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    Dr. Clark

    3.1 (139 reviews)
    Closed 6:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Dr. Clark Photos

    DR. CLARK ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Touristy
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Dr. Clark

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    Maricar T.

    Hokkaido Cuisine on the Spotlight @drclarkhouse Found in the most unusual place one would find an authentic Japanese restaurant, the corner of Baxter and Bayard Streets in Chinatown, is this spot named after an American scholar who was hired by the Japanese government to establish an agricultural college in Hokkaido. Dr. Clark may have been instrumental in bringing lamb to the island. In this restaurant, the lamb BBQ is a surprise favorite and perfect treat for the suddenly freezing New York. Post dinner treat is fittingly nostalgic, it's a revival of karaoke in a former singalong bar. Then bar serves cocktails that are made to Japanese perfection with prices that are pleasantly stuck in the year 2000s. Also, it's the only dining trip where I willingly finished two kinds of noodles because they were so delicious. Representing the West is the generous heaping of uni spaghetti ( And if you have ever eaten your way to Japan, you will know that the Japanese are fond of their Italian restaurants, and if you have been to Italy, you will see many young Japanese chefs in working and learning in celebrated Italian kitchens.) and representing the East is the smoky lamb bbq and curry-ish udon. They are both umami bombs I can't stop eating. Oishi, @drclarkhouse ! #curious_eater #hokkaidofood #hokkaidoisnotjapan

    Table top grill lamb
    Jenny C.

    I came here with some friends for my birthday and had a great time! Food was kind of pricier but since it's Hokkaido food I don't feel bad paying more for it because I think this is the only place with that theme. We had the table top grill for mushrooms and jingisukan lamb & yaki udon. This is pretty mediocre for the price- I wouldn't get this again. Everything else was really good - the chawanmushi, Hokkaido kaisen, uni French fries (these were not fried but I really enjoyed the flavor since it is uni tasting), veggie yaki soba and lastly the best was the ramen salad. I would definitely come back regularly for the ramen salad and I'm going to try the addictive cabbage next time! I love that it opens late everyday and this is the only place still open with an open kitchen for late nights in Chinatown.

    Stuffed squid
    Michelle L.

    It's ok, but for the price of some dishes it should be better. Ramen salad is $18, and is literally cold ramen noodles over some lettuce with a hard boiled egg. Stuffed squid (rings) with rice $25. Squid is a cheap protein so the price seemed high for an app. Lamb chops with tempura string beans was good. The tempura string beans were delicious! Space in this little restaurant was tight and sound levels were high. This place is hip for Chinatown , therefore attracts a younger crowd.

    Scallop risotto
    Christian Y.

    I've walked pass their outdoor setup a few times where people had thick blankets and a tabletop grills. Then by chance, a friend selected Dr. Clark to celebrate our birthdays. The interior space is trendy and the booth we got was cosy. We got the Hokkaido set course - a 9 course meal for $85pp. The staff was friendly and spaced out our courses well. The fish courses were the highlights IMO. The grilled king salmon was buttery and silky. The sashimi was fresh and the chinmi platter was a mix of textures with a unique salmon jerky. The lamb based dishes were a bit overdone so it was a bit of a miss. For the dessert course, we had a strawberry cream harumaki, which was light and crispy but a weak end to the meal. I think I would give them a 3.5, but rounded up as it may be a better spot with overflowing drinks and I appreciate the glassware aesthetics on our table.

    Mish L.

    I was impressed with the aesthetics of the place and was intrigued by their menu, so I dined here on a whim during my visit to NY. Unfortunately, neither the food nor the service lived up to the expectations. The lamb grill was quite mediocre and extremely salty. We were advised to try their grilled udon noodles with the lamb so we opted to do so. The udon noodles definitely helped, but the overall dish was still super salty. I ended up having to order an additional bowl of white rice to help ease the saltiness, which, took asking for 3 times to 2 separate waiters and waitresses. It didn't help that our dining experience was definitely furthered ruined by another table seated near us that talked at a ridiculously loud volume. That had nothing to do with the wait staff or restaurant, but it did take away from our experience overall.

    Jessie H.

