My favorite restaurant in Astoria. The food is great, good happy hour beer prices, and the staff is always very friendly. The katsu curry ramen with pork is my comfort food. Plus, they are One Piece fans, so you know they are good people.
The octopus fried balls were very good as a starter. The Japanese pancake (forgot what was in it) was something I'd order everytime.The Japanese cocktails were sweet but not overpowering, I actually really enjoyed them which I didn't think I would.Also, the Ramen was solid, not the best I ever had but not something I'd take a star off for.Overall, I would definitely go again and would recommend trying it out.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mochiron Ramen
Rebecca Conner
This is my favorite ramen spot in Astoria. Always fantastic food and service.
Plain outside, surprisingly cozy inside. We got a nice table in the rear room with authentic style of Japanese cottage. Food is great with reasonable price. We love the grilled fish and green pepper tempura lightly fried. Asian food in Greek coomunity makes a variety of culture.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Yakiniku Don, Sauce
Noan Cambe
loved this cute little izakaya. ordered the yakitori sampler and it was a lot of food, and very tasty. sat in the back room where they have throwback japanese movie posters and some great art. i’d come back every week if i lived closer !
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Takoyaki
Alfred
Use to be great, but food has gotten worse, and pricier than the competition.I used to love this place, but they are cutting the quality of the food, while having higher prices than other nearby Japanese restaurants.For instance, for lunch I got 2 tiny pieces of appetizer with almost no shrimp, and there was little meat in the main course. To make up for the less meat, they had plenty of big chunks of onions in the food. The lunch special was $20 excluding drink or tip.The good is that the staff are nice, and the interior feels genuinely Japanese. They also have cheap beer. But there are other better and more affordable Japanese restaurants in the area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 4
Soham Dan
Title: Authentic Japanese Fare with a Cozy VibeMochiron Izakaya offers a delightful journey into Japanese cuisine, with a menu that showcases traditional flavors and contemporary twists. During my recent visit, I indulged in their Chicken Katsu and Takoyaki, and the experience was nothing short of fantastic.The Chicken Katsu was impeccably cooked, boasting a crispy exterior that gave way to tender, juicy meat inside. The accompanying tonkatsu sauce added a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, elevating the dish to new heights.As for the Takoyaki, each bite was a burst of savory goodness. The octopus-filled spheres were expertly crafted, with a creamy interior and a crisp, golden-brown exterior. Drizzled with a savory sauce and topped with bonito flakes, they were a true delight for the taste buds.Beyond the food, the ambiance of Mochiron Izakaya was cozy and inviting, with traditional Japanese decor creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The service was attentive, adding to the overall pleasant dining experience.In conclusion, Mochiron Izakaya is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Japanese cuisine in a charming setting. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer to Japanese fare, this restaurant promises a memorable dining experience that will leave you craving for more.
The Ramen is fantastic and the chicken Karaage is the best I have ever had! Cozy spot to grab dinner and some beer/saki.Kid-friendliness: Room for stroller
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Miso Ramen, Karaage
Paul Warren
True Japanese atmosphere and amazing ramen, highly recommend this for a full ramen
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Miso Ramen
Tracy Chan
Dark atmosphere. Food was above average. The Katsu Curry was filling and flavorful. My friends got the spicy ramen and original, it’s a favorite for two of them. One of them said it was alright.
