This is a nice small Japanese convenience store. They sell a selection of onigiri and sushi in…read moretheir fridge section right when you walk in. The only thing I would be careful for