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New Yorkers 1st Choice
the LES' best

Japanese food bars

You want a bar that takes its Japanese food as seriously as its drink menu.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
RokuNana image 1
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Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers a cozy speakeasy upstairs with unique cocktails and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Seating includes backless chairs, creating an intimate and modern vibe. Fresh sushi and thoughtful presentation define the dining experience.

Cozy lounge on the second floor offers a selection of good Japanese whiskies. Drinks at the cocktail bar stand out for their quality and craft.

Freshness stands out with fresh sushi rolls and shrimp tempura made with care. The spot offers flavorful sushi and a solid izakaya vibe.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the tempura and burger."

"The Japanese food here has incredibly fresh fish and well-made sushi rice."

"The cocktails here are creative, beautiful, and taste amazing."

Good to know

1

Seating is limited, so make a reservation in advance.

2

RokuNana offers some vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food.

02
Wabi Nori Hand Roll Bar image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant with chic interior design and freshly prepared handrolls creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Loud afro-house music adds a nightclub vibe, making it lively and energetic. Space feels intimate but can be tight at tables, suited well for casual dates or social dining.

Offers a hand roll bar with fresh sushi and exceptional cocktails. Staff provides attentive service in a lively setting.

Freshness stands out with incredibly fresh sushi and delightful hand rolls. The staff provide fabulous service enhancing the overall dining experience.

People are saying

"The Japanese food service here is so friendly and accommodating."

"The cocktails here are unique and perfectly made."

"You have to sit at the bar and chat with Nick, the bartender."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner service, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant has a $10 minimum for credit card payments.

03
Kin Gin image 1
Japanese restaurant

Soaring dining room with a huge overhead glass roof creates a bright, airy space with elegant dรฉcor and a warm ambiance. The atmosphere shifts from bright and spacious during the day to cozy and intimate with candlelight after sunset. Cocktails stand out as spectacular, served in a chic bar area that complements the overall elevated vibe.

The bar features an impeccable raw bar with super fresh appetizers. King crab legs stand out at the seafood bar, making it a fantastic spot for shellfish lovers.

Tuna tartare comes with nori sheets for handrolls, and sashimi melts in your mouth with unique flavors. The menu features a modern izakaya style with dishes like dashi-steamed clams in spicy miso and fresh ginger, plus standout gyoza and grilled fish.

People are saying

"The food here is exceptional, with fresh, flavorful ingredients."

"The Japanese food here, especially the Wagyu and sashimi, is incredibly flavorful and melts in your mouth."

"The drinks here are exquisite, especially the Spirit of Mushin."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required as the restaurant fills up quickly.

2

Expect to pay $20-40 for raw bar items and small plates.

3

The restaurant offers a special 4th of July celebration on the roof.

04
Izakaya Juraku image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Japanese beer house style blends with anime-themed decor and One Piece projections on walls, creating a vibrant, quirky atmosphere. The space feels like a mix of trendy Tokyo bar and classic Kyoto izakaya, lively yet comfortable for conversation. Unique fusion cocktails and artisanal Japanese beers complement the authentic vibe.

A blend of trendy Tokyo bar vibes and classic Kyoto Izakaya style shapes the atmosphere. The bar offers a comprehensive selection of Japanese beers and creative sake creations suited for relaxing solo or with friends.

Authentic ramen offers rich, flavorful broth that feels true to Japan. The seasoning and menu lineup clearly match what Japanese people want to eat, creating a genuine izakaya vibe popular with locals.

People are saying

"The ramen here is outstanding, especially the brown butter."

"They have a huge selection of unique Japanese beers."

"The handrolls here are the best part of the food."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with great deals on drinks and appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended for larger parties or peak times.

3

The restaurant charges around $50 per person for food and drinks.

05
Toriya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Interior combines neon-soaked decor with wooden booths and paper lanterns, creating a warm, authentic izakaya vibe. Music varies from lively to loud, shaping a bustling atmosphere that suits groups more than quiet dates. Space feels roomy yet retains an underground Osaka bar charm.

Feels like a traditional Japanese pub with a modern NYC vibe. Works better as a bar with snacks than a full restaurant.

Small izakaya focused on yakitori with excellent chicken heart, tenderloin with wasabi or yuzu, and chicken thigh. Offers $1 okonomiyaki happy hour and $10 udon lunch specials providing great value.

People are saying

"The yakitori here is tender and grilled to perfection."

"The yakitori here is tender and tasty."

"It's a great spot to hang out at the bar or grab a quick bite."

Good to know

1

Don't miss their happy hour from 5-7 PM, where you can enjoy $1 (for 3 pieces) of okonomiyaki.

2

The restaurant charges a mandatory 20% gratuity and a 20% service charge on the bill.

3

The restaurant can accommodate big groups.