Ambiance (5/5): The setting reminds me of the izakaya scene of Japan with the themed decorations and dining area that overlooks the kitchen. There's bar side seating along the kitchen and also a back area with addition seating. The bathroom is also decorated with anime cartoon posters everywhere! I liked how this venue was not loud or too dark.Service (5/5): We came in around 8:30pm on a Sunday and seated immediately. There seems to be authenticity from the Japanese-speaking staff. They attended to us often and were very nice.Food (3/5):Lychee Hi-ball (5/5): Hardly could taste any liquor in the very forward lychee flavoring (which I loved!)Charsu Bun (3/5): The bun bread was extremely soft and warm. The chars pork was not the most tender but the sauce complemented it well. There's nice variation to the bite from the lettuce and cucumber.Kaki Fries (3/5): The inside of the breading was a moist oyster. I wish the breading had a little more flavor. It came out nice and hot that provided a nice crunch.Yakiniku Don (4/5): The beef slices were nicely marinated but not the most tender pieces. The veggies included were carrots, cbbage, onions, and pickled ginger. It tasted great on the bed of rice that soaked up all the sauce. I would have enjoyed it with more sauce.Beef Don (2/5): There was no sauce at all which result in any flavor to the dish. The beef was dry. The egg in the middle should have been prepared runny to allow the yolk to serve as a sauce/provide moisture to the dish.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Yakiniku Don, Fried, Sauce
Steph W.
Ambiance (5/5): The setting reminds me of the izakaya scene of Japan with the themed decorations and dining area that overlooks the kitchen. There's bar side seating along the kitchen and also a back area with addition seating. The bathroom is also decorated with anime cartoon posters everywhere! I liked how this venue was not loud or too dark.Service (5/5): We came in around 8:30pm on a Sunday and seated immediately. There seems to be authenticity from the Japanese-speaking staff. They attended to us often and were very nice.Food (3/5):Lychee Hi-ball (5/5): Hardly could taste any liquor in the very forward lychee flavoring (which I loved!) Charsu Bun (3/5): The bun bread was extremely soft and warm. The chars pork was not the most tender but the sauce complemented it well. There's nice variation to the bite from the lettuce and cucumber. Kaki Fries (3/5): The inside of the breading was a moist oyster. I wish the breading had a little more flavor. It came out nice and hot that provided a nice crunch. Yakiniku Don (4/5): The beef slices were nicely marinated but not the most tender pieces. The veggies included were carrots, cbbage, onions, and pickled ginger. It tasted great on the bed of rice that soaked up all the sauce. I would have enjoyed it with more sauce. Beef Don (2/5): There was no sauce at all which result in any flavor to the dish. The beef was dry. The egg in the middle should have been prepared runny to allow the yolk to serve as a sauce/provide moisture to the dish.
Andrea Munoz
Here goes another one of my favorite spots to have my ramen & Japanese fix in the Astoria area. The Mochiron (chicken broth w/ torched porks, egg, bamboo shoot, scallion & nori seaweed) for the cold winter days is always a must for me and my family, the food is always fresh, flavorful, crispy and comforting. Service is always great and so is the vibe of this Japanese style restaurant.Some of the food that I have tried from here & that I enjoyed are the karaage, yaki gyoza, grilled squid, chashu bun, crab salad & chicken mayo don.During the summer they have a small backyard which is nice to enjoy a warm day with good food and good company.Kid-friendliness: They offer high chairs for our little ones.
Edited review after been there dozen of times during the past couple of years.This place is actually amazing. I really misjudged my first impression.The food is actually very tasty, all their Don's meals, fried stuff, are simply the best and done exactly right.Special mentions to the Snow Chicken Don, with the extra grilled/torched onion and mayo on the top. And the home made cucumber pickles, those are addictive.With a couple of Sojus, this is a real good place to have fun.[Original 2019]The food is good, but I didn't get this Wahou effect.Kid-friendliness: Staff extra attention to the kid, extra high chairs, and overall kindness.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Mayo Don, Chicken Katsu Don, Karaage
Stephanie C.
Came on a Friday around 7pm and was able to get a table without waiting. There was a very steady flow of customers coming in without too much of a wait time. Ordered the spicy mochiron ramen and I really like the wavy chewy ramen noodles and the two pieces of pork belly melts in your mouth. The soup had a tad bit too much white pepper flavor that was quite overpowering. I felt the portion was a little on the smaller side but it at least didn't make me feel overstuffed. Also ordered two skewers - chicken with pickled daikon and pork belly. Pork belly was great but the chicken one lacked flavor. Overall, would come here again for the ramen but would prob try a different flavor.
