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Family Recipe
2013 Michelin Bib Gourmand Awardee!
Family Recipe opened on the Lower East Side in September of 2011. The concept grew out of chef/owner Akiko Thurnauer's experiences growing up with a food-obsessed family in Tokyo, Japan, but her cuisine is influenced by her appreciation of New York City and other places around the world. It's not traditional Japanese food; as the New York Times put it, it's "food for the way we live now," satisfying and surprising, created and served in a stylish open kitchen. We call it cooking from the heart. Welcome to Family Recipe!
See more Family Recipe details
Family Recipe opened on the Lower East Side in September of 2011. The concept grew out of chef/owner Akiko Thurnauer's experiences growing up with a food-obsessed family in Tokyo, Japan, but her cuisine is influenced by her appreciation of New York City and other places around the world. It's not traditional Japanese food; as the New York Times put it, it's "food for the way we live now," satisfying and surprising, created and served in a stylish open kitchen. We call it cooking from the heart. Welcome to Family Recipe!
61 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Rating Breakdown 61 reviews
5 stars
(26)
4 stars
(24)
3 stars
(9)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(43)
- neighborhood gem(33)
- special occasion(11)
- romantic(8)
- good for groups(7)
- hot spot(7)
Family Recipe Reviews List
Review 1 for Family Recipe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Japanese with a twist
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Calm and quiet. No rush. we had a delicious dinner of miso brussel sprouts, Cauilfower steak, (with chinese bacon), short ribs and mango/watermelon/shrimp salad. Oh, and pork buns-"
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 2 for Family Recipe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I loved the brussels sprouts with miso butter, ginger shiitake mushroom dumplings, tofu hijiki scramble rice bowl, and the smoked pineapple rice pudding. Family Recipe is a lovely place."
Dined on 5/20/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Family Recipe
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A lot of potential. Really wanted to like the place but the food just really wasn't good..!"
Dined on 5/17/2013
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Review 4 for Family Recipe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good dinner but SO pricy!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had a few occasions to celebrate and I wanted a place which we've never been to before. It's in a sort of the hole type area, most of the other restaurants around it were completely empty while it was quite busy. I thought the dishes were very pricy. Yes, there were some unique ingredients, but for example a "Cauliflower" steak Entree was $22. for a DELICIOUS plate of vegetables! a bit much, no? It was the same price for the evening special of "brick" chicken.
The service was very attentive, but i felt the food was not worth the value."
The service was very attentive, but i felt the food was not worth the value."
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for Family Recipe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Inventive Japanese Appreciated
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"If you love Japanese food but are in the market for inventive Japanese, you should consider Family Recipe. "Inventive Japanese" means their take on how to serve lamb sausage to what some would typically expect from a traditional soborodon. While not every dish hit the mark for me, I appreciated every single one for the chef's effort to introduce something better than the same old favorites."
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 6 for Family Recipe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Japanese food with a twist
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went to Family Recipe for Mother's Day Brunch and had an enjoyable experience overall. The cocktail choices were enticing and everything on the menu looked delicious. Definitely would like to go back for dinner next time."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch
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Review 7 for Family Recipe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great place.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This is a really quiet cool little place. The food was great and its very unique. I liked the vibe alot."
Dined on 4/16/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 8 for Family Recipe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"simply wonderful neighborhood gem with exceptionally delicious inventive food."
Dined on 5/06/2013
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Review 9 for Family Recipe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This is some of the best food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This is some of the best food we've eaten. There's nothing quite like getting to taste things that you wouldn't have even thought of making. Fresh, vibrant, plenty of "comfort" food style stuff, but, also yummy clean lighter fare, though with plenty of flavor. Sake cocktails hit the spot."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 10 for Family Recipe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
good casual japanese foods....
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"They have a list of good casual Japanese foods. If you want to try non-sushi, non-sashimi type Japanese food, I would recommend here. As me being a Japanese, I feel their foods are a little overpriced, though. Their foods are home-cooking style, so over $12 price tag is a bit much to me."
