Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Toka Chef Kitchen

    4.5 (81 reviews)
    Open 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

    Toka Chef Kitchen Photos

    TOKA CHEF KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Toka Chef Kitchen

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Snow crab
    Lila L.

    Won a $100 credit to dine here from an instagram giveaway so I made a resy for one for 6:30pm on a Friday evening to try. They no longer do AYCE after the omakase, so don't come and expect that. I got the $98 omakase which include 3 appetizers, 12 nigiris, 2 handrolls, and a dessert. If I had to pay completely out of pocket for the meal, I would be disappointed. For some pieces, the rice was quite hot and the chutoro and wagyu was chewy. My favorite pieces were the butter fish, scallop with uni, and monkfish liver with octopus. Service was slow in between the pieces since the chef was also serving another group. The atmosphere didn't feel very warm with the dark lighting. Overall, I would not return with the myriad of other affordable omakases around.

    yuzu sake
    Ruby C.

    After trying a few affordable omakase spots, I can confidently say that Toka has the BEST VALUE so far, in terms of the number of courses, the quality of the sashimi, and the overall dining experience. We didn't feel rushed at all and the interior was very spacious. They're currently offering 30% off through the end of December, which means you can enjoy their $98 18-course omakase for just $68, with a no-tipping policy. They also offer other tiers, including 13 courses for $58 and 16 courses for $78. My favorites: - Miso Black Cod - super buttery and tender. - Scallop with Hokkaido Uni - hokkaido uni seriously leveled this up. - King Salmon - meaty, fresh, and packed with clean flavor. - Otoro with Caviar - melt-in-your mouth buttery - Toro Handroll - the crispy onion added such a nice crunch. They started the meal with a trio of appetizers (yellowtail sashimi, beef tartare, and miso cod), which added a nice variety. What really surprised me was how generously each piece was sliced. Unlike many cheaper omakase spots that torch almost everything, they let the freshness of the fish speak for itself. Sure, you don't get a ton of chef interaction or fancy toppings at this price, but honestly, I have zero complaints for what you're paying. The scallop nigiri topped with Hokkaido uni ended up being one of my favorite bites of the night. And yes, you still get premium cuts like otoro with caviar, wagyu, and eel with foie grast. For dessert, they offer two options. The yuzu cheesecake tastes exactly as you'd expect, so I'd recommend going for the hojicha rice pudding, which had a rich hojicha flavor and was the perfect way to end the meal.

    Macarena O.

    My favorite omakase spot in the city! The flavor combinations, how fresh the fish is, the service, the price, everything was outstanding. I did the Kizu menu while my husband did the Toyosu. Some of my favorite bites were the white tuna with miso and the eel with foi gra on top (100/10), but honestly everything was delicious. Wendy and Jason were the nicest!! They made our experience so much better with how attentive and kind they were. Extra tip: They are having a 30% sale on everything during the week so don't miss out!

    Anita J.

    This review is for their Omakase special I saw that their omakase special was ending on Oct 31 so wanted to try it out. I was easily able to get a reservation for 2. The special is $98/person (tip included) for a 13(?) course omakase and then an AYCE portion from 6 options. Also unlimited either dry or sweet sake, and beer. For the AYCD, they give you either the can of beer or a little carafe of sake. Overall, the experience was good but had some areas for improvement. There was good diversity in the pieces given and they do deliver on the promise of AYCE at the end. One issue that was evident was that there was inconsistency in the size of the pieces given. There were 3 chefs and some people had much larger fish pieces depending on who their chef was. Also, a handful of our nigiri was falling apart when we got them. The amount of wasabi also varied significantly between pieces. For the AYCE portion, one of us got a large order of wagyu and many of the pieces came out pretty raw since they didn't torch the pieces thoroughly. They did torch it more upon request. The service though is great. Our server was so friendly and attentive, made sure to keep our glasses full. There are about 15 bar seats and several tables of 4.

    Sarah Z.

