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New Yorkers 1st Choice
SoHo's best

Japanese food

Japanese dining that respects the craft without the pretense of a high-end tasting menu.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated April 2026
01
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Japanese restaurant

Intimate space offers chef-driven omakase with authentic Japanese craftsmanship and fresh ingredients. Warm, cozy atmosphere feels exclusive and relaxed, blending tradition with innovation. Staff from Tokyo provide detailed guidance, enhancing the culinary experience.

Authentic Japanese food shines with uncompromising quality and a curated dining experience that pushes boundaries.

An intimate, chef-driven omakase offers more than just sushi and sashimi. The ramen stands out as spectacular, with authentic flavors guided by a knowledgeable owner.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so authentic, it feels like you're in Japan."

"The food here is delicious and authentic Japanese."

"The Japanese food here feels so authentic, like being transported to Japan."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend dining.

2

The restaurant offers a vegan menu alongside traditional options.

3

Expect a unique omakase experience with detailed dish explanations.

02
SHOSHIN 68 image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi spot shines with fresh fish and a 12-course omakase under $100. Chef crafts each piece quickly, making dining fun and engaging. Enjoy a BYOB policy and complimentary sake in a cozy, welcoming space.

Food here is consistently amazing and delicious, with a variety of dishes that impress for their quality and price. The dining experience feels fun and engaging, adding to the overall enjoyment.

Omakase here offers unique flavor combinations with each piece crafted as a masterpiece. The 12-course menu is generous and fresh, all for under $100.

People are saying

"The omakase here is stunning and worth every penny."

"The flavor combinations here are so unique and inspired."

"I thought the food here was incredible."

Good to know

1

Reservations are necessary because they only soft opened.

2

The last seating is at 10 PM.

3

The price of the omakase is worth it at $68.

03
Sushi Ouji image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers an intimate, quiet upscale ambiance with a minimal and clean design. The atmosphere stays calm and friendly, creating a cozy and elegant dining experience. Guests often choose the chef counter to watch food preparation in this lowkey spot.

Food features fresh, high-quality fish imported from Japan. Dishes show spectacular quality and deliver a phenomenal dining experience.

Omakase offers a 14-course meal with super fresh ingredients and fish sourced from Japan. The menu features unique items like Japanese Tiger Prawn, marinated tuna, and Hokkaido scallops, with sashimi served alongside a sour and sweet jelly garnish.

People are saying

"The Omakase service was so attentive, it felt like a Michelin experience."

"The food here is amazing, flavorful, and perfectly prepared."

"I experienced an amazing omakase with super fresh ingredients."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to secure a spot, especially during peak hours.

2

The omakase costs $110 for approximately 15 courses, offering great value.

3

There is a chef special every day that can be added to your meal.

04
Mori image 1
Sushi restaurant

Minimalist design and intimate space create a serene vibe. Omakase offers unique flavors with sushi quality that beats pricier spots. Chefs engage diners, making the experience lively and well-rounded for all skill levels.

Food features excellent quality and unique flavors with a menu that impresses consistently. Service complements the dining experience, making meals feel amazing and well-rounded.

Omakase here offers a unique curated menu with sushi quality that surpasses many pricier spots. The experience impresses both beginners and veterans with its unparalleled value and craftsmanship.

People are saying

"This omakase Japanese food is the best I've ever had."

"The sake here is inventive and perfectly balanced."

"The sushi here is precise, with fresh fish and balanced rice."

Good to know

1

Reservations are hard to get, so book well in advance.

2

The omakase experience costs $125 per person.

3

Expect to spend around $400 for two people with drinks.

05
Chubby Cattle BBQ | New York image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Space offers premium quality meat in a setting that feels chill yet fancy. It draws those seeking unlimited A5 wagyu and high-quality yakiniku without high cost. The atmosphere balances casual comfort with a sense of luxury.

Delicious food stands out with quality that surpasses typical Wagyu experiences. Service is excellent, complementing the great ambiance for a satisfying dining experience.

Sizzling, melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu slices and a variety of A5 Wagyu sushi stand out here. The menu includes fresh seafood, sashimi, hand rolls, and a customizable miso soup station.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and of good quality."

"The BBQ here has a great variety of high-quality meats."

"The Japanese food, especially the wagyu and sushi, was exceptional."

