Minato Izakaya is a hidden gem located in the Bronx that has some of the most delicious sushi I've had this year. They have a nice garden area in the back where me and my friends sat and it's heated and a perfect spot where you can have birthday parties and other big gatherings. The Karaage Chicken was so crispy and a perfect way to start the night. It's such a classic appetizer, and they do it just wonderfully. Here is all the sushi we shared: Lobster Salad Roll - Shrimp Tempura Roll with lobster salad Godzilla Roll - Deep fried Eel and Shrimp Tempura 161 Roll - California Roll with Salmon Spicy Tuna Roll I loved all the rolls, but I think my favorite was the Godzilla roll. I love eel and the fact that this was deep-fried was unique. read more

So I've been wanting to visit this location for quite some time now. I came early as soon as they opened. It's a cute little basement bar with some tables along with a bar top to sit and a cozy little area in the back to sit at if you're with a couple of friends wanting to celebrate something or just to hangout. You see to my surprise they told me they no longer serve sushi and that they changed the whole concept of the place and the menu. I was a little disappointed but I decided I was there already so I would work with what they had to offer. I saw they had a decent happy hour menu, but I decided to order a drink that was not on the Happy Hour menu. Their version of a Lychee Martini. It was strong and flavorful, but very refreshing. For my tapas options I went with some Arancini and Zucchini flowers. I didn't want too much to eat after having such a huge breakfast. The arancini was flavorless but really good with the marinara sauce it came with, and to my surprise the zucchini flowers were amazing. It was piping hot, crispy with the most intense cheese pull, served with some spicy sauce and marinara as well. I went back and forth with dipping them into each condiment. I told the guy who took my order and served me that they should bottle that marinara, it was delicious. I don't know how this place use to be but I'm interested in returning for another visit because I was definitely feeling the whole vibe of the place along with the food. I think it might be a good place to visit for the whole Happy Hour of it all. Thumbs up and Happy Yelping! read more

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The rolls were really good. Everything was fresh. The fried chicken appetizer was very tasty as well. They have a great Happy Hour. $5 Saki and $10 Lycheetinis read more

Highly disappointed that they are practically no longer a Japanese restaurant but instead a Mexican one. Went yesterday and I was super excited to try their sushi, but when I got there I was told they are no longer offering sushi. The menu instead showcases more tacos and quesadillas with a few Japanese starters like the karaage chicken and shrimp shumai. While the food and drink were good, overall was not the experience I was hoping to have. Hopefully they will update their website so no one else will have to be as shocked as I was. read more

Minato Bronx - Lychee-tini, karaage chicken and shrimp shumai - Izakaya Near Me - Bronx, New York

Came here randomly and was pleasantly surprised by this gem. Located on East 161st St- This neighborhood place looks like a house on the outside but upon closer inspection it gives way to a beautiful restaurant and greenhouse courtyard outdoor space. The workers all seemed very nice and informative. As always I ask a ton of questions before ordering and our server helped answer my questions. We ordered the Karaage chicken and Unagi Don. The karaage chicken was soooo delicious. It was crispy, tender, and hot and their soy sauce made an excellent addition. It's one of the best I've had in the city. The unagi Don is a grilled eel dish over rice with pickled vegetables. I normally don't eat seafood but this dish was delicious. I would recommend anyone to visit this place. read more

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I have been dying for a Japanese restaurant with some high quality fish. I was waiting for this place to open up since I love Porto Salvo. I decided to spend a Monday evening here. Food: 4/5 Honestly, finding high qualify ebi (shrimp) and ikura (salmon eggs) in the Bronx was impossible before this place. I would often find myself going to Manhattan just for a decent assortment of fish. When I tried the chirashi here, I was surprised. I usually get some mediocre salmon and tuna. But, this was great! We got some plum wine (which we took home to finish) and enjoyed the evening. Service & Ambiance: 5/5 I really enjoyed our waiter/host, Thomas! He was super nice and really knew the whiskey menu. All in all, I always get a few bites here for my sushi fix before heading over to Porto Salvo. I am happy that these places were created and so close to each other! read more

