We only go to Upper East Side when we have to, so we don’t know that many restaurants around there. So, when we need to eat and it happens that we are in UES, we have to do some research. Luckily, I am good at finding restaurants with good food… This time, I found this Korean Japanese restaurant called Maroo. I of course LOVE any kind of authentic Japanese food, and I always enjoy Korean food since I discovered them in my college years. So, this was the perfect fit for our cravings.

The inside was rather small, with the ordering counter right at when you walk in. You can see the kitchen through there, and they were working pretty fast. They had a cash register right next to the counter, and fridge with all sorts of cold drinks were placed next to the register for easy handling.

 

To the left of the counter were two tall, large tables with five bar stools each. This can be used for larger groups, or shared among customers.

To the right of the counter was more seating, with one high table with bar stools, and 3 dining tables with chairs. There was one table available when we walked in, so we grabbed it immediately. This was more of a quick eatery place from what I saw, so the turn over was pretty fast. Even if there was no seat when you walked in, about the time you make the decision on what to eat, order, and get your food, there is a high possibly that a seat will become available during that time.

We both really like Korean spicy pork, so we ordered Spicy Pork Rice Bowl ($8.95) and Spicy Pork Bento ($11.95) from their Lunch menu. Once the food is prepared, the staff will call out the name of the dish, and you go pick it up. If in case you are so into your conversation with your family or friends and didn’t hear them, then they will bring it over to you. Which I thought was very considerate, isntead of just leaving the food right there at the counter. I was very excited when our food was ready. Spicy Pork Rice Bowl came in a nice large bowl, with good amount of rice and pork. The pork was tender, juicy, and very spicy! It was packed with flavor, really tasty.

Spicy Pork Bento Box was even more fantastic. It came with so much, for such a low price! It came with spicy pork, rice, miso soup, fried dumpings, edamame, and salad. It really was great amount of food.

Edamame was lightly salted, and friend dumplings were very crispy. I was pleasantly surprised to find what it seemed like shirataki noodles in the inside of the dumplings. I don’t think I have seen this ingredients in fried dumplings or gyoza at any other restaurants, it was really great!

Miso soup was nothing special, but it is always good to have a hot soup or drinks with a meal. The salad was very fresh and I appreciated how it was not swimming in crazy amount of dressing.

The main item, spicy pork was again very spicy, packed with flavor. It was rested on top of shredded cabbage and carrots, which helped calm down the spiciness a bit. It was so tasty and went great over the rice.

 

With the price, portion, and quality of the food, this place was a great find. We were really happy with our food. The restaurant was clean, the staff was friendly, and relaxing atmosphere. The only thing is that they don’t have bathroom. But regardless of that, I would definitely go back there again if we are in the area!

Maroo – 1640 3rd Ave, New York NY, 10128