Taru Introduce
For New Yorkers who appreciate contemporary Japanese cuisine presented with artistry and precision, Taru in Midtown Manhattan is a true culinary oasis. Located at 30 W 53rd Street, this restaurant offers an intimate and sophisticated ambiance that transports diners to a serene Japanese escape. Under the direction of esteemed Chef Tadashi Ono, Taru is dedicated to showcasing the essence of Japan on every plate, promising a gastronomic adventure that celebrates traditional flavors while embracing innovative culinary techniques.
Taru has quickly become a highly lauded destination, with patrons consistently describing their dining experiences as "most delightful." Reviewers rave about the uniformly "well executed and full of flavors" dishes, highlighting everything from the delicious scallop appetizer to the flavorful tilefish cooked to perfection. The chef's selections of nigiri and sashimi are noted for their "great and wide variety," while even the vegetable side dishes are described as "show-stealing." Beyond the exquisite food, the "attentive staff" and "top-notch service" contribute to making "the whole evening feel truly special." Whether you're a sushi enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable culinary adventure, Taru is poised to become a returning favorite for many New Yorkers.
Taru is ideally situated at 30 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019, USA, placing it in a prime location within Midtown Manhattan. This address is across the street from the renowned Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and is nestled between 5th and 6th Avenues, making it exceptionally convenient and accessible for both local New Yorkers and international visitors.
The restaurant's Midtown location ensures excellent public transportation access. It is just a short walk from multiple major subway lines, including the E and M trains at 5th Avenue-53rd Street, and the B, D, F, M trains at 47-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center. Numerous bus routes also serve the area. This widespread connectivity makes Taru easily reachable from various neighborhoods across Manhattan and other boroughs. For those arriving by taxi or rideshare, the prominent address simplifies drop-off and pickup. While street parking in Midtown can be challenging, there are ample parking garages available in the surrounding blocks, offering convenient options for diners.
Taru provides a comprehensive range of services, focusing on delivering an elevated and intimate Japanese dining experience, particularly through its acclaimed omakase and meticulously crafted á la carte offerings.
- Dine-In Service: Enjoy a sophisticated and intimate dining experience within Taru's beautifully designed restaurant. The ambiance is crafted to provide a serene Japanese oasis, perfect for a memorable meal.
- Omakase Experience (Kotaru): Taru features a dedicated omakase room, Kotaru, where patrons can indulge in a multi-course tasting menu meticulously curated by the chef. This highlights the artistry and traditional techniques of sushi crafting. While specific pricing details for Taru's omakase were not universally available across all sources, similar high-end omakase experiences in NYC can range significantly, indicating a premium offering. (Some general search results for omakase in NYC show prices from $115 to $250+).
- Á la Carte Dining: Beyond the omakase, Taru offers an extensive á la carte menu that allows diners to choose from a wide variety of exquisitely prepared Japanese dishes. This includes appetizers, sushi, sashimi, signature rolls, grilled items, and innovative hot dishes.
- Lunch and Dinner Service: Taru typically operates for both lunch and dinner. Lunch hours are often from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM, and dinner from 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM, Tuesday through Saturday. (Note: Some sources indicate varying schedules, confirming current hours directly with the restaurant is recommended).
- Full Bar & Beverage Program: The restaurant features a selection of alcoholic beverages including sake, wine, beer, and potentially cocktails, designed to complement their Japanese cuisine.
- Private Dining: While not explicitly detailed, the sophisticated ambiance and nature of fine dining often suggest the possibility of accommodating private or semi-private group dining, ideal for special celebrations or corporate events.
- Takeout & Delivery: While the primary focus is dine-in, some high-end restaurants may offer limited takeout or delivery options through third-party platforms. It is best to check directly with Taru for their current offerings.
Taru stands out in the competitive New York dining scene due to several distinguishing features that contribute to its highly praised culinary and atmospheric excellence:
- Exquisite & Flavorful Dishes: The food is consistently highlighted for being "uniformly well executed and full of flavors." From appetizers like the scallop to various nigiri and sashimi selections, every dish is crafted with precision and passion.