    AYCE omakase with unlimited drinks included for $98 and no tipping -- enough said. Located on the LES, The dining experience here is about 90 minutes. From sit down to end of meal, it is a pretty smooth experience and I did not feel rushed at all. The chef started us off with the standard 13-course at a good pace. We finished that in 30 minutes, leaving us ample time to enjoy the AYCE part of the omakase. There's 6 nigiri choices, which you write down on a piece of paper how much of each piece you'd like and you can only order once. I made sure I did not go overboard with my order since I hate feeling overstuffed for the sake of value. The chef worked quickly to make everyone's pieces. He catered to our palate and gave us extra wasabi to add for our liking and was generous with the pickled ginger too. The vibes were definitely more vibrant here compared to other omakases I've been to, but I guess when the alcohol comes free flowing constantly ... everyone enjoyed themselves and good chatter was flowing around the restaurant. Definitely a great experience and for the value -- it's unbeatable.

    Omakase
    Chelsea D.

    Great option for an AYCE omakase! They have six types of nigiri to choose from compared to the standard three you might find at their competitors. I will say the toppings here aren't as premium, but it's alright since we came here for the AYCE element. No frills here. Chill vibes. Oh and their yuzu sake is homemade and very addicting. We had like 6 cups each! Servers made sure our cups were never empty.

    House rules
    Mariel M.

    I will be dreaming about this place until I can have it again. My first experience doing omakase, and I don't think I can do it any other way. Had a 6:30 reservation, and as you're seated the chef greets you and shortly after you're offered drinks. I had two different types of Sakes, a house and a yuzu one that I preferred, but they also have beer. They start the 14-courses pretty quickly. My favorite of the 14 courses was the spanish mackerel, but there was not piece that I didn't love. Everything was fresh and melted in your mouth. I did about 20 pieces of the AYCE portion and I could have done more. I love eel, and I'm glad that they included the unagi in the AYCE portion since it wasn't part of the original tasting portion. They also made sure my Sake was filled at all times. Service was super attentive. One thing I would say is that although they put that gratuity is included in the price, when getting your receipt there are still suggested tipping options at the bottom. Seems to go against what they advertise, but I will be recommending this place to everyone!!

    Evelyn M.

    3.5 standard omakase restaurant, I had omakase at "fancier" places. This place seemed fine, and we got a 30% off deal for going in December of 2025. For around $76 this was a good deal. I didn't take pictures of all the dishes, but they were all pretty good. I thought the hand roll was a little icy, but otherwise everything else was fine. I was just coming from work so I had my laptop bag with me, they pointed to a table where I could put my bag down but I opted to keep it on the floor between me and the bar. Would be nice if they could install some hooks...

    Krystal L.

    I've been meaning to try an AYCE omakase experience since seeing it on TikTok a few months ago. After tonight, I'm going to stick to traditional omakase moving forward. At the $98 price point (before tip and tax) this is quite an affordable omakase. They serve you 13 courses prior to the final AYCE portion. The fish quality was lower than I expected. I thought it was sus when I smelled a fishy stench the moment I stepped into the restaurant. My favorites of the night were the squid nigiri and toro handroll. Least favorite was the Spanish mackerel (WAY too fishy). Now for the grand finale - the highly anticipated AYCE part! You're given a paper with 5 different types of nigiri and you write down how many of each you'd like. Here, I ordered a bunch of wagyu and toro nigiri. The wagyu was decent, but not as tender as some A5 wagyu that I've had in the past. Something that rubbed me the wrong way was that the website states tip is included in the $98, however when the bill came, we were prompted to provide a tip. This was nearly a $42 upcharge out of left field. If tip is not included, the site needs to be updated. I'm glad I tried the viral AYCE omakase trend, but I will not be returning.

    Brandon P.

    Wow what a hidden gem. I almost don't want to leave a review to hide it from the public but I have to! My wife and I made reservations because we were nearby and were craving omakase. We made last minute reservations and were the only ones there. We were greeted by a nice waitress who sat us down and let us choose which omakase package to get. The chef came and carefully crafted each piece. The fish and rice was amazing and to top it off we got sake, wine, and dessert. Look at the pictures I posted and you'll start drooling! Coming back soon as they always have specials. Until the end of the year all omakase is 30% off!

