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    Tsukimi

    4.8 (85 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndJapanese
    Closed 5:00 pm - 8:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

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    TSUKIMI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Quiet

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    Recommended Reviews - Tsukimi

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    Maggie C.

    My boyfriend and I booked this place for our Christmas dinner. The set up of the restaurant was kind of weird since we were sitting right across the counter from other customers, but that did not affect dinner negatively. The service was spectacular and there was a little matcha making show at the end. I was not a huge fan of the matcha since I am so used to my Hojicha/barley tea towards the end of dinner to help digest, so matcha was a little weird. All the dishes were prepared flawlessly and nothing to complain about. The experience was great, and the staff did a great job explaining each and every dish. The cutlery and appliances were all very cute and looked good. Can't wait to come back and try other dishes when they change the menu.

    cashew nut, hairy crab, fig
    Amber C.

    An underrated Japanese Kaiseki that has one Michelin star and is not advertised heavily on social media platforms. The ambiance is very serene, peaceful, and I felt like I walked into a fine dining restaurant in Japan. All seating is similar to a counter seating where the servers bring out food in the center to you personally. They treated us with the utmost respect and I enjoyed how quiet and attentive the restaurant was. We were not given a menu beforehand so everything was a huge surprise (some may not be a fan of this). Don't worry, they ask you if you have any allergies beforehand. I went in July 2023 and each dish was unique and presentation was on point! I really enjoyed the incorporation of different ingredients and how they had a variety such as wagyu beef, sushi, and fish (raw and cooked). Their dishes can represent breakfast, lunch, and dinner of the Japanese cuisine. I was pretty full after - don't be fooled that the dishes are small because it eventually fills you up. In the end, they give you a personalized menu of the date and the dishes. I would come back here in a different season to try their other innovations.

    Corn, mango and lime ice cream
    Saki Y.

    I must say, it's rare to find a Kaiseki style restaurant in a city that is overwhelmed by cheaply made omakase. From the introduction to every dishes that is presented, every detail is on point. Love how each ingredient is imported from Japan; carefully prepared and served. Love their plating and all the dinning wares. What stands out for me were the uni and caviar steam egg. The last course of the summer menu was amazing as well; the Wagyu beef with scallion. However, I do have to point out, on OpenTable they did mentioned that the course came with drinks pairing however, the reality is an extra of $200 per person.

    Pineberry soufflé
    Holly C.

    Booked Tsukimi to celebrate my mom's birthday and it did not disappoint. I would say this was a solid 4.5/5 meal. What a wonderful kaiseki experience for us to enjoy fresh seasonal ingredients being prepared like a form of art. The restaurant looked very deceiving from the outside as I thought the sign was very discreet and I doubted myself wondering if I was walking into the right place. However, once I stepped inside, I was greeted by a friendly staff, leading me and my mom to 2 of 12 intimate seats in the small restaurant. The place was very clean and comfortable, with 6 seats on each side and ample space between each party. We started the first course with a trio of trout, saba and aori ika. Every bite was refreshing with perfectly balanced of flavors and textures. The egg custard with uni and caviar was one of my favorite dish. The egg custard was steamed to perfection and there was an explosion of flavors from the creaminess of the uni, saltiness and crunch of the caviar, and with a touch of savory taste from the potatoes foam. The Amadi soup was very hearty. The broth had a lot of depth and flavor which was paired nicely with the bamboo shoots and fiddlehead which added another level of textures. The Kapachi was plated so beautifully like a spring garden and we almost didn't want to eat it. The fish was super fresh and the citrus from the yuzu sauce was the perfect touch to make this dish very refreshing. It was almost like a palette cleanser to prepare for the next dish. The scallop tempura was a surprise since I saw that it was paired with egg yolk and was a little skeptical since it just looked and sounded very heavy. But to my surprise, the scallops were perfectly fried with the perfect amount of batter and not oily at all. The scallop was big, fresh and sweet. The egg yolk was not overly salty and had a good balance of flavor when paired with the shungiku puree. For the sable fish dish, I know the main focus was the fish, which was well seasoned and perfectly grilled. But what I really enjoyed was the white asparagus. It was just simply blanched but it was so fresh and tender. I've never seen white asparagus so big before! The wagu was charred perfectly and literally melted in my mouth. I also enjoyed the rice which as well seasoned and loved how it was paired with bamboo shoots which gave it a nice texture. The miso soup was very flavorful and my favorite was the homemade tofu which was silken soft with a rich soy bean taste. Up to this point, the meal would've been a 5/5 rating. However, I feel 2/3 of the desserts fell short for me. Although the sorbet was refreshing and served its purpose as a palate cleanser, I couldn't really taste any kumquat or honey in the sorbet at all. In fact I feel the basil jelly was a bit bitter. The pineberry soufflé however, was divine. It was airy and light with fresh pineberry at the bottom. I particularly like it when combined together with the sake lees ice cream. The last course of the meal was just a Sakura mochi which was good but nothing memorable which was unfortunate because the last dish always leaves an impression but it unfortunately wasn't very impressive. Overall, I really enjoyed Tsukimi. It's a traditional kaiseki experience using fresh ingredients from the season. You can tell every dish was prepared using various techniques and well put together. Do not expect it to have any modern twist because it's not a fusion restaurant. The staff were very friendly and attentive. They were very personable and I loved how they spent time explaining every dish to us in detail. Their menu changes every season and I would love to go back to try their summer menu! I highly recommend Tsukimi!

