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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Chinatown

Unique Japanese food

Japanese dishes that offer something truly distinct from the standard rolls and bowls found on every corner.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
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Updated June 2026
01
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Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant tucked behind an old pizza parlor offers an intimate setting with bar seating for eight around the chef. Atmosphere blends Tokyo taste with retro hip-hop vibes and a laidback, intimate mood. Chef prepares authentic Edomae sushi with precise aging and diverse fish selections.

Avant-garde sushi blends Tokyo flavors with New York atmosphere in a heartfelt omakase. Dishes include mochi, uni, caviar, and wasabi, with thoughtful preparation and less common courses alongside traditional styles.

Omakase here features unique cuts and preparation styles. The setting stands out with a mini sake bar that has a distinct vibe from its past as a pizza shop.

People are saying

"The omakase here is amazing, truly among my favorites ever."

"The fish here is outstanding, fresh, and thoughtfully prepared."

"The omakase here offers a unique setting and preparation."

Good to know

1

The lunch omakase costs $100 and includes a 12-piece omakase with a temaki.

2

Dinner omakase is priced at $165 for 17 courses.

3

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.

02
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Japanese restaurant

Hidden behind a soft serve shop, the space offers a cozy, speakeasy vibe with intimate counter seating that invites close interaction with chefs. The atmosphere balances friendly energy and quiet intimacy, making it feel like a small Tokyo eatery. Unique omakase dishes pair with fresh sake slushies, creating a distinctive dining experience.

Omakase here features unique and creative sushi with fresh, quality ingredients. The menu offers an 18-course experience that blends traditional and inventive dishes, paired with friendly service.

Super unique sushi pieces appear in every course. The menu blends traditional sushi with inventive dishes you won't find elsewhere.

People are saying

"This Japanese food spot feels like a cool, casual local secret."

"The bottomless sake with the omakase is a great surprise."

"The omakase here is so unique, with creative dishes I've never had before."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required at set time intervals, so book in advance.

2

The restaurant offers a late seating option on Friday nights.

3

You can enjoy either a 14-course or an 18-course omakase experience.

03
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Yakitori restaurant

Open fire grill anchors a sleek, intimate space with a U-shaped chef's counter and old school hip hop beats. Atmosphere blends relaxed energy with charcoal smoke aroma, creating a clubby, posh vibe. Guests engage closely with charismatic chef while savoring creative yakitori and distinctive cocktails.

Chef Atsushi Kono crafts authentic yakitori with over a decade of expertise. The yakitori omakase dinner offers a modern, chic setting and delivers some of the most refined chicken dishes available.

Every dish and skewer offers unique flavors and textures. The ATS cocktail captures the flavor of a yakitori place, making each item distinct.

People are saying

"I found the yakitori here to be delicious and perfectly prepared."

"The Japanese food, especially the yakitori, was delicious and perfectly prepared."

"You can try unique, adventurous chicken parts here."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is reservation-only.

2

You must wait outside until the host lets you in, even with a reservation.

3

Walking out of the door takes around $250 minimum (drinks, tax, and tips).

04
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Shabu-shabu restaurant

Counter-style seating with only eight spots creates an intimate setting where chefs cook shabu-shabu right in front of diners. The atmosphere feels cozy and personal, enhanced by soft jazz music and a pace that can feel brisk when alone. Unique sauces and premium Wagyu beef define the experience, making it distinct among shabu-shabu restaurants.

Shabu shabu shines here with an omakase style that includes making beef slices like sushi. The A5 wagyu dipped in soba sauce stands out, alongside a delicious sukiyaki with rich egg and sauce.

Variations of the beef stand out with unique, surprising flavors. The shabu experience includes different sauces that create distinctive bites.

People are saying

"The Wagyu here just melts in your mouth."

"The Japanese Food here, especially the A5 Wagyu, just melts in your mouth."

"The meat here is fantastic, especially the Washugyu and A5 Wagyu."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the limited seating.

2

The dining experience is exclusive, serving only about 10 guests per night.

3

I had to book about 1 month in advance to secure a reservation.

05
Paper Sons Cafe image 1
Coffee shop

Coffee shop with modern, sleek design and historical Chinese imagery on the walls creates a charming, inviting atmosphere. Large windows offer street views that connect indoor calm with bustling energy outside. Plenty of seating and strong WiFi support a mix of work and relaxation.

Crunchy outside and chewy inside, the sesame mochi ball pairs a lotus filling with a sesame outer layer. The matcha offerings include a high-grade, mellow matcha latte and a smooth, creamy red bean matcha latte made with a bamboo whisk.

