Small sushi restaurant offers an intimate setting with about 20 seats, mostly counter seating that encourages interaction with chefs. The atmosphere is fun, hip, and welcoming, though music can be loud and aggressive, affecting the mood. Playful decor and a great sake selection add to the distinctive experience.
Sushi here stands out with fabulous quality and a well-crafted omakase with wine pairing. Miso soup ranks among the best ever tasted and the ambiance mixes Japanese style without any pretentiousness.
Cozy and intimate space creates a cool vibe that feels genuine without being pretentious or too relaxed.
"The fish here is so fresh, especially the nigiri."
"The Japanese food here is special and unpretentious magic."
"The food here is bursting with unique, stunning flavors."
Good to know
Reservations are required about a month in advance for the omakase.
The price for the chef's curated menu is $90 per person.
The restaurant charged $75 for a last minute cancellation 1.5 hours before seating.
Spacious interior combines a stylish, modern design with a Japanese-inspired vibe. Energy stays cozy and cool, attracting those who appreciate authentic tsukemen and ramen. Seating includes a quick stop ramen bar and a comfortable back dining room, making it suitable for both casual and relaxed meals.
Rich and comforting bowls of tsukemen and ramen offer an authentic taste. Service includes detailed info on the broth ingredients and helpful suggestions for newcomers.
Vibe feels cool with strong Japanese inspiration throughout the space.
Good to know
Expect long wait times on weekends, especially before 6pm.
The restaurant has a mix of regular and bar seating for solo or group dining.
Noodle portions are larger than average, providing good value.
Restaurant centers on mushroom-themed decor with dim lighting and a cozy, intimate atmosphere resembling an old train carriage. Space fills quickly but offers varied seating areas including bar counter and tables designed for sharing. Vibe balances warmth and chic elegance with upbeat yet not loud energy.
Ramen stands out as a favorite dish with rich flavors. Dumplings and maitake mushrooms also shine alongside the king royal mushroom and Beech dishes.
Space has a cool, old-school bar vibe with plenty of seating. Even the dessert features mushroom, adding an unexpected twist.
Good to know
The menu features small plates priced from $8 to $29.
Mushrooms are the main ingredient in every dish on the menu.
Portions are small, so consider ordering 2-3 plates per person.
Neon lights and light-up signs create an underground, secret atmosphere in a narrow basement space. The vibe is fun and lively, with a casual, laid-back energy suited for small groups or dates. Authentic Chinese street-style skewers and BYOB policy add to the unique experience.
Fresh milk mochi stands out with its smooth and silky texture and a sweet, crispy crumble. Skewers like lychee pork and short rib pair well with fried ramen noodles that taste like dry hot pot.
Vibes feel super cool with a spot that fits well for late-night drinks. The place carries a cool East Village energy that stands out.
Good to know
Aroll Bar and Grill offers a free draft beer with a $100 store purchase.
There is a special offer of $10 for 100 bottles of beer (5 per visit).
The restaurant has a BYOB night where guests can bring their own alcohol.
Hand-drawn 2D-style interior creates a unique visual effect like stepping into a living sketchbook. Atmosphere is beautiful and great, lively with constant background noise of clanging plates. Popular spot for fresh sushi and offers an amazing sake selection.
Sushi here matches Michelin quality with fresh, flavorful fish and beautiful presentation. The 15 to 16-course omakase offers a thoughtful, emotional journey at a fair price.
Walking into a manga-themed environment with quality sushi feels cool and refreshing. The space has a unique vibe and shows potential to improve with an elevated menu and better fish quality.
Good to know
Happy hour offers $1.50 oysters from 3PM to 6PM.
Late-night hour runs from 9PM until close with $7 cocktails and beer.
Reservations are recommended for groups larger than four.
Ramen shop offers private booths, open kitchen bar seats, and family tables with white cloths for privacy. Atmosphere shifts from cozy and intimate to busy during lunch rush. Solo diners and groups find thoughtful amenities like outlets and hand wipes.
Ramen stands out with its authentic flavor and is considered among the best in the city. The menu also features strawberry mochi as a notable dessert option.
Beehive tables and honeycomb pods create a unique interior. The ramen presentation looks like art, and the atmosphere feels cool and traditional with a nice bar view.
Good to know
Every bowl of ramen gives you a chance to win a free bowl if you finish it.
You can get a free Thai milk tea by tagging them on social media.
The buy one get one beer offer is available.
Intimate omakase setting with limited seating and 1850s antiques creates a unique, exclusive atmosphere. Downstairs speakeasy lounge features a self-playing piano and Prohibition-era decor, offering a cozy spot for after-dinner drinks. The experience blends thoughtful design with a calm, refined vibe.
Omakase here stands out with over fifty years of sushi chef experience, showing in precise knife work and sushi shaping. The place offers quintessential edomae sushi in a speakeasy vibe setting.
Hidden entrance and intriguing décor create a distinct vibe. The basement area and real artifacts add to the cool atmosphere with unique decorations throughout.
Good to know
Reservations are needed to dine at this sushi restaurant.
The restaurant offers a 21-course tasting menu with a sake pairing.
Entering requires deciphering a code from Mr. Moto's invitation letter.
Spacious bar seating complements a cozy, intimate atmosphere with stylish modern decor and comfortable booths. The vibe blends romantic charm with a touch of European calm through its music. The menu features bold vegan fusion flavors that stand out in a beautifully designed space.
Brunch features matcha waffles and grilled cheese. The menu includes croquets and a tonkatsu sandwich.
Cool vibe shines through the pink atmosphere and stylish decor. The setting feels fun and the staff can get pretty cool too.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.
Ladybird offers happy hour on weekdays with discounted drinks.
