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Delicious and cozy off the oath Jewish-Japanese fusion with matzah ball ramen. Worth the hype.
I really wanted to try this place. They said it opened at 5:00 but no one was inside. Maybe update the hours. Bummer! Looked really good. I'll check it out another time.
A very interesting concept of combining two cuisines I would have never thought could go together, yet here we are. Upon arriving the service was quick and polite. We never felt rushed and the staff is very well versed with menu choices. They offer their favorites and the popular items guests select. Although I did realize they like to steer you towards the most expensive items on the menu, no surprise there though. The ambiance was nothing to write home about. It was quaint, dimly light, and not too loud. The food itself was flavorful and well done. I wouldn't say anything truly blew me away. It was all tasty but a little expensive given the portion sizing. I wish they accommodated portion size according to your group size. The ramen however was the most underwhelming of all the items - which was unfortunate. Not a bad ramen but I have had better for cheaper elsewhere. The bread was my favorite item of the evening. I wouldn't miss out on that. Definitely skip dessert though.
The concept of this restaurant is super cool to me but i found the food to be decent but overpriced. The Jew Egg was a standout dish- think a soft boiled egg fried in a falafel coating in a delicious hummus plate. The matzah ball ramen was good but it didn't really feel fusion - it was just ramen noodles in matzah ball soup for $19, which is pricier than bowls of ramen i've had elsewhere. The challah bread was also ok - the golden raisin butter definitely elevated it, but it's not a must get imo.
Shalom Japan exceeded my expectations. I was already looking forward to coming into the restaurant for the first time, but I loved the food, the service was great, and I really enjoyed being in the space with good company. It was a perfect place with amazing food for a good time. Loved it.
Very friendly service and I appreciate the fusion concept. I could tell the food was good for what it is and I'm glad I finally got to try it but I think I prefer traditional ramen. It was a little on the bland side unfortunately
There are restaurants that satisfy an appetite. And then there are restaurants that capture your curiosity. Shalom Japan, tucked into a corner on the Southside in Williamsburg, is the kind of place that does both -- and does so with warmth, creativity, and authenticity that is increasingly rare in a big city full of restaurants competing for your attention like dating apps. This Brooklyn restaurant holds a coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction -- Michelin's recognition for outstanding quality and exceptional value. In a city where that recognition is fiercely competitive, it speaks volumes about the kitchen's commitment and consistency. The restaurant is casual and intimate-- brick walls, simple decor, chalkboard menus, natural light. It feels like the kind of neighborhood spot you discover and immediately want to keep to yourself. We made a reservation, which is highly recommended, as the tables fill quickly. The owner was on hand that evening; Chef Aaron was warm, approachable, genuinely present. The staff matched his energy entirely, friendly and knowledgeable, making every guest feel welcome. The menu at Shalom Japan goes so far beyond what you might expect. This is not your typical Japanese fare of sushi or teriyaki. This is a Japanese American kitchen operating at the highest level -- seasonal, locally sourced, deeply comforting, and endlessly surprising. The lox chicharrón opened our meal with a crunch and a smile -- crispy, light, and utterly delicious. The perfect entry point into what this fusion offers. The pickled plate was a beautiful, palate-awakening starter -- clean, vibrant, and a reminder of how much delight simplicity can hold. The house made sake challah bread with golden raisin butter transported me straight back to childhood, to the comfort of a familiar bread on a table surrounded by family...warm, pillowy, fragrant -- The matzoh ball ramen is the dish that defines Shalom Japan -- and it earns every word of its reputation. The vegetarian version had a chili sauce kick, rich with a fluffy matzoh ball, fresh vegetables and broth depth. The chicken-based ramen arrived crowned with a duck dumpling that was tender, savory, and extraordinary. Both bowls were deeply satisfying -- the kind of food that makes you want to eat slowly to savor every soup spoon and chopsticks twirl of the noodles. The lox sushi rice bowls are another signature -- fresh, bright, simple and deeply satisfying in the way that only the best cooking can be. Shalom Japan is a one-of-a-kind restaurant (husband and wife chef love story, concept creation and business venture) in the truest sense. It changes the conversation about what fusion food can be -- not a compromise between two cultures, but a genuine celebration of both. Locally sourced and seasonally driven. Cooked with skill and served with soul. Just try it. It is one of the most original dining experiences Brooklyn (New York City) has to offer -- and one I am already looking forward to returning to nosh on the wagyu pastrami sando...
My daughter and I here went for brunch on a Saturday in January. We made a reservation for 230 but we're about an hour ahead of schedule and they happily sat us. I did notice that the restaurant got fuller as our meal progressed so I would recommend making a reservation just to be on the safe side. The restaurant has a very cute ambience and the poster of Love's Brad and the ladies room brings back a lot of memories for anyone who grew up in the New York area in the 70s We started off with cocktails, which were excellent. My Bloody Mary was chockfull of horseradish -- and who doesn't love a half sour pickle in there also?! M my daughter had a pastrami Sando. Never has a more juicy tender yet lean sandwich been created. The milk bread was out of this world. I couldn't resist the Challah French toast with Japanese fried chicken. The French toast had just the right amount of crisp on it. The fried chicken was perfectly done and just the right proportion to the French toast. We were both members of the clean plate club and will definitely bring back other diners to enjoy this gem.