    Came here for a friend's birthday and made reservations ahead of time. We were seating promptly and service is very friendly! I think it is pretty pricey for the quantity and quality. I got the hakkido kaisen (basically raw fish over rice- kind of like a poke bowl)- it was $35. I feel like for $35 I would get more fish at other places. It was a pretty small portion. My friend got the uni pasta, risotto, ramen salad, and fried chicken. The fried chicken came with 4 decent sized pieces. They said the ramen salad and uni pasta were pretty good. Portions are not that large so if you are hungry you should prob order a few more dishes. For drinks I got the oolong Hi - it was not very good so I would not recommend this. I think the place is decent but the portions just are on the smaller side and not satisfying.

    Indoor bar looked so cool, wish we could drink indoors
    Matthew N.

    This place is worth checking out for the heated seats alone. During covid winter, being able to eat outside without frostbite is a luxury! Based on the kotatsu style table, you sit in a shallow alcove heated from the bottom up. There are wool blankets and pillows to add to your comfort...although I don't think they wash the blankets between patrons. As long as you don't sneeze into the blanket or lick them, you should be good. Ambiance: 5/5 The food, although pricey, is very good. We had spicy lamb jingisukan, a type of Japanese bbq adopted from Ghenghis Khan. The dish had a good balance of spice/flavor, and it didn't have that gamey taste, and also left a nice flavor on the grill for the soba noodles afterward. We also had the sashimi and holy cow...some of the best yellowfin I've ever had! It wasn't cheap but you get quality for the effort. Finally, the scallop risotto was truly decadent; creamy yet firm, the rice served as the ideal vehicle for the seared scallop. Food: 4.5/5 The drinks were the most average part of the meal; I had the ume sour, made with rice-distilled Shochu. Crisp and light, it was a good palette cleanser but not remarkable. My partner had the Clark's remedy: a whiskey, tea, and ginger drink; it was strong and not as smooth as one would like. Still both were fine with the meal. Drinks: 3.5/5 The waiter gave excellent and polite service; they didn't hurry us and checked on our table often. Service: 4.5/5 Overall this is a great place to try during winter, and the place has a nice interior that included original touches and flare...too bad covid prevents indoor dining. It's a nice look on the way to the bathroom!

    Lamb Curry Rice and Scallop Risotto
    Taylor W.

    This place is all about the aesthetic and nothing else. Went there with 3 people as a walk in and waited 5 minutes for a table. It's a lot of fun sitting at a kotatsu with your friends and you're even able to make reservation online. Covid precautions are a bit questionable since you are sitting at a kotatsu and they can't exactly clean it after each group leaves. My friend said the bedding definitely smelled. However, they change the table cloth to a new one after each party and they have sanitizer at the table. We ordered the classic jingisukan lamb x 2, ground lamb curry rice and scallop risotto. The lamb was decent but really salty, which seeped into the udon. My group was surprised by how small the meat portions were for two orders. It was a nice experience to eat meat off the grill outdoors but the flavor didn't pass for us and was subpar. The risotto scallop was good with the first bite and was a nice appetizer to start with but again, the same problem persisted with it being overly salty. It was one scallop chopped into 3 pieces served with rice on the shell. The highlight was definitely the ground lamb curry rice. It was a table favorite with great balance in the flavor. 10/10 would recommend this dish. Overall, this place has a great aesthetic but the food is mediocre. I'm hoping that maybe the sashimi cuts are better if we ever decide to come back. Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to try the drinks since everyone was driving. Another thing to note was that the servers were rushing us out as we were coming to the end of our meal. Apparently, they needed the table for a reservation that was made and they have a 90 minute limit, but we were probably only there for an hour. We ended up just quickly eating whatever we had left and paying the check early to help them out with their situation. However, they should probably be more organized about the seating situation in the future.

    Zangi Friend Chicken
    Vanessa S.

