Located in the posh Bryant Park Hotel, Koi serves an elevated Asian menu that is definitely worth a visit, even if a bit pricey. I should mention that they have a vegan menu that is not brought systematically to the table and you would need to ask for it. Of course, you can get a miso soup or some edamame, but I suggest the crispy rice that is in essence a sushi made with crispy rice that they propose with spicy tuna, yellow fin tartare or truffle avocado that is what we ordered. It is at this place that we tried crispy rice for the first time, many years ago, and we are never disappointed: you get the crispiness of the rice mixed with the creaminess of the avocado that has a subtle truffle taste that fills your nose as they bring the dish. Another vegan dish that is on that menu, in their signature section is their vegan dragon roll, made with shiitake, sweet potato, tofu, avocado and soy paper. This was quite good, and the kind of roll that I would see myself eating, even if I am not vegan. But I admit that my favorite is their creamy shrimp tempura that had a shell deliciously crispy, hiding a perfectly cooked shrimp. A must have.

For entrees, I tried their lobster that was perfectly made, topped with a sake truffle butter, as well as their duck that was delicious, the skin being nicely fatty and slightly crispy. My only regret is that I did not order a side with it as it was only served with roasted shishito peppers that were good, but could have been mixed with other vegetables.

Before talking about dessert, I should mention their cocktails that are quite creative. The Sun-toki one with Japanese Toki whisky, blood orange puree, spices and crushed pepper was superb, as was the Samurai with also Toki whisky, muddled ginger and yuzu sake for a nice acidity. But if you do not drink alcohol, they have several mocktails like the Oh! So Lychee! with lychee puree, cranberry and vanilla extract that was refreshing an as good as the others (you cannot go wrong with lychee!).

Now, let’s talk about dessert: I admit that I only tried their banana spring roll, that were magnificent: crispy on the outside, with a nice banana and chocolate filling inside, paired perfectly with the vanilla sauce that came with it. Another must have!

Banana spring rolls at Koi Bryant Park in NYC

Overall, Koi is a great spot, with great food, but it can be packed and the service can suffer a bit, the kitchen being backed up. It is also a bit loud, that is always something I do not like when dining. But the food is good, so I could make an exception.
Enjoy (I did)!

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Koi Bryant Park - 40 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018

I Just Want To Eat!