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Benemon ico

Benemon
- 108 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003

Japanese restaurant, Asian restaurant ★4.0 (84)·$30–50

108 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

4.0
Major dining pet peeve: Restaurants that are stingy with AC on hot summer days. Come on, we all have electric bills to pay, and we all know how high they get from May to Sept. But no one wants to sweat like they're doing HIIT while trying to enjoy a plate of hot food. Oooo, weak pee in my gnocchi....tasty.Benemon is another stingy-with-AC restaurant. On a sweltering day with 251,000% humidity, the air conditioner was barely on, the fan was non-existent, and perhaps most insulting of all, they served us tepid, room temperature water. We had to ask for ice, which they (begrudgingly) gave in small cubes that melted instantly.The food was fine, but not worth the suffering.We started with Beef Carpaccio that was a bit too cooked for my liking, and Tuna Tataki likely drowned a painful death in the too-sweet miso-nut sauce. The Soft Shell Crab was pretty good, but I could've used more than six tiny legs. My Katsu Curry featured cute, sausage-shaped cutlets, but most of the dish was just sticky rice and gravy that I could've made myself.In attempt to avoid feeling feverish, I also got Yuzu Shiso Spritzer to wash everything down. It was fine, but if I hadn't desperately needed more ice than the staff wanted to give, I wouldn't have bothered ordering this.Not worth the sweat or the schlep. - Josephine Lee
Benemon Overview Intro Menu Detail Photos Location Reviews
$30–50 per person Reported by 84 people$20–30$30–50$50–100

Benemon Introduce

Welcome to the vibrant culinary scene of New York City's East Village, where hidden gems and neighborhood favorites await around every corner. Tucked away on a charming stretch of East 4th Street, you'll find Benemon, a delightful Japanese restaurant that has become a go-to spot for locals and tourists alike. Whether you're a student looking for a late-night bite, a couple on a romantic dinner date, or a group of friends celebrating, Benemon offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with a menu that promises to satisfy. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about Benemon, from its delicious offerings to its convenient location and cozy ambiance, ensuring you're ready to experience this East Village treasure for yourself.

Benemon stands out for its commitment to classic Japanese comfort food, reimagined with a modern twist. The restaurant's philosophy is simple: serve high-quality, flavorful dishes in a relaxed setting. Unlike many of the bustling, high-end Japanese establishments in the city, Benemon prides itself on being a casual and cozy space where you can unwind and enjoy a fantastic meal without feeling rushed. It's the kind of place where you can become a regular, greeted by friendly faces and treated to consistently delicious food. Their menu is thoughtfully curated, offering a variety of options that cater to different tastes, from hearty rice bowls and savory curries to fresh greens and small plates perfect for sharing.

The culinary journey at Benemon starts with a selection of appetizers from the garden, farm, and sea. You can begin your meal with classic bites like Edamame Peperoncino or Gobo Sticks, or try something more adventurous like the Anchovy Fried Potatoes. From the farm, highlights include the juicy Kara-Age Fried Chicken and the flavorful Black Miso Chicken. If you're a fan of seafood, don't miss the Shrimp Tempura or the Soft Shell Crab, which are prepared with a light, crispy batter.

What truly sets Benemon apart are its main courses, especially the donburi and Japanese curry dishes. Donburi, or Japanese rice bowls, are a staple here, with options ranging from the classic Oyako Don (chicken and egg) and Katsu Don (fried pork cutlet) to the more unique Yakiniku Don (grilled beef) and Unagi Don (eel). Each bowl is a complete and satisfying meal, perfectly balanced with flavors and textures. The Japanese curry menu is equally impressive, offering rich, savory curries that are perfect for a comforting dinner. The Katsu Curry and Beef Curry are especially popular choices among regulars.

To complement your meal, Benemon offers a great selection of beverages, including a curated wine list and a creative cocktail menu. You can sip on a unique drink like the Summer Echoes or the White Clouds while you dine, or opt for a glass of wine that perfectly pairs with your food. The restaurant also has happy hour specials, making it an excellent spot for after-work drinks with colleagues or friends.

Benemon's ambiance is another key part of its appeal. Described as casual, cozy, romantic, and trendy, it strikes the perfect balance for various occasions. The low-key lighting and intimate seating arrangements make it a great choice for a date night, while the relaxed vibe ensures you feel comfortable whether you're dining solo or with a group. They also have gender-neutral restrooms, adding to the welcoming and inclusive environment.


Location and Accessibility

Benemon is conveniently located at 108 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003, USA. Situated in the heart of the East Village, it's easily accessible via public transportation. The nearest subway stations are a short walk away, making it a simple destination from anywhere in the city. The neighborhood itself is known for its vibrant atmosphere, with a mix of eclectic shops, bars, and theaters, so you can make a full evening out of your visit.

