Kuma Inn
(212) 353-8866
113 Ludlow St 2nd Fl
New York,
NY
10002
40.7195
-73.9888
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Lower East Side
What People Are Saying About Kuma Inn
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
A tiny open kitchen overlooks the small, spare dining room of 30 or so seats. The often-harried staff can strike a dissonant chord with the intended laid-back sake-sipping vibe, but once the parade of food and drink starts arriving, all such concerns are banished.
The Food
Dishes are small, intense bites composed from a Southeast Asian palette. The flavors tend toward vividness rather than subtlety: A salad trio of pickled vegetables sings with vinegar and salt; sauteed mushrooms are rich and savory. Delicate pork tonkatsu, fried to the point of decadence in butter and served over peppery cress, is fantastic; likewise a creamy-fleshed, gingery bigeye tuna steak and simple, perfect sauteed greens. A choice among more than 20 sakes offers a delightful counterpoint to the savory small plates.
User Reviews
JasonMalfax
March 12, 2009
I was compelled to join citysearch to write my own review for this over-rated & overpriced pretentious Filipino Restaurant. I am Filipino who brought a FIlipino & a 'Caucasian' American friend. I was just appalled by the soggy lumpia shanghai, salty pancit bihon, very vinegary adobo sandwich and a tasting dessert that was far from Filipino. I'd rather go to Queens for more decent food & better value. I asked the waitress if the chef is a smoker; she said YES! That explains why the food were all salty. Filipino food is never served tapas-style. Kuma Inn did for profit. Don't get me wrong, I can cook what we ordered. It was my first visit on Mar 11,2009 6:30 dinnertime, and will never go back.
read full review
anideshmukh
March 01, 2009
The food at Kuma Inn is excellent. Everything we ordered was very good. Definitely try the muscles and the brisket. The chinese sausage is delicious as well. Do not go without making reservations. The place is small and cannot handle walk-ins especially on weekends. You might get away with it on weekdays. Don't expect too much as far as ambience is concerned. The restaurant isn't exactly fancy but is quite intimate. It is also BYOB, thats another great reason to go. Overall the experience was excellent and I will defintely go back.
read full review
nutbut303
February 19, 2009
Not an easy place to spot but we were able to find the place easily because we knew from a review that it was on the second floor and next to Suba. The place filled up quickly (on a Wedesday night!!) and the tapas were very well done. The chinese sausage with spicey dipping sauce + sticky rice was incredible. The pork-belly was another very savory dish paired with a yummy sauce. The coconut rice although was a side dish to supplement the food was yummy enough to be a main dish for us! The meal was very filling. Its a bit pricey for the ingredients but the flavor makes up for the inflated prices. BYOB is also a reason to go! You can bring your favorite wine or sake to pair up with the food. Note that there are corking fees!
read full reviewThe Details on Kuma Inn
Know Before You Go:
Even though dishes are inexpensive, they are small--the tab can escalate as more are ordered. It's cash only, so be sure to hit the ATM before dinner.
What to Drink:
A flight of three sakes is available for $15, offering a chance to compare varieties.