    We came here for my friends birthday because she is Japanese and also miss the kotatsu from back home. The kotatsu are amazing especially during the cold months in Japan and seeing them here brought back nostalgia but with this coziness unfortunately it could not help with overpriced less than average food, tiny portions and meh service. Food order: Jingisukan Yakisoba: it was less than average, very small portion, and high price for a street stall food for 18 dollars Ramen Salad: very small portion, and exactly what you think for 12 bucks eek! Zangi Fried Chicken: average chicken karaage for 14 bucks French Fries Uni: we could not find any uni flavor... it was just soggy fries for 14 bucks Lamp chop marinated: a complete rip off, tiny portion and for 18 bucks Smoke Salmon Onigiri: probably the biggest disappointment of them all... super salty and 7 bucks each! You could get better service, food, value for price, and service at actual Japanese restaurants on St. Marc place... hard skip unless you want to experience a kotatsu, order one item of food and then leave.

    Storefront
    Mike C.

    The newest restaurant from Yudai Kanayama, the man behind lots of other great spots like Izakaya and Hanon, just opened in the former Lalito locaiton on Bayard. This one is a Japanese style BBQ restaurant focused on lamb, which is popular in a region of Hokkaido. It will eventually have tabletop cooking it seems, from poking my head in and seeing tables strewn about the not yet ready space, as it just opened in the middle of the pandemic. As such, the menu is probably very different right now than it will be, offering a short list of choices, mostly involving lamb. Try the lamb over rice or the lamb curry for an excellent, satisfying meal. The Raman Salad is also a great way to start.

    Yakiudon
    Nathaniel P.

    I was really excited to try this place! I thought the idea of kotatsu outside with friends was fun and new and I had high expectations, especially from what I saw on tik tok. Unfortunately, it didn't live up to the hype for me. The food was okay. Nothing made me feel compelled to come back. Perhaps I didn't order the correct things or perhaps it was an off day. I even came hungry. We had the classic jingisukan and yakiudon add-on, risotto omelette, zangi, basque cheesecake, and vanilla soft serve. I think the best thing we had was the vanilla soft serve. While I did enjoy conversation with the staff, it often seemed as though the staff were disorganized. Several times it seemed like there was a lack of communication between the staff- a couple times things were forgotten or two/three people would come to check whether or not we got the same thing. It also took us a while to get their attention for water, plates, and the check. This ultimately extended our stay at the restaurant a lot longer than planned. I want to give this place another shot but for now, I'd advise others to only come if you feel truly compelled to try the outdoor kotatsu experience and you have ample time.

    Risotto Omelette with Crab and Ikura
    Chloe S.

    Giving this place 4 stars purely on the basis of the addictive cabbage. That dish is incredible, six dollars, and I would eat it every day if I could. To step back for a moment, there was a lot of hype around Dr. Clark before we went, I would say it both did and did not live up to it. The atmosphere was okay, a little dark and a little cramped (especially in covid times), but the cocktails were good and the prices are fair. The food consisted of both hits and misses: we got the cabbage (outrageous), the squid stuffed with uni rice (some bites were incredible and some were a little too fishy), the risotto omelette with crab (I liked it but some of my friends didn't), and the classic lamb jingisukan with udon noodles (yuuuuuum). On the whole, I thought the food was good and the prices were fair, but the restaurant as a whole was probably a little overrated. Will go back with more refined ordering (just the jingisukan and the cabbage)

    Worst fried chicken I've ever had
    Cynthia S.

