Bananas Restaurant

New American restaurant · East Village

Bananas Restaurant

New American restaurant · East Village

174 1st Ave., New York, NY 10009

Highlights

Homie Food is the fresh new gem serving up innovative Asian-inspired dishes in a cool, laid-back vibe that’s perfect for any casual get-together.

174 1st Ave., New York, NY 10009 Get directions

bananasrestaurant.com

@bananas_ny

$$$$$$$

Reserve

@infatuation

"Chicken liver mousse with sweet pickled scallions, scooped onto bagel chips. Luscious shrimp wontons, swimming alongside more shrimp in a Cajun étouffée. There’s a world of influences swirling around at Bananas in the East Village, and some of them come together deliciously—particularly that étoufée, with at least three separate layers of shrimpy flavor. And even though some ingredients feel like they’ve been forced to play together—like karaage served on top of too-dense pancakes—Bananas is ultimately a good time. Bright and colorful enough for a casual catch-up in front, the restaurant is darker and more date-worthy in the back. You’ll spot subtle banana-themed decor here and there, like a display case full of banana sculptures. One banana is completely unexpected: a caramelized banana that comes with char siu pork. Like many of the unexpected combinations here, it works surprisingly well. photo credit: Raychel Brightman photo credit: Raychel Brightman photo credit: Raychel Brightman" - Will Hartman

Bananas - Review - East Village - New York - The Infatuation

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@eater

"A restaurant offering a creative menu that reflects Asian American experiences." - Emma Orlow

New NYC Restaurant Openings in New York City: January 2025 - Eater NY

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@philtoronto

Want To Go

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Anna Mui

Google

Had dinner here and everything was so good! The fusion of favors in every dish was wonderful. My favorite dish was the crab fried rice and octopus. The meatballs in tomato tom yum sauce were also delicious. The restaurant itself was beautiful and can sit big parties if needed. There is also a kitchen counter where you can watch the chefs cook as well. Overall a great experience and can’t wait come come back to try more items.

joanna lee

Google

This place is amazing! The theme and decor is modern, cool, and thoughtful without trying too hard, the staff was friendly and attentive at all times and knowledgeable about food items since some in our party had food allergies. We tried a bunch of different dishes, everything was so tasty, it was hard deciding which was my favorite. I loved the fried rice! This is definitely going to become a staple restaurant in the city I go to, and would definitely recommend to family and friends. Can’t wait to go back and try more dishes!

Wilawan Tarakham

Google

Homie Food just opened, and it’s already a standout spot! The vibes are great—relaxed and welcoming, perfect for a casual meal or catching up with friends. The location is super convenient, making it an easy choice for dinner. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, which makes the experience even better. On top of all that, the food is absolutely delicious—fresh, flavorful, and packed with authentic tastes. If you’re looking for a new favorite spot, this might just be it!

Elsie Hsieh

Google

I recently tried out a new spot in the Lower East Side, and it was fantastic. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a perfect balance of elegance and comfort. It’s perfect for a date night or friends gathering! We started with the grilled octopus—perfectly cooked and full of flavor. Next up was the étouffée, featuring Cajun shrimp wontons that were just as delicious. To top it all off, I ordered the Poached Pear for dessert to celebrate my friend’s birthday. The staff even added a sparkler, which was such a thoughtful touch! If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience, this is the place to go. I can’t wait to come back to try other dishes!

Henry Lo

Google

The food was very delicious. I love the Asian infused with American dishes. The décor and ambiance were very modern and had a very cozy feeling. The best was the customer service I received from the owner, Chris. He made over 4 rounds to our table to make sure I was having a great experience with my friends and me. I def recommend this place.

Anh Tran

Google

I came here for dinner on a Friday night with my husband and it was delicious!!! The vibe was cute and was perfect for a date night! The yellowtail app was super fresh. The chicken and waffles were fire. Super creative with the condensed milk syrup. That was my husbands favorite. The shrimp Alfredo had huge shrimp and the char siu was nice. The oysters were good, it was the least favorite. Overall would highly recommend for a night out in town!

Angela S

Google

I’ve been to Bananas twice already and both times my dining experience was exceptional! The food was very flavorful and each dish was beautifully presented. I especially loved the dynamite fried rice, which was cooked to perfection. Our server, Ali was very friendly and accommodating, making it a truly memorable meal from start to finish. Highly recommend!

arabella salim

Google

Bananas was a wonderful dining experience. I highly recommend the grilled octopus and the mushroom tempura! Both were delicious and perfectly cooked. The highlight of our meal however was the oysters, they were so fresh served with a melted cheese topping. 😊 Besides the food, the ambiance and the service was great! The restaurant is cozy and our waitress was the sweetest girl.❤️Wish I got her name. It’s clear that this place is committed to quality, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit to explore more of the menu!