When I first came across Shalom Japan on IG, I thought the concept was very intriguing. Therefore, I had to pay them a visit the next time I was visiting NYC. I got a reservation on Resy and I'm so happy we made the trek out to Brooklyn. Everything was fantastic, I loved the combination of both Jewish and Japanese cuisine. Poor waiter/Bartender was the only one working the floor, I could tell he was getting quite anxious as the night progressed. I would definitely return the next time I'm in town.
I really wanted to like this place. I found the concept super interesting and love a good ramen shop, especially during the winter. Ultimately, it was a bit of a let down. What I think was specifically a let down is that there isn't enough influence of Jewish culture in the brunch menu so it's just a meh ramen-inspired shop. The second thing that is disappointing is that EVERYTHING is an upsell. I knew this looking at the menu but there are so many areas in both the brunch and dinner menu that are +this or +that. The fact that it would cost would be an upcharge of $2 to make the ramen spicy is befuddling to me and just unfair to the cuisine. We started with the okonomi. It's interesting because on the website it's listed as a latke but in person the word latke is removed. I was fully expecting a latke (i.e. potato) with pastrami on it, but was given more of a traditional okonomi with cabbage. The flavoring was fine but I do wish it had a bit more meat on it, as this was fairly sparse. Next we ordered the sake chasu challah French toast with fried chicken ($6 extra). I can't imagine this without the fried chicken, which was nicely crispy and portioned well. The challah French toast was very much fine. The French toast aspect, syrup, etc. didn't really shine through and it felt like a bit of an afterthought. Finally, we had to get the Matzoh ball ramen. I couldn't bring myself to spend more to add a second Matzoh ball, an egg, or spiciness to a ramen that already cost $19. The difficulty with Matzoh ball soup is that it can often be very bland. I had hoped that adding the aspect of ramen to this would liven it up, but this was very much Matzoh ball soup with ramen noodles thrown in versus ramen that happened to have a Matzoh ball in it. The noodles did not seem that fresh or inspired and the flavoring of the broth was certainly chicken broth but nothing else. The service was quick. Recommend getting a reservation as the place does fill up. We thought about getting some sake but this was also fairly over-priced so decided against it. Again, I think this could be an excellent concept. But it just didn't seem to be cohesive enough to work as it is for brunch at this point.
I tried the vegetarian matzoh ball ramen. The noodles were great - perfectly bouncy and distinct egg flavor. The toppings were pretty fun, I especially liked the crispy tofu that almost shatters when you bite into it, and the matzoh ball which kind of soaks up the broth. The broth is light and simple - I'm glad I added the spicy sauce ($2) to add a bit more variety to the picture. The egg is pricey ($4) but worth it - great medium boiled texture, sweet and savory. The dish is $19 by itself, and a total of $25 with add ons. I liked this unique spin on a bowl of ramen.
A couple of unique tastes overshadowed by poor service and steep prices. We visited Shalom Japan in May 2025, meeting up with my cousin from Seattle, who picked the spot based on YouTube algorithm and the intriguing cuisine fusion concept. The restaurant left mixed impressions though. Food We tried five appetizers (out of seven available) and two entrees (out of five). From appetizers only the Jew Egg stood out with its unique taste and texture combination. The rest were passable: The challah was just a fresh bun with butter - something most restaurants offer complimentary before appetizers. The Duck Prosciutto Salad was a plate of arugula with four dried mushrooms and a few water-thin slices of duck prosciutto, so tiny we could hardly taste them. Fried chicken - was simply a fried chicken you would get in any diner, KFC, Chick-fil-a etc. Hamachi - the finely chopped fish lacking any spices was essentially tasteless at $18, the price of a good tuna tartare. Even Costco's sesame-wasabi raw tuna at $20/lbs offers way more flavor. From the mains, the Chilled Sesame Temomi Mazemen was absolutely great and really impressed by its taste, flavor, and ingredients combination. In my opinion, it's the best dish in this restaurant. I only wish they offered an option to add protein beyond mushrooms, but that wasn't available. The Matzoh Ball Ramen was decent, but nothing special. Less interesting and flavorful than what we get in typical Japanese ramen shops. The add-ons were questionable and unjustifiably expensive. We got one with soy marinated egg ($4) and spicy ($2) and one with foie gras dumpling ($5). The egg was a basic poached egg in a soup. Who can feel and appreciate a distinct taste and texture of foie gras inside a dumpling in a soup? It tasted like a dumpling with some filling, nothing else. "Foie gras" however sounded fancy to get people pay extra $5 for it. Charging $2 to make the soup spicy? $4 for an extra matzo ball? Seriously? Knowing what matzo ball is and how it's made, I think they should include two by default and add more upon request for free. We skipped the Lox Bowl - a rice+avocado+pickles combo with lox, it sounded more like a healthy appetizer for $32 rather than an entree. Drinks - the cocktails were tasty but laughably small, with barely any little alcohol, yet costing $18 each. The Riesling from the wine list was good, but at $16 per glass and $64 per bottle (market price: $23), it was heavily overpriced. Desserts - we tried ice cream parfait, cheesecake, and challah pudding. The first two were pretty good but nothing outstanding to justify the price tag. The service was almost non-existent. Very slow, inattentive, serving one appetizer at a time, serving different entrees at different times, etc. For example, the server took our drinks order and then went behind the bar to prepare them himself, delivering them one by one. Really? Overall, the experience was quite disappointing and I cannot recommend this restaurant. The hype is very high, but in reality aside from a couple of standout dishes, it's just a couple of really good dishes with poor service and ridiculous prices.