My favorite restaurant in Astoria. The food is great, good happy hour beer prices, and the staff is always very friendly. The katsu curry ramen with pork is my comfort food. Plus, they are One Piece fans, so you know they are good people.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Yakiniku Don, Chicken Katsu Don, Karaage
The octopus fried balls were very good as a starter. The Japanese pancake (forgot what was in it) was something I'd order everytime.The Japanese cocktails were sweet but not overpowering, I actually really enjoyed them which I didn't think I would.Also, the Ramen was solid, not the best I ever had but not something I'd take a star off for.Overall, I would definitely go again and would recommend trying it out.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mochiron Ramen
This is my favorite ramen spot in Astoria. Always fantastic food and service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grilled Rice Ball, Mochiron Ramen
Plain outside, surprisingly cozy inside. We got a nice table in the rear room with authentic style of Japanese cottage. Food is great with reasonable price. We love the grilled fish and green pepper tempura lightly fried. Asian food in Greek coomunity makes a variety of culture.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Yakiniku Don, Sauce
loved this cute little izakaya. ordered the yakitori sampler and it was a lot of food, and very tasty. sat in the back room where they have throwback japanese movie posters and some great art. i’d come back every week if i lived closer !
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Takoyaki
Use to be great, but food has gotten worse, and pricier than the competition.I used to love this place, but they are cutting the quality of the food, while having higher prices than other nearby Japanese restaurants.For instance, for lunch I got 2 tiny pieces of appetizer with almost no shrimp, and there was little meat in the main course. To make up for the less meat, they had plenty of big chunks of onions in the food. The lunch special was $20 excluding drink or tip.The good is that the staff are nice, and the interior feels genuinely Japanese. They also have cheap beer. But there are other better and more affordable Japanese restaurants in the area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 4
Title: Authentic Japanese Fare with a Cozy VibeMochiron Izakaya offers a delightful journey into Japanese cuisine, with a menu that showcases traditional flavors and contemporary twists. During my recent visit, I indulged in their Chicken Katsu and Takoyaki, and the experience was nothing short of fantastic.The Chicken Katsu was impeccably cooked, boasting a crispy exterior that gave way to tender, juicy meat inside. The accompanying tonkatsu sauce added a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, elevating the dish to new heights.As for the Takoyaki, each bite was a burst of savory goodness. The octopus-filled spheres were expertly crafted, with a creamy interior and a crisp, golden-brown exterior. Drizzled with a savory sauce and topped with bonito flakes, they were a true delight for the taste buds.Beyond the food, the ambiance of Mochiron Izakaya was cozy and inviting, with traditional Japanese decor creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The service was attentive, adding to the overall pleasant dining experience.In conclusion, Mochiron Izakaya is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Japanese cuisine in a charming setting. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer to Japanese fare, this restaurant promises a memorable dining experience that will leave you craving for more.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Takoyaki, Chicken Katsu Don, Takoyaki Plate
The Ramen is fantastic and the chicken Karaage is the best I have ever had! Cozy spot to grab dinner and some beer/saki.Kid-friendliness: Room for stroller
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Miso Ramen, Karaage
True Japanese atmosphere and amazing ramen, highly recommend this for a full ramen
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Miso Ramen
