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    Rei

    4.5 (13 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 11:00 PM

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    Pinhwa S.

    Rei is an absolute 10/10 hidden gem in Soho. This 20-seat, Tokyo-style sanctuary offers a level of authenticity and intimacy that is rare in NYC. We opted for the $150 set menu and added a few à la carte items to share. Highlights from the set menu included the Japanese-style pudding with uni and caviar, the seasonal sashimi, and the grilled Miyazaki wagyu The mini ramen was a standout with its creamy soya broth and perfectly al dente noodles. Don't miss the seared wagyu yukke with uni and ikura from the à la carte menu--it's a literal need. We also loved the beef tongue tempura and the unagi don. A major plus: this is a no-tipping restaurant, as tax and service fees are already built into the price. High-quality food and a completely seamless experience.

    Janice C.

    We are so excited to try this new authentic Japanese restaurant in Soho. We order the tasting menu which is delicious. We also order some appetizers on menu and we love it so much. We sit at the back of the counter and the chef is very friendly even he doesn't speak much English. I like the cozy warm vibes here just like Japan. It's truly a hidden gems in the neighborhood.

    Duck breast and fried eggplant in dashi broth
    Grace Y.

    My friend wanted to go somewhere that accepted InKind and I happened to find this option on the app. They are fairly unknown and only opened two months ago but deserve a lot more attention! I would describe the cuisine as izakaya food. They have a huge menu of small and large dishes as well as a tasting menu option. Everything we had was great. My favorite dish was the duck breast with fried eggplant in dashi broth. We got 6 dishes and 1 drink and the bill came out to $143 total. The prices include gratuity. The man who runs the restaurant is Caucasion but speaks fluent Japanese and recently moved from Japan to the US. The chefs are Japanese. They clearly care a lot about their craft and do a great job! The service is also great and they are dog friendly.

    Food - there is both a tasting menu and food ordered à la carte. I suggest trying the tasting menu followed by order a few items. My friend and I had the $120-tier tasting menu and each dish was great. Then there was the à la carte menu and O had the unagi which was fantastic. Service - chefs made the experience fun, were very welcoming and explaining what each dish amd how to best eat each dish. Vibes - small space but very cozy, great for dates or small group looking to have a delicious and intimate dining experience. Follow on IG @2chenzeats for more food-related content

    Sashimi

    Our dinner was soooo delicious! We shared 1 tasting menu and added 2 à la carte items as well. The flavors, quality, and presentation were fantastic. I loved the ramen, wagyu with wasabi salt, cabbage roll with wagyu, and chicken karaage. Inside had a cozy dark vibe. Truly a lovely dining experience and would highly recommend to anyone.

    Wagyu ramen, chicken don

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    Review Highlights - Rei

    We opted for the $150 set menu and added a few à la carte items to share.

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    Raku - Ja Ja Udon (@joeynht)

    Raku

    4.4(1.8k reviews)
    0.8 miEast Village
    $$

    This location in particular is very small…read more Niku udon - super chewy and flavorful noodles! Broth had a lot of flavor this time too! Meat had one good piece but rest was too dry and/or too fatty 4.5/5 Shrimp tempura - a bit oily but still good! Shrimp is soft and bouncy but wish it was bigger in comparison to the tempura 2.75/5

    My friend met up with us and planned this spot, sinai was excited. Pretty small interior, quite…read moretight inside and can get loud with the conversations. I felt like I had to speak a bit louder at times. Service was amazing, they were helpful the entire way. Raku is a bit hidden without much signage so we almost missed it but luckily our friend was already there. Simple udon, nothing fancy but they get to be consistent and comforting. I thought the appetizer we got was better than the udon, but the udon itself was good too! Wagyu Kushiage - deep fried wagyu beef? Amazing. Delicious. Succulent. The beef was juicy, tender, and extremely flavorful. Tons of juice and moisture flowed out when bitten, the meat had potential to melt in mouth if thin. Deep fry was light to give respect for the beef. Frozen grapes at the end for dessert! It's not much but definitely a cute gesture. Toriten - firstly, glad they offered the chicken on the side. It's fried chicken so would definitely get soggy in broth. Said chicken was so soft, tender, and juicy. Also a light, soft deep fry. Udon itself was calming and comforting, but not particularly special. Just very well made udon.

