Hinoki Opens In Greenwich with Japanese Izakaya & Dim Sum

Hinoki, a relaxed tapas-style Asian cuisine in a casual, fine dining atmosphere opens in Greenwich.

Some things are worth waiting for, and Hinoki was one of them. Slated to launch prior to the pandemic, the restaurant’s doors are finally open. Brought to you from the successful team behind Miku Sushi in Greenwich and Kumo Sushi Lounge in Scarsdale, K. Dong and Chef Steven Chen, Hinoki introduces a new concept in Asian cuisine, bringing together a relaxed tapas-style Asian cuisine known as Izakaya along with the exclusive chef’s table experience known as Omakase, in a stunning setting at 363 Greenwich Avenue in Greenwich.  The two concepts are separated into three separate sleek and elegant dining areas including a private omakase event space, as well as an outdoor space on Fawcett Place. 

"We're really pleased with the outcome of the interior spaces,” shared K. Dong, “and we hope the community responds well to our menu which includes a variety of Asian-style cuisines that were made for sharing. Our plan for the private dining room is to really explore many styles of cuisine and invite guest chefs to collaborate. We're still working on ideas that we look forward to sharing soon."

In the states we tend not to associate tapas-style dishes with Asian cuisine, but I assure you that this is indeed a thing and it’s a beautiful one. Known as Izakaya, these tapas-style dishes were developed by some of Manhattan’s most notable chefs. Open for both lunch and dinner, with a special lower-priced lunch menu, all food here is designed to be shared, from the entrees to the appetizers. 

And share is just what we did. We began with an insanely rich and delicate Foie Gras Toast (above). California uni seared foie gras over toast with caviar is about as decadent as you can get. Sweet delicate uni sits atop of delicate, buttery piece of foie gras for a most luxurious bite. The caviar is extra, but oh so worth the splurge as the pop of the salty delicate eggs create a perfect contrast in texture and flavor. 

Proper Dim Sum has officially arrived in Connecticut! Traditionally consumed during brunch hours, Hinoki will be offering a Dim Sum brunch program. Hinoki offers selections from Pork Shumai, Shrimp Goyza, Chicken Goyza, Soup Dumplings, Vegetable Dumplings, Shrimp Spring Rolls and Duck Buns, and as to be expected, each dish was deliciously authentic. From the appetizers we had the Toro on Crispy Rice with an avocado Sauce where soft, creamy Toro and avocado sat on top of a square of deeply crispy rice for the ultimate mouthfeel experience. Thin slices of Himalayan Tuna served on a plank of Pink Himalayan salt with olive, avocado and an onion mustard soy sauce packed a flavorful punch for such a small bite, and the Uzamine Salmon, thinly sliced, served tomato, quinoa, arugula and a yuzu truffle sauce was wonderfully refreshing. 

You could order some sushi rolls (which I’m sure are exquisite if they’re anything like those at Miku), or you could order the Nori Tacos which are truly out of this world. Bite sized “tacos” in a crispy yet soft seaweed shell are delicious and incredibly fun to eat - truly a treat. These unique tacos are available in the following selections: Salmon, Ikura, Eel Cucumber, Yellowtail Avocado, California. Tuna Avocado, Spicy Tuna, Spicy Yellowtail Jalapeno and Spicy Salmon. Please don’t ask me to pick a favorite – I just won’t do it!

Perhaps you’re looking for something a bit more substantial. The Ginger Scallion Lobster – beautifully presented lobster pieces in their shells are served with bok choy in a sautéed ginger scallion sauce.

The King Crab Truffle Rice Hotpot is a little bit of Eastern culture meets Western Culture. Think of a rich risotto with an Asian twist. Wild mushroom, cheese and truffle. Deeply decadent and it just works. This dish is a must share for sure.

Lastly, and most certainly not least, The Prime Ribeye Steak (above) was so perfectly grilled -  juicy and pink, it practically melted under the knife. But what elevated this dish was the garlic and Japanese Wafu sauce which featured the unique flavor combination of onion, wasabi, uzu, olive and sesame oils. I would order this dish for the sauce alone – it was that good.

The restaurant also has an A-game craft cocktail program, as well as a lively “after hours” (after 8:00 pm) scene as well. I recommend the Pecan Wood Smoked Negroni, not only for the flavor, which was delicious, but for the presentation as well.

This drink is truly an experience. For their magnificence I also recommend the Margarita de Maria, made with Casamigo reposado, Cointreau, pomegranate liqueur, fresh raspberry and grapes, lime juice and pure blue agave and tri colored pepper corns.

This tasted as though it was made right in a raspberry patch. The Passion Fruit Mojito is a delightful drink for a warm summer day and features Bacardi silver, fresh lime juice, orange bitters, passion fruit puree, fresh mint and club soda. The Cucumber in a Coup, refreshing and perfect for those wanting something not too sweet and made with Tito’s, fresh cucumber, juniper agave and fresh lime juice.

You’ll not go wrong with any of these cocktails.

Hinoki is one of those places that just needs to be on everyone’s list.

Hinoki 363 Greenwich Ave. | Greenwich | CT

For more information visit their website.
For reservations 203-900-0011