- Chef-Curated Omakase: The omakase menu at Kotaru offers an "impressive array of fresh, mouthwatering and creative options," allowing the chef to showcase the finest ingredients and culinary artistry. This is a significant draw for sushi connoisseurs.
- Premium Ingredient Quality: Reviewers emphasize the "fresh" quality of the fish and the "phenomenal" ingredients, including "show-stealing" vegetable side dishes like the flavorful cauliflower.
- Serene & Sophisticated Ambiance: The restaurant's decor creates a "serene Japanese oasis," with an intimate and sophisticated setting that enhances the dining experience, making it feel "truly special."
- Attentive and Top-Notch Service: The staff is consistently praised for providing "attentive" and "top-notch service," demonstrating knowledge and passion for the cuisine, and ensuring guests have a delightful experience.
- Innovative Menu by Chef Tadashi Ono: The menu, curated by esteemed Chef Tadashi Ono, celebrates traditional flavors while embracing contemporary culinary techniques, promising a "gastronomic adventure."
- Artful Presentation: Each dish is described as a "work of art," beautifully presented to complement the exquisite flavors and culinary precision.
- Diverse Culinary Offerings: Beyond sushi and sashimi, the menu includes flavorful cooked dishes like tilefish and unique appetizers, catering to a range of preferences.
As a high-end Japanese restaurant known for its exquisite culinary experience, Taru typically focuses on delivering premium quality and an unparalleled dining atmosphere rather than frequently advertised promotions or discounts. The value at Taru lies in the superior ingredients, expert preparation, and attentive service.
However, specific types of "offers" that might be relevant for a restaurant of this caliber could include:
- Tiered Omakase Options: While exact pricing for Taru's specific omakase tiers (e.g., Signature, Seasonal, Premium) wasn't universally public across all search results, similar top-tier omakase restaurants often offer different price points based on the number of courses or rarity of ingredients. This allows diners to choose an experience that aligns with their desired investment.
- Seasonal Menu Updates: Chef Tadashi Ono's commitment to "showcasing the essence of Japan" and utilizing "unique variations that occur in nature" suggests that Taru regularly updates its menu with seasonal ingredients. These seasonal offerings, while not "promotions" in the traditional sense, provide a fresh and unique dining experience that adds significant value.
- Special Tasting Events: High-end restaurants sometimes host special tasting events or chef's table experiences that offer a unique, limited-time opportunity to explore specific themes or rare ingredients. Information about such events would typically be found on their official website or social media.
For the most current information on their menu, pricing for omakase, and any special culinary events, New Yorkers are highly encouraged to visit Taru's official website or contact them directly via phone. Given the positive reviews, the value here is in the consistently exceptional quality and memorable experience.
For reservations, inquiries about their omakase experience, or any other information, you can reach Taru using the following contact details:
Address: 30 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019, USA
Phone: (917) 456-1171
For New Yorkers who have a refined palate and seek an extraordinary Japanese dining experience, Taru in Midtown Manhattan is an absolutely ideal destination. Its central and accessible location on West 53rd Street makes it convenient for anyone in the city to reach, whether for a special celebration or a spontaneous indulgence. What truly makes Taru suitable for locals is its unwavering commitment to culinary excellence and an immersive dining atmosphere.
The "uniformly well executed and full of flavors" dishes, from the exquisite sushi and sashimi to the surprisingly "show-tealing" vegetable sides, ensure a memorable meal every time. The option for an intimate omakase experience, combined with the comprehensive á la carte menu, caters to a range of preferences, all while utilizing incredibly fresh and high-quality ingredients. Beyond the food, the "serene Japanese oasis" ambiance and the "attentive staff" provide a level of hospitality that enhances the entire evening, making guests feel "truly special." For New Yorkers seeking a sophisticated escape and a genuinely unforgettable Japanese culinary adventure, Taru is a must-visit that will undoubtedly leave you planning your next return.