Hidden gem in Williamsburg. Intimate atmosphere and service was excellent. Jewish deli meets Asian Fusion.... Fav dishes in order of like: -Lox Bowl -Bread Pudding dessert -Raisin Butter Challah -Wagyu Pastrami sammie -Jew Egg
8 days ago
Woke up on a rainy Saturday morning knowing it's a ramen day, and spent the entire day thinking about ramen. This was my second time visiting Shalom Japan. The first time, I was mind blown: the details on the eggplant special and the flavors in the ramen broth were exceptional. I usually opt for ramen places with pork broth, but this place blew my mind. I've also spent a good amount of time in the Tokyo area eating at dozens of ramen places. Shalom Japan not only delivers exceptional food and quality, but the service and hospitality is top tier. Alex is my favorite server in all of New York City. Her friendliness and demeanor make you feel comfortable and at ease, setting the tone even before you take a sip of your beverage. The head chef and his team in the back carry on and add to the experience by providing warm, delicious meals prepared with love. I would say try everything on their menu. The Jew Egg definitely blew my mind: the textures, the crunch of the outside, and the smoothness and creaminess of the inside. It's what foodies crave. Tried the sesame temomi mazemen for the first time tonight, and it was fantastic. The noodles were cooked perfectly. I also added the chashu pork (a bit on the sweeter side). Then we also tried the Wagyu pastrami sando. No need to go to Katz's: very good pastrami, high quality. Hard to beat the matzo ball ramen, though. This is the one you want to eat on a rainy Saturday night before going to bed. The chicken broth makes you feel better, and the matzo ball is so comforting. I would say best matzo ball in Williamsburg. Love the mushrooms, love the nori; just love everything about this bowl of ramen. Once again, shout out to Matt and Eden, Peyton, and Clifton for making the experience exceptional. One of the very few places in New York where you actually feel like you should be paying more. Not sure I want to publish this review, because I like the fact that we can walk in, be seated, and not have to wait in line outside.You're welcome. read more
Overall rating: 2 Wow okay so I've been wanting to try this spot after I saw a TikTok and mistakenly didn't look at the google reviews before I booked. I was thinking maybe since we came when the restaurant opened the service would be reasonable because no one was there. It was not. The waiter rarely asked how we were doing or if needed anything or if we're ready, you know very basic staff courtesies. My friend and I got the: - scallion pancakes: 3/5 mid - Wagyu sandwich: 3/5 not worth it - Ramen: 4/5 but nothing like show stopping The food was not worth the price or bad service. Do not recommend. read more
5 months ago
treated my friend to birthday brunch here and this meal did not disappoint! i absolutely LOVE matzo ball soup, so having it in ramen form is such a fun concept! this broth is excellent - flavorful but not too sticky like many pork-based ramens are. i did not feel heavy after this meal, which is excellent. we also tried the caesar salad, which was also solid. pretty standard, so no notes here. can't believe we've walked by so many times and this was only our first time visiting shalom japan. looking forward to our next visit. read more
A very interesting concept of combining two cuisines I would have never thought could go together, yet here we are. Upon arriving the service was quick and polite. We never felt rushed and the staff is very well versed with menu choices. They offer their favorites and the popular items guests select. Although I did realize they like to steer you towards the most expensive items on the menu, no surprise there though. The ambiance was nothing to write home about. It was quaint, dimly light, and not too loud. The food itself was flavorful and well done. I wouldn't say anything truly blew me away. It was all tasty but a little expensive given the portion sizing. I wish they accommodated portion size according to your group size. The ramen however was the most underwhelming of all the items - which was unfortunate. Not a bad ramen but I have had better for cheaper elsewhere. The bread was my favorite item of the evening. I wouldn't miss out on that. Definitely skip dessert though. read more
The concept of this restaurant is super cool to me but i found the food to be decent but overpriced. The Jew Egg was a standout dish- think a soft boiled egg fried in a falafel coating in a delicious hummus plate. The matzah ball ramen was good but it didn't really feel fusion - it was just ramen noodles in matzah ball soup for $19, which is pricier than bowls of ramen i've had elsewhere. The challah bread was also ok - the golden raisin butter definitely elevated it, but it's not a must get imo. read more
3 months ago
Shalom Japan exceeded my expectations. I was already looking forward to coming into the restaurant for the first time, but I loved the food, the service was great, and I really enjoyed being in the space with good company. It was a perfect place with amazing food for a good time. Loved it. read more
10 months ago
Very friendly service and I appreciate the fusion concept. I could tell the food was good for what it is and I'm glad I finally got to try it but I think I prefer traditional ramen. It was a little on the bland side unfortunately read more
4 months ago
