Hinoki is known as a tall slow-growing tree native to Japan, that has bright green leaves and yields valuable timber. It’s also the hottest restaurant in Greenwich and if you haven’t already experienced this epicurean delight you should GO now. Remember to let them know your friends at Greenwich Lifestyle sent you! The unassuming restaurant is set in a casual, fine dining atmosphere at 363 Greenwich Avenue just below the street level.
This culinary masterpiece features relaxed tapas-style Asian cuisine known as Izakaya in Japan and will soon introduce Omakase. The exclusive chef's choice extended sushi dinner will begin following the expansion that is set to happen this fall. Yes, you read that correctly, this restaurant is only a few months old and is expanding following a pandemic. Keep reading and you'll understand why.
Upon entering the restaurant guests walk down several steps by a sleek seating area, that was designed to fit a DJ booth, and past a large Spanish tile mosaic. They're in the mix. On any night of the week, this is the place you want to be and be seen. Although it's hard to choose between the option of the lively bar crowd or the discerning patrons fashionably juxtaposed against minimalist style tables and luxurious booths.
Following the expansion, both concepts, Izakaya and Omakase, will be presented within 4000 sq feet of sophisticated custom interiors. Separated by distinguished seating areas including the long mahogany wood bar, trendy dining room, and exclusive private rooms, a visit to Hinoki is an experience for all of the senses. Ample outdoor seating is also available and highly sought after during sunlight hours. The new bar will be the largest bar area on Greenwich Avenue and the private rooms will be able to host both large and small corporate and special events.
The menu features several types of Asian cuisines like dim sum and sushi along with hot or cold shareable appetizers and main dishes that are expertly executed using Asian techniques and flavors. Distinctive dishes like rainbow salmon trout, crispy Bronzino, prime ribeye steak, and assorted platters of sushi and sashimi are reimagined with whimsical twists by skilled chefs. Both in the actual kitchen and consulting from some of the most prestigious restaurants in the world. Top-quality ingredients are sourced from the best distributors, purveyors, and markets including Tsukiji in Japan. A custom-made dim sum cart doe weekend brunch could possibly be unveiled before this article goes to print.
Menu items like the colorful nori tacos, steaming hot soup dumplings, bold Himalayan tuna, and signature dishes like the truffle rice hotpot, miso black cod, and ginger scallion lobster are among the most popular. Reservations can be hard to come by as the restaurant developed a loyal following almost immediately after opening in early May. Due to its popularity, Hinoki made the decision to expand quickly from 2800 sq feet to 4000 sq feet creating 100+ seats. The addition will allow for more private events with entertainment and a robust happy hour crowd complete with special guest DJs like April Larken.
“Our concept is fun and versatile,” said K Dong, Co-owner with Chef Steven Chen. He continued, “We designed the space to feel good, to make people feel important and we created a menu that really meets everyone’s taste. We value creativity and only use the best ingredients, this helps us differentiate ourselves. Great customer service is also our priority and we work with our team to continue improving.” The restaurateurs started working together eight years ago at Kumo Sushi Lounge (kumoscarsdale.com) in Scarsdale and opened MIKU SUSHI (mikugreenwich.com) at the top of Greenwich Avenue in April 2019. Together they also manage a thriving catering business throughout Fairfield and Westchester County and a seafood supply company distributing to the finest restaurants and markets in the area. You can order a "popup" experience at home from any of the three restaurants.
Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week, offerings also include a premiere beverage program created by a celebrated local mixologist. See the cognac-based Greenwich Lifestyle special edition cocktail recipe towards the back of this issue. The drink list features excellent wine, beer, and possibly the best-handcrafted cocktails available on The Avenue, these specialty libations are just as nice to look at as they are to sip. Try the cucumber in a coup with fresh fruit puree and top-shelf vodka, or pecan wood-smoked negroni with Japanese gin and prepared in a dome cloche. Trust us, you’ll want to make another reservation for your next meal before departing, a lot of people do!
The passionate restaurant team regularly receives local awards and positive feedback and they continue to grow and develop as business owners. Their goal is to continue to bring something new and special to both Fairfield and Westchester County while empowering their staff to excel in all that they do. “Our staff works really hard but they also see the reward in making that commitment to being a member of our team,” said Dong. All of the staff are vaccinated and are diligent about following local and State Covid guidelines to ensure the safety of their staff and guests.
Between the three restaurants, catering division, and seafood company the team is responsible for over 120 employees and continued to support them throughout the pandemic. “Last year was the most challenging year we’ve faced but we are proud of our ability to maintain during the uncertainty. It was really due to the support we felt from our communities and customers. That was really, really special, and it’s something that motivates us to keep going and be better”, said Dong.
When creating the brand for Hinoki the team pulled inspiration from the “circle of togetherness” known as Enso. It is a sacred symbol in Zen Buddhism representing the circle of life and connection. The enso is a manifestation of the artist at the moment of creation and the acceptance of our innermost self. It symbolizes strength, elegance, and one-mindedness. The letter "o" in Hinoki is also representing the sun, a sign of material and spiritual prosperity in Japanese culture. We also like to think that this article is our full-circle moment as we celebrate our 2nd year anniversary with the team that we featured in our inaugural issue. So many reasons to tip up our glasses and cheers, especially with the new Greenwich Lifestyle cocktail - remember the recipe is towards the back of this issue. Try to make it at home, take a photo, and post to social and tag @hinokigreenwich!
Call for reservations (203) 900-0011 and subscribe to the Hinoki email list or follow on social for more information on the opening of the expansion and special events. hinokigreenwich.com