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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to SoHo

Japanese lunch spots

You need a lunch spot that respects the craft of Japanese food.

Based on 604 Opinions
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01
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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.

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.

Lunch offers great value with options like the gyudon and lunch tasting sets. Lunch sets come beautifully presented and taste delicious.

People are saying

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

"The meat quality at this Lunch Spot is very high and tender."

"The lunch here is tasty and worth it."

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.

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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.

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.

Clean and nice little spot suits a quick lunch break. Five-piece orders satisfy well for a lunch date or solo meal.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot has tasty food that's a great value."

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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.

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.

Lunch offers quick udon portions and a spicy beef short rib reminiscent of Taiwanese beef noodle soup. Wait times vary from no queue to 45 minutes during rush hours.

People are saying

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

"I love how authentic and delicious the Japanese food is here."

"This Lunch Spot has the most delicious udon I've ever had."

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.

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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.

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.

Lunch offers a 9 course Omakase that stands out as a great deal. The menu updates regularly, keeping the lunch experience fresh and incredible.

People are saying

"The omakase was delicious and worth it."

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

"The sushi was fresh and full of flavor."

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.

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Small space with minimalistic Japanese decor and a fabulous sushi bar creates a calm, inviting atmosphere. Quiet setting avoids overwhelming crowds and noise, offering a pleasant, intimate dining experience. Semi-private wooden table area adds a unique touch for groups.

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.

Great service and helpful recommendations stand out during lunch. Offers a special menu with deals, fitting for a quick meal or casual gathering.

People are saying

"The sushi here is incredibly fresh and delicious."

"This Lunch Spot has amazing, fresh sushi and rolls."

"I love coming here for a chill lunch with great food."

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.

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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.

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.

Weekday lunches stay quiet with no crowd. Attentive service from hosts like Christine and Shawn makes the meal smooth and enjoyable.

People are saying

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

"The sushi and sides tasted fresh and delicious."

"Our server Shawn cooked our meats perfectly at this Lunch Spot."

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.

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Space combines botanical-apothecary theme with stylish accents creating a calm and fun atmosphere. Seating includes indoor and outdoor options with amenities like phone charging outlets. Music volume tends to be loud, balancing a unique vibe with casual and fancy elements.

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.

Offers a quick, healthy lunch with flavorful vegetarian and gluten-free vegan options. The setting feels casual yet sophisticated, suitable for dine-in or takeout.

People are saying

"I love coming here for a quick, tasty lunch that recharges me."

"This is my go-to lunch spot for nutritious vegan options."

"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.

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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.

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.

Lunch features a 6-piece sushi omakase with a handroll for $35. The omakase lunch offers a focused, satisfying selection that stands out in Manhattan.

People are saying

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

"This Lunch Spot offers great quality omakase at a reasonable price."

"The lunch omakase tastes great and feels worth it."

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.

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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.

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.

Lunch offers fresh uni don as a special with miso soup, pickles, and small sides. Prices stay affordable compared to dinner, with lunch specials like chirashi maintaining good quality.

People are saying

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

"I love how the food blends traditional and modern Japanese flavors."

"This lunch spot's uni don is generous, fresh, and worth the price."

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.

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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 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.

A back section offers ready-to-go lunches with fresh, flavorful food. A lofted seating area provides a cozy spot to eat or drink during lunch breaks.

People are saying

"I love that they have so many Japanese groceries and quick meals."

"They offer unique Japanese snacks at prices I like."

"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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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.

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.

Lunch offers omakase sets with a variety of sushi options. The Trust Me lunch and a $33 special provide good value and let you try a bit of everything.

People are saying

"I love the fresh, tasty sushi at a great price."

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

"The sushi was fresh but the rice felt off to me."

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.

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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.

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.

Lunch offers great value for money with a menu that suits casual midday dining. Some visits note high prices around $150 per person and occasional food-related illness concerns.

People are saying

"The omakase offers fresh, delicious sushi at a great price."

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

"This Lunch Spot's sushi rice is perfectly al dente with great umami."

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.

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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.

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.

Offers sushi and oysters for a quick or late lunch with a complimentary deviled eggs starter. Suitable for business lunches or casual reunions with friends, with meals and drinks for two under $200.

People are saying

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

"The sushi and seafood tasted fresh and delicious."

"I think this place has some of the best sushi around."

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.

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