There are restaurants that satisfy an appetite. And then there are restaurants that capture your curiosity. Shalom Japan, tucked into a corner on the Southside in Williamsburg, is the kind of place that does both -- and does so with warmth, creativity, and authenticity that is increasingly rare in a big city full of restaurants competing for your attention like dating apps. This Brooklyn restaurant holds a coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction -- Michelin's recognition for outstanding quality and exceptional value. In a city where that recognition is fiercely competitive, it speaks volumes about the kitchen's commitment and consistency. The restaurant is casual and intimate-- brick walls, simple decor, chalkboard menus, natural light. It feels like the kind of neighborhood spot you discover and immediately want to keep to yourself. We made a reservation, which is highly recommended, as the tables fill quickly. The owner was on hand that evening; Chef Aaron was warm, approachable, genuinely present. The staff matched his energy entirely, friendly and knowledgeable, making every guest feel welcome. The menu at Shalom Japan goes so far beyond what you might expect. This is not your typical Japanese fare of sushi or teriyaki. This is a Japanese American kitchen operating at the highest level -- seasonal, locally sourced, deeply comforting, and endlessly surprising. The lox chicharrón opened our meal with a crunch and a smile -- crispy, light, and utterly delicious. The perfect entry point into what this fusion offers. The pickled plate was a beautiful, palate-awakening starter -- clean, vibrant, and a reminder of how much delight simplicity can hold. The house made sake challah bread with golden raisin butter transported me straight back to childhood, to the comfort of a familiar bread on a table surrounded by family...warm, pillowy, fragrant -- The matzoh ball ramen is the dish that defines Shalom Japan -- and it earns every word of its reputation. The vegetarian version had a chili sauce kick, rich with a fluffy matzoh ball, fresh vegetables and broth depth. The chicken-based ramen arrived crowned with a duck dumpling that was tender, savory, and extraordinary. Both bowls were deeply satisfying -- the kind of food that makes you want to eat slowly to savor every soup spoon and chopsticks twirl of the noodles. The lox sushi rice bowls are another signature -- fresh, bright, simple and deeply satisfying in the way that only the best cooking can be. Shalom Japan is a one-of-a-kind restaurant (husband and wife chef love story, concept creation and business venture) in the truest sense. It changes the conversation about what fusion food can be -- not a compromise between two cultures, but a genuine celebration of both. Locally sourced and seasonally driven. Cooked with skill and served with soul. Just try it. It is one of the most original dining experiences Brooklyn (New York City) has to offer -- and one I am already looking forward to returning to nosh on the wagyu pastrami sando... read more
9 months ago
My daughter and I here went for brunch on a Saturday in January. We made a reservation for 230 but we're about an hour ahead of schedule and they happily sat us. I did notice that the restaurant got fuller as our meal progressed so I would recommend making a reservation just to be on the safe side. The restaurant has a very cute ambience and the poster of Love's Brad and the ladies room brings back a lot of memories for anyone who grew up in the New York area in the 70s We started off with cocktails, which were excellent. My Bloody Mary was chockfull of horseradish -- and who doesn't love a half sour pickle in there also?! M my daughter had a pastrami Sando. Never has a more juicy tender yet lean sandwich been created. The milk bread was out of this world. I couldn't resist the Challah French toast with Japanese fried chicken. The French toast had just the right amount of crisp on it. The fried chicken was perfectly done and just the right proportion to the French toast. We were both members of the clean plate club and will definitely bring back other diners to enjoy this gem. read more
11 months ago
When I first came across Shalom Japan on IG, I thought the concept was very intriguing. Therefore, I had to pay them a visit the next time I was visiting NYC. I got a reservation on Resy and I'm so happy we made the trek out to Brooklyn. Everything was fantastic, I loved the combination of both Jewish and Japanese cuisine. Poor waiter/Bartender was the only one working the floor, I could tell he was getting quite anxious as the night progressed. I would definitely return the next time I'm in town. read more
I really wanted to like this place. I found the concept super interesting and love a good ramen shop, especially during the winter. Ultimately, it was a bit of a let down. What I think was specifically a let down is that there isn't enough influence of Jewish culture in the brunch menu so it's just a meh ramen-inspired shop. The second thing that is disappointing is that EVERYTHING is an upsell. I knew this looking at the menu but there are so many areas in both the brunch and dinner menu that are +this or +that. The fact that it would cost would be an upcharge of $2 to make the ramen spicy is befuddling to me and just unfair to the cuisine. We started with the okonomi. It's interesting because on the website it's listed as a latke but in person the word latke is removed. I was fully expecting a latke (i.e. potato) with pastrami on it, but was given more of a traditional okonomi with cabbage. The flavoring was fine but I do wish it had a bit more meat on it, as this was fairly sparse. Next we ordered