Minato Bronx - Jasmine tea - Izakaya Near Me - Bronx, New York

As a South Bronx local and longtime lover of authentic Japanese cuisine, I was genuinely excited to visit this new spot. I regularly seek out quality Japanese fare in Little Japan, K-Town, Upper Manhattan, and even Sunmart in Brooklyn, so I came in with high hopes. Let's start with what was done well: the interior design. Tucked into the ground floor of a residential building, the space is surprisingly expansive and beautifully executed. The dim lighting, cherry wood finishes, and traditional Japanese motifs create an intimate and cozy atmosphere that transports you--briefly--out of the South Bronx and into what feels like a stylish Tokyo den. The bar, in particular, is the crown jewel: an impressive and thoughtful selection of Japanese spirits, from sake (hot and cold) to whiskey and soju, curated with clear attention to detail. The patio is another unexpected highlight--bright, inviting, and outfitted with plush booth seating that's perfect for a brunch or laid-back escape from the city's chaos. Unfortunately, that's where the praise ends. The restaurant's attempt at Japanese cuisine unravels almost entirely once you move past the bar. The ambiance is jarring and disconnected: at one point, Frank Sinatra was playing in the background (really?!) --charming in a Manhattan steakhouse, perhaps, but completely out of sync with the Japanese aesthetic this place is trying to convey. The menu is even more confusing. While many dishes carry Japanese names, the execution leans overwhelmingly Latin, with most items deep-fried, overly seasoned, and stylistically far from the refined simplicity and balance central to Japanese cuisine. The plating lacked care, and the sushi looked like it came from a hood supermarket buffet. A server casually mentioned that there's no Japanese chef currently on staff--which sadly explains A LOT. Not one Japanese person on staff. Staples like Takoyaki, Onigiri, Gyoza, or Ramen were nowhere to be found. Instead of the quiet, thoughtful precision and hospitality intrinsic to Japanese dining, the overall vibe felt more like a loud, fusion spot with no clear direction--essentially, a hood Latin restaurant loosely dressed in Japanese aesthetics. To be clear, the space has immense potential. The foundation is there: a beautifully designed interior, a strong bar program, and a layout that invites comfort and curiosity. But it desperately needs a culinary and cultural course correction. I genuinely hope the co-owner, Lu, considers hiring a Japanese executive chef, expanding the menu with authentic and inspired dishes, training the staff in Japanese dining etiquette, and curating a soundtrack that enhances the ambiance (Japanese hip hop, jazz, or ambient would elevate the vibe immensely). As it stands now, the experience is disjointed--an Instagram-worthy setting with none of the culinary or cultural soul to back it up. If changes aren't made, this place risks becoming yet another GIMMICKY restaurant that COSPLAYS as something it isn't. But with the right leadership and intention, it could become a true gem for the neighborhood. read more

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The ambiance of this Izakaya was spot on. A wonderful surprise in the South Bronx! The food was tasty, and my cocktail was excellent. Highly recommended!!! read more

I came with my family for dinner and it was amazing! The seafood was very fresh and the cocktails tasted delicious! The chirashi don was my absolute favorite! The owners checked in on us and the waiter was very patient and kind to us and everyone was super friendly! The vibe was casual and it was easy to be able to talk to everyone, it wasn't too loud so that was great! The music was very good and worked well with the ambiance. I would definitely recommend a friend to come here! This is also a great date spot! read more

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When you first arrive in the front of the establishment you might have a few questions but when you walk downstairs and open the door Oh My goodness what an Incredible ambiance and environment that they created especially when you go outside in the back. Today was my first day there and it was amazing and very friendly and courteous staff. I ordered the Karaage Chicken which was amazing and Calamari and Sake. What a very relaxing out of the way beautiful Japanese infusion restaurant. I will be a regular especially since I live so close. Thanks! read more