Dined on 04/22/2013
2006
Special Features: hot spot
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Review 11 for Family Recipe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Get the tapas/appetizers.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Get the tapas/appetizers. Everything we had was delicious particularly the Brussel sprouts, lamb sausage and the cedar-wrapped cod"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find
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Review 12 for Family Recipe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We were a group of three and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were a group of three and came in for an early dinner right after opening, and found the staff well prepared both service- and cooking wise. Being vegetarians, we found plenty of options and shared a bunch of exciting tapas as well as a wonderful bowl of scrambled tofu and rice. Our recommendation couldn't be warmer."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 13 for Family Recipe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food was really tasty,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was really tasty, really well prepared, great textures, but the service was not quite comparable. Morning disastrous or rude happened, but we were told we had been seated at the wrong table and were asked to move. Then even though our tapas came out one by one slowly, we still had a long wait for our entree after finishing our third tapas. Our waiter and server were attentive but not really sophisticated per say, as at other Michelin restaurants. That said, we still recommend it and I am sure we will go back."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 14 for Family Recipe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious, interesting food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Delicious, interesting food beautifully presented--and that was just the vegetarian options."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2010
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Review 15 for Family Recipe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fabulous!!!!!!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Love the food and sake section. The owner Akiko is super talented. Must try!! All time FAV!!!"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 16 for Family Recipe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Japanese "home" food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great Japanese "home" food for those who want to expand their horizons beyond sushi and ramen. The kitchen is excellent. Drink selections are limited but you'll find you won't care once you begin to eat. Make a reservation as the space is small. Also be aware you will come out smelling of food."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 17 for Family Recipe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Happened upon this little
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Happened upon this little gem by chance. Wonderful Japanese tapas/small plate experience.
Roasted Brussels sprouts
Pickled anchovies
Chinese sausage and crispy rice
Roasted short ribs
Okonomiyaki
Smoked pineapple rice pudding desert
Pickled anchovies
Chinese sausage and crispy rice
Roasted short ribs
Okonomiyaki
Smoked pineapple rice pudding desert
Staff and the owner/chef were all very friendly and helpful.
Definitely will return."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 18 for Family Recipe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
food was well prepared and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"food was well prepared and very interesting. nice to have another style of Japanese cooking besides sushi. and they have cutest tiniest ice cream cones for dessert."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 19 for Family Recipe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food was amazing! The eggplants
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was amazing! The eggplants buns were one of the best things I've ever had! Loved the cauliflower steak!"
Dined on 02/26/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 20 for Family Recipe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great food, sub-par service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had read great things about Family Recipe was our experience was sub-par. Service was very poor and we were ignored multiple times as there was a party that obliviously was friends of the chef that got all of the servers undivided attention. Plates were left on our table for at least a half hour, drink request were ignored and we weren't even asked about desert. When we finally got their attention and expressed our displeasure with the service it didn't really seem to phase them. It was shame about the service as the food was excellent but we all left with a sour taste in our mouths and doubt we will bother to come back. If they can get the service issue worked out I think it could be a fantastic restaurant."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 21 for Family Recipe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food. Unique and new
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food. Unique and new yet comforting. This is one of my new favorite places."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 22 for Family Recipe
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
High Expectations!!
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"really looking forward to this place as it is in our neighborhood and we have been wanting to try it for quite a while. Our waitress was lovely and knowledgeable. Everything sounded fantastic, we were having a hard time choosing. Did we order the wrong things? We chose two specials, the liver tacos and special oyster Okonomiyaki. We also got the crispy squid and a rice bowl & hanger steak salad (salad the favorite) Unfortunately, the food was just ok. Crispy squid is basically greasy fried calamari, with no sauce whatsoever. The Okonomiyaki was flavorless and gummy/doughy. Would not recommend. I also got the shrimp and kimchee rice bowl. Also nothing spec. and very sm. for $15 worth of flavorless rice. high hopes/low result/nice people"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2002
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Review 23 for Family Recipe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good later night (10pm+) dinner
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Good later night (10pm+) dinner spot. Fun desserts. Servers were super nice and friendly. Enjoyable meal all around."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 24 for Family Recipe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great drinking food. The portion
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great drinking food. The portion is bigger than anticipated as well. It's not traditional Japanese, it mixes different cuisine. Definitely will go back again."
Dined on 01/27/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 25 for Family Recipe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food is nothing special.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food is nothing special. I guess I came here with really high expectation and the food is just okay. We had the brick chicken, like what a lot of reviews have recommended. It tastes good, but it takes over 45 minutes of wait because there was a large party that was dining the same time as us. Even though I really don't like how she decided that it's okay to make us wait extra long for our food because we are a smaller party, I really appreciate the waitress gave us a small side to compensate for the extra long wait."
Dined on 01/24/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Family Recipe
Based on the average of (36) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
5 out of 5 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate