Some of the awesome places that I have been to in New York I have just stumbled upon. Others I’ve heard about from the recommendations of others. Ninja is one of those places, and it’s something that I’m sharing with just about everybody.
Ninja is a Japanese restaurant located in Tribecca. On the outside, it is a very unassuming place with blacked out windows, and lettering that says Ninja. Some fliers and a menu are in the windows as well, but it doesn’t prepare you for what is awaiting you after the smiling hostess sends you on your way down the elevator.
You are met by a ninja who gives you two options: take the “normal” way to your table, or take the super secret ninja passage. We chose the super secret ninja passage, who wouldn't? I had to go first and of course was not pleased. But we made it through, and were escorted through the medieval Japanese town into a long room that was down some stairs.
There was a large group of us (twelve), so people trickled in after being escorted by various ninjas. We were then introduced to our ninja for the evening, and were given our menus. These were on scrolls that he took out from his belt. The wine list he unfolded from a parchment. The menus included many interesting ninja cocktails, as well as a great selection of appetizer and meal choices.
My boyfriend and I decided on the Hanzou, which is a five course meal that may have been meant for one, but can really feed two. This prix fix option includes a good majority of what they call “Ninja art dishes,” meaning that they come with an added ninja flare. We enjoyed the Clam bombshell (of which there is a small explosion), a great sushi platter, Kirikabu (above thinly sliced Mishima Wagyu beef, rice, sautéed Zucchini, and Michinobu sauce), the Bonfire (pan seared lamb with a garlic butter sauce, involved a large fiery table side presentation), and for dessert, the Ninja Star (if you love chocolate, you’ll love this). Other dishes that were ordered included the Floating sashimi (below served so it looked like it was floating on a cloud thanks to some dry ice), dancing plantain, Batto Jutsu (involving a sword that they wouldn’t let us keep), and many other tasty treats.
Throughout the dinner, the ninjas would play aroun
d with us, like sneaking up behind us, throwing fireballs at us (yes, real fire), and threatening assassination. We were also entertained by the world’s tallest ninja, who also had a killer moustache that curled up at the ends. He did a great card trick where he was able to guess seven cards randomly chosen from the deck, as well as change $1 bills to $100 bills and back again, inches from my face. That’s a handy trick these days!
All in all, I highly recommend this place for special dinners, if you’re visiting, or just have some extra money to spend. It is fairly expensive, but you’re getting top notch food, as well as excellent service and atmosphere. You also need to make a reservation in advance. For more information, visit their website here.
Recommendation for Ninja thanks to the Totally Rad Show. Thanks guys!!
