Zenkichi - Japanese Brasserie - Williamsburg

Food: 8.5/10
Everything else: 9/10
Price: $$
We would sleep on the L Train for Zenkichi.


We couldn't shake the Japanese Tapas bug this week and tried another spot in Williamsburg.


The atmosphere warrants comment.



An ideal date spot, Zenkichi features tables behind drawn shades; servers won't appear unless summoned via a button on the table, allowing for intimacy with a significant other -- or, in our case, a fellow foodie.

First we tried the jellyfish, served as fettucine-esque tentacles in a white sesame sauce. The server was skeptical we could handle it, confirming more than once that we were sure of what we were getting ourselves into. But it was worth the risk. Delicious, subtle flavor, and great, not-too-stringy texture. It wasn't nearly as weird as anticipated, so order it!


The tuna sashimi carpaccio in a green yuzu pepper sauce was fabulous; the pieces of fish were thick and meaty and the sauce was amazing.

Crispy chicken wings (yes, we're addicts) were next, and though treated differently than at Kasadela, they earned their place on the menu with great moisture and a sweet glaze.


The White Kukuni, a pork belly and egg soup, contained perhaps the most tender piece of pork we have ever consumed. The broth was delicious and the egg and tofu were very well done. The highlight of this dish was clearly the thick, juicy slab of pork. If you have any aversion to eating fatty foods you will want to skip this dish, as half of the inch-thick piece of pork is pure fat. Mmm.


All in all we had an amazing meal. Great atmosphere, very helpful and friendly server, and of course, fabulous food. Just do it.


TLDR: You should be eating at Zenkichi by now, why are you still reading this?