Unique lattes stand out with Asian-inspired flavors like black sugar, lotus seed, and coconut. The turmeric black sugar latte offers a distinct taste that draws attention.

People are saying

"This cafe is so cute and cozy, a perfect chill oasis."

"The black sesame mooncake filling is nutty and earthy."

"I loved the unique Asian-inspired lattes, like turmeric black sugar."

Good to know

1

The cafe offers 50% off on pastries during a specific time.

2

The cafe exclusively carries Black 6 Coffee, a veteran-owned brand.

3

There is reliable wifi available for customers.

06
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Authentic Japanese restaurant

Spacious, modern interior combines minimalist design with green neon accents and bonsai displays. Atmosphere shifts from quiet and relaxing at lunch to lively and noisy in the evening. Small, Izakaya-style dishes and theatrical food presentations create an energetic dining experience.

Ramen gets a fun twist with servers shaking it tableside, adding a lively touch. Desserts like matcha tofu and creamy matcha ice cream balance sweetness and bitterness well. Dishes include motsunabe sushi in white broth and wasabi Kanpachi with pickled wasabi and green pea powder.

Food features a unique twist blending Japanese hotpot with Chinese and Korean influences. Desserts like the Kocha Cheese Cake and cocktails also stand out with their distinct flavors.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is delicious, especially the dumplings and ramen."

"The food here is delicious, quick, and fresh."

"I tried unique Japanese dishes like motsu-nabe and raw liver."

Good to know

1

Reservations at Hakata TonTon are highly recommended as they fill up fast.

2

It is suggested to arrive a bit early to avoid a long wait.

3

Expect small portions; you will need two dishes per person to be full.

07
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Small cafe with self-ordering kiosks and colorful outdoor seating creates a modern, clean space that feels cramped but lively. Busy atmosphere combines with a cool underground vibe and eye-catching visuals. No indoor seating emphasizes quick, made-to-order service.

Mochi donuts stand out with their extra chewy texture and unique flavors like black sesame and strawberry. Cream puffs and mochi munchkins also offer exceptional taste and variety in texture, from crispy to runny.

Mochi donuts offer a unique chewy texture and subtle sweetness that sets them apart. Drinks feature distinctive tea flavors and visually appealing presentations.

People are saying

"The boba tea here is phenomenal and beautifully presented."

"The mochi donuts and cream puffs here are so unique and delicious."

"The Japanese food's cream puffs are perfectly crusty and packed with filling."

Good to know

1

There is no seating inside; it's a takeout-only establishment.

2

Customers should order their items via the kiosk and wait for their name to be called.

3

The coupon code '152023' offers 15% off until 2024.

08
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Fine dining restaurant

Open kitchen reveals chefs at work, creating an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere with earthy warmth and cozy booths. Lighting is dim, sometimes requiring candles to see plates, while seating prioritizes style over comfort. Loud music fills the space, making conversation challenging but adding to the vibrant energy.

Broth for udon is subtle but tasty. Courses mix Japanese cuisine with Mexican accents. Sashimi appears alongside nontraditional items like tortilla.

Dishes showcase creative fusion Mexican flavors that stay true to core elements. The experience feels curated and deeply intentional, offering a unique culinary journey.

People are saying

"The food, especially the lobster, was grilled whole yet incredibly delicate."

"The dishes offered unique flavor combinations and deep, smoky umami."

"The Mexican Asian fusion Japanese food here is unique and life-changing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to high demand.

2

The restaurant offers a seven-course tasting menu with drink pairing options.

3

Expect a dining experience of over three hours for the tasting menu.

09
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Japanese restaurant

Dark mood lighting and small tables create an intimate yet sometimes crowded atmosphere. Heated outdoor seating with lap blankets offers comfort in cooler weather. Unique Japanese-inspired cocktails and root wasabi with sashimi highlight the menu's distinctiveness.

Sashimi stands out with white fish, salmon, and scallop served in pairs. Lamb chops and spicy lamb yakisoba offer tender meat and bold flavors. Freshly ground wasabi and a Wasabi Margarita add authentic and unique touches.

A unique atmosphere of relaxed fun sets the tone here. Every dish offers a truly unique flavor experience.

People are saying

"The sashimi here is so fresh, especially the salmon and yellowtail."

"The sashimi here is incredible and really good."

"It's a unique taste of Hokkaido, like being there."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends when the restaurant is at capacity.

2

Karaoke starts around 10:30 PM, which may disrupt quieter dining experiences.

3

Expect loud noise levels after 8 PM, particularly on weekends.

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