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    Shirokuro

    4.1 (91 reviews)
    Open 12:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

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    Amy H.

    I came here because I got a Groupon deal for their omakase. Overall - it was a good experience. The sushi chef was very nice/friendly, very accommodating to our fish preferences, and even gave us a few extra rolls! The ambiance was very different and unique. The sushi was just okay - the fish was not the freshest quality that I've had and the pieces were not super unique or special. My least favorite was the appetizer - the flavors just fell flat and didn't taste super fresh. I did enjoy that our deal included a drink - so we ordered the sake carafe (large) and it was really good and the perfect amount for our meal. Not sure I'd be back any time soon since there are so many other better omakase options in nyc. But I did appreciate the sushi chef's service/friendliness - I would come back for the service.

    Sally A.

    3.5 stars really. The decor is very fun, 5 stars actually. It's all cartoonish, black and white. Very cute, very clever, very Instagram able. We choose to have the 15 piece omakase at the bar. We let them know we're celebrating a birthday. We let them know about a shellfish allergy. The appetizer was 3 pieces. They had to send mine back because they already forgot about the shellfish allergy. Which meant that my fried rice came out cold. Not a good start. In fact the 3 pieces were pretty bad. The seared tuna was also cold, and tasted old. It was not a good start, and made me nervous. Things then took a great turn for the better. The sushi was delicious. Many cuts, many fish, lots of great flavors. They did again serve me shellfish, that I had to point out. They then tried to just remove the uni from the tuna, and then thought better of it, and gave me a new piece. They had a cute fire presentation with a fried roll... the roll itself was not good at all. The steamed egg was good. The miso soup was good. The sake was good. Dessert was a single mochi ice cream cut in half.. but it was very good. They did so l absolutely nothing for the birthday girl. So, why even ask if we're celebrating anything? It's unfortunate that they didn't have this really clean, because it had the potential to be delicious all the way round, but the few big mistakes make me not want to return.

    Menu
    Elie T.

    We visited using a Groupon that included a 16-course omakase and two drinks. The interior was unique and thoughtfully designed, and the service was excellent throughout. The drinks were also quite strong, which we appreciated. Shirokuro offered a nice selection of fresh and unique fish, with interesting toppings and sauces that added variety. However, the menu leaned heavily toward appetizers, and ending with miso soup as a "dessert" felt a bit unusual but I think that may be how it is traditionally. The biggest downside for me was the absence of some classic omakase staples like ebi, scallop, wagyu, and yellowtail. They did serve toro with uni, which was tasty, but it was oddly placed in the middle of the meal instead of toward the end, where richer pieces are typically featured. They also featured a lot of tuna and salmon and every piece, especially the hand roll were very rice heavy and a bit over seasoned. That said, there were some standout dishes, including fresh mackerel, sea bass, and cod--items I don't usually see, and they were well executed. Overall, it was a good experience for the Groupon price, but I'm not sure it would feel worth it at full price.

    Menu
    Sawako Y.

    3.5 / 5.0 - My bf chose Shirokuro for our dinner date and I'd actually also had this place bookmarked. We both love sushi and were also very curious to see the interior. I wanted to love this place, but have some mixed feelings about it. [the atmosphere] The dining area was more spacious than I'd expected and the 2D decor was very unique. The design behind the sushi counter was cool, too. [the menu] We sat at the sushi counter and chose the 15-course omakase, which is $90+ per person. (They also have a 9-course one for $60+.) The 15-course omakase came with a plate of 3 small appetizer bites, chawanmushi, 10 pieces of nigiri, a hand roll and miso soup. [the service] Our main server was very polite and our sushi chef was nice and friendly, too. However, the service was a bit slow, especially for sake and miso soup. The sake also arrived lukewarm. [the food] It wasn't off to the best start with the appetizer bites not being the best quality. The fish on the nigiri was larger compared to some other sushi spots, with various non-traditional toppings, but also tasted a bit fishier. The final nigiri, though, which was fatty tuna with uni on top, was delicious. And because of the slow service, our server added uni in our hand roll, which was one of the best hand rolls I've ever had. We then waited over 10 min for our miso soup, which was so salty I couldn't even drink half of it. So it went from one extreme to another, making it difficult to rate. They really do need to change the miso soup, though, and maybe some of the fish.

    Beef Short Rib Soup
    Lalliet V.

    The place has a really cool design like the name entails, black and white. It seems like hand drawn art using white background and black lines. It decipts different locations in Japan from Osaka to Tokyo. Unfortunately, the food didn't live up to the decor. They had to update the menu since they had discontinued items still on the menu so when I was so excited to get tamago sushi and was very disappointed that they no longer selled it. Ordered okinomiyaki to be disappointed, it was mostly batter not a lot of cabbage or other toppings. Usually okinomiyaki is thicker and has different toppings in it. The beef short rib was tender but the broth was too sweet.

    The cutest
    Elaine T.

    Would I recommend Shirokuro? Absolutely! This has to be the most unique experience I've had at a sushi restaurant ever due to their top tier ambiance. Walking in felt like entering a music video (we all know which one :D) and my eyes kept trying to make sense of each feature. The service was patient, pleasant and I immediately felt comfortable. My sushi arrived fast and I thoroughly enjoyed each bite of my spicy rolls. I would love for more restaurants owners to get creative like this and lean into their eccentric ideas when it comes to decorating. If you're in nyc definitely stop by!

    Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice
    Reema S.