the sake chasu challah French toast with fried chicken ($6 extra). I can't imagine this without the fried chicken, which was nicely crispy and portioned well. The challah French toast was very much fine. The French toast aspect, syrup, etc. didn't really shine through and it felt like a bit of an afterthought. Finally, we had to get the Matzoh ball ramen. I couldn't bring myself to spend more to add a second Matzoh ball, an egg, or spiciness to a ramen that already cost $19. The difficulty with Matzoh ball soup is that it can often be very bland. I had hoped that adding the aspect of ramen to this would liven it up, but this was very much Matzoh ball soup with ramen noodles thrown in versus ramen that happened to have a Matzoh ball in it. The noodles did not seem that fresh or inspired and the flavoring of the broth was certainly chicken broth but nothing else. The service was quick. Recommend getting a reservation as the place does fill up. We thought about getting some sake but this was also fairly over-priced so decided against it. Again, I think this could be an excellent concept. But it just didn't seem to be cohesive enough to work as it is for brunch at this point. read more
I tried the vegetarian matzoh ball ramen. The noodles were great - perfectly bouncy and distinct egg flavor. The toppings were pretty fun, I especially liked the crispy tofu that almost shatters when you bite into it, and the matzoh ball which kind of soaks up the broth. The broth is light and simple - I'm glad I added the spicy sauce ($2) to add a bit more variety to the picture. The egg is pricey ($4) but worth it - great medium boiled texture, sweet and savory. The dish is $19 by itself, and a total of $25 with add ons. I liked this unique spin on a bowl of ramen. read more
7 months ago
A couple of unique tastes overshadowed by poor service and steep prices. We visited Shalom Japan in May 2025, meeting up with my cousin from Seattle, who picked the spot based on YouTube algorithm and the intriguing cuisine fusion concept. The restaurant left mixed impressions though. Food We tried five appetizers (out of seven available) and two entrees (out of five). From appetizers only the Jew Egg stood out with its unique taste and texture combination. The rest were passable: The challah was just a fresh bun with butter - something most restaurants offer complimentary before appetizers. The Duck Prosciutto Salad was a plate of arugula with four dried mushrooms and a few water-thin slices of duck prosciutto, so tiny we could hardly taste them. Fried chicken - was simply a fried chicken you would get in any diner, KFC, Chick-fil-a etc. Hamachi - the finely chopped fish lacking any spices was essentially tasteless at $18, the price of a good tuna tartare. Even Costco's sesame-wasabi raw tuna at $20/lbs offers way more flavor. From the mains, the Chilled Sesame Temomi Mazemen was absolutely great and really impressed by its taste, flavor, and ingredients combination. In my opinion, it's the best dish in this restaurant. I only wish they offered an option to add protein beyond mushrooms, but that wasn't available. The Matzoh Ball Ramen was decent, but nothing special. Less interesting and flavorful than what we get in typical Japanese ramen shops. The add-ons were questionable and unjustifiably expensive. We got one with soy marinated egg ($4) and spicy ($2) and one with foie gras dumpling ($5). The egg was a basic poached egg in a soup. Who can feel and appreciate a distinct taste and texture of foie gras inside a dumpling in a soup? It tasted like a dumpling with some filling, nothing else. "Foie gras" however sounded fancy to get people pay extra $5 for it. Charging $2 to make the soup spicy? $4 for an extra matzo ball? Seriously? Knowing what matzo ball is and how it's made, I think they should include two by default and add more upon request for free. We skipped the Lox Bowl - a rice+avocado+pickles combo with lox, it sounded more like a healthy appetizer for $32 rather than an entree. Drinks - the cocktails were tasty but laughably small, with barely any little alcohol, yet costing $18 each. The Riesling from the wine list was good, but at $16 per glass and $64 per bottle (market price: $23), it was heavily overpriced. Desserts - we tried ice cream parfait, cheesecake, and challah pudding. The first two were pretty good but nothing outstanding to justify the price tag. The service was almost non-existent. Very slow, inattentive, serving one appetizer at a time, serving different entrees at different times, etc. For example, the server took our drinks order and then went behind the bar to prepare them himself, delivering them one by one. Really? Overall, the experience was quite disappointing and I cannot recommend this restaurant. The hype is very high, but in reality aside from a couple of standout dishes, it's just a couple of really good dishes with poor service and ridiculous prices. read more
1 year ago
Hidden gem in Williamsburg. Intimate atmosphere and service was excellent. Jewish deli meets Asian Fusion.... Fav dishes in order of like: -Lox Bowl -Bread Pudding dessert -Raisin Butter Challah -Wagyu Pastrami sammie -Jew Egg read more
