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    Minato Bronx

    4.5 (22 reviews)
    Closed 3:00 pm - 11:00 PM
    Updated 1 week ago

    Minato Bronx Photos

    Business Info

    MINATO BRONX ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Happy hour specials
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Minato Bronx

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    Jasmine tea
    Alexandria R.

    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!

    Greenhouse outside area
    Kiana T.

    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.

    Lychee-tini, karaage chicken and shrimp shumai

    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.

    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.

    seafood ceviche
    Jennifer P.

    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!

    Sammy C.

    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.

    The food is fresh and of quality.
    Ricardo C.

    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.

    Tina C.

    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

    Spring roll

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

    Shrimp temp

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    5 months ago

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    6 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

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

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

    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

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    1 year ago

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

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    2 years ago

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    Sobro Garden

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    The food was great. Also the environment along with the way they have decorated the place is really…read morenice.

    After moving 3 years ago up to Port Jervis, I was completely out of the loop on where to host my…read morehusband's party in the Bronx while still making it convenient for family and friends to attend. I wanted to celebrate my husband's 50th birthday on Saturday, May 16th, and after searching a few places, I settled on Sobro Garden especially after finding out it was one of Jimmy's spots. We celebrated with 30 of our closest family and friends, and it truly became a night he said he'll never forget. Where do I start? Let me begin by saying Sobro Garden, you guys did NOT disappoint!! First and foremost, thank you Jimmy, because when I tell you this man went above and beyond to make everyone feel like family at his establishment, I truly mean it. Jimmy personally checked in with everyone going table to table making sure everyone was enjoying themselves, asking if everything was good from the drinks, atmosphere, music and food was to satisfaction because he genuinely wanted everyone to enjoy and especially told my husband it's a blessing to hit a milestone, celebrating with family and friendsand hope his place made it a memorable one. Jimmy is truly a perfectionist at heart. A host beyond host!! Even taking pictures with everyone. He took several pictures with my husband and even accidentally walked away with his iPhone for a moment & my husband allow his too he didn't realize it was his phone until I told him. Our maître d', Suhaily, was such a beautiful soul inside and out. She made the entire booking process for my husband's event feel effortless. She guided me step by step, helped choice a menu plan, stayed in communication the whole time and was so patient, kind and welcoming the moment I arrived. Her smile and warm hearted present made the experience even better. She greeted me as if we knew each other for years and our waitress and waiter? Absolutely AMAZING. My husband, our guests and I were attended to with such PRISTINE EXCELLENCE all night long. Now let's talk about the FOOD... because BABY!!! Everything was DELICIOUS. I can't even single out one item because every dish hit the spot. Everyone at our tables ordered something different, so we all got to taste a little bit of everything from the pernil, steak & onions, grilled salmon, chicken, arroz con gandules, fried fish, steak skewers and BABY... those famous Crack Wings Rub had everybody wanting to eat their fingers To top it all off, the highlight of the night was seeing Melle Mel celebrating his birthday from the day before and actor Darrin Henson, so handsome in person was also in the building. Both were so down-to-earth and when Melle Mel grabbed the mic, he absolutely brought the house down!! Thank you again to EVERYONE at Sobro Garden for making my husband's 50th birthday celebration such an UNFORGETTABLE Experience. We will DEFINITELY be Back!

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    Metate

    Metate

    4.6
    (7 reviews)
    0.5 mi

    I visited Metate shortly after they opened (10/5/25), hoping to support a new local Mexican…read morerestaurant, but the experience was disappointing overall. Right away, there was confusion about a large 15% off sign clearly posted on their window. The waiter said the discount wasn't in effect, even though the signage was still up, and had to check with someone else before it was finally honored. Not a great first impression. The restaurant itself feels cold and unfinished, more like an office space than a place meant to enjoy a meal. The decor is lacking, and there are no curtains or window coverings, so people walking by can see you eating, which feels awkward and uncomfortable. It doesn't feel welcoming or thoughtfully designed. As for the food, it tasted fine, but that's where the positives end. There were no complimentary chips and salsa, which is standard at most Mexican restaurants. I ordered guacamole and it was overpriced, came with a very small portion of chips, and when I asked for more chips, I was told I'd have to pay extra. Portion sizes overall were extremely small for the prices being charged. The pricing feels more like Midtown Manhattan than the Bronx. I also noticed they have a sister restaurant in Riverdale, which is a more affluent part of the Bronx, and the pricing here clearly reflects that area -- not this lower-income section of the Bronx. It feels completely out of touch with the neighborhood. To make matters worse, the happy hour prices aren't cheap or appealing at all, and the regular menu drink prices are massively overpriced for what you're getting. Between the food portions, drink prices, and overall value, nothing here justifies the cost. There are many nearby Mexican restaurants offering better portions, better pricing, and a more comfortable atmosphere. I live close by, gave it one try, and have no plans to return.

    Metate was such a vibe! Luis was extremely welcoming his energy alone could brighten your whole…read moreday. I usually go for a coconut mojito, but he recommended the mango one and OMG... the mango mojito was AMAZINGGGGGGGGGG. Like, dangerously good. I also ordered the nachos and everything tasted super fresh. Happy Hour prices were solid too flavored mojitos for $10 and plain for $8. Honestly, no complaints. Great drinks, great food, and even better service. Definitely coming back!

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    Sugar BBQ

    Sugar BBQ

    2.9
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    Visited Sugar Restaurant around 3PM and the place looked really nice. It also wasn't crowded at…read morethat time which made it comfortable. The music selection was definitely a vibe with good R&B and Hip-Hop playing throughout the restaurant. The service wasn't terrible but could've been better. The staff didn't really check on us much to see if we needed anything. We had to ask for extra napkins and it would've been nice if they automatically brought extra plates in case couples wanted to try each other's food. They also had a baseball game on the TVs but the picture kept freezing. Now for the food, this was definitely the highlight. We originally ordered the Chicken Mofongo but they accidentally brought out the Beef Rib Mofongo instead, which actually cost more. We didn't complain and honestly I'm glad we didn't because it was really good. The beef was flavorful, tender, and literally falling right off the bone. We also had the Half Rack BBQ Baby Back Ribs with mashed potatoes and those were good too, tender meat and tasty mashed potatoes. The Crispy Chicken Donuts were different but surprisingly solid, and the sauce that came with them was really good. For drinks, we had a Piña Colada and margaritas. Both tasted good, but they definitely weren't strong enough to justify the $15 price tag. Overall, it wasn't a terrible experience, but probably not somewhere I'd return to. I'd give it about 3.5 stars.

    My coworkers and I stopped by for happy hour, and the first thing I noticed was how beautiful the…read morevenue is. The space is aesthetically pleasing with a stylish vibe that makes a great first impression. The host was warm and welcoming, and since the place was practically empty, we were seated right away. I ordered the passionfruit margarita, and it was delicious--definitely a highlight. The host also recommended food options and was quick on her feet, which I appreciated. While I'm still a bit hesitant to try the full menu because of past reviews, I'd definitely be open to trying the appetizers next time. Overall, if you're looking for a quick, relaxing bite during happy hour in a pretty setting, this spot is worth a visit.

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    Minato Bronx - izakaya - Updated June 2026

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