    Bo B.

    4.5 stars. I'm usually not a fan of kaiseki but this one was quite good. My favorites were the chestnut tofu, A5 wagyu, the Uni and caviar, the kanpachi, and the appetizers.

    Dashi Omelette with Truffles
    Elizabeth H.

    TLDR: I didn't want to skew the average but this meal overall was really a 4.5/5. It started off with straight 5's, but the final savory course left much to be desired and 2 of the 3 desserts missed the mark. Overall though, an excellent meal and experience. SETTING: Tsukimi is in the East village behind a nondescript storefront. I made a reservation for my partners birthday weeks in advance. You can get a res through Tock where you prepay for the meal ($697 which includes a 20% service charge and tax on a $530 bill for 2). We were VERY excited given all the excellent reviews and because Tsukimi has 1 star, which not a lot of Japanese places in NYC have. There are two counters with 6 seats each facing each other with a narrow walkway for the servers. I've never seen such a restaurant layout but it was unique and a cool experience. The chefs are cooking in the kitchen which you can kind of see into depending where you sit. FOOD: The meal here was truly excellent. It's amazing quality and a GOOD amount of food- it's not like some other places where you pay an arm and a leg for 10 pieces of sushi. Every dish here had tons of fresh fish or accompaniments, whether it be crab, uni, caviar, truffle, etc. As the meal progressed, my partner remarked this was maybe the best meal we've had in years! I was riding on a high proud of myself for finding this place. All was going well, a true 5/5 experience, until the final savory course. This was wagyu tenderloin cooked on charcoal served with rice seasoned with Japanese mushrooms and a broth that was just incredible. The depth of flavor in every dish was just amazing- but the wagyu... the wagyu was chewy. It was tough to eat and left much to be desired. From there, 2 of the 3 desserts (1) carrot sorbet with foam, and 2) this Japanese candy with chestnut and matcha) were just okay. One of the three (this persimmon with milk foam concoction) was excellent and unique. But the final savory course then 2 of 3 desserts were a bit of a let down given how high we had been riding on all the other courses. SERVICE: The service was just impeccable. I can see why Tsukimi has a star. The staff was exceptionally friendly, knowledgeable, and had a true passion for the food. I love when you're dining at a restaurant and the staff is just as excited as you are! VERDICT: All in, we had an amazing experience here and I will definitely be recommending this restaurant to anyone in NYC looking for something a little different and unique (and special). The meal was delicious and I loved the authenticity of the food. We will be back!

    Sarah G.

    One of our favorite spots! Staff really cares and is knowledge. The food is unique and worth the price. Clean and high end. Sake selection is great. Bathroom is also an experience.

    Alison H.

    What a fantastic experience. My partner and I came here for an anniversary dinner and were blown away by the service and the food. It's pricey, but worth it in my opinion. Everything was spectacular, and the service immaculate. The uni in particular was the stand-out dish for me, and my partner really enjoyed the steak. We got the mixed-drink and wine pairings, and phewww we were looking a little flushed by the end. Don't underestimate the small cups! Whenever we try other Michelins now we always think it's good, but not Tsukimi! That's the only con I can think of for having such delicious food and creating such a memorable experience.

    Menu 11/11/22
    Josephine L.

    Sigh. I was really hoping Tsukimi would be NYC's answer to Narisawa--or at least the now defunct Sugiyama (RIP, oh great one)--but it wasn't quite there. Still, it's probably the best kaiseki/modern kaiseki NYC has to offer as it continues to be distracted by the overhyped omakase-style dining experience. What we got: Small bites: - Wagyu, unagi, egg: Lovely - Kanpachi, nori, yuzu kosho: Classic Japanese flavors - Bluefin tuna, truffle: A bit unimaginative for such a prestigious fish, plus the truffle was rather flavorless - Nodoguro, kabu, sudachi: Very tasty - Uni, kaluga caviar, egg, potato, rice: So much goodness in one dish - Duck, shishito: Surprisingly well done duck - Ezo awabi, daikon: Creative - Kinmedai, fennel, yuzu: My favorite dish of the night, but it should've been served with a spoon so that diners could really sop up the sauce - Wagyu, rice, egg yolk: Hearty - Concord grape, rose: Dessert #1. Fine - Corn, soy sauce, butter, popcorn: Dessert #1. Amazing. Truly. A brilliant way to harness the flavor of sweet corn in that classic, Japanese, "not too sweet" deliciousness way - Chestnut, fig: Dessert #3. I've been hoping to find a gelatin wagashi of the likes I had a at Sugiyama, and while this wasn't as interesting, it was a good effort Final thoughts: While service was perfect, I did not like the layout of the restaurant. You essentially sit on two opposing counters facing other guests with nothing in between you but space for staff to move around. The kitchen is at one end of the counters, so you don't have a great view unless you're sitting closer to that end. I really hated making awkward eye contact with the diners across from me--it felt like every subway ride where you're trying not to look at the person seated across from you in case they're crazy.