Dark atmosphere. Food was above average. The Katsu Curry was filling and flavorful. My friends got the spicy ramen and original, it’s a favorite for two of them. One of them said it was alright.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Ambiance (5/5): The setting reminds me of the izakaya scene of Japan with the themed decorations and dining area that overlooks the kitchen. There's bar side seating along the kitchen and also a back area with addition seating. The bathroom is also decorated with anime cartoon posters everywhere! I liked how this venue was not loud or too dark.Service (5/5): We came in around 8:30pm on a Sunday and seated immediately. There seems to be authenticity from the Japanese-speaking staff. They attended to us often and were very nice.Food (3/5):Lychee Hi-ball (5/5): Hardly could taste any liquor in the very forward lychee flavoring (which I loved!)Charsu Bun (3/5): The bun bread was extremely soft and warm. The chars pork was not the most tender but the sauce complemented it well. There's nice variation to the bite from the lettuce and cucumber.Kaki Fries (3/5): The inside of the breading was a moist oyster. I wish the breading had a little more flavor. It came out nice and hot that provided a nice crunch.Yakiniku Don (4/5): The beef slices were nicely marinated but not the most tender pieces. The veggies included were carrots, cbbage, onions, and pickled ginger. It tasted great on the bed of rice that soaked up all the sauce. I would have enjoyed it with more sauce.Beef Don (2/5): There was no sauce at all which result in any flavor to the dish. The beef was dry. The egg in the middle should have been prepared runny to allow the yolk to serve as a sauce/provide moisture to the dish.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Yakiniku Don, Fried, Sauce
Ambiance (5/5): The setting reminds me of the izakaya scene of Japan with the themed decorations and dining area that overlooks the kitchen. There's bar side seating along the kitchen and also a back area with addition seating. The bathroom is also decorated with anime cartoon posters everywhere! I liked how this venue was not loud or too dark.Service (5/5): We came in around 8:30pm on a Sunday and seated immediately. There seems to be authenticity from the Japanese-speaking staff. They attended to us often and were very nice.Food (3/5):Lychee Hi-ball (5/5): Hardly could taste any liquor in the very forward lychee flavoring (which I loved!) Charsu Bun (3/5): The bun bread was extremely soft and warm. The chars pork was not the most tender but the sauce complemented it well. There's nice variation to the bite from the lettuce and cucumber. Kaki Fries (3/5): The inside of the breading was a moist oyster. I wish the breading had a little more flavor. It came out nice and hot that provided a nice crunch. Yakiniku Don (4/5): The beef slices were nicely marinated but not the most tender pieces. The veggies included were carrots, cbbage, onions, and pickled ginger. It tasted great on the bed of rice that soaked up all the sauce. I would have enjoyed it with more sauce. Beef Don (2/5): There was no sauce at all which result in any flavor to the dish. The beef was dry. The egg in the middle should have been prepared runny to allow the yolk to serve as a sauce/provide moisture to the dish.
Here goes another one of my favorite spots to have my ramen & Japanese fix in the Astoria area. The Mochiron (chicken broth w/ torched porks, egg, bamboo shoot, scallion & nori seaweed) for the cold winter days is always a must for me and my family, the food is always fresh, flavorful, crispy and comforting. Service is always great and so is the vibe of this Japanese style restaurant.Some of the food that I have tried from here & that I enjoyed are the karaage, yaki gyoza, grilled squid, chashu bun, crab salad & chicken mayo don.During the summer they have a small backyard which is nice to enjoy a warm day with good food and good company.Kid-friendliness: They offer high chairs for our little ones.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grilled Squid, Seaweed Salad, Chicken Katsu Don, Karaage
Edited review after been there dozen of times during the past couple of years.This place is actually amazing. I really misjudged my first impression.The food is actually very tasty, all their Don's meals, fried stuff, are simply the best and done exactly right.Special mentions to the Snow Chicken Don, with the extra grilled/torched onion and mayo on the top. And the home made cucumber pickles, those are addictive.With a couple of Sojus, this is a real good place to have fun.[Original 2019]The food is good, but I didn't get this Wahou effect.Kid-friendliness: Staff extra attention to the kid, extra high chairs, and overall kindness.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Mayo Don, Chicken Katsu Don, Karaage
Came on a Friday around 7pm and was able to get a table without waiting. There was a very steady flow of customers coming in without too much of a wait time. Ordered the spicy mochiron ramen and I really like the wavy chewy ramen noodles and the two pieces of pork belly melts in your mouth. The soup had a tad bit too much white pepper flavor that was quite overpowering. I felt the portion was a little on the smaller side but it at least didn't make me feel overstuffed. Also ordered two skewers - chicken with pickled daikon and pork belly. Pork belly was great but the chicken one lacked flavor. Overall, would come here again for the ramen but would prob try a different flavor.