    What WORLD am I living in, if this is considered ok to serve people low grade food and charge astronomical prices. From top to bottom, every single dish off their prix fixe was horrendous. I'm not even exaggerating. We kept looking around the restaurant to gauge the reactions from other patrons, because every bite we had, we were wincing. Leaving food untouched even though their portions were bite sized. Right off the bat, we were unhappy the moment we were seated indoors- because we were forced to order prix fixe. And not only that, but every person in your party had to order the SAME prix fixe. Why wasn't this a disclaimer when we made reservations online? We stayed, because how bad could it be? & Lo and behold..... We ordered the cheapest option: Dr. Clarks Choice ($65) First course- the Sashimi. Good presentation but small portions. Fresh (ish) and no real complaints. It was whatever. We didn't have much to comment. And then.... Second course- Lamb Tataki. Cold and tasted like it was washed in soap. A chemical taste and foul. My face scrunched up and scoured. What is this?!?! What did I just eat??? Third course- jingisukan table-top grill with udon. While my sister received the vegetarian option of mushrooms. Let me tell you- this was the biggest joke of all. Our lamb this time was TOUGH as leather. As if they got the absolute cheapest part of the lamb and did absolute nothing to make it taste otherwise. And the portions were actually comical! But hey, we were thankful they didn't try to give us more. It was so inedible. While my sisters mushrooms had absolute zero flavor. They cut up the mushrooms and cooked it on the grill. No seasoning, nothing. Why did I come out and pay $65 for something I can do for $1? Then the udon!!! We took a bite and looked at each other. Why does it taste like the cheap udon you find at supermarkets that's been over cooked and just tossed in soy sauce? This can't be real.... Fourth course- if you can even call it a course. The Scallop Risotto. Why was it called a risotto? It was NOT in the least bit creamy. And the flavors were so weird. All I tasted was the last minute addition of freshly cracked pepper on top. And it was legit served in a tiny condiment cup. Please refer to my photo for accurate depiction of this "course". Fifth course- dessert. Burnt basque cheesecake. At this point we just took a teeny bite and wanted to leave. It was the most dense and driest cheesecake New York City has ever seen. The vegetarian counterpart was this vegan chocolate cake. It was the most grainy piece of cake we've ever had. Oddly- we were given the Zangi Fried Chicken. Perhaps they were mistaken to give us as it was not listed as part of the Dr. Clark's Choice. But it was the toughest and STRINGY-EST chicken we've ever had. How exactly does one mess up fried chicken? It seemed like it was a chicken thigh but it was not juicy or moist, but tough and so hard to chew. Entire meal was 0/10 stars. Covid or not- you can't serve this to people and get away with it. Seeing their outdoor tables, they were packed to the brim. Their outdoor kotatsu was definitely unique but reading the other reviews- it did not seem to be COVID friendly. Please spend your money on the hardworking mom and pop shops in Chinatown instead.

    Check out the giant plate of Hokkaido karaage in the back! The best dish and price!

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    Izakaya MEW - Salmon Carpaccio

    Izakaya MEW

    4.3(3.3k reviews)
    2.4 miMidtown West
    $$

    This is what dreams are made. Quality fish, so much flavor, unique and creative dishes. The…read morerestaurant is so unassuming, as it's downstairs in a building, the sign is modest, but when we entered it was filled with locals. A good sign! Started with miso, seaweed salad. The miso was so flavorful! Gyoza, light and absolutely delicious Yellowtail carpaccio- the sauce I could drink it, so good! They only had 4 rolls on the menu so we got one of each, and let me tell you, best rolls I've ever had, each one was unique and different, and amazing! We also shared a pork belly bowl and a una don (eel) bowl, and again both were incredible. Perfectly cooked eel and pork belly, the sauce on both, delicious, and the rice!!! The rice is like crack, soft and sweet, like nothing I've ever had. I'm from out of state, but let me tell you, I will eat here every time I come to NYC!

    Came here for dinner right before a concert. The restaurant was lively and packed, but we had a…read morereservation (which I highly recommend doing!) Got the following dishes: - Hotate (seared scallop) carpaccio (4.5/5) - Chicken nanban (3.5/5) - Kimchi cream udon (4/5) - Mew special roll (4.5/5) - Mochi ice cream (3.5/5) Food came out very quickly, and service was good! Since the restaurant was very busy and had a wait from the moment we entered and left, this is definitely a restaurant you'd spend 1 - 1.5 hr max at with the high table turnover (so avoid if you want a quiet date night). Overall, Izakaya Mew has been a reliable staple for years and will likely continue to be with its great food quality and lively ambiance. (4.5/5)

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    Izakaya MEW - Dining area

    Dining area

    Izakaya MEW - Volcano Roll and Chikaten Roll

    Volcano Roll and Chikaten Roll

    Izakaya MEW - Scallop Uni Butter Skewer

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    Raku - Yamakake (grated mountain yam, quail egg, bonito flakes) $16