Good to know

1

Unlimited A5 wagyu is available, making it a great value.

2

This spot offers high-quality beef at reasonable prices.

3

Chubby Cattle BBQ specializes in high-quality yakiniku dining.

06
JQ Milk Tea & Fried Chicken image 1

Small bubble tea shop offers fresh ingredients and unique flavors with tasty onigiri featuring bold fillings like spicy salmon. Cozy, dog-friendly space showcases local art and serves rich, authentic matcha alongside brown sugar milk tea.

Staff serve a tasty assortment of unique foods and flavors. The quality of food and boba pairs well with their tea offerings.

Fresh, warm Onigiri comes packed with bold fillings like spicy salmon and Taiwanese sausage. The matcha tea is rich and authentic, often paired with brown sugar milk tea or fruit teas, with free samples of mochi and jelly offered.

People are saying

"The fruit milk tea here is made with freshly squeezed juice."

"The Japanese food here is fresh, filling, and packed with flavor."

"The popcorn chicken food is super crispy, juicy, and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Drinks range from $7 to $10, with toppings costing an extra $1.

2

There is no long wait time for drinks.

3

The bubble tea has dairy-free options.

07
Blue Ribbon Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small space with minimalistic Japanese decor offers a calm, intimate vibe. Food shines with fresh sashimi and tasty rolls like spicy scallop. Friendly, timely service complements the quiet setting for a pleasant dining experience.

Food features excellent quality and delicious Japanese cuisine served with friendly, timely service. The menu leans toward the pricey side but offers a fantastic taste experience.

Freshness stands out with high quality fish and a brilliant variety of sashimi. Rolls like the spicy scallop and 6.5 dragon deliver consistent flavor, while desserts like mochi add a sweet finish.

People are saying

"The sushi here is incredibly fresh and delicious."

"The sashimi here is so fresh and flavorful, with thick slices."

"The food here is fresh, tasty, and absolutely delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required a few days in advance due to high demand.

2

The restaurant is not wheelchair accessible; it has steps leading down.

3

Expect to pay around $150 per person for a full dining experience.

08
YUBU SoHo image 1
Korean restaurant

Small space with cute decor and clean, bright interior creates a calm, cozy atmosphere enhanced by chill K-indie and KPOP music. Frequented for quick, tasty Korean bites, it offers power sockets for convenience and a casual, relaxed vibe.

Food offers a varied menu blending traditional and modern Korean dishes with many toppings. Prices stay reasonable while delivering a delightful mix that keeps cravings coming back.

Matcha drinks stand out with high quality and unique touches like fruit bits and strong matcha flavor. The tofu skin sushi and bento box offer flavorful, filling options beyond typical sushi.

People are saying

"I found the yubus here to be delicious and affordable."

"The food here is so flavorful, especially the spicy tuna."

"The Japanese food here is so flavorful and filling."

09
Yakiniku Futago Soho image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Private rooms with garden views and intimate booths create a cozy, high-class atmosphere reminiscent of a Japanese izakaya. Elegant interior design features tranquil gardens and fountains, offering a serene and authentic dining environment. The space feels warm and welcoming, with a strong sense of privacy and calm.

Flavorful meat melts in your mouth with every bite. The food offers fantastic quality and tastes absolutely delicious from start to finish.

Sukiyaki features a tasteful broth and amazing wagyu, matching authentic Japanese flavors. Sushi options include Shrimp Tempura, Uni, and Wagyu, complemented by desserts like Matcha Tiramisu and Watermelon Seasonal Shaved Ice.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and made for a memorable dining experience."

"The private dining here is amazing and authentic."

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

Good to know

1

Tasting is best but will take time (up to 3 hours).

2

The restaurant charges $72 for bringing in a cake for 6 people.

3

The tasting course with the sake pairing costs just under $500 per person.

10
Sushi Ikumi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Intimate sushi bar with a cozy, authentic atmosphere and a small, simple counter where the chef prepares dishes. The vibe is relaxed and unpretentious, welcoming casual or formal attire. Offers an excellent sake selection that pairs well with the meal.

Food offers high-quality sushi at a low price range with mostly delicious flavors and good sake pairings. A few dishes may contain unexpected shells but overall the food rates highly.

