Savor the Essence of Japanese

At Kenka, the experience of savoring the essence of Japanese cuisine comes alive. This Japanese restaurant, nestled in the vibrant East Village neighborhood of Manhattan, captures the heart and soul of traditional and modern Japanese flavors. Situated at 25 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003, Kenka has gained renown for its dedication to offering an array of culinary delights that capture the true spirit of Japan. Fresh seafood, thoughtfully prepared grilled meats, and innovative sushi rolls make up the core of Kenka’s menu.

From the moment you step inside, you’re immersed in a casual atmosphere that effortlessly caters to the desires of both local patrons and curious tourists. The journey through Kenka’s menu is an exploration of Japanese gastronomy. Begin with appetizers that range from classics like edamame and gyoza to more adventurous options like takoyaki and karaage. Delight in the symphony of flavors within the salads, each crafted to highlight the diversity of ingredients from the freshness of a green salad to the complexity of a seaweed salad.

The Best Seller at Kenka

The best seller food inspiration from both traditional and modern Japanese influences, resulting in a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. With a focus on the finest ingredients, the dish showcases the skillful artistry that Kenka is known for.

Okonomiyaki

The Okonomiyaki at Kenka is a Japanese savory pancake that promises a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. This delectable dish showcases a skillful blend of ingredients and culinary expertise. A medley of finely shredded cabbage, diced meats, and fresh seafood are mixed into a flavorful batter, creating a harmonious base that forms the heart of the Okonomiyaki.

Upon being cooked on the grill, the Okonomiyaki takes on a tempting golden-brown hue, its surface crisping to perfection while retaining a tender interior. Generously drizzled with a rich, umami-laden Okonomiyaki sauce, this creation delivers an explosion of taste with every bite. The dish is then adorned with a delicate scattering of bonito flakes that dance and flutter atop the pancake, adding both visual allure and a hint of smokiness to the overall experience.

Ramen

The broth, simmered to perfection, forms the soul of this dish. Rich and aromatic, it carries the essence of umami, the fifth taste that defines Japanese cuisine. The Ramen showcases a variety of options, each with its distinct broth base – from the classic miso to the savory soy sauce and the delicate salt-based broth. Each variant is a testament to Kenka’s dedication to authenticity.

Immersed in the flavorful broth, you’ll find a medley of tender ingredients that complement each other harmoniously. Slender noodles, cooked to the ideal level of chewiness, provide a satisfying texture that dances with the palate. Slices of succulent grilled meat add a hearty element, while perfectly cooked eggs with velvety yolk and seasoned seaweed provide bursts of flavor in every spoonful.

Takoyaki

The Takoyaki is a delightful Japanese delicacy that captures the essence of both traditional and modern flavors. This popular dish features tender octopus pieces enveloped in a savory, golden-brown batter. Cooked to perfection on a special Takoyaki grill, each ball is a bite-sized delight that’s crispy on the outside and irresistibly soft on the inside.

Topped with a drizzle of rich and tangy Takoyaki sauce, a sprinkle of earthy bonito flakes, and a generous dusting of umami-packed seaweed flakes, the Takoyaki at Kenka is a sensory experience that harmoniously balances various tastes and textures. This dish is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visual delight, with its appealing presentation that showcases the chef’s meticulous attention to detail.

The Retro Ambiance at Kenka Restaurant

Being completely submerged in Kenka’s authentic retro ambiance is a genuinely unique experience. Diners are taken back in time by the restaurant’s genuine old-world charm. As soon as one enters, the restaurant feel as though the restaurant have been transported back in time because of the elaborate design and classic aesthetics that make up Kenka’s atmosphere. A sense of nostalgia that is difficult to find elsewhere is evoked by the dark lighting and ancient posters adorning the walls.

The carefully chosen selection of traditional Japanese ornaments enhances the enveloping ambiance. The air is filled with the sounds of energetic conversations and laughing from patrons, which wonderfully suits the throwback concept. Each piece has been thoughtfully positioned to improve the overall mood, and every nook and cranny of the establishment tells a tale.

Convenient Delivery and Reservations

Convenient delivery and reservations are seamlessly integrated into the Kenka experience, providing patrons with added ease and accessibility. For those who prefer to savor Kenka’s delectable offerings in the comfort of the own space, a hassle-free delivery service is available. This option allows individuals to relish the diverse range of traditional and modern Japanese dishes without leaving the homes.

Moreover, for those planning to dine in-house, Kenka offers a straightforward reservation process. This ensures that visitors can secure the spot at the restaurant and anticipate a delightful culinary adventure. Whether opting for a cozy lunch or a captivating dinner, guests can make the reservations with confidence.

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Good food, cheap beer and great personality!

Rated 5.0 out of 5
August 24, 2023

I’ve been living in New York for a couple of months, and I have to say that this restaurant was a delightful surprise. We enjoyed a good meal at a reasonable price, and the unique ambiance added character to the place. Plus, we got to make our own cotton candy on our way out, which was fun. There’s a special menu with some exotic dishes, such as turkey testicles (a pass) and pork brain (a win). My favorites were the okonomiyaki and the shrimp dumplings.

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Natashac559

Excellent Japanese Izakaya

Rated 5.0 out of 5
August 14, 2023

I prefer Kenka over the other izakaya (Donburya) we tried a few nights earlier. They offer better grilled food and exude an old Japanese vibe reminiscent of the Edo period from centuries ago. They even have cool old pachinko machines next to the restrooms. The service is quite good too. Overall, we really enjoyed the East Village area of NYC.

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Toga1k

What an adventure

Rated 5.0 out of 5
August 10, 2023

My friend convinced me to dine here because it’s his favorite restaurant. We waited outside until they called our name. He excitedly informed me that this place was featured on Broad City – haha. When we sat down, I noticed the BDSM-inspired decor, which I loved. The food was outstanding, and the prices were incredibly affordable. It was a date night I never thought I’d have, but one that I thoroughly enjoyed. We ordered fried chicken, grilled chicken, fried rice, dumplings, frog legs, and some other dishes that I’ve forgotten. Everything was incredibly delicious.

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DerekdH5499ZY

A wild and crazy, food and booze

Rated 5.0 out of 5
July 31, 2023

Kenka offers an experience as close to Japan as you can get in NYC. They have affordable beer, a wide selection of sake, and an extensive menu of authentic Japanese dishes, some of which are quite adventurous. The place feels like a big party and is definitely a unique experience.

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Drew R

Authentic Japanese Cuisine!

Rated 5.0 out of 5
July 11, 2023

Kenka is a trendy and popular place with an authentic Japanese atmosphere and delicious Izakaya cuisine! Their sakes are delightful too! The service is fast and friendly, and the place fills up quickly! Make sure to add your name to the waitlist, and ensure your entire party is present when they call your name, or you won’t be seated. The cotton candy machine (where you can make your own cotton candy dessert) is a brilliant addition, and the cotton candy is oh-so-delicious! I will definitely return on my next visit to NYC!

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Lifespursuit808

Read more at Tripadvisor and Yelp!

Following the Map to Kenka

Address:
25 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003