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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Cozy Japanese food in Nolita

You want the intimacy of a small space paired with the consistency of a Japanese meal.

Based on 542 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Zutto Japanese Ramen Sushi Bar image 1
Zutto Japanese Ramen Sushi Bar image 2
Zutto Japanese Ramen Sushi Bar image 3
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Exposed brick and ramen-themed decor create a funky, clean interior with a hidden seating area that fills with phenomenal aromas. Loud music and TVs showing food preparation add to a sports bar vibe while a full bar and outdoor terrace offer diverse seating options. The atmosphere suits both solo diners and families, blending casual energy with unique design.

Ramen stands out with world class flavor, including chicken and seafood varieties. Sushi and sashimi feature fresh selections like tuna, yellowtail, and eel, while edamame comes in large, well-seasoned bowls.

People are saying

"I found the ramen here to be incredibly flavorful and seasoned well."

"The sushi here is so fresh and delicious."

"The Japanese Food here has a really nice and cozy atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 12 PM to 6 PM with a $30 open bar.

2

Reservations are recommended during peak hours to avoid long wait times.

3

The restaurant offers a special promo of $8.99 meals and $1 cocktails.

02
Momoya SoHo image 1
Japanese restaurant

Two levels of modern Tiffany blue decor surround windows with city views. Seating feels cramped and close, creating an intimate but sometimes intrusive atmosphere. Sake and cocktails receive strong attention, complementing the sophisticated vibe.

Chic and inviting atmosphere creates a cozy and elegant dining environment. The bartender offers a friendly and warm experience.

Sushi comes incredibly fresh and packed with flavor. The lunch offers a delicious sushi dining experience and includes pancakes that stand out.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is amazing and fresh."

"The desserts here are gorgeous, intricate, and delicious."

"The atmosphere here is so cozy and inviting."

Good to know

1

Reservations are advisable due to busy times, especially during Restaurant Week.

2

Happy hour runs from 5-6 PM with discounted drinks.

3

The restaurant offers a special menu during Restaurant Week.

03
Ma•dé image 1
Indonesian restaurant

Small, intimate space with Tulum-inspired decor and a tiki bar vibe creates a cozy, tropical atmosphere. Balanced upbeat energy with unique cocktails and sophisticated beach-themed design transports diners away from the city. Tight seating encourages a close, lively dining experience.

Warm and inviting ambiance creates a cozy feel. A tropical vibe adds a unique touch that transports you away from the city.

Chirashi stands out with its unique mix of lukewarm potatoes and cold toppings like trout, yellowtail, uni, and ikura. Lobster dumplings, crab dip, and fluke sashimi add variety alongside dishes like roasted squid and avocado with jícama.

People are saying

"The seafood, like the butterfish and oyster, was executed with care."

"The ambiance felt cozy and transported me somewhere tropical."

"You have to try the Japanese Food chirashi with its unique warm potato and cold topping combo."

Good to know

1

Reservations are a must, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

2

Expect a 20% service charge for large parties, even for two people.

3

The restaurant has limited gluten-free options and cannot modify dishes for dietary needs.

04
Mikaku Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small, cozy sushi restaurant with a quiet and welcoming atmosphere. The space feels intimate and clean, offering authentic sushi with fresh fish and affordable prices. It stands out for its chill vibe and absence of long lines common at other sushi spots.

Quiet and charming with a clean interior, this spot offers a cozy atmosphere that feels like a little piece of heaven.

Sushi comes fresh and well-made with exceptional quality and reasonable prices. The menu includes a 2 roll lunch special with side salad and miso soup, plus tasty chicken yakitori.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and tasty."

"The lunch special with soup, salad, and rolls is a great deal."

"It's a really cute and cozy spot."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's small size.

2

Mikaku automatically adds an 18% tip to your bill.

3

There is no restroom available for customers.

05
Kimika image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant blends Japanese/Italian fusion with gorgeous interiors and a heated outdoor patio. Atmosphere shifts from intimate and quiet for family dinners to lively and fun for large parties. Bar seating and small event spaces create a versatile, welcoming environment.

Warm, inviting atmosphere creates a cozy setting that feels private without being too quiet. Great service adds to the relaxing vibe perfect for groups or unwinding.

Eggplant katsu stands out with its panko crust and caponata, closely mimicking pork katsu. Dishes like the matcha mochi French toast and yakult soft serve with crispy chicken skin streusel add unique twists to the menu.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is amazing, especially the truffle carbonara."

"The Japanese Italian fusion here is creative and balanced."

"It's a chic, cozy atmosphere, perfect for a cute dinner."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to secure a table, especially on weekends.

2

You must provide your phone number for reservations, which may lead to spam.

3

Expect to pay around $200 for two without drinks.

06
Lovely Day image 1
Thai restaurant

Small space with cozy, dim lighting and a homey, stylish interior creates a relaxed atmosphere. Outdoor seating features colorful tables and chairs but lacks heating, making it feel separate from the main area. Music plays loudly, and the place stays quiet and chill during lunch hours.

Warm ambiance and dim lighting create a homey and inviting atmosphere. The interior feels cozy and charming, making it a comfortable spot even when packed.

Coconut Curry Noodle with shrimp features rich flavor and high-quality udon. Miso soup pairs well with dishes like Chicken Satay and shrimp tempura.

People are saying

"I thought the Thai food, especially the Green Curry Salmon, was amazing."

"It's so cozy inside with dim, homey lighting."

"The Japanese food here, especially the miso soup, is delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash or American Express.

2

The in-house ATM charges a fee of 5 USD.

3

Customers should bring either cash or their American Express card.

07
LuAnne's Wild Ginger image 1
Vegan restaurant

Small space with dim lighting and wooden tables creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Music volume stays low, allowing easy conversation in a relaxed, earthy vibe. The place draws a crowd looking for authentic Asian vegan cuisine in a calm setting.

Low lit rooms with dim lights and curtains on windows create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The overall vibe feels comfortable and cozy.

Red curry ramen offers a warming, satisfying flavor. Other dishes include bibimbap, miso ramen, udon stir fry, spring rolls, and matcha coconut cheesecake with a lightly sweet taste.

People are saying

"I found the vegetarian food here to be amazing."

"The lunch special here is such a great deal."

"The Japanese food, especially the ramen, is perfectly warming and satisfying."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a popular lunch special during the week.

2

All dishes are gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs.

3

Prices are reasonable, with meals averaging around $23.

08
Sakura Sushi & Thai Cuisine image 1

Small, cozy, family-run sushi restaurant with a charming, chill atmosphere and a home-made vibe. Offers very reasonable prices and a varied menu including sushi and Thai dishes. Serves beer and sake, creating a relaxed dining experience.

Small, family-run spot with a home-made vibe creates a cozy atmosphere. Food offers warmth and comfort that fits the setting well.

Sushi and sashimi come fresh and delicious with excellent teriyaki sauce that tastes homemade. Prices stay very reasonable while offering a variety of options like salmon donburi, miso soup, and tom yam soup.

People are saying

"The Pad See Ew here is perfectly cooked and has a great balance of flavor."

"This Lunch Spot has fantastic food with a great aftertaste."

"I found it to be a small, cozy spot for sushi and Thai fare."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available for a good deal.

2

The food is affordable, averaging around $20 for lunch.

3

The menu includes a variety of options from sushi to pork chops.

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Nolita, New York

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