The owners of Porot Salvo didn't disappoint. Finally, it is open .. announcing PORTO SALVO JAPANESE . .... Thanks Mark & Lugui I love their signature drinks and amazing dishes. We had the following. Seaweed Salad Karaage Chicken (winner) Spicy Tuna roll (winner)) California Roll Salmon Roll Chicken Katsu Don (just enough) Chirashi (Blanced with Rice and Assorted fish) Followed by Lychee Panna Cotta with real Lychee Green Tea Creme Brulee (I do have to admit, I loved their Basil Creme Brulee at Porto Salov. read more

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My favorite thing about this restaurant was its character, the entrance is super cool and the inside of the restaurant has a lot of decorations that will catch your attention. They also have a beautiful garden, which is currently not open due to the winter. The shrimp shumai was good. I wish they had other options for the gyoza (they only have vegetable ones). The lobster roll was really tasty. I also had the minato roll which was crab salad topped with more crab salad and Chilean bass. The bass on top was really tasty but the crab ruined the entire roll. The crab had a strong smell and taste of fish. Usually when fish is incredibly fishy that means that it is not fresh, gone bad or that it hasn't been handled properly. Im sure the roll would've been good had the crab been fresh. read more

Love love love this place, this is a hidden gem. Fresh sushi great service great price and definitely

Amazing food amazing service! I would definitely recommend ANYONE go! The space is beautiful too. Very picture worthy

The restaurant recently opened, and we visited, and wow! The food is fresh and delicious! The space is quiet and cozy. The owners are so friendly and take pride in providing outstanding service. read more

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I come here all the time since I live close by and the food drinks & service is always great ! read more

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Food is very good. I love the little garden in the back. It's great place for party and gathering. Waiter is very nice and polite. This restaurant has left the best impressions for me! Hospitable hosts, delicious dishes, beautiful presentation, wide cocktail drink list and wonderful dessert. I recommend to everyone! I would like to come back here again and again read more

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The sushi chef definitely knows what he is doing. The pieces are fresh and tasty, have to try it in the summer when the garden is open

If only I could rate Minato higher. First time here. Recommended by my wife's student. Her mom knows who it is. Food is excellent. Service outstanding. Tomas and Ali are real assets. Def a cool place to hear tunes and dine. read more

Minato Bronx - Shrimp temp - Izakaya Near Me - Bronx, New York

The food and ambiance were nice. I didn't appreciate being charged $14.00 gratuity for a party of 2.

Got to say I'm usually a little skeptical when it has super high review but only a very small amount of actual reviews, but truly glad the skepticism didn't stop me from trying this spot. Looks a little deceptive also as you arrive but small, quaint, and quite comfortable. The food, pretty damn good. I eat sushi from eat to west and across the pacific, and I really enjoyed. Didn't have a huge selection but what I tried seemed very fresh and tasty. For I BX sushi spot, I think it's well worth the visit and is quite comfortable for you or a fine friend sitting with you. Lastly, the female bar tender/waitress was very welcoming and when I asked for her choice of appetizer she hit it out of the park. Appreciate you all and see you soon! read more

I noticed the restaurant with its red sign and door a few months ago and have been wanting to check it out. My husband and I went on a Friday night and it wasn't too crowed. The front of the restaurant has a chill intimate vibe. They also have a back area thats enclosed and speakers modern zen. The waiter and waitress were very welcoming. I had a hot sake and we quickly ordered som Karaage Chicken, Shrimp Tempura and Large Salmon sushi flight. OoooEeeeeeMmmGggggg!!!! Chicken was flavorful but not overpowering. The tempera was so fresh not too greasy and the shrimp was so fresh. The sushi flight - so fresh!!! We actually ordered 2 rounds of the same items. This place is a hidden gem in the neighborhood you have to try!!! My husband and I will be going back soon!! Good vibes and amazing food!! read more