The Cafe That Rounds Out Ridgewood's Coolest Dining Triangle

"Hi-Node is the latest welcome addition to what I call the "restaurant village square" corner of Ridgewood, by such neighborhood institutions as Rolo's and Il Gigante. It's thanks to the Japanese cafe's relaxed atmosphere, a cheery staff, and a robust menu for folks on-the-go - onigiri abound! It's also good for for those ready to post up with a sashimi bowl."

"I can't stop thinking about the black sesame latte. The slightly earthy and nutty flavor is ideal for those who aren't into super-sweet desserts or drinks; the texture is milky without feeling too creamy and thick. The onigiri stands out: t=The rice holds its shape nicely, but still tastes soft and fresh. There's a vegetarian option: crisp cucumber and smooth avocado."

"It can be tricky to retain freshness in sashimi bowls ($21 to $28 for large ones; $11 to $15 for smaller ones), but Hi-Node achieves it. Each comes with a bright assortment of seaweed salad, pickled vegetables, and shio-koji edamame, which brings some nice color and crunch into the mix (the Scottish salmon was also top-notch). It's satisfying, although the takeout sauces could be a bit more generously portioned."

Hi-Node occupies a corner of Ridgewood near Rolo's and Il Gigante, offering a relaxed Japanese cafe atmosphere with a cheery staff. The menu emphasizes grab-and-go items like onigiri and larger options such as sashimi bowls. The black sesame latte is mildly earthy and nutty with a milky, not overly creamy, texture. Onigiri maintain soft fresh rice and include a vegetarian cucumber-and-avocado option. Sashimi bowls range from $11 to $28, arrive with seaweed salad, pickled vegetables, and shio-koji edamame, and feature high-quality fish like Scottish salmon. Takeout sauce portions are small. The interior feels minimalist and slightly sparse, with outdoor seating recommended on sunny days.

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