Enjoyed our dinner here a lot and thought it was an interesting concept. We started with the challah, okonomiyaki, and karaage. The challah was really great. Great texture and flavor. I loved the butter too and they actually gave us enough of it. The okonomiyaki was definitely the most interesting dish and it actually worked really well. Definitely a creative fusion idea. The karaage was one of the best ones I've had. It was perfectly salted and crunchy. Would definitely get this again. I had the ramen with an egg. Not my favorite ramen. An interesting fusion concept for sure but it just didn't work in my opinion. I liked the noodles and the matzoh ball but not much about the rest. The broth wasn't very flavorful. Not sure if this is normal for matzoh ball soup but definitely wish they had made the stock more flavorful. The vegetables were traditional to a matzoh ball soup which was fine but I just thought didn't work with the ramen at all. And the egg was sweet and not very runny. It did not remind me of a good ramen egg. Overall I understood the concept of the dish but just didn't see it working together. For the drink I had the apple shiso soda. Didn't know that it was going to come out of a bottle. Overall the drink was ok. Thought it was a bit overpriced. Overall the service was good and I enjoyed the atmosphere. However, I felt like the server was rushing us a bit. Maybe this is normal in New York. The restaurant was empty around 6 on a Wednesday but got a lot more busy around 7 and 8. We didn't make a reservation. Definitely glad I tried this fusion concept and really enjoyed a few of the dishes. read more
3 months ago
6 months ago
An outstanding meal! A Japanese-Jewish fusion meal in Williamsburg - everything was delicious and well planned. The Fauci Ouchie cocktail was memorable, combining Bourbon with a peated Scotch from Islay. The Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken) was a moist and flavorful appetizer. The Matzoh Ball Ramen is probably their most popular entree and it encapsulates their fusion approach nicely. The Wagyu Pastrami Sando on Japanese Milk Bread is also memorable. The service is attentive and the room is comfortable. read more
Recommended: Pastrami Sando, Mazemen, Challah, Okonomiyaki I went to this unique restaurant twice. As per the name, they combine Jewish food (and more specifically Ashkenazi/European Jewish food) with Japanese food. Some combinations work but most definitely did not. The staff here is nice and the atmosphere is pretty casual with good lighting. The first time I was here, I ordered the Sweet and Sawa for $18 to drink. This had Toki Japanese whiskey, shochu, honey, yuzu, and egg white. It was a pretty solid cocktail with a good whiskey base and a good mix of sweetness and sourness as per the name. I would recommend it. From the smaller plates, I've tried a few. The best of the cheaper options and likely what you should start with is the $7 Sake Kasu Challah which comes with golden raisin butter. I am a stickler for good challah and while the texture isn't really comparable to a more traditional challah such as from Zadie's, the flavor was nice with a subtle sweetness and there are some black sesame seeds on top which is a unique spin. The golden raisin butter on the side is delicious and makes this worth it even for one challah. If you're in a group, I would also recommend heavily the Okonomiyaki for $19 with wagyu pastrami, sauerkraut, and bonito flakes. This is a very fun spin on this traditional dish with the pickled cabbage adding good saltiness and the bonito adding a slight fishiness. While there isn't much pastrami in there, the bit of it is quite tasty and the portion size is great. I'd honestly order this or the mazemen as your main. Pretty good but overpriced is the Roasted Scallops for $23 with miso panko butter, celery root, parsnip purée, and maitake. While I don't see the influence here from either culture, the scallops are plump and the butter had a good richness and sweetness with some umami. The weakest easily and the worst dish I've had here by far is the Lion's Mane Karaage for $18 with Japanese fried mushrooms and pickled chilies. Karaage is associated with the good crispiness and crunch and these mushrooms lack that entirely having an unappetizing texture. The lack of mayo or any sauce didn't help either. For larger courses, I have tried a bunch but most of them have been not that good. The best of the bunch is easily the Sesame Temomi Mazemen which is $19 with shiitake mushrooms, shishito, cucumbers, and shiso. There is a great nuttiness to the whole dish and the noodles had a good pleasant chew. It's a lot better than the other more famous ramen here and it's probably the only main I liked here along with the sando. Solid is the Wagyu Pastrami Sando for $23 with house pastrami, gulden's mustard, and dill pickle on on shokupan (i.e. Japanese milk bread.) This was a fun spin on the usual Jewish deli sandwich with the pastrami being pretty tender though not as salty as I would expect for pastrami. This was easily the other best main dish and I would recommend this. We also had a Tonkatsu which I don't see listed on the current menu so perhaps it was a special or it used to be on the menu. I think it was something around $35 or so and it was alright. The breading was a bit thick and the pork could have been more tender. The Lox Bowl at $27 sounds nice in concept with rice, ikura, Japanese pickles, avocado, fried capers, and chili mayo being almost a fun Jewish spin on a poke bowl but there is way too much rice and not enough of everything else. The flavors are fine with there perhaps being a bit too much saltiness but it just isn't that worth it. I've also solely had the Matzah Ball Ramen which for $19 comes with only chicken broth, scallion, mandels (i.e. the little bread pieces in there,) and nori. The soy marinated egg is an extra $3 and the foie gras dumpling is an extra $4 so they already overpriced ramen gets up to $26 including both of