    Raku

    4.5(1.2k reviews)
    0.8 miSouth Village
    $$

    I used to live in NYC and every single time I fly back to visit, Raku is at the top of my list…read more This West Village izakaya has become my personal tradition, and it never lets me down. Venue (5/5) Raku has that perfect cozy Japanese izakaya feel -- warm wood tones, intimate lighting, and a bustling but comfortable energy. It's not huge, so it fills up fast (make a reservation!), but the layout keeps it from feeling cramped. The bar area is great if you're dining solo (which I usually do), and the tables are snug enough for a romantic date or a fun group meal. Clean, authentic, and exactly what you want in a neighborhood Japanese spot. Food (5/5) The karaage here is the best I've ever had -- period. Crispy, ultra-juicy, perfectly seasoned, and ridiculously addictive. I order it every single visit and it's always flawless. The rest of the menu is equally strong: fresh sashimi, delicious grilled items, flavorful rice bowls, and tasty small plates that are ideal for sharing. Everything tastes homemade and thoughtful rather than mass-produced. Vibe (5/5) Warm, lively, and welcoming. It's the kind of place where locals and in-the-know visitors mix, conversations flow easily, and you feel right at home even if you haven't been in months. Service is attentive and friendly without being stiff or overly formal. Raku is the real deal. Reliable, delicious, and always worth the trip. If you love proper Japanese comfort food (especially killer karaage), this place is a must. I'll keep coming back every time I'm in NYC

    I don't visit NYC too often but when I do, Raku is the #1 spot I always make sure to come back due…read moreto its delicious udon and its soup quality that is not commonly seen in most Japanese restaurants I have been. I have been to famous spots in Japan within Kyoto and Tokyo and Raku definitely is on the top of the list in terms of service, food quality, and vibes. I have ordered to-go, DoorDash and dined in and its never been a disappointment.

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    Raku
    Raku - Wagyu tataki

    Wagyu tataki

    Raku - Sansai Bukkake Udon

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    Sansai Bukkake Udon

    Izakaya Fuku - Seating and decorations

    Izakaya Fuku

    4.4(393 reviews)
    5.9 miElmhurst
    $$
    Casual dining
    Kitchen open late

    So this place is small and charming, dark and well I hate to say it (cus it sounds cliche now) but…read moreit's a vibe. For real. From the decor to the music to its surroundings. She's a gem. The service was attentive yet not pushy. Knowledgeable and hospitable without being extra. Just chill and on point overall. They definitely read the room and that's my favorite kind of service. The food: Chicken curry katsu! Perfection! Carbonara udon! Delightful! Black garlic ramen! Delicious! Whatever you choose I'm sure you will not be disappointed! Honestly. And tbh, literally because of that, we're headed back today! lol. Like for real no joke haha

