KATSUNO

KATSUNO is a new authentic Japanese restaurant in Forest Hills, Queens. Award winning chef Seo brings his new creation to Queens.

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"Superb Japanese food from a master chef, in Queens"

Superb Japanese food has come to Forest Hills thanks to Katsuno, an authentic Japanese restaurant that opened in November 2008, serving food of the quality that you would expect in Tokyo's most upscale restaurants. A simple, minimalist and tranquil place with modern Japanese décor, this beautiful restaurant is located in the same neighborhood that its owners have lived in and loved for 12 years.

What sets Katsuno apart is the superb craftsmanship of its chef Katsuyuki Seo. He is one of the best in the business, a winner of the National Culinary Excellence Medallion for his overall food preparation and style, with 30 years of experience, including being the top chef at the highly publicized Japanese restaurant in midtown Manhattan, Seo. Chef Seo prepares all the food himself, making every dish unique. Believing in a balance between food and people, he meditates until reaching the point of Zen before preparing a meal, connecting with all of the ingredients before beginning his preparations.

Katsuno maintains the Japanese custom of food sharing. The first course offers up to six hot appetizers. Omakase, for example, would give you Chef Seo's choice of three starters ($12). Or you could begin with stewed cold pumpkin ($6); octopus with cucumber vinaigrette, or salmon & sea urchin salad with the hearty chef's special house dressing ($18.00) or squid and celery with salmon roe ($13).

For a second course there are entrées that up to four people can share: grilled miso marinated beef ($24); grilled lightly salted chicken ($12); grilled cod, pre-marinated in Kyoto miso ($20); and Omakase Sashimi (a platter with a variety of seafood prepared in various ways with different sauces ($30).

Your third course could be an Udon or Soba noodle dish, for example Tempura Udon, noodles in a special batter fried in a tasty warm soup ($15); or Soba Noodles and Magret duck, juicy, tender and sweet in warm soup ($15).

All ingredients are absolutely fresh, with special fish imported from a family fish market in Tokyo and Sake direct from a winery in Japan.

Katsuno is expert at handling large groups too. They had a full house for their grand opening in November and can easily accommodate a party of up to 40 people in house. The restaurant will also cater events in your home, bringing along a sushi board, fish and knife and preparing the food in front of your guests. This is a very popular custom in Japan ($2000 for a party of 28).

For the New Year, Katsuno is adding low calorie items to the menu and will offer Sake tastings pared with appetizers.

A Valentines Day special will feature prix fixe menus for couples ($50 per person will include soup, appetizers, salad, sushi or meat entrée of your choice as well as Udon noodles).

For the best Japanese cuisine this side of Tokyo, add a visit to Katsuno to your list of New Year's resolutions.