these or $29 if you want to add an extra matzah ball. This is absurd both for quality and for price. The chicken broth was way too light for it being a ramen reminding me more of a chicken/matzah ball noodle soup. The noodles were fine but not cooked as well as the mazemen. The matzah ball quality was good while the dumpling had a good fatty filling though it didn't exactly remind me of foie gras. The egg was perfectly fine but not worth $3 being worse than many ramen spots which charge less or similar. I wouldn't recommend it at all. The only dessert I've had here is the Japanese Sweet Potato Cheesecake for $12 with black sesame crust and creme fraiche. The black sesame and cheese flavor overpowers the lighter sweet potato and overall it just tastes like an okay cheesecake with an okay texture. A drink special which had either tequila and chocolate tasted so much of alcohol for someone else that they requested some extra chocolate or something to dilute it. I love the concept of this restaurant both as being Jewish and as someone who likes Japanese food a lot but the execution didn't pan out. Too many misses for the high prices. 2.4. read more
Jewish-Japanese fusion is something you don't find often. Every dish playfully combines characteristic elements from both culinary cultures in a way that actually works. To start, the home fries drizzled with mayo were fun and tasty without straying far from expectation. Next up, the perfectly-round okonomiyaki tasted wonderful and was quite filling, being thicker than usual and stuffed with plenty of sauerkraut. Finally, the sweet and sticky dessert provided a nice ending to the meal and was easy to share between two people. The service was friendly and the large windows let plenty of sunlight into the space. There are many more items on the menu that piqued my curiosity, so I'm excited for what I'll try here next. Overall, the food was great and the combinations are creative and well-executed. Definitely worth a visit. read more
7 months ago
It's a little interesting to try Jewish and Japanese fusion food, but personally I wouldn't come back. The okonomiyaki base is made with potato onion. The meat on top is wagyu pastrami. It is a bit too salty for me. I didn't really like the matzo ball ramen. It's basically matzo soup with noodles. The fries is normal. read more
Great food spot! Definitely keeps the Japanese flavors even with the fusion highly recommend the Mazeman. Cute little spot not huge so would recommend making a reservation if you can. Service was ok we went about an hour before closing so it felt rushed as first and then nothing towards the end, felt like they just wanted to get us out of there which is fair, won't take off any stars for that. read more
It's not often that we venture to Williamsburg but, when we do, there must be matzoh ball ramen involved. We went to Shalom Japan on a Sunday night and we ordered: Sake Kasu Challah Truffle hot pockets Matzoh ball ramen Hot pot kit Sesame Temomi Mazemen We enjoyed everything we ordered - we especially thought the truffle hot pockets were a great idea. The service here was AMAZING. Our server was so nice to us especially when we were trying to pick out a sake for the table. I would definitely go again and try more of the menu - everything others around us ordered looked amazing. read more
A fusion that i've never seen anywhere else! The matzo ball ramen was nice and hearty, but I personally prefer the dishes separately. However, the challah french toast was DELICIOUS. Perfectly fluffy french toast topped with crispy chicken karaage. All brought together with a sweet honey rosemary sauce! read more
Great service and very creative inventive food at Shalom Japan. The hype did not disappoint. You could see and taste that each dish was made with such care and creativity. I wish I took more photos but the food was so good we all just ate it too quickly. The cocktails were also very good. I'd definitely come back and try some of the ramen.... i definitely had fomo not having any on this visit. read more
This spot has been on my list and I'm so glad I finally made it out for brunch here! Firstly, the service is top notch and so so friendly. It's a small space but roomy enough that parties aren't on top of each other. My boyfriend got a sencha hot tea, and they do complimentary hot water refills, which is nice. Together we ordered: Egg sandwich (on challah roll) - challah was delish and with the cheese it was yummy! Definitely enjoyed as a sharing dish; I'd want to order two things with this brunch entree for palate cleansing. Okonomiyaki - 5/5!!! I highly recommend! Having authentic okonimyaki in Japan before, I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious Shalom Japan's version was. The sauerkraut wasn't too strong or sour that it affected the dish. The pancake had a crispy outside and a flavorful inside, and omg the wagyu pastrami was SUCH a delicious touch. Matzoh ball ramen - If you find that some Japanese ramens can be too "heavy tasting" or high on salt, this is a great refreshing chicken broth that feels very light but has a lot of ingredients of your typical ramen. Loved the touch of the mandel. Wish there were more carrots (we only got two small ones). Kudos to the chef because the ramen noodles were the most perfect texture!! As it was served al dente, once we took a slurp of the noodles after it sat in the hot broth it was perfect. Since my boyfriend and I shared all three dishes, I appreciated how we were served and enjoyed the first two before we were served the Ramen as the last dish. The timing worked out well, for the amount of room we had on our table but also to give our appetites a little break + focus on the ramen once we were served it. I definitely recommend this place particularly for brunch, since I know the prices are a bit higher for dinner time for some of the dishes (I wonder if the portions are bigger), but there are certain dishes only available at dinner and not on the brunch menu. read more