    Izakaya Fuku in New York offers the kind of dining experience that feels memorable from the very…read morestart. Even before the food arrives, the restaurant leaves a strong impression with its stunning Japanese-inspired interior. The space is beautifully designed, blending warmth and elegance in a way that feels both inviting and refined. From the soft lighting to the natural wood accents and thoughtfully arranged decor, everything about the atmosphere feels intentional. It captures the intimate charm of a traditional izakaya while still feeling modern and stylish, making it a wonderful setting for anything from a casual dinner to a more special night out. The food more than lived up to the beauty of the space. One of the first highlights was the salmon onigiri, a dish that proved how satisfying simplicity can be when it is done well. The rice was soft, fresh, and perfectly formed, holding together without feeling too compact, while the salmon added a savory richness that made each bite feel comforting and flavorful. It was balanced, delicate, and deeply satisfying in a way that made it memorable despite its simplicity. The seared salmon salad was another standout. The salmon itself was beautifully prepared, with a lightly seared exterior that gave it a subtle crispness, while the inside remained tender, buttery, and smooth. That contrast in texture made the dish especially enjoyable. Paired with the freshness of the salad, it felt light and refreshing, yet still substantial enough to feel like more than just a side dish. It was a dish that managed to feel both clean and indulgent at the same time. The grilled squid was particularly impressive and easily one of the most memorable items of the meal. Squid can often be difficult to get right, as it can become rubbery or overly chewy if even slightly overcooked, but that was absolutely not the case here. The texture was spectacular--tender, delicate, and pleasantly springy without any toughness. Each bite had a light smokiness from the grill that added depth, while the squid itself retained its natural sweetness. It was expertly prepared and showcased a level of precision that really stood out. For the main courses, both the Tonkatsu Ramen and the Black Pepper Ramen delivered distinct experiences, each with its own appeal. The Tonkatsu Ramen was deeply comforting and satisfying, with a broth that had a rich, velvety texture and a full-bodied depth that coated the palate beautifully. It felt smooth, hearty, and luxurious without being too heavy. The noodles had an ideal texture as well--firm enough to provide a satisfying bite, yet soft enough to soak up the broth and integrate perfectly into the dish. Altogether, it was a bowl that felt warming, balanced, and incredibly comforting. The Black Pepper Ramen, on the other hand, brought a bolder and more assertive flavor profile. The broth had a smooth, glossy texture, and the noodles again had a pleasing chew that gave the dish structure and substance. The black pepper added an unmistakable warmth and aromatic intensity that made the ramen stand out immediately. It was flavorful and memorable, though the pepper was slightly overwhelming at times. A bit less black pepper would have allowed the other flavors in the broth to come through more clearly and created a more balanced bowl. Even so, the ramen was still enjoyable, especially for those who appreciate strong, pepper-forward flavors. Overall, Izakaya Fuku is a restaurant that succeeds on every level. The stunning Japanese interior creates an atmosphere that feels both immersive and elegant, while the food reflects a real attention to detail in both flavor and texture. From the comforting salmon onigiri, to the fresh and beautifully prepared seared salmon salad, to the expertly grilled squid with its exceptional texture, and finally the rich and satisfying ramen dishes, every part of the meal felt carefully executed. It is a place that offers not just excellent food, but a complete dining experience, and it is well worth visiting for anyone looking for standout Japanese cuisine in New York.

    Photos
    Izakaya Fuku - Ika Teriyaki Don

    Ika Teriyaki Don

    Izakaya Fuku - Shio Saba Bento

    Shio Saba Bento

    Izakaya Fuku - Interior

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    Interior

    Tonchin

    Tonchin

    4.4(2.5k reviews)
    2.5 miMidtown West
    $$

    After my first visit: This is my favorite ramen restaurant on the planet. It's my perfect…read morerestaurant - but not because of the ramen. Because of the desserts! First - Tonkotsu (pork) ramen was perfectly balanced. The broth was deeply flavorful but not heavy, almost like an 80/20 hybrid of tonkotsu and shoyu (soy sauce) ramen. Noodles were springy and not overcooked, and the roasted pork had a slightly smoky flavor and was flavorful itself, not just protein and texture like many other ramen joints. We also had the edamame appetizer - super flavorful and addictive, and we wound up ordering a second one (for our party of four) after devouring the first one. Now here's why it's my favorite ramen restaurant- my favorite dessert is banana pudding, and Tonchin's signature Tokyo banana dessert is an elevated banana pudding that makes magnolia bakery look like amateur hour. Plenty of fresh banana and a carmelized banana on the side with a balanced pudding that's not too heavy - this is peak banana pudding. So it has my favorite ramen and favorite dessert. But can it do better? Yes. It can also have...my second favorite dessert! Tonchin has excellent shave ice desserts that reminded me of Korean bingsu. We had the strawberry and it was fresh, bright and had lots of strawberry flavor. Delightful. Service was excellent and the ambiance of the space is dark and elevated. I liked this place so much I bought a hat.

    We finished a tour of Michelin recognized casual restaurants here…read more I didn't order right. I did the dipping noodles and they were too salty for me. I've had them before so I knew what to expect but it was way too salty, less flavorful. Had a very nice flavor, the salt overpowered it though. I tasted mushroom. The sauce stuck to the noodles well and the noodles were delicious. My daughter and husband ordered the spicy ramen and they said it was very very good. Couldn't decipher distinctly from other top notch ramen so it wasn't knock your socks off. From now on I'll order the base dish when I go places so I can judge better. The gyoza was cooked very nicely, came sizzling and the bun with meat was a little ugly, it looked boiled and unappetizing. The taste was just okay. The topping on it was notable. The waitress didn't help us at all when ordering. We weren't bowled over with the food, although it was noted the meat in the ramen was high level. It hit the spot but I will try other places in the search for our "return forever" ramen place.

