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    Samurai Mama

    3.9 (700 reviews)
    ModerateJapanese, Noodles
    Open 12:00 pm - 3:45 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:40 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

    Samurai Mama Photos

    SAMURAI MAMA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Sasha M.

    This place first of all was soooo cute! I loved the environment, it screamed high class but also very cozy. The portions were great and to be honest this was one of my favorite ramen places I've been to in NY.

    Hiyashu Ramen
    Steven Z.

    Came here with a group of friends. They have chilled ramen for summer days. Unfortunately, the omelette ramen was way too sour (and I quite like vinegar). I had to drink water in between bites to counteract the sourness. The service was terrible -- very slow. We had to ask for water refills multiple times and it took a long time to flag down the check. They auto add gratuity for groups over 5 people. There was also some fly under the table as I got bit a few times.

    Jennifer N.

    I'm surprised by how affordable this is for williamsburg especially for a place of this quality. (Hope i didn't jinx it) But I came for lunch and got cold udon and unagi tacos which is basically a hand roll. Everything was very tasty and large portions. As someone who is trying to cut down on meat consumption, I appreciated how many vegetarian options were here. Plus their music is fire.

    Connie G.

    Rating 3.5 I compare all the udon places in NYC to Raku, which is my favorite. Unfortunately, I thought the udon here was just ok. I got the shrimp tempura udon: the noodles were not chewy, which is the main feature I look for. You get two pieces of shrimp, which they place in the broth itself. I wish they placed it on the side since by the time I ate them they were really soggy. We also sat the communal table, which felt a bit cramped during dinner (especially with bags, umbrellas, and winter coats strewn everywhere). Overall not bad but not the best I've had.

    Daniel K.

    I'm always down to try a new sushi spot, and glad to add this one to one of my favorites. There isn't a whole lot to say really- it's a cute, simple dining room with a long, wooden dining table in the center. The food is fresh and delicious. I only ordered two rolls which I devoured, and I saw people around me ordering the noodles, so I'll have to try that next time!

    Kinokojil Kake Udon
    Raia S.

    Great takeout for noodles! They pack everything up with the broth and extra spices separate, which was a nice touch. Kinokojil kake udon was great, chewy noodles and SO MANY different mushrooms (usually you only get a handful from most veggie soups) and lots of umami flavor while still being subtler than ramen. The eggplant was a nice touch as well, an upgrade from your typical tempura udon without any heavy meats. The original fatty mama ramen was your typical mix of chashu and veggies and egg, the broth had some extra ingredients that made it a little more flavorful and didn't have that bitter aftertaste you get sometimes with tonkotsu. I reheated in the next day and it had some odd clumps, but wouldn't have been an issue day-of. I loved the homemade gyoza maybe the most! The two sauces to go with it were savory and delightful, truly unique, and the dough was the perfect combination of soft and crisped. I'd get takeout again or try sitting in!

    Pork Gyoza
    Sera Y.

    Pretty cute and vibey restaurant with friendly staff, but unfortunately the food was very mid. We got the pork gyoza to split. I liked the dole up of sauce in the middle (mostly salty and spicy, a little sweet) and the dipping sauce they provided on the side. The dumplings themselves however weren't that good; they weren't crispy at all, they were oozing oil, and the filling wasn't very flavorful at all. The pork curry udon was okay, the broth wasn't too heavy and the pork was pretty tender. The udon was a little too soft and overcooked though. My friends who got cold udon said their udon was very al dente - I had the impression they cook all their udon together and the people who order cold udon dishes end up with undercooked udon and the people with warm warm udon dishes end up with overcooked udon.

    Jesse Y.

    If you have Ramen, Sushi, good music, good drinks and good service all under one roof...well I'm there. Really wanted to give 5 star review for Samurai Mama however the only minor detail holding back is the broth on their original Ramen is a bit thin and lacking that rich deep flavor. Maybe it was just a one time fluke but overall I was very content. Definitely coming back soon to try their own house made Udon.

    Tofu udon  very yummy & added a poached egg - Kitsune Udon
    Krystalynn U.

    DELICIOUS!! Came here while visiting NYC and our local friends book our reservation here. It did not disappoint! We started with several apps and you really can't go wrong with any of them! I had the tofu udon in fish broth for my meal (I think it was called the Kitsune Udon) and it was very yummy. The tofu had a slight sweet flavor which was good to help break up the photo. The broth was SO good and I would recommend this place! The ambiance was also very nice.