    Photos
    Raku - Entrance

    Entrance

    Raku - Agedashi Tofu (@joeynht)

    Agedashi Tofu (@joeynht)

    Raku - Chicken Tatsuta-Age

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    Chicken Tatsuta-Age

    Konban - Pork Katsu

    Konban

    4.4(474 reviews)
    1.0 miChelsea

    Everything we had here was spectacular. My favorite dishes were the Mazemen noodles, corn ribs, and…read moretuna uni rice. I am already wanting to go back. The cucumber salad was also very good and flavorful. karaage was just okay and can be skipped. The corn dessert was really cool and the ube tiramisu really had the yam flavor. Boz was our server and he was amazing! Super friendly and did such an amazing job guiding us through the menu. Very funny guy too. He really added good energy to our night. Overall would recommend this place. Lots of wow moments with the dishes. So many other things to try!! 10/10 would recommend

    I'm always on the search for good katsu and was looking forward to trying this spot! This is a bit…read moreof a belated review, but I'm glad to see that the standout dishes from my winter visit are still featured on their summer menu. 3 of us shared a few orders of their tenderloin ($18) and pork loin ($20) katsu, eggplant agebitashi ($18), sabazushi ($22), truffle rice, and niku udon ($24). The katsu was very, very moist on the inside, with a crispy batter that was so light it was almost flavorless. I honestly couldn't really tell the difference between the tenderloin and pork loin. Overall the dish had a very light flavor and I added quite a bit of sauce and wasabi. Some of the less memorable dishes were the eggplant agebitashi and truffle rice. The eggplant agebitashi tasted like a cross between an eggplant parm and a bolognese. The truffle rice had a very strong truffle flavor that ended up overpowering everything else in the dish. I thought the slices of raw button mushrooms were a little strange. I really enjoyed the sabazushi. The pieces of mackerel were thick and carried a lot of that characteristic mackerel oily flavor, but the oiliness was cut by enough vinegar to balance everything out. The niku udon was also a surprise hit. The noodles were wide, flat, super slurpy, and the broth carried a deep umami flavor. Overall, I had a pretty solid experience here.

    Photos
    Konban - Restaurant interior

    Restaurant interior

    Konban - Pork katsu

    Pork katsu

    Konban - Corn ribs

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    Corn ribs

    Kimura

    Kimura

    4.5(545 reviews)
    0.7 miEast Village
    $$

    TL;DR: you won't regret dining here. I'm already planning my next visit. 5/5…read more Came here on Saturday at 1.30pm (group of four), no reservation, were seated immediately. Promptly brought a wet towelette for our hands and water. Service overall was excellent, from start to finish. Ended up ordering the following: - Bottle of strawberry nigori sake (could have gotten one per person but we were already hitting a bar afterwards) - Yakitori combo appetizer (two skewers of each of the following: chicken+scallion, chicken meatball, and scallops): all of the skewers were delicious. I could have easily eaten three orders by myself. Succulent, juicy scallops, perfectly cooked chicken and scallions, and the chicken meatballs were perfectly moist and delicious. - Shrimp tempura appetizer: I love for shrimp so this one was all for me. Excellent tempura batter and nice-sized shrimp. - Trico roll: shared by the three others in my party and they all said they'd get it again. - Beef Yakiniku Don: probably my favorite. My GF got this and shared some with me. Amazing flavor and perfectly cooked. After a few bites I decided I would get this next time I come back for lunch. 7/5. - Pork Belly Nabe: my friend said it was delicious but I can't give it a rating myself. - Yakitori Don: my other friend got this and it looked as good as the chicken skewers we had as an appetizer. Again, can't give it a rating based on taste, but on looks a 5/5. - Yaki Udon: I got this. I was originally going to get sukiyaki but since two people had to order and no one else did, I ended up ordering this (my alternate was the Beef Yakiniku Don but my GF had already ordered so I got a different dish). Only complaint was that it could have had a little bit more beef but overall, perfectly sheet udon noodles, sauce, and beef. Would still get it again. 4.5/5. $180 for all (pre-tip). Well worth the price. Next time I return it'll be for sukiyaki, though, and I'll make sure whoever I go with is going to get it, too. 5/5, will be back.

