The mind behind some of Manhattan’s most unique Japanese concepts is currently gearing up to launch something brand new.
Heno Heno is a new Japanese Tapas and Izakaya restaurant from owners Tomo Morikawa and Jack Wu. Tomo Morikawa has been serving the community for many years and is the owner of Teppen Ramen, a popular Japanese restaurant located at 159 East 55th Street. Jack Wu meanwhile is a well established restaurateur and investor who has partnered with Morikawa to bring a brand new Japanese concept to Hell’s Kitchen later this year.
The new restaurant, Heno Heno, will serve a delightful assortment of different appetizers and sushi rolls, as well as sashimi, yakitori, yakimono, deep fried options, and noodles. The restaurant will place a special emphasis on authentic Japanese comfort food and will serve a wide array of Japanese delicacies. Morikawa and the team are currently in the process of applying for a full liquor license for the space, which will enable Heno Heno to serve premium cocktails to guests as well as wine, beer, and sake.
Moving into the space at 358 West 46th Street, Heno Heno will be replacing Sake Bar Hagi, which formerly operated at the location. Open since 1985, Sake Bar Hagi was one of New York’s first authentic izakaya’s and has been beloved by locals for decades. Thankfully. Sake Bar Hagi has reopened at a new location at 245 West 51st Street, and is already open for business.
A former tapas bar and Izakaya, the space is well-suited to meet Morikawa’s vision for Heno Heno, which will be able to seat approximately 48 guests at the tables, as well as an additional 8 guests at the stand up sushi bar. The team is currently proposing operating hours of 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Monday through Friday, 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM on Saturday, and 2:00 PM – 1:00 AM on Sunday. Those hours are still subject to change though, as Heno Heno has not yet acquired the necessary approval of the community board.
