In the midst of cheap eats catering to NYU students, MARUMI is like a Zen oasis. A clean, calm, comfortable space serving authentic Japanese food prepared and served by authentic Japanese people. I say this with some surprise and much irony because in New York, Japanese eateries tend to be the creations of Chinese, Korean and Thai restaurateurs. Also a pleasant surprise is the quality of the food: Fresh and flavorful. I say surprise due to the very affordability of the menu. Food of this caliber could easily demand higher prices, but Marumi remains a place of good ol? fashioned standards based in the philosophy of ?good food at good prices.? It?s a simple and sound formula; yet, fast becoming endangered amongst the polarities of ever-increasing fast-food chains and the eating palaces of the new Time Warner Center. On a recent visit, Marumi?s Una-Don and Mini Chirashi were both delectable. And though the service can be subdued at times, think Zen? Not every server needs to yodel their name, rank and serial number like some misbegotten cheerleader to provide good service. Sometimes, one just wants their miso soup to be served quietly and their sushi to be presented unobtrusively.
Pros: Value, Location, Ambience
Cons: service can SEEM too subdued
more