    Chestnut dessert with matcha
    Susan G.

    A really unique experience! I came here for a special occasion with my boyfriend and was not disappointed. You share a meal with a small room of other people and all enjoy the food at the same time. The interior is simple but chic. The hospitality and service is amazing. The staff is so knowledgeable about the food and preparation. The food was also delicious. My favorites were the unagi and the chestnut dessert. We even got a menu at the end with some kind words. Overall, an entirely creative evening experience!

    Kitchen
    Yen P.

    My husband surprised me with a trip to Tsukimi to celebrate our anniversary last year. I wouldn't have known such a cute space could exist from walking past the door. You enter through some stairs down to the restaurant and you're immediately greeted with very polite staff. They take your coat and you'll realize you're in a very intimate "bar" setting. Everyone is seated on either side of the restaurant so that you're sitting next to your party and facing the other guests. I think there were a total of maybe 12 seats total. We had the seats where we can peak into the tiny kitchen. I loved watching the chefs meticulously put the dishes together. The staff was also warmer than what I've experienced at fine dining restaurants so that made the experience extra nice! You won't have to place an order for anything other than your drinks as its a preset menu. We got a bottle of sake which complemented the experience beautifully. They'll continuously fill your cup for you and you get to take any leftover liquor home. Because there were so many dishes I can't possibly go over all of them so I will talk about some highlights that I still remember to this day (we were there in May 2023!). There was a course with rice, sea urchin and fish roe. This dish was sooooo rich and I still remember what it tastes like. The flavor is muted but so comforting. Even though everything was soft in texture I don't think the dish needed anything else. There was a soup that tasted just like something my mom's made. It was a sort of nutty flavor and the aroma was amazing. I wanted to savor every sip of this dish. One of the dessert courses had rhubarb chips. The moment these reached our tastebuds, the guest seated across from me and I just looked at each other with wide eyes and nodded in agreement. These were the most delicious little crispy pieces of rhubarb that I don't think I'll ever get to taste again! I am very grateful to have been able to eat at Tsukimi. We had a wonderful experience from start to finish and would highly recommend!

    Quinn G.

    I actually found out this place had a Mich star after I ate there. But it's not even remotely surprising. I think the most surprising part was the negative correlation between how unbelievable the food was and how snobby the staff was. They were extremely professional, but very sweet and caring. It just showed how much passion the entire place puts into every part of the experience. The food speaks for itself. You'll have to pay a premium, but if I had to sit down and think about it... probably the best meal I have ever had

    Joan S.

    Wow. What an experience. Usually, I don't find these high priced fine dining experiences worth it and am more often disappointed with such places. However, Tsukimi easily ranks as one of the top two meals I've ever had. Ever. We reserved one month in advance. When we entered the room, we were seated and our coats were hung up. I enjoyed every dish with the highlights bring the A5 Wagyu and the egg on egg in egg. We felt full and definitely had to make quite the effort to finish the desserts. I wasn't as big on the desserts but I really enjoyed the Granny Smith apple shaved ice. At the end of the night, we went home with the menus of what we had enjoyed over the course of the evening. This is an intimate and elevated experience with seatings of only 12 people at a time. The service was top notch. Super attentive and polite. I dropped a couple of things on accident and they are so on top of it, they already picked it up before I even could locate the item I dropped. The bathroom was amazing, just go. Odd to say but this was my favorite bathroom at a restaurant ever.