For those driving, free street parking is available, though it's always wise to check for local parking regulations. The restaurant is committed to being accessible to everyone, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating. This thoughtful detail ensures that all guests can enjoy a seamless and comfortable dining experience.


Services Offered

Benemon provides a range of services designed for convenience and a great customer experience.

  • Dine-in and Table Service: Enjoy a full sit-down meal in the cozy and inviting restaurant atmosphere with dedicated table service.

  • Outdoor Seating: On warmer days, the outdoor seating area provides a lovely option to dine al fresco and enjoy the neighborhood's bustling energy.

  • Takeout and Curbside Pickup: For those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home, you can easily place an order for takeout or use their convenient curbside pickup service.

  • Delivery: Benemon partners with delivery services, allowing you to have their delicious food brought right to your door.

  • Reservations: The restaurant accepts and recommends dinner reservations, especially for groups or during peak hours, to ensure you get a table without a wait.


Features and Highlights

Benemon is celebrated for several key features that make it a standout choice for Japanese cuisine in NYC.

  • Fast Service: Customers consistently praise the restaurant for its efficient and prompt service, ensuring your meal arrives quickly and your dining experience is smooth.

  • Great Wine List: Unlike many casual Japanese spots, Benemon offers a thoughtfully curated wine list that perfectly complements their menu, enhancing the flavors of each dish.

  • Diverse Offerings: The menu is incredibly versatile, including alcohol, beer, and cocktails, along with comforting classics and healthy options. They also cater to various dietary needs with specific vegan and vegetarian options.

  • Late-Night Food: Benemon is a fantastic option for a late dinner or a post-show snack, as they serve food late into the evening.

  • Ideal for Solo Dining: The casual and welcoming atmosphere makes Benemon a comfortable and enjoyable place for individuals dining alone.


Contact Information
  • Address: 108 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

  • Phone: (212) 614-3006


What Is Worth Choosing

So, with so many options in the East Village, what makes Benemon a truly worthwhile choice for your next meal? The answer lies in its unique combination of authentic flavors, a relaxed atmosphere, and an accommodating service style. Benemon isn't just a place to eat; it's a place to relax and enjoy a well-crafted meal. The cozy, casual, and slightly romantic vibe makes it versatile for a variety of occasions, from a casual dinner with friends to a quiet, intimate date night. The restaurant's ability to be a trendy spot for a young crowd while also appealing to a more local, established clientele speaks to its universal charm.

The menu's focus on donburi and Japanese curry sets it apart from typical sushi-heavy Japanese restaurants, offering a comforting and satisfying alternative. The commitment to providing diverse offerings, including vegan and vegetarian choices, ensures that everyone in your group can find something delicious to enjoy. Furthermore, the availability of both dine-in and takeout options, along with late-night hours, makes it an incredibly convenient choice for the fast-paced New York lifestyle.

While some might be concerned about the comfort level during summer months, especially considering that the air conditioning may not always be at full blast, this is often a trade-off for the restaurant's cozy and intimate feel. It's a place that prioritizes a relaxed, lived-in atmosphere over a sterile, corporate dining experience. By choosing Benemon, you are choosing a genuine taste of Japanese comfort food in a setting that feels like a hidden neighborhood secret, even though it's popular with both locals and tourists.

Ultimately, Benemon provides a refreshingly authentic and unpretentious Japanese dining experience. It's the perfect spot to try a new kind of Japanese comfort food, enjoy a carefully chosen drink, and soak in the vibrant energy of the East Village, all while being assured of fast service and a warm welcome.

Benemon Menu

  • From the Garden

  • Gobo Sticks $8.00

    Burdock root sticks sautéed in sesame oil and flash fried

  • Edamame Peperoncino $9.00

    Young soy beans, garlic, olive oil, chili flakes

  • Anchovy Fried Potatoes $12.00

    Fried potatoes, homemade anchovy sauce, garlic, parmesan

  • Tofu Fire $13.00

    Light batter-fried tofu, sweet n’ hot chili sauce, topped with scallions

  • Fresh Greens

  • Gomadare Salad $13.00

    Arugula, sweet shiitake, daikon, red seaweed, sesame seed dressing

  • Tofu Hijiki Salad $13.00

    Crushed tofu, arugula, hijiki, lemon vinaigrette, miso dressing

  • From the Farm

  • Kara-Age Fried Chicken $12.00

    Japanese-style juicy fried dark meat chicken, lemon slice, homemade spicy mayo

  • Salty Pork Belly $13.00

    Smoked pork belly, shishito pepper, spicy black kaimi sauce

  • Black Miso Chicken $15.00

    Broiled dark meat chicken, crushed walnuts & black sesame, black miso balsamic sauce, topped with shredded scallions