The entire menu is vegan, catering to plant-based diets.
Small Japanese curry spot with anime-themed decor and manga artwork creates a quaint, fun atmosphere. Seating is limited and cramped, but outdoor area offers a relaxed vibe. Music complements the space, enhancing the overall experience.
Katsu sandwiches stand out with juicy, crispy chicken and pork options that capture authentic Japanese flavors. The Japanese curry served here is rich and spicy, pairing well with the katsu dishes for a comforting meal.
A very cool atmosphere with a stylish vibe sets the tone. Staff are friendly, making it a fun local spot.
Good to know
Lunch specials include discounted bites.
A 2.5% transaction fee is added to card payments.
Expect a 30-minute wait time during peak hours.
Comedy club offers an intimate Japanese-themed room with communal bench seating facing away from the stage. Shows feature high-energy improv, interactive crowd participation, and unique acts like a Sake Ninja and Belly Dancer. Audience enjoys a rowdy, friendly vibe with opportunities for dancing, photo ops, and sake shots throughout the night.
Sushi stands out with an excellent variety and presentation, including a notable sushi boat. Drinks like sake bombs complement the meal, adding to the overall Japanese dining experience.
Offers a unique experience that works well for large groups or a cool date idea.
Good to know
Make sure to book in advance, the tickets go fast.
Batsu! has a strict no-late-entry policy, so arrive on time to avoid missing the show.
Tickets for Batsu! can sell out quickly, so it's advisable to book in advance.
Small space with open kitchen and minimalist warm interior creates an intimate setting. Loud atmosphere fills the room, especially around long communal tables. Bar seating offers a preferred spot to watch food preparation and enjoy the energetic vibe.
Ramen stands out with its roasted pork and chicken white soup that deliver rich flavors. The menu also features spicy cucumber salad and shiitake buns that complement the noodles well.
Watching the chefs prepare dishes feels really cool. The spot serves ramen and chicken bites that stand out.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended to secure a table due to high demand.
Street parking is difficult; using the subway is a better option.
The restaurant can accommodate larger groups, despite its small size.
Banana-themed decor creates a fun and chic atmosphere with a hip lounge vibe that suits date nights. Open kitchen features live cooking spectacles like torching fried rice, adding energy to the space. Music sets a lively mood while the seating and design feel somewhat random and eclectic.
Mushroom tempura with truffle aioli and shrimp tempura with udon noodles in Alfredo sauce stand out for their bold fusion flavors. Udon dishes have a perfect texture, and shrimp Alfredo balances fried shrimp with udon noodles well.
Concept feels cool and fun, crafted by industry veterans. Atmosphere stays laidback and relaxed.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended for special occasions to ensure seating.
Expect high prices, with some dishes costing over $30.
The restaurant offers a unique fusion of traditional Asian dishes.
Second-floor walk-up tea house offers authentic Japanese desserts and exotic specialty cocktails in a cozy, small space with unique Japanese-style decor. Atmosphere varies from comfortable and relaxing to occasionally loud and crowded. Seating feels tight, enhancing an intimate but sometimes cramped experience.
Japanese desserts focus on matcha flavors, with offerings like matcha tiramisu and matcha kakigori. The mochi, especially warabi mochi, stands out for its texture and quality, often paired with teas like Kyoto Matcha and Rose Green Tea to enhance the experience.
Decor and interior design stand out as very cool features. The spot offers cool toilets and a vibe that works well for catching up with a friend.
Good to know
Reservations are required at least two weeks in advance for the afternoon tea.
Each person must order at least one item; no exceptions.
The afternoon tea set costs around $80 per person.
Two long sushi bars with minimalist design create an intimate setting focused on hand rolls. Loud, bass-heavy music fills the space, giving it a lively, energetic vibe that suits evenings out. The crowd enjoys unique cocktails and crispy rice, making it a trendy spot for sushi lovers.
Fresh, tasty sushi rolls come with great quality fish and affordable omakase style dining. Hand rolls deliver a full omakase experience in a warm, elevated setting without unnecessary pomp.
Cool atmosphere shines with beautiful decor and great cocktails. Staff stays super kind and seating is plentiful.
Good to know
There is a lunch special before 4pm for $20, including 3 hand rolls and a crispy rice starter.
You need to book in advance and show up on time to avoid waiting for seats.
Substitutions for sets of rolls cost $3 each.
Cozy Japanese design with warm wood decor and a small rock garden creates a beautiful, inviting space. Atmosphere stays quiet and neat, with professional, familiar staff enhancing the experience. The place offers an incredible Japanese whisky selection and carefully crafted drinks.
Menus include Katsu Hayashi rice, green tea hot cake, and soups like udon and chicken. Fish dishes also feature prominently.
Clean gender neutral restroom stands out. The omurice adds a unique touch. The overall atmosphere feels really cool.
Good to know
Reservations are necessary to secure a seat, especially on weekends.
Expect long wait times of 2-3 hours for walk-ins on weekends.
The kitchen closes at 9:30pm, so plan your visit accordingly.
Space feels like an authentic Japanese izakaya with crowded, loud energy during dinner. Unique cotton candy machine offers a playful end to the meal. Seating is tight and uncomfortable, adding to the cramped, lively vibe.
Menu offers a variety of izakaya-style dishes like yakitori skewers, ramen, and juicy gyoza with a crispy skirt. Sashimi Moriawase Deluxe combines fresh sashimi and salad, while noodle soup and mochi ice cream add to the flavorful experience.
Offers a cool vibe with a full-on experience. The great prices add to the atmosphere.
Good to know
Customers should get to the restaurant early because it fills up fast.
Kenka does not take bookings, so get there early if you are in a rush.
Seatings are on a first come, first serve basis.