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Taru Reviews
The dishes that we sampled were uniformly well executed and full of flavors. The scallop appetizer was quite delicious, and the chef selections of nigiri and sashimi were great and of wide variety. The tilefish was flavorful and cooked to perfection. Vegetable side dishes were show stealing. I especially loved the cauliflower, packed with a lot of flavor.
Feb 27, 2023 · Howard TI recently had the most delightful dining experience at Taru. From the moment I walked in, the ambiance transported me to a serene Japanese oasis. The omakase menu offered an impressive array of fresh, mouthwatering and creative options that catered to all tastes and preferences. Each dish was a work of art, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The skillful chef crafted the sushi with precision and passion, ensuring every bite was a pure delight. The attentive staff provided top-notch service, making the whole evening feel truly special. If you're a sushi enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable culinary adventure, this restaurant is an absolute must-visit!Will be returning again soon!
Aug 15, 2023 · Audrey LuIf you’ve been wanting to eat here, do it! Our experience here was exceptional! Customer service was top notch! From the moment we walked in, the host was super sweet and our server was very helpful, informative, and super nice! You can tell they only hire genuinely nice people. The chicken Kara-age and the Brussels sprouts were amazing! Usually when I order drinks I like to look at Google reviews and see which drink looks appealing to me. The one I showed unfortunately was a seasonal drink but he recommended another drink based on my preferences. I forgot what the drink is called but if you’re looking for something sweet and like dragon fruit, get the drink shown here before the season ends! This was the best drink I ever had! It was so tasty and different than another other drink I’ve had! I had a fuzzy taste to it which made it super unique. Next time we come back to NYC, we will definitely stop here again! I would recommend making a reservation since this can get booked pretty quick. Which makes sense considering how great this place is!
Dec 20, 2023 · Krysel SilvaA great little find for dinner tonight. All of the dishes were beautifully presented and tasted sensational. The service was very friendly and attentive and the interior was modern and elegant. If you like Japanese food this place is a definite.
Jun 13, 2024 · Sharon FreeUgh, what a dud of a date night. Don't let the Instagram hype seduce you--the only thing screaming at the end of your meal will be your wallet...and it'll be a scream of pain.- Kaluga Caviar: A teeny-tiny slab of milk bread toast the size of one Wheat Thin, with a sneeze's worth of caviar and a flavorless dollop of "avocado-tofu mousse". Even the quail egg had no flavor.- Toricolo: The only enjoyable dish of the night. Lots of fresh, meaty cuts of salmon, tuna and yellowtail (the holy trinity of sushi fish), in decent rice and wrapping. The downside is that it only came with four pieces for $21.- Lobster Tail Tempura: 1 point for the size of the lobster meat. -1,000 points for everything else. The tempura was unseasoned and soft, so it tasted like six layers of bread dough instead of a crisp shell. Seriously, has this chef ever actually had tempura? And the accompanying sauce was a bizarre ginger concoction that really didn't work with the tempura. It should've either been garlicky or the typical sweet soy sauce that tempura comes with. Ginger is just too....pungent....to work with all that dough. But you'll still slather it on because the bland, tasteless tempura will otherwise make you cry tears of boredom.- Uni-udon Peperoncino: A boring take on a dish that's been done a million times, and usually better. The udon was al dente, which was nice, but it was wasted in a generic mushroom cream sauce that did nothing for it, or the accompanying scallops and uni. Speaking of which, we also only got about a sneeze's worth of uni as well. And don't get me started on the peperoncino, or lack thereof...- Takenoko Kama-meshi: Added this side dish anticipating it would taste like the lovely rice pots my grandma used to make. It did not. My grandma knew what salt was. Apparently, Taru's kitchen staff does not. The rice was blander than a Taylor Swift concert--so bland, we had to mix in the soy sauce that came with the Toricolo roll just to be able to finish it.Why is this place so hyped up? I imagine the mostly white, snooty-looking clientele and hefty Baccarat Hotel prices have something to do with it. This isn't really a place for people with taste buds.
Jun 12, 2024 · Josephine Lee
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