    Waygu
    Marsha J.

    Rating: 4.2 stars Competing with the other Omakase AYCE sushi restaurants popping up. The Omakase was delicious - loved the sea bream and cod. They end with 2 hand rolls which were okay and very filling (would avoid those if possible). You also get unlimited sake (2 choices) / soft drink. Sake was okay. Then comes the AYCE portion. You get one shot to order as much as you want. No backsies / second chances. Best were toro (fatty tuna) and then a distant second lean tuna. The rice to fish ratio was perfect. Worst were yellowtail and waygu. It was barely edible after the other delicious pieces. I would avoid those. It was right on par with the other AYCE/ drink/ omakase restaurants until the yellowtail / waygu. Having said that it's still a steal when you look at value and cost. I would definitely go back for the tuna + omakase and recommend checking it out. Service was fantastic

    Jesse Y.

    One of the best deal in NYC is this all you can eat and all you can drink Omakase for $98 per person. All Nigiri's are fresh as should be with Chef explaining each as served. The staff is very nice and they keep the drink flowing. All you can drink consist of sake, yuzu sake & beers and whatever else they have for the day. Main dining counter is large L shaped counter however overall restaurant is fairly large and well spaced. This is definitely an Omakase that can be repeatedly visited.

    Jennie S.

    I came here with me and my twin sister for our birthday dinner with my whole entire family and it was so amazing. Let me just tell you first of all the chef and the staff were just so incredibly nice and took so much great care of us and they really made the whole experience a lot of fun. We got to sit at the bar so we got a nice first glance and do everything that we're making however every fish was prepared which was so cool. The food itself was mind blowing. I just can't even describe it. It was so good so fresh and everything just had such a great flavor profile that I will never be able to eat normal sushi again. They also do and all you can eat, and all you can drink sake pairing with the entire experience, which I think is really fun so we had a few sake that we could try which was really delicious and our waitress was so fun because she just kept pouring more into our glass if she saw that we were getting low Then all you can eat portion they have you write down how many pieces of sushi you would like for each different type of fish and I will say don't go too crazy because if you don't finish yet, you have to pay per piece of sushi that you don't eat But if you do go with a group, it might be OK because the group could finish it for you So since we came on our birthday, they also gave us a cute little candle in our desserts and they also gave us a little birthday present, which was a really adorable keychain so I would totally come here again. It is pricey, but I think it's definitely worth it.

    Foie gras with eel

    See all

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    5 months ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 8
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jacky C.
    271
    2282
    2707

    1 year ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mia C.
    541
    362
    6705

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    9 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Alex Z.
    202
    1003
    3668

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kellie C.
    106
    70
    36

    11 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 3

    Toka Chef Kitchen Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Toka Chef Kitchen

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Japanese 31,066 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Izakaya Fuku - Seating and decorations

    Izakaya Fuku

    4.4(393 reviews)
    5.2 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

    See all

    Interior

    Tonchin

    Tonchin

    4.4(2.5k reviews)
    1.9 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.

    Photos
    Tonchin - Interior

    Interior

    Tonchin - Kimchi mushrooms

    Kimchi mushrooms

    Tonchin - Chicken Tsukune Bun

    See all

    Chicken Tsukune Bun

    Katsu-Hama

    Katsu-Hama

    4.0(1.8k reviews)
    2.4 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.

    Photos
    Katsu-Hama
    Katsu-Hama - Oyster and katsu

    Oyster and katsu

    Katsu-Hama - Agedashi Tofu

    See all

    Agedashi Tofu

    Yakitori Totto - Eggplant

    Yakitori Totto

    4.0(1.5k reviews)
    3.0 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!

    Photos
    Yakitori Totto
    Yakitori Totto - Chicken meatball

    Chicken meatball

    Yakitori Totto

    See all

    Toka Chef Kitchen - japanese - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...