Chef Nobuhiro Hamazaki and Chef Ricardo Cardona
Brunch at KOBANO (299 Bowery) is nothing short of a sensory experience, starting the moment guests walk through the door. The ambiance is absolutely captivating—entering the restaurant is like stepping into a vibrant disco haven. The space greets you with a dazzling array of disco balls, strobe lights, and sleek reflective fixtures that make the room feel alive with energy.
What’s more incredible is how this electric vibe gradually gives way to a quieter, more intimate dining area if you seek a more relaxed space away from the beat of the music. The lush plant decor envelops the dining room, creating an almost magical, jungle-like atmosphere that transports you far from the hustle of New York City. It’s this beautiful balance of energy and tranquility that sets the tone for the entire experience.
During our brunch visit we indulged in the bottomless cocktails. But, honestly, we couldn’t settle on just one dish—there were too many tempting options, so we decided to try a few. The Bohlino De Bacalhau was a delightful start—salted cod fritters with a perfect balance of potato and herbs that gave the dish a comforting, savory depth. We followed that with the Ricotta Pancakes—a dreamy stack of fluffy pancakes, served with a refreshing mango-pineapple salsa that brightened up each bite. Then, the Steak & Eggs arrived—grilled hanger steak paired with red potato hash and a tangy chimichurri. The steak was perfectly cooked, and the chimichurri added just the right amount of zing. As if that weren’t enough, we dug into the Crispy Fish & Chips—Branzino fish with crispy garlic herb fries, and a saffron pepper aioli that took the traditional fish and chips to a whole new level. The fish was perfectly tender, and the fries were impossibly crispy, making it a dish I’d order again and again.
To wash it all down, we tried the Amazon Glow non-alcoholic elixir—a refreshing blend of Seedlip Grove 42, matcha, lemon, honey, and edible flowers. It was a cool, calming beverage that perfectly complemented the flavorful brunch spread. KOBANO's dining experience isn’t just about the food—though the dishes we tried were nothing short of delicious—it’s about immersing yourself in a vibrant atmosphere that reflects the fusion of Japanese and Brazilian cultures. With every element, from the food to the decor, you can feel the energy of New York City coming alive in an unforgettable way.
Aside from brunch they also serve epic dinner dishes. The menu includes a variety of dishes such as spicy edamame, shishito peppers, wagyu gyoza, tuna tartare, yellowtail tiradito, and a selection of artisan rolls like The Fogo and Amazon. For larger plates, guests can enjoy dishes such as Branzino Baiano, Feijoada Tradicional, and Churrasco de Fraldinha. A range of specialty items, including Brazilian-style feijoada, truffle corn benedict, and rich desserts like Yuzu Cheesecake and Warabi Mochi Parfait, are also available. Chef Nobu Hamazaki's Artisan Rolls feature creations like The Fogo with salmon sashimi on yellowtail, jalapeño, tempura flakes, and yuzu miso, while Chef Ricardo Cardona’s Taste of Brazil offers dishes such as Branzino Baiano, a whole branzino with coconut sauce and dende oil, alongside a variety of Feijoada options, Churrasco de Fraldinha, and bone marrow with garlic-lime and chimichurri, all complemented by Arroz Frito, a selection of fried jasmine rice dishes with vegetables, truffle, shrimp, steak, or chicken.
KOBANO offers a convenient window for guests to enjoy their exceptional dishes, with operating hours from 5 PM to 9 PM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, extending until 10 PM on Thursdays and Fridays, and a generous 12 PM to 11 PM service on Saturdays. Be sure to plan your visit within these times, and to stay updated on the latest menu offerings and special events, follow KOBANO on Instagram at @kobanony. Whether you're booking a reservation or just looking for a sneak peek at what's new, their Instagram is the perfect place to keep in the loop!