    Had a great time celebrating a coworkers birthday here at Kimura. Was a large group so got to get a…read moreton of things to try. First thing we got may have been my fav, conveniently called Addictive Cabbage it really was addictive like wow I just couldnt stop it was so good. I also looooved the meatballs the marinade was super flavorful. Other appetizer options were pretty tasty as well, the takoyaki was soft and sweet, gyoza were large, and chicken skewers were delish. Split a shabu shabu hot pot which was pretty good, all the meat and toppings were nice but I wasnt really tasting much of the broth! Loved the sauces that came with it. Also don't sleep on the yuzu hot sauce thats on the tables that stuff was fire.

    Photos
    Kimura - Interior

    Interior

    Kimura - Hakata Motsunabe

    Hakata Motsunabe

    Kimura - IG: @nom.noms.only | collagen nabe

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    IG: @nom.noms.only | collagen nabe

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

    Raku

    4.5(1.2k reviews)
    0.0 miSouth Village
    $$

    10,000 years of evolution and we've finally reached peak udon noodle form. The height of human…read morecraft. Literally the silkiest, smoothest, chewy yet soft noodles I have ever eaten. Niku and gyunan were divine. In the niku, they somehow managed to make the tripe and beef tendon immensely flavorful and tender without being heavy-handed. The fatty beef in the gyunan was crack with the sesame chili oil. The bonito base soup was somehow savory and full-bodied while also being sweet and light, so even though I was about to burst it didn't feel icky. Nothing to note in appetizer land besides the fact that I finally tried monkfish liver and it literally tasted like a salmon-flavored paté. Both surprised and relieved it tasted so normal. Despite the long wait time, it still felt relatively spacious inside, and even with just two people, we got our own booth!

    I was recommended to come check this out and I love me some Japanese food…read more There was a bit of a wait on Friday about 45 mins but we had a bigger party than usual. Ordering was quick and I got the eggplant (fyi one of my favorite veggies) appetizer to try. It was an American eggplant and it seems like it was baked first. Then they had a ground pork sauce and quail egg on the top. The server suggested to mix it in and then eat it. It kind of like an Asian baba ghanoush where got pretty creamy. I enjoyed it! I was pretty excited to try the udon and it tasted chewy and wasn't overcooked. I think they could crank up the AC a little bit towards the back of the restaurant because felt a bit toasty. Bathroom was downstairs and floor was a bit wet so be careful down there. I come again :)

    Photos
    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(394 reviews)
    5.8 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)
    1.8 miMidtown West
    $$

    Loved it! The chicken wings are incredible with the perfect crisp on the outside and juicy…read moreunderneath. I loved the classic ramen broth but the spicy tantan is also good. Save room for dessert for the huge shaved ice in all sorts of flavors. We had to wait for our whole party to arrive before we were seated. After that, the service was really fast and helpful. It's not a huge place, they have a mix of small tables, one or two larger tables, some booths and counter seating.

    Is it Japan? No, you're in NYC. But is it good enough? Absolutely. Just expect to pay NYC prices…read more My biggest recommendation: stick to the classic ramen. I usually order spicy ramen at most ramen spots, so that's what I went with my first time here. Big mistake. The spicy ramen really takes away from the depth of flavor. If you actually want to appreciate the broth, the classic ramen is the way to go. You can always add spicy oil yourself. A few things could definitely be improved. For an upscale ramen spot in the heart of NYC, I was surprised the tap water was straight-up lukewarm. Nobody wants lukewarm water after eating a piping-hot bowl of ramen. I'd also avoid the bar seating if you can. The seats aren't very comfortable, especially if your back tends to get tight from sitting hunched over. Another small but surprisingly annoying issue is the front door, it doesn't have a slow-close mechanism, so it's constantly slamming shut. Depending on where you're sitting, it can get pretty loud and distracting while you're trying to eat. On the positive side, the service was great. The staff was attentive, and the food came out incredibly quickly after ordering, which I really appreciated. The ambiance definitely fits the upscale NYC ramen vibe without feeling overly fancy. You don't need to dress up, casual clothes are completely fine. I'll definitely be back, classic ramen next time, no question.

    Photos
    Tonchin - Interior

    Interior

    Tonchin - Chicken Tsukune Bun

    Chicken Tsukune Bun

    Tonchin - Kimchi mushrooms

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    Kimchi mushrooms

    Rei - japanese - Updated July 2026

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