Omakase offers extraordinarily fresh fish with a top-notch balance between shari and neta. Non-sushi appetizers come as delicately put together small dishes, and miso soup carries a deep sea fragrance.

People are saying

"The omakase here is one of the best I've had in the city."

"The fish here is so fresh and beautifully prepared."

"The food here is an intimate experience with the chef."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for the omakase experience, especially during peak times.

2

The total cost for two diners is approximately $425.

3

Lunch menu offers great value for money compared to dinner.

11
Le Botaniste image 1
Vegan restaurant

Space blends a botanical-apothecary theme with stylish accents, offering both indoor and outdoor seating with phone charging outlets. Food is fresh and plant-based, featuring high-quality dishes like magic miso soup and vegan sushi that balance comfort and health. Music is loud, creating a unique vibe that mixes casual and fancy.

Food features fresh, colorful pots with all plant-based ingredients. The cuisine feels like high art with a calm ambiance and flavorful, high-quality dishes.

Broths like the magic miso soup and vegan chilli miso stand out for their comforting and healthy qualities. Vegan sushi also features as a solid option here.

People are saying

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

"I found the vegan food flavorful and satisfying."

"The Japanese food here has a friendly staff and a great sushi bar."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a 'free glass of wine with a bowl' deal during Happy Hour.

2

Customers need to order at the counter before seating themselves.

3

All menu items are vegan and gluten-free.

12
Raku image 1
Udon noodle restaurant

Small space with minimalist wooden design creates a warm and cozy atmosphere despite crowded, narrow seating. Noise reverberates off walls, adding to a lively, bustling vibe. Outdoor seating offers an alternative to the tight indoor arrangement.

Food here is consistently amazing and exceptional with a strong focus on Japanese comfort dishes. Every visit delivers super delicious flavors and great quality.

Udon here stands out with its rich dashi broth and tender noodles. The soup often includes niku beef short ribs, honeycomb tripe, and tendon, creating a deeply flavorful dish.

People are saying

"The udon noodles here are so chewy and delicious."

"The Japanese food here, especially the udon, is chewy and delicious."

"The udon noodles here are fantastic, with great broth flavorings."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is CASH ONLY, so bring cash for your meal.

2

Be prepared to wait an hour if you don’t have a reservation.

3

Reservations should be made in advance online to avoid waiting in the cold.

13
Shiki Omakase image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small space with intimate bar seating and minimalistic decor creates an open, comfortable setting. Atmosphere feels rushed and transactional due to one-hour seating limits, but includes fun celebrations like chef performances for birthdays. Sushi quality stands out despite the brisk pace.

Fresh fish and premium ingredients like uni, caviar, and Wagyu define the food here. Dishes balance flavors well, with highlights like oysters paired with negitoro and uni offering a strong ocean taste.

Offers authentic omakase with options like a 6-piece lunch special and a 17-piece course. Prices range from $35 to $100, delivering excellent sushi and a phenomenal neighborhood experience.

People are saying

"The omakase here is amazing and a standout experience."

"The fish here is unforgettable, setting a new standard."

"The food here is delicious and really fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are necessary to dine at this restaurant.

2

You have one hour to finish your meal, so be prepared.

3

The 12-course meal costs $65, while the 17-course meal is $100.

14
Sushi Lin SoHo image 1
Restaurant

Counter seating creates an intimate, cozy setting with a serene, simple ambiance. The space feels welcoming and elegant without being stuffy, offering a top-tier sushi experience with flavorful omakase twists.

A 17-course menu delivers fresh and delicious dishes with excellent quality throughout. The food offers a consistently amazing and satisfying dining experience.

Omakase here stands out with a 9-course menu that balances classic nigiri and creative rolls. The miso soup offers a rich, flavorful broth, and the setting feels intimate and welcoming.

People are saying

"The sushi here is art, with unique flavor combinations."

"The omakase here is an excellent, artful Japanese food experience."

"The food here is high quality and tastes amazing."

Good to know

1

The 12-course Omakase is available for Saturday brunch.

2

A meal can easily run $200 per person.

3

There is a fee to use a credit card, with a 3% surcharge.

15
Omen Azen image 1
Japanese restaurant

Cozy Japanese restaurant with a traditional Asian vibe and quiet, romantic atmosphere. Popular spot for authentic, sophisticated cuisine featuring dishes like agedashi tofu and Kobe beef Shabu-Shabu. Accepts only cash or American Express, adding a unique payment detail.

