The Best Japanese Restaurants in New York

Like walking into Japan off the streets of New York.Beautiful experience. Like walking into Japan off the streets of New York. Top quality ingredients are prepared with extreme precision. Probably the best sushi in NYC right now!

Usually hotel restaurant food is nothing to write home about. But not Kimika, located at the bottom of a modern boutique Nolita hotel. It doesn’t get listed in Michelin Guide for nothing. The menu inventive, a mashup of “Italian” and “meshi,” Japanese slang for meal. The two pasta dishes we had were super delicious, each with distinctive taste: a thick spaghetti soy butter bigoli doused in butter emulsified with soy sauce, topped with three types of chives, marinated tomatoes and a fried shallot gremolata. The pasta itself was so good, so al dente that made it satisfying to eat, with its umami flavors. I was supposed to share it with a friend and felt guilty for eating most of it. The other pasta was equally super yummy but with totally different flavors: Cavatelli pork ragu with fava beans and ricotta. Next time I would love to try their fried pizzette topped with shiso-sunflower pesto, squash shavings and chili oil, sound yummy. Just don’t order the Crispy Rice Cakes Lasagna, unless you like excessive melted cheese on too little crispy rice pasta. Nice idea to bring that Asian element into lasagna though.But I haven’t even got to the desserts yet, which were the superstars of the meal. I would return just to have their desserts. I regret not taking better pix of them. Everything was so creative and scrumptious. Their outdoor seatings give guests a nice view of the busy city. They just opened the rooftop too with a spectacular panoramic view of the city and a fun, equally inventive bar menu. And love the fact that it’s an all female-led kitchen staff.

One of the best Japanese restaurants in NYC, love the food, the ambience and the great service. Nice selection of great sake.

My favorite sushi spot in NYC, chef Shion Uino's place is like a typical Japanese sushiya. Love the sea urchin tasting.New York has been known for a lot of expensive high end sushi, including Sushi Noz, Masa and Yoshino. But my personal favorite sushi spot in New York is Shion 69 Leonard Street. It has the style of a typical Japanese sushiya and is run by chef Shion Uino. One of his specialties is uni tastings, where he, depending on the season, serves 3-4 different types of sea urchins that he’s sourcing from Japan or from Maine or the West coast. The tasting is amazing.

Criminally underrated Japanese "real food" in Brooklyn.Criminally underrated one woman Japanese “real food” cafe at the northern tip of Greenpoint. Go for a nori wrap w/ mustard greens, a vinegary drink, and whatever the daily special is.Photo credit: Ashbox.

From seasoning to cooking technique, every skewer stands out with its own distinct flavor and texture.At his eponymous restaurant, located in a small walkway in Chinatown, Chef Atsushi Kono showcases the art of Japanese yakitori. He curates a multi-course kappo-style experience, highlighting organic chicken and seasonal vegetables. Through his meticulous attention to detail, the chef highlights the unique character of each piece of poultry. From seasoning to cooking technique, every skewer stands out with its own distinct flavor and texture.

Two young Japanese women cooking Japanese comfort food and making these very explicit and beautiful milk toasts with fun patterns. All very carefully done.

This place is a like a hidden gem tucked in the middle of the hustle bustle of NYC. The moment you walk inside, you instantly feel calm by its zen surroundings. You’re sitting on the floor cushions and tatami mat, soaking in the view of its zen garden. The tray of omakase array of sushi is like a work of art, so beautiful and so delicious. Loved the concept of a deconstructed meal where I got to pick which salt I wanted to accompany each piece of exceptionally beautiful sushi, and place it on top of sushi rice that I got to scoop onto a piece of precut nori. How fun was that!

Sushi heaven!Yasuda is known for being the best sushi restaurant in New York. My husband worked at his restaurant when he was just a young boy, Yasuda san was his teacher. So when we went there my expectations were high but I also didn't know what to expect. My husband's Omakase is a gastronomic journey in every sense and Yasuda's was totally a trip to heaven, it was a mixture of feelings, very high-quality products and perfect rice.

YOSHINO - A true master arrives in NYC Welcome Yoshino to the NYC stage! Chef Yoshida has seemingly spent a lifetime studying traditional Japanese Omakase while also adding French techniques preparing to open Yoshino New York. What struck us was the combination of the highest level Japanese cuisine and the comforting, at ease atmosphere. Yoshino is already in the top echelon of high-end Japanese Omakase in the U.S. and the world. One of the most soulful meals I have ever experienced and will be returning as soon as I can.

For those seeking a speedy solo dining experience with fantastic noodles, this place hits the mark.Okiboru House of Tsukemen is one of New York’s hottest ramen spots. The menu offers two options: the tsukemen, where the house-made noodles are served separately for dipping, and the more regular soup ramen, featuring a luscious pork and chicken broth. The udon-like noodles were a revelation, offering a satisfying chewiness and firmness that flawlessly absorbed the flavors of the soup. The efficient order system ensures that your food arrives promptly after ordering. There’s no alcohol nor desserts. So for those seeking a speedy solo dining experience with fantastic noodles, this place hits the mark.

This little place has big taste! Peruvian fusion dishes done well.