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Unagi and donburi in New York

A bowl of donburi topped with unagi is the kind of meal that turns a long day around.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
CLASS on 38th image 1
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Japanese restaurant

Small, intimate space with warm wood interiors and soft lighting creates an elegant, cozy atmosphere. Open kitchen and vintage decor add a speakeasy vibe that feels both relaxed and refined. Guests enjoy watching chefs at work while savoring modern Japanese cuisine paired with inventive cocktails.

Soft, tender eel pairs with rich foie gras in the Unagi Foie Gras Donburi, served over Koshihikari rice with truffled tare sauce. The unagi chawanmushi offers a warm, subtle flavor that melts in your mouth.

Grilled Unagi sits over Koshihikari rice with a rich, truffled tare sauce in the Unagi Foie Gras Donburi. The salmon donburi offers a filling portion with generous salmon.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and full of flavor."

"The Unagi Foie Gras Donburi was a luxurious harmony of rich foie gras."

"The Unagi Foie Gras Donburi was a luxurious harmony of rich foie gras and tender eel."

Good to know

1

Weekday lunch has happy hour prices for some items.

2

The happy hour menu includes unagi chawanmushi, karage, chicken wings, and more.

3

The Miyazaki A5 Wagyu Sandwich is limited to just 5 servings per day.

02
Don Neo Fusion ไธผ image 1
Japanese restaurant

Second-floor Japanese restaurant with retro anime art and spacious, cozy interior offers a pet-friendly patio and private booths. Atmosphere feels warm and vibrant, ideal for relaxed gatherings with friends. Staff perform table-side torching adding an interactive touch to dining.

Moist and delicious unagi don stands out with a rich flavor. Rice bowls featuring unagi consistently deliver a great taste alongside other dishes like chicken katsu don.

Fresh sushi tops the donburi bowls here, with options like eel and eggplant standing out. Mini donburi sets and yakitori samplers offer variety at reasonable prices.

People are saying

"The food here is so fresh and flavorful."

"It's a super cozy neighborhood spot with a peaceful vibe."

"The Unagi Don here is moist and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has limited parking space available.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours.

3

The menu features a variety of dishes including sushi, rice bowls, and ramen.

03
Katabaru image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers an intimate, cozy atmosphere with perfect low lighting and traditional-modern decor blending aesthetics. The space feels expansive yet ambient, suited for dates or small groups, with quiet energy on weekdays. Cocktails and Japanese dishes stand out, enhancing the overall experience.

Unagi don stands out with its addictive flavor and rich taste. The dish pairs well with pork belly and chicken, creating a satisfying meal.

Rich and flavorful yakiniku donburi stands out with perfect seasoning and a bit of spice. The eel donburi and nanban donburi with finely shredded crunchy cabbage also offer full, satisfying flavors.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so delicious, especially the juicy chicken karaage."

"The donburi bowls here are flavorful and perfectly seasoned."

"I found the Unagi Don bowl addictive."

Good to know

1

Katabaru offers happy hour from 4-7pm every day.

2

There was no wait to be seated at Katabaru.

04
Benemon image 1
Japanese restaurant

Traditional Japanese decor creates an intimate setting with dimmed lighting and crystal-lit tables fostering a cozy, moody vibe. The atmosphere stays quiet enough for conversation while bustling with patrons, making it popular for date nights. A small seating capacity enhances the sense of privacy and charm.

Unagi here offers a whole piece with great texture and flavor. The Giant Unagi DonBowl delivers strong value and satisfying taste.

Savory-sweet Yakiniku Donburi stands out with its flavorful beef and onions over rice. Other options like chicken and veggie donburi are good but less distinctive.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and everything was fantastic."

"I loved the unagi don; it was a whole grilled eel on rice."

"This Donburi place is so cozy and dimly lit."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can get busy.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

The restaurant closes at 11 PM on Thursdays, but may refuse entry after 9:50 PM.

05
Ozakaya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with a beautiful back patio featuring soft music and climate control. Outdoor seating includes a small sidewalk area good for people watching. The space is tastefully decorated and clean, creating a peaceful and inviting vibe.

A whole eel serves as the centerpiece in the unagi don, delivering a great taste and filling portion. The unagi also appears in a fresh, delicious 10-piece sushi set alongside other seafood.

Ozakaya Donburi Set stands out with fresh sashimi and rich flavors. The yakiniku donburi cooks perfectly and offers fantastic taste. Other notable dishes include the Kaishin Don and A5 Wagyu Hot Stone.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the ramen, is top-notch."

"The Ozakaya Donburi set was so delicious and well balanced."

"The unagi here is delicious and filling."

Good to know

1

Make sure to make a reservation for dinner.

2

Ozakaya is launching a Valentineโ€™s Day special menu.

3

Customers can participate in a fun drawing gamble when they spend more than a hundred dollars.

06
SUKI DESU image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small space with bar seating and two tables creates an intimate, cozy atmosphere. The vibe blends downtown energy with hip hop and ambient music, offering a stylish yet relaxed setting. Fresh, high-quality fish and unique dishes like donburi and ochazuke define the culinary experience.

Unagi comes microwaved and placed on rice. The unagi tamagoyaki offers a fresh take alongside the Fresh From The Sea bowl.

Donburi bowls feature fresh fish like hamachi, ikura, and uni with good portions and high-quality ingredients. After eating half, a delicious broth is added to the bowl.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The unagi-don was excellent, with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors."

"I thought the donburi here was the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The seating accommodations are limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Expect wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Lunch hours on Wednesdays typically have no wait for seating.

07
Sozai Japanese Restaurant (Izakaya Ramen) image 1

Japanese restaurant offers private booths and a large open bar with an extensive selection of sake and whisky. Lighting and decor create a warm, inviting atmosphere with a stylish, contemporary vibe. Seating feels comfortable and private even when busy, attracting both intimate diners and larger groups.

Unagi dishes come in well portioned servings with the Unagi don standing out as a favorite dish. The unagi offers an authentic flavor that pairs well with other menu items.

Menu offers solid donburi options alongside a variety of small plates and ramen. Selection complements the donburi well.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

"The Unagi don was rich and smoky."

"I found the donburi here to be very solid."

Good to know

1

Make sure to book your table to avoid long wait times.

2

Be prepared for a long wait (45 minutes to an hour) if you don't have a reservation.

3

The restaurant is welcoming for large parties, accommodating up to ten guests.

08
Kaoru image 1
Seafood donburi restaurant

Small space combines classic Japanese izakaya and piano bar vibes with live music and karaoke. Atmosphere feels intimate and cozy but can be loud and smoky during busy times. Regulars include Japanese patrons, creating an authentic environment.

Unagi Don features tender, flavorful eel cooked quickly without drying out. The dish is filling and uses fresh eel for a satisfying meal.

Seafood donburi stands out with good quality sashimi and many customizable options. The bowls consistently deliver fresh, flavorful seafood combinations.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh, it's the best I've ever had."

"It's a small, inviting spot that feels so cozy and authentic."

"The Unagi Don was tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Kaoru stays open until 3:00 AM on Fridays.

2

The place fills up quickly at lunch time.

3

Go off hours from 2-5 PM for no wait.

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