    Photos
    Tonchin - Interior

    Interior

    Tonchin - Kimchi mushrooms

    Kimchi mushrooms

    Tonchin - Chicken Tsukune Bun

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    Chicken Tsukune Bun

    Katsu-Hama

    Katsu-Hama

    4.0(1.8k reviews)
    3.0 miMidtown East
    $$

    This place is a bit hard to spot, but it's on the same side of the street as the sorta famous (50…read moreyears +) Phil's Stationery. Katsu-Hama is about two doors to the Left of Phil's, and has minimal, very discreet signage. I got some tonkatsu...I forget the exact type, but it was essentially the most fatty of the tonkatsu offered. It came with cabbage (with a sesame ginger type dressing), daikon radish (with some type of sauce on top), and the standard sauce for the tonkatsu, along with some crushed sesame seed and hot mustard. I'd have to say...the tonkatsu was quite good....not quite as sublime as my favorite tonkatsu place in Tokyo...but still, very, very good. The dish also came with a bowl of miso soup (good, and not overly salty) and a bowl of white rice, which I considered the most disappointing part of the meal. The rice seemed a bit dried out...not moist.... All in all, an excellent meal. I'd definitely come back.

    I've had this place saved for a while, and I don't feel like I need to go again. It was cramped…read moreespecially since they sat everyone in a section despite having table space in multiple areas. The food was ok, felt comparable to something you would order at a food court, so at the price point, it's not that worth it. The main was so unremarkable that the best thing was the miso soup. In terms of flavor, it's very much like "that's it??", pretty basic but wouldn't standout as good.

    Photos
    Katsu-Hama
    Katsu-Hama - Oyster and katsu

    Oyster and katsu

    Katsu-Hama - Agedashi Tofu

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    Agedashi Tofu

    Yakitori Totto - Eggplant

    Yakitori Totto

    4.0(1.5k reviews)
    3.5 miMidtown West
    $$

    Still the best in New York. Unique, flavorful chicken skin skewers among many things (see my…read morephotos), though somehow grilled chicken soft bone is a bit tasteless? Fast service. You can order a little and keep adding depending on how big or small each dish is. We came right at 5 pm when they opened. We didn't have a reservation, and after some fumbling they got us four seats at the bar (looking over grilling chefs at work). Not bad, though we were hoping for a table. Great decor and ambiance as always. Wish the grilled shrimps come with shell on, and with salt only (no sauce).

    Yakitori Totto has been around for ages, and I've visited this location in person a few times…read morethough it's been a while! Their location is a little hidden, it's on the second floor above Soba Noodle Azuma on 55th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues, closer to 8th. You have to go up a stairwell on the side. Getting to the food, their focus is on meat, seafood and vegetable skewers though they also have a variety of appetizers, rice bowls and noodles, and dessert. The meats and veggies are grilled over charcoal while basted with "tare", a house-made sauce that adds a level of umami to the caramelized grill flavors. Recently I got a handful of skewers for takeout, including: - Ebi (shrimp) $8 x 2: the shrimp were cooked just right, tender and juicy, yum! - Hotate Eringi (scallop and oyster mushrooms) $8 x 2: the textures of the oyster mushrooms and scallop pieces complemented each other, and were kinda similar. Another tasty offering. - Negi pon (pork belly with scallions) $7: I'm not a huge fan of pork belly in general, though they grilled it well here and chopped scallions added a little spicy tickle. While not the cheapest for skewers that you can find, (and inflation hasn't helped,) their flavors are authentic and their quality and consistency is key here. I'm glad it's still here since there seems to be fewer and fewer good yakitori spots in Manhattan these days. They used to have another location in the city though I believe this closed pre-pandemic, however from their website they now have another location in Boston. This was also the sister restaurant to Ramen Totto which had four locations at one point though all have shuttered as well. Hope this location stays around for a long time!

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    Yakitori Totto
    Yakitori Totto - Chicken meatball

    Chicken meatball

    Yakitori Totto

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    Dr. Clark - japanese - Updated May 2026

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