  • Beef Tataki $16.00

    Seared rare angus beef, daikon sprouts, apple vinegar, onion soy sauce

  • Garlic Beef Steak $16.00

    6 oz. Angus NY Strip steak cooked rare, crispy rice patty, savory garlic sauce

  • From the Sea

  • Shrimp Tempura $12.00

    Tempura fried shrimp, kabocha, string beans, green tea sea salt

  • Hot Squid $15.00

    Sliced squid, lotus root, shiitake mushroom, sautéed in a spicy red pepper sauce, topped with cilantro

  • Tuna Tataki $15.00

    Seared tuna, Cajun spice, sweet miso-nuta sauce with scallions

  • Soft Shell Crab $16.00

    Deep fried soft shell crab, ichimi ponzu dipping sauce

  • Donburi

  • Oyako Don $18.00

    Grilled marinated dark meat chicken, shiitake mushrooms, onions, scallions and soft-cooked cage-free eggs simmered in a rich soy sauce broth, served over rice

  • Katsu Don $19.00

    Panko breaded pork cutlet, onions, scallions and soft-cooked cage-free eggs simmered in a rich soy sauce broth, served over rice

  • Vegetable Ten Don $18.00

    Deep fried airy and crispy kabocha, eggplant, string beans, shiitake mushroom, okra, broccoli, lotus root and carrot tempura served over rice with our original savory tentsuyu sauce

  • Yakiniku Don $20.00

    Tender slices of beef sautéed with onions in a savory Japanese barbeque sauce, topped with sesame seeds, scallions and a pinch of red ginger, served over rice

  • Tsukimi Tori Don $19.00

    Deep fried white meat popcorn chicken, shiitake & enoki mushrooms, shirataki noodles, onions, simmered in a sweet soy sauce topped with a cage-free soft-steamed egg, served over rice

  • Nanban Don $19.00

    Crispy white meat chicken tempura glazed with a sweet, rich nanban sauce and homemade tartar sauce, topped with sesame seeds and a pinch of scallions and ginger, served over rice

  • Shrimp Ten Don $20.00

    Deep fried airy and crispy shrimp, kabocha, broccoli, and eggplant tempura served over rice with our original savory tentsuyu sauce

  • Una-Tama Don $21.00

    All-natural eel, onions, shiitake mushrooms, scallions and soft-cooked cage-free eggs simmered in a rich soy sauce broth, served over rice

  • Unagi Don $29.00

    Delicately broiled all-natural whole eel fillet drizzled with a robust, sweet eel sauce , topped with sesame seeds and served over rice with shredded nori

  • Japanese Curry

  • Vegetable Curry $18.00

    Roasted eggplant, string beans, bell peppers, okra, and broccoli, served with an all-vegetable broth savory curry

  • Katsu Curry $19.00

    Pork or Chicken, Panko-breaded deep fried white meat chicken or pork cutlet served with an all-vegetable broth savory curry

  • Beef Curry $19.00

    Curry-spiced, tender stewed beef served with an all-vegetable broth savory curry

  • Cocktails

  • Summer Echoes $16.00

    Plum wine, yuzu juice, shiso leaf, pickled plum juice

  • Await the Moon $16.00

    Matcha green tea, pineapple-infused sake, honey syrup, egg white, whit chocolate dust

  • White Clouds $16.00

    Roasted green tea sake, Junmai sake, cream, brown sugar syrup

  • Rise at Eve $16.00

    Juniper-infused sake, shiso leaf, sudachi syrup, dried lime

  • Tale of Old $16.00

    Cedar cask sake, orange-infused sake, Lillet Blanc, lemon peel

  • A Hundred Autumn Nights (Serves Two) $27.00

    Warm yuzu sake carafe, lemon twist, shiso leaf, rock sugar

Benemon Details

  • Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • Curbside pickup
  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Great wine list
  • Popular for

  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Comfort food
  • Happy hour drinks
  • Happy hour food
  • Healthy options
  • Late-night food
  • Small plates
  • Vegan options
  • Vegetarian options
  • Wine
  • Dining options

  • Dinner
  • Seating
  • Table service
  • Amenities

  • Bar onsite
  • Gender-neutral restroom
  • Restroom
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Romantic
  • Trendy
  • Crowd

  • College students
  • Groups
  • Locals
  • Tourists
  • Planning

  • Dinner reservations recommended
  • Accepts reservations
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards
  • Parking

  • Free street parking

Benemon Photos

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Benemon Location

Benemon

108 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

Benemon Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 481 user reviews.

eelentreestapassmall platestuna tatakipork katsu currysoft shell crabcutletyakiniku donburivegetable curry

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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