06
Double Chicken Please image 1

Small, Japan-inspired bar splits into two distinct rooms: dark, refined backroom with craft cocktails and lively front room offering draft drinks and casual bites. Atmosphere feels chic and sexy, with innovative cocktails and standout chicken dishes drawing a dedicated crowd despite long waits.

Offers a top cocktail experience recognized globally and ranked among the best bars in North America. Known for its exceptional mixology and world-class reputation in the bar scene.

Mochi Donut Chicken Sandwich stands out as a highly inventive dish. Cold soba noodle drinks offer a savory umami flavor that pairs well with unique options like the key lime pie drink.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are inventive and unlike anything I've tried."

"The cocktails here are creative and intentional."

"The Japanese food here is amazing, especially the cold noodle dish."

Good to know

1

Reservations are definitely needed, as they sell out quickly.

2

Be prepared to wait outside for at least an hour on weekends.

3

The wait time for the coop side can be 3-4 hours.

07
Yopparai image 1
Japanese restaurant

Traditional Japanese interior features tatami mat seating and intimate bar two-seaters, creating a cozy and authentic atmosphere. Dim lighting and unique decorations enhance the intimate, homey vibe. A carefully curated sake menu complements the setting, appealing to sake lovers and food enthusiasts alike.

Long two-seater bar seats create a more intimate setting. Traditional Japanese sake bar offers a good selection of sakes, small dishes, and sashimi. The bar area feels cozy and is very photogenic.

Fresh sushi and sashimi showcase melt-in-your-mouth seafood with perfectly seasoned rice. Unique touches include tempura with a basil leaf and wasabi placed between fish and rice in some sushi pieces.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic izakaya plates and unique tatami seating."

"It's an intimate spot perfect for cozy conversations."

"This sake bar has authentic izakaya plates."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner service.

2

Expect to spend around $50 to $75 per person.

3

The restaurant offers upscale izakaya fare in an intimate setting.

08
Ivan Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small ramen restaurant offers cozy vintage atmosphere with close tables and a loud, chaotic vibe inside. Outdoor seating includes a heated, dog-friendly patio that provides a more private and comfortable experience. The space feels lively and crowded, making conversation difficult indoors but more relaxed outside.

Tables at the bar are available without reservations around early evening. Staff behind the bar know the menu and alcohol selection well, supporting smooth bar service alongside great appetizers and entrees.

Ramen here stands out for its rich chicken broth and perfectly cooked noodles. The vegan ramen with koji tofu offers a unique twist that impresses regularly.

People are saying

"I thought the ramen here was the best I ever had."

"The ramen here is the best I ever had."

"The bar staff here are amazing and go above and beyond."

Good to know

1

Make sure to reserve ahead of time to secure your table.

2

You must respond within five minutes if you receive an SMS about your table.

3

You need all members of your party to be present to get seated.

09
Oi bozu image 1
Japanese restaurant

Spacious interior combines modern design with a cozy cafe atmosphere and Japanese music for a relaxed, upscale vibe. Seating includes a long counter bar and a large dining area, making it suitable for working or studying. Unique, extensive sake selection and authentic Japanese flavors create a distinctive dining experience.

Sitting at the bar feels relaxed with no rush. The bar doubles as an izakaya offering a casual night vibe.

Seasonal kaiseki dishes offer a traditional Japanese dining experience with fresh, perfectly cooked vegetables and flavorful broths. The menu features incredible onigiri, outstanding sushi bombs with eel, sea urchin, and squid, plus rich miso soup and modern rice bowls.

People are saying

"You have to try the sushi bombs; they're playful and flavorful."

"This lunch spot's burger steak was so juicy."

"You have to try the playful and flavorful sushi bombs at the bar."

Good to know

1

Happy hour includes sushi and runs from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

For the soft opening, they offer free drip coffee with a pastry purchase.

3

The cafe transforms into a bar/izakaya at night.

10
Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Upscale Japanese restaurant with an authentic Izakaya vibe and beautiful decor featuring an outdoor patio and full bar. Atmosphere feels tranquil and lovely, though seating can be small and cramped. Sake selection stands out as amazing and delicious.

An honest bartender works at the bar on the same floor as the restaurant. Sitting at the sushi bar offers an entertaining experience.

Sushi stands out with a wide variety of fish and many nigiri specials. The Crispy Rice Tuna and sushi platter offer distinct flavors, and the chef adapts sashimi into sushi rolls on request.

People are saying

"The food here is outstanding and delicious."

"The Japanese food here is great and the service is attentive."

"The sushi and steak here are high-end and a delight for the taste buds."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to secure a table, especially for large groups.

2

You need to enter through the hotel next door to access the restaurant.

3

Expect to pay around $100 per person, excluding alcohol.

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Lower East Side, New York

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