning patrons.

For any potential new or seasonal promotions, it's always recommended for New Yorkers to directly contact Matsuri by phone or inquire during a visit, as local businesses sometimes offer unadvertised specials or loyalty benefits.

To experience the delightful and affordable Japanese cuisine at Matsuri, here is their contact information:

• Address: 39-56 61st St, Woodside, NY 11377, USA

• Phone: (718) 424-1688

For the most accurate and current operating hours, it is always recommended to call Matsuri directly at the provided phone number before your visit. This will ensure you have the latest information, especially concerning holidays or any temporary changes to their schedule. Given its popularity for both dine-in and take-out, confirming hours can also help with planning your visit during peak times.

For the discerning residents of Woodside, Queens, and indeed for any New Yorker seeking an authentic and genuinely affordable Japanese dining experience, Matsuri stands out as an exceptionally suitable choice. Its appeal is deeply rooted in several factors that perfectly align with the local ethos of quality, value, and convenience.

Firstly, Matsuri addresses a critical desire for high-quality Japanese cuisine without the exorbitant price tag. In a city where dining out can often be a significant expense, Matsuri's "reasonable pricing," particularly its $14 Bento Boxes packed with generous portions of delicious salmon or steak, feels like a breath of fresh air. This commitment to affordability, without compromising on "fresh, high-quality pieces" of sashimi or perfectly executed appetizers, makes it an incredible value proposition that resonates deeply with cost-conscious but quality-demanding New Yorkers.

Secondly, its superb location is a major draw. Situated just steps from the 7 train at 61st Street and the LIRR Woodside stop, Matsuri is effortlessly accessible for daily commuters and neighborhood residents alike. This ease of access makes it a perfect spot for a quick, satisfying lunch, a convenient take-out dinner after work, or a relaxed evening meal without needing to venture far.

Furthermore, the authentic flavors and diverse menu ensure that Matsuri caters to various palates. From the crispy pan-fried pork gyoza to the succulent Chasu pork buns and the fresh sashimi, every dish speaks to a commitment to traditional Japanese culinary practices. This authenticity is highly valued by New Yorkers who appreciate genuine global flavors.

Finally, the cozy atmosphere and quick, attentive service contribute to a consistently positive dining experience. For locals, a pleasant environment and efficient service are just as important as the food itself. Matsuri delivers on all fronts, creating a welcoming space where patrons can enjoy a delicious meal and leave feeling "satisfied and happy." Matsuri is not just a restaurant; it's a neighborhood treasure that truly understands and caters to the needs of its New York clientele.

Matsuri

39-56 61st St, Woodside, NY 11377, USA