3 years ago
Solid meal! The Matzoh Ball Ramen was great - the egg was fantastic. I loved the combination of flavors. My friends both had the Jew Egg as their main entree and enjoyed it. We finished off with some desserts, which were great. Service was friendly. Be aware - the menu is fairly limited - if you're a picky eater, you're not going to be able to find anything. read more
The concept of Jewish Japanese fusion is interesting, but I think the execution could've been a bit better all around in execution. Waiters are nice and made it easy to share the dishes. Challah bread ($7) - maybe I don't have a great reference point on what challah bread should taste like, but was dry to me and the bread/butter wasn't very flavorful Okonomiyaki ($19) - tasty but $19 feels sacrilegious given the size. Matzoh ball ramen ($19) - glorified chicken noodle soup, matzoh ball not much flavor. Ramen noodles similar to instant ramen texture. Sesame temomi mazemen ($19) - one of the highlights of the meal. Nice nutty and creamy flavor. Crispy cubes were nice. Wagyu pastrami sando ($24) - not very Japanese, but nice bread to meat ratio. Pickles were like cucumbers. read more
3 years ago
This restaurant deserves all the (Jewish) stars. As a Jewish New Yorker who enjoys a quality ramen, a good pastrami sandwich, and a nice slice of challah, this is one restaurant worthy of dancing the horah to (to the tune of what else? "Hava Nagila"). The Sake Challah is the weakest thing I got, and that is not saying much. This is a meal that builds on strength, so I am very pleased that is was the weakest thing I ate. The bread is buttery pillowy soft, the golden raisin butter however, it is not needed. It is a fun way to get any Shabbat going, so if you plan on going on a Friday night, get this, say your Motzi, and prepare to feast on food so elegant you will wonder why you missed coming out. The pastrami sandwich is superb. It. Is. Outstanding. The meat is perfect, the bread is perfect, the amount of mustard put on the sandwich is perfect . It even comes with two side pickles to aid in moving things along! The only imperfect thing about this sandwich is that is only served at night. I am kvelling about this sandwich still because of how good it is. Believe me, this would put Katz's under if they only knew the secrets behind this beauty. My final item, the matzo ball ramen, is literally what one would expect out of a Jewish/Japanese restaurant. The broth is a nice, light chicken flavor, it comes with an appropriate amount of fixins (though it can get costly with all the add-ons), but it works. I do have one critique - instead of offering an extra matzo ball, which is quite dense, give me extra noodles. My server agreed with me on this suggestion. I think it would really go a long way. -- If this restaurant were in any other American city, outside of maybe Los Angeles, this concept would fail. However, being in New York, in a more eccentric neighborhood in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, this restaurant will have plenty of staying power. Between the young hipsters, the casual residents, and maybe some curious Jews (and non-Jews), I hope this restaurant can thrive and maybe drum up more creative offerings. How about a Japanese latke? One can dream, right? read more
Been searching for matzo ball ramen since a beloved Boston restaurant took theirs off its menu. Loved the atmosphere and music inside. We ate at the bar as it's always very packed and booked up. Had: Matzo ball ramen with soy marinated egg (great and the egg is a mandatory add in my opinion. Noodles perfect, broth no high sodium like other ramen and very flavorful) Rustic fries (so good) house salad (good) read more
The concept of Jewish-Japanese fusion was super interesting and mostly well-delivered. I do have to say the ramen was a bit too salty for us and my friend found the noodles too hard, but the chocolate challah bread pudding was fantastic. Service was good and they have plenty of outdoor seating, both on the street and an open air shed. Wheelchair access from the street to go inside. Bathroom is wheelchair accessible and has really cool wallpaper. read more
A lovely Japanese-Jewish fusion spot in Brooklyn! Came here for dinner with a friend and we sat outside on their patio. We tried their chicken karaage which was bomb. I got their mazamen (cold noodle dish) which was really flavorful with the mushrooms and garnishes, and had lovely texture. My friend got the matzo ball ramen which I think they are famous for. Interestingly he didn't like the ramen as much, so I would actually recommend getting the mazamen if you're torn between those two options! read more
2 years ago
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310 S 4th St
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Williamsburg - South Side
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(718) 388-4012
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What is vegan/vegan-izable from the menu?
The following items are vegan, or can be modified to be vegan: Shalom Japan Caesar Salad sans breadcrumbs, cheese, and anchovies…
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