Authentic Japanese cuisine stands out with exquisite flavors and dishes that break from the usual mold. The food pairs well with the beautiful presentation and the respectful, friendly staff enhances the overall experience.

Authentic Japanese cuisine features fresh sushi, handmade udon, and dishes like sukiyaki and shabu shabu. The dashi is concentrated but balanced, highlighting quality fish and noodles.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the Japanese food here to be authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is cash only or accepts American Express.

2

Make sure to bring cash.

3

The restaurant has decent vegetarian options.

16
Lure Fishbar image 1
Restaurant

Interior resembles inside of a yacht with porthole-inspired windows and a semi-subterranean dining room. Atmosphere is lively and loud, requiring raised voices for conversation. Patrons enjoy fresh seafood and creative cocktails in a space that balances charm with a fun, ship-style vibe.

Delicious food pairs with great service and a lively atmosphere. The dining experience feels consistently satisfying and memorable.

Blue fin toro sushi and uni bucatini stand out among the offerings. The sushi bar seats guests even during peak times, serving fresh fish and well-crafted dishes.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and perfectly cooked."

"I found the food here to be incredible."

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

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-off oysters until 7pm.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

3

Expect a minimum spend of $870 for a party of six.

17
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa image 1

Small, warmly lit space with simple Japanese decor and close seating creates a loud, crowded atmosphere. Energy feels snobbish and pressured, with noise from groups making it less intimate. Known for exceptional sushi quality, it attracts a clientele focused on the dining experience.

Outstanding sushi defines the menu here, with consistently great quality and no issues reported. The food pairs well with attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere.

Sushi here is seriously fresh with perfectly seasoned fish and warm rice served quickly. The omakase meals offer high-quality sushi comparable to top-grade options without a high price tag.

People are saying

"I thought the sushi was incredibly fresh and delicious."

"The fish here is so fresh and delicious."

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

There are no reservations, so you have to go in and put your name down.

2

The wait for a table can easily reach 1 hour and 30 minutes, especially if you arrive around 10 PM.

3

The tip is included in the price at SUGARFISH.

18
Hirohisa image 1
Japanese restaurant

Open kitchen beside the bar reveals precise preparation in a minimalist Japanese setting. Atmosphere stays quiet and relaxed, with subtle elegance and tasteful tableware enhancing the dining experience. Guests often enjoy exceptional omakase, house-made soy sauce, and carefully paired sake in a cozy, monastic environment.

Food features incredibly fresh fish and high-quality ingredients like truffle and uni. Portions are excellent with options to order a la carte, allowing flexibility beyond typical tasting menus.

Omakase here features a 12-kind sashimi assortment with each piece standing out. The menu pairs well with gorgeous sake, delivering an authentic Japanese kaiseki experience.

People are saying

"The Omakase here is amazing, with fresh, seasonal ingredients."

"I experienced the omakase as one of the best Japanese food experiences in NYC."

"The food's ingredients are fresh and the quality is high."

Good to know

1

The white truffle event costs $700 per person with a forced 20% tip.

2

The Omakase costs $260 per person, excluding sake pairing.

3

The event takes about 3 hours to serve 9 courses.

19
Sunrise Mart 日系スーパー image 1
Japanese grocery store

Japanese grocery store offers cozy, informal atmosphere with a small, well-organized space. It includes a hot meal counter and seating areas both near the entrance and upstairs for eating and relaxing. The store features a wide selection of Japanese groceries alongside some Korean and Chinese ingredients.

Fresh cooked food includes both hot and cold options with a focus on Japanese cuisine. Many items are healthy and suitable for vegetarians, with a good selection of Asian snacks and sweets.

Fresh sushi rolls and bento boxes come ready to eat with great care. The menu includes Japanese curry, teriyaki bowls, katsu chicken, and ramen made to order.

People are saying

"This Japanese grocery store has a fantastic selection of imported snacks."

"I found the food here to be fresh, tasty, and delicious."

"I found so many great Japanese groceries and ready-to-eat meals here."

Good to know

1

First-timers should get to Sunrise Market early if they're aiming for popular lunch items.

2

You can order hot meals before 7 PM.

3

The eating area is conveniently located next to the entrance for shoppers.

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