    Fluke and chives... Mediocre

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    4.4(393 reviews)
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    Izakaya Fuku in New York offers the kind of dining experience that feels memorable from the very…read morestart. Even before the food arrives, the restaurant leaves a strong impression with its stunning Japanese-inspired interior. The space is beautifully designed, blending warmth and elegance in a way that feels both inviting and refined. From the soft lighting to the natural wood accents and thoughtfully arranged decor, everything about the atmosphere feels intentional. It captures the intimate charm of a traditional izakaya while still feeling modern and stylish, making it a wonderful setting for anything from a casual dinner to a more special night out. The food more than lived up to the beauty of the space. One of the first highlights was the salmon onigiri, a dish that proved how satisfying simplicity can be when it is done well. The rice was soft, fresh, and perfectly formed, holding together without feeling too compact, while the salmon added a savory richness that made each bite feel comforting and flavorful. It was balanced, delicate, and deeply satisfying in a way that made it memorable despite its simplicity. The seared salmon salad was another standout. The salmon itself was beautifully prepared, with a lightly seared exterior that gave it a subtle crispness, while the inside remained tender, buttery, and smooth. That contrast in texture made the dish especially enjoyable. Paired with the freshness of the salad, it felt light and refreshing, yet still substantial enough to feel like more than just a side dish. It was a dish that managed to feel both clean and indulgent at the same time. The grilled squid was particularly impressive and easily one of the most memorable items of the meal. Squid can often be difficult to get right, as it can become rubbery or overly chewy if even slightly overcooked, but that was absolutely not the case here. The texture was spectacular--tender, delicate, and pleasantly springy without any toughness. Each bite had a light smokiness from the grill that added depth, while the squid itself retained its natural sweetness. It was expertly prepared and showcased a level of precision that really stood out. For the main courses, both the Tonkatsu Ramen and the Black Pepper Ramen delivered distinct experiences, each with its own appeal. The Tonkatsu Ramen was deeply comforting and satisfying, with a broth that had a rich, velvety texture and a full-bodied depth that coated the palate beautifully. It felt smooth, hearty, and luxurious without being too heavy. The noodles had an ideal texture as well--firm enough to provide a satisfying bite, yet soft enough to soak up the broth and integrate perfectly into the dish. Altogether, it was a bowl that felt warming, balanced, and incredibly comforting. The Black Pepper Ramen, on the other hand, brought a bolder and more assertive flavor profile. The broth had a smooth, glossy texture, and the noodles again had a pleasing chew that gave the dish structure and substance. The black pepper added an unmistakable warmth and aromatic intensity that made the ramen stand out immediately. It was flavorful and memorable, though the pepper was slightly overwhelming at times. A bit less black pepper would have allowed the other flavors in the broth to come through more clearly and created a more balanced bowl. Even so, the ramen was still enjoyable, especially for those who appreciate strong, pepper-forward flavors. Overall, Izakaya Fuku is a restaurant that succeeds on every level. The stunning Japanese interior creates an atmosphere that feels both immersive and elegant, while the food reflects a real attention to detail in both flavor and texture. From the comforting salmon onigiri, to the fresh and beautifully prepared seared salmon salad, to the expertly grilled squid with its exceptional texture, and finally the rich and satisfying ramen dishes, every part of the meal felt carefully executed. It is a place that offers not just excellent food, but a complete dining experience, and it is well worth visiting for anyone looking for standout Japanese cuisine in New York.

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    Tonchin

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    4.4(2.5k reviews)
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    $$

    After my first visit: This is my favorite ramen restaurant on the planet. It's my perfect…read morerestaurant - but not because of the ramen. Because of the desserts! First - Tonkotsu (pork) ramen was perfectly balanced. The broth was deeply flavorful but not heavy, almost like an 80/20 hybrid of tonkotsu and shoyu (soy sauce) ramen. Noodles were springy and not overcooked, and the roasted pork had a slightly smoky flavor and was flavorful itself, not just protein and texture like many other ramen joints. We also had the edamame appetizer - super flavorful and addictive, and we wound up ordering a second one (for our party of four) after devouring the first one. Now here's why it's my favorite ramen restaurant- my favorite dessert is banana pudding, and Tonchin's signature Tokyo banana dessert is an elevated banana pudding that makes magnolia bakery look like amateur hour. Plenty of fresh banana and a carmelized banana on the side with a balanced pudding that's not too heavy - this is peak banana pudding. So it has my favorite ramen and favorite dessert. But can it do better? Yes. It can also have...my second favorite dessert! Tonchin has excellent shave ice desserts that reminded me of Korean bingsu. We had the strawberry and it was fresh, bright and had lots of strawberry flavor. Delightful. Service was excellent and the ambiance of the space is dark and elevated. I liked this place so much I bought a hat.

    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

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    Chicken Tsukune Bun

    Katsu-Hama

    Katsu-Hama

    4.0(1.8k reviews)
    1.9 miMidtown East
    $$

    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.

    I've had this place saved for a while, and I don't feel like I need to go again. It was cramped…read moreespecially since they sat everyone in a section despite having table space in multiple areas. The food was ok, felt comparable to something you would order at a food court, so at the price point, it's not that worth it. The main was so unremarkable that the best thing was the miso soup. In terms of flavor, it's very much like "that's it??", pretty basic but wouldn't standout as good.

    Photos
    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)
    2.5 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

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    Tsukimi - japanese - Updated May 2026

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