This location in particular is very small…read more Niku udon - super chewy and flavorful noodles! Broth had a lot of flavor this time too! Meat had one good piece but rest was too dry and/or too fatty 4.5/5 Shrimp tempura - a bit oily but still good! Shrimp is soft and bouncy but wish it was bigger in comparison to the tempura 2.75/5

I was skeptical of this place because I didn't think the price of udon would be worth it. I was…read morewrong. The actual udon noodles themselves are incredible. They're soft but not mushy, and have a nice spring to them. They are genuinely the best udon noodles I've had. Udon and mushroom are two of my favorite things, so it was a no brainer when ordering the seasonal mushroom udon. It comes with all types of mushrooms including maitake, woodear, king oyster, local oyster, and shiitake. It also comes with tororo kombu and tofu. The both is light and flavorful, perfect for a cold night. I wish they would keep this dish permanently because I want to order it again and again. I also liked the frozen grape at the end, it was a nice ending to a good meal. The servers were helpful and the space was on the smaller side. It has minimal decor with wood furniture. The place is tightly packed and busy so just make sure to have a resy booked. Overall, I would highly recommend trying Raku.

This is what dreams are made. Quality fish, so much flavor, unique and creative dishes. The…read morerestaurant is so unassuming, as it's downstairs in a building, the sign is modest, but when we entered it was filled with locals. A good sign! Started with miso, seaweed salad. The miso was so flavorful! Gyoza, light and absolutely delicious Yellowtail carpaccio- the sauce I could drink it, so good! They only had 4 rolls on the menu so we got one of each, and let me tell you, best rolls I've ever had, each one was unique and different, and amazing! We also shared a pork belly bowl and a una don (eel) bowl, and again both were incredible. Perfectly cooked eel and pork belly, the sauce on both, delicious, and the rice!!! The rice is like crack, soft and sweet, like nothing I've ever had. I'm from out of state, but let me tell you, I will eat here every time I come to NYC!

Came here for dinner right before a concert. The restaurant was lively and packed, but we had a…read morereservation (which I highly recommend doing!) Got the following dishes: - Hotate (seared scallop) carpaccio (4.5/5) - Chicken nanban (3.5/5) - Kimchi cream udon (4/5) - Mew special roll (4.5/5) - Mochi ice cream (3.5/5) Food came out very quickly, and service was good! Since the restaurant was very busy and had a wait from the moment we entered and left, this is definitely a restaurant you'd spend 1 - 1.5 hr max at with the high table turnover (so avoid if you want a quiet date night). Overall, Izakaya Mew has been a reliable staple for years and will likely continue to be with its great food quality and lively ambiance. (4.5/5)

Everything we tried was honestly amazing--nothing missed. The service was great too. Portions were…read moregood, and every bite was super enjoyable. The ube tiramisu was a standout. I'm not usually an ube fan, so I wasn't expecting much--but they told us it was just added to the menu and we were some of the first people to try it. After one bite, I literally said "wow" out loud. My friend even laughed because I never react like that unless the food is really good. Overall, everything we had was a solid 10/10. Would definitely come back!

Have been meaning to check this place out for months due to all the hype and attention it's gotten…read more Finally tried it today with a friend and have to say that it was very underwhelming. Got the most popular dishes per the waiter's recommendation and nothing was great. I would say the corn ribs are good but definitely not worth the hype. The corn ice cream was a total miss as it was rock hard and was such a mess to eat. It didn't taste like corn ice cream; rather just vanilla ice cream with a few corn kernels and chocolate. This spot is def one of those IG/TT spots but you don't have to go.

Oh yea! If you are looking for a home cooked meal away from home... this is it. This gives you the…read morehome soul food vibe. It's light healthy and nourishing And the service is quick and easy. I'm on a buisness trip so this made me feel right at home during the holiday travel. I ordered the salaried saba, drinks and the salmon carpaccio for an appetizer!

I loooooove Japanese curry and the curry omurice definitely hit the spot. The pieces of fried…read morechicken were super juicy and crispy and the rice was not soggy The curry ramen, was too heavy for me. The flavor was good but wouldn't recommend it as your first meal of the day

Had a great time celebrating a coworkers birthday here at Kimura. Was a large group so got to get a…read moreton of things to try. First thing we got may have been my fav, conveniently called Addictive Cabbage it really was addictive like wow I just couldnt stop it was so good. I also looooved the meatballs the marinade was super flavorful. Other appetizer options were pretty tasty as well, the takoyaki was soft and sweet, gyoza were large, and chicken skewers were delish. Split a shabu shabu hot pot which was pretty good, all the meat and toppings were nice but I wasnt really tasting much of the broth! Loved the sauces that came with it. Also don't sleep on the yuzu hot sauce thats on the tables that stuff was fire.

Hotpot is what they're known for! I really enjoyed the collagen nabe…read more Tried their kiss of fire roll. It was nothing extraordinary. Also, tried their skewer combo (scallop, salmon and chicken/scallion). These were ok too. I would come back for the hotpot for sure

I used to live in NYC and every single time I fly back to visit, Raku is at the top of my list…read more This West Village izakaya has become my personal tradition, and it never lets me down. Venue (5/5) Raku has that perfect cozy Japanese izakaya feel -- warm wood tones, intimate lighting, and a bustling but comfortable energy. It's not huge, so it fills up fast (make a reservation!), but the layout keeps it from feeling cramped. The bar area is great if you're dining solo (which I usually do), and the tables are snug enough for a romantic date or a fun group meal. Clean, authentic, and exactly what you want in a neighborhood Japanese spot. Food (5/5) The karaage here is the best I've ever had -- period. Crispy, ultra-juicy, perfectly seasoned, and ridiculously addictive. I order it every single visit and it's always flawless. The rest of the menu is equally strong: fresh sashimi, delicious grilled items, flavorful rice bowls, and tasty small plates that are ideal for sharing. Everything tastes homemade and thoughtful rather than mass-produced. Vibe (5/5) Warm, lively, and welcoming. It's the kind of place where locals and in-the-know visitors mix, conversations flow easily, and you feel right at home even if you haven't been in months. Service is attentive and friendly without being stiff or overly formal. Raku is the real deal. Reliable, delicious, and always worth the trip. If you love proper Japanese comfort food (especially killer karaage), this place is a must. I'll keep coming back every time I'm in NYC

I don't visit NYC too often but when I do, Raku is the #1 spot I always make sure to come back due…read moreto its delicious udon and its soup quality that is not commonly seen in most Japanese restaurants I have been. I have been to famous spots in Japan within Kyoto and Tokyo and Raku definitely is on the top of the list in terms of service, food quality, and vibes. I have ordered to-go, DoorDash and dined in and its never been a disappointment.

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.

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.

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.

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!