    I was very excited to try NYCs first 2D restaurant. The ambiance definitely lived up to it's hype. Stepping foot in here felt like being transported to a live comic book. I love how airy and roomy the space is, and there are thoughtful touches like the 2D roses and everything in between. We tried a bunch of things off their menu. The seaweed salad was pretty standard. They used rainbow seaweed and while that's certainly aesthetically pleasing, I prefer the good old green seaweed for sure. Tuna tataki was fresh and tasted good. Crispy rice with spicy was kind of heavy on the mayo to be honest, I would've liked a better fish topping on thar rice and some freshly sliced jalapeños. For mains we got the sashimi set and it did not disappoint! The fish tasted fresh and portion was pretty good. The miso cod was my absolute favorite here. It was so buttery and completely dissolved in your mouth like a slice of butter. If there is one dish you should order here it would definitely be that! Our server was attentive and gave good recommendations and reviews for the menu. This is a good dining experience for the ambiance and the food!

    Rana S.

    Super cool vibe in here! The 2D style definitely makes it instagram-worthy spot! I went here with two friends to get some small bites and we left super happy with everything we picked! The Tuna Tataki was the star of the show- such fresh, light, and flavorful fish. If it were socially acceptable, I would have just ordered 5 of those. We did get other apps like the sausage skewers and chicken bao buns but I feel like those items were comparable to the food you get at any other Japanese spot. I would say if you're coming here it should be for the fish and the novelty of the design of the restaurant!

    Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice
    Andrew L.

    Interesting place! We had the Kuro Omakase along with some a la carte selections and had a solid meal. Along with the Omakase appetizers, we had the Okonomiyaki and Tuna Crispy Rice - both solid. We also added a three roll combo for the main. The Kuro Omakase itself was good with a bit of variety involved. Lively atmosphere, friendly service.

    Julia L.

    I had such a fun time at Shirokuro! I do think that the 2D decor is gimmicky, but don't let that dissuade you from trying it. The chefs were super nice and personable. They really took the effort to explain each course unlike a lot of omakases around this more affordable price point. I will say that a lot of the courses were just nigiri with a dollop of some pre-made sauce. While I don't think it was the best omakase ever, it was still very enjoyable!

    Emily L.

    Shirokuro really leans into a bold visual gimmick. The entire space is done in stark black and white, creating a surreal, 2D comic book vibe that feels more like an art installation than a restaurant. That novelty might be worth a quick Instagram photo, but the sushi doesn't deliver. It felt more like watery buffet fare than carefully crafted omakase. The rice was bland, the fish lacked freshness, and the overall quality was disappointing. For a place that markets itself as a high-end sushi destination, it missed the mark. In short, it may look cool, but Shirokuro's visual concept overshadows its substance. Skip the hype and head somewhere that serves real, well-prepared sushi.

    Interior
    Amber Y.

    Checking out NYC's first 2D restaurant and we tried their 15-course omakase with Sake. The ambiance is nice but nothing too special if you've been to other 2D concept restaurants. We liked some of our bites but overall not a super impressive or memorable experience. The appetizers didn't feel fresh and the rest of the sushi pieces are also lacking freshness and flavors. The toro hand roll piece and the chawanmushi were our favorites if we have to pick from the course menu. Service is slow but they're all really nice. It's a fun one time experience if you're in the area but I don't think I'll come back given there are better flavors and options in the city.

    Josephine L.

    Anyone under 30 is probably too young to know this, but growing up in the '80s and '90s, we used to have this analogue toy called Etch a Sketch where you would try to draw things with sand using two knobs. I was never very good at mine and could only make right angle designs that looked like demented Rorschach images. When A-Ha's "Take on Me" video came out, it was like our generation's collective Etch a Sketch drawings had been realized to music. It was a glorious day. Shirokuro's design was clearly helmed by someone who at least partly experienced this, though I understand it's also an unauthorized rip-off of an original cafe concept in South Korea. Regardless, walking into Shirokuro is like walking into your childhood Etch a Sketch come to life, except done by someone who knew how to work the knobs to make line curves. This long-winded preamble (I'm a millennial, okay? I'm mostly decrepit at this point anyway) is meant to express my appreciation for the look, design and Instagrammability of Shirokuro. Because I don't have much good to say about the food. We got a bunch of rolls, and while the fish quality was fine, the portions were laughably tiny. I think the spicy rolls were best, followed by Blue Fin Tuna. The 5 Kind Hand Roll combo sounds good, but it's so small, you should budget adding more on to it unless you eat like a wee, delicate bird. My sister got that combo and literally had to add two more maki rolls on top of it. She was still hungry afterward. I did appreciate that a Large House Sake clocked in at $14. Came in handy while I was battling a throat tickle. Service was weird: We got impatient, brusque treatment from the same old lady who later was all smiles and sunshine to us. No idea what happened; maybe she finally found her Xanax?

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    1 month ago

    the food was great also the environment is awesome and the workers had a good customer service

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    Izakaya Fuku - Seating and decorations

    Izakaya Fuku

    4.4(393 reviews)
    5.1 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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    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)
    1.6 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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    Tonchin - Interior

    Interior

    Tonchin - Kimchi mushrooms

    Kimchi mushrooms

    Tonchin - Chicken Tsukune Bun

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    Chicken Tsukune Bun

    Katsu-Hama

    Katsu-Hama

    4.0(1.8k reviews)
    2.1 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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    Katsu-Hama
    Katsu-Hama - Oyster and katsu

    Oyster and katsu

    Katsu-Hama - Agedashi Tofu

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    Agedashi Tofu

    Yakitori Totto - Eggplant

    Yakitori Totto

    4.0(1.5k reviews)
    2.6 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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    Yakitori Totto
    Yakitori Totto - Chicken meatball

    Chicken meatball

    Yakitori Totto

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    Shirokuro - japanese - Updated May 2026

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