    Pork Curry Udon
    Chelle L.

    Came here shortly after they opened for dinner service and was seated at the large, long communal table. I got the pork curry udon and it was amazing. The curry sauce was flavorful, there was plenty of pork in my bowl, and I liked that it came with a variety of julienned veggies. The udon noodles were springy and fresh so I wish there was more. The service is friendly and attentive. My only qualm is that the seating at the communal table isn't the most comfortable as you can feel the whole bench move with other people on it. I look forward to coming back to trying their other menu items!

    a long wooden table in a restaurant
    Phylicia H.

    This restaurant has been on my list and I was finally excited to check it out for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. I loved the communal table and the decor inside. However, I'm not sure I would've liked it if I came during dinner because it would've been a bit too cramped and loud. It's winter time and no coat room so my winter jacket took up the entire seat next to me. Because I came during lunch when it was empty, it was not an issue. Ordered the seaweed salad, pork gyoza and sukiyaki udon. The seaweed salad was very interesting. The menu did not provide any details so I was expecting the usual seaweed salad you get anywhere. This was a dish that came with 5 different kinds of seaweed and 2 different sauces. It was very cool and unique, but flavor was just okay in my opinion. I felt extremely healthy eating it though, which is a nice feeling. Pork gyoza were small but packed with a lot of flavor. And the sukiyaki udon was delicious! I loved the umami, fatty beef and how the tofu soaked up all that sauce. My only wish was for the udon to come out hot like they do in Japan. I hardly had to blow on the udon to eat. I would come back to try other udon and ramen from here!

    Chilled Bukkake Udon
    Janice H.

    Really liked the fresh, chewy udon noodles :) Soup broth for the chilled bukkake udon is good if you like a sweeter broth. And I loved the onsen egg it came with! Desserts are pretty standard, nothing to write home about. Good for groups or a semi-casual first date.

    Sushi Taco Set
    Cindy W.

    This place is known for the udon and ramen - so don't miss out on trying these delicious noodles. We also got the fan favorite - sushi tacos. While each piece was beautifully presented, it didn't taste that special. Perhaps we should try the chef's special or pick our own next time. But I'd highly recommend the wasabi margarita and the spicy bukkake udon. The udon was so tender and silky. The soup base was seasoned perfectly without being too salty. Sitting at the communal table was a fun experience. It was set up mainly for couples. You can always tell when a couple is on a first date! Service was prompt. We were in and out in under 45 mins!

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    The food area is beyond amazing. The service is better than expected. The environment is very nice with music playing in the background.

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    1 year ago

    great food great people and they expedited our order cuz i had an appointment. thanks!

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    Page 2 of 18

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    Izakaya Fuku - Seating and decorations

    Izakaya Fuku

    4.4(393 reviews)
    4.1 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.

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    Tonchin

    Tonchin

    4.4(2.5k reviews)
    2.8 miMidtown West
    $$

    This is a winner. Hands down amongst the best vegan ramen dish i can recall: broth, add ins,…read morenoodles, vegetables, the whole show. Three of us had the same dish, same applause. Communal tables are the fastest seating, nothing wrong with them, take what you're given, rather than risk stepping away because you'd rather a booth....

    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.

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    Katsu-Hama

    Katsu-Hama

    4.0(1.8k reviews)
    3.1 miMidtown East
    $$

    I am a sucker for delicious Katsu and you'll struggle to find better than Katsu-Hama. Katsu-Hama…read morehas a quaint, Japanese vibe in a small but comfortable dining area. It's not especially big, so you may have a bit of a wait if you frequent right at lunch or in the evening but whatever amount of time you have to wait it will be well worth it. Service is top tier but you come for the food. They have a varied menu with a lot of options so if you're bringing a buddy that isn't up for Katsu, they'll have plenty to choose from. The Katsu is the star and I think what sets this place apart is that they offer Berkshire pork katsu as an option. Arguably some of the best pork, it's great to have the option if you're looking to heighten the experience. I love their pork katsu and go nuts over the chicken katsu curry. It's super crispy, slightly greasy but never off-putting. And it's served with the most delicate and delicious cabbage slaw. I could eat a mountain of this it's so good. Highly recommended.

    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.

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    Yakitori Totto - Eggplant

    Yakitori Totto

    4.0(1.5k reviews)
    3.7 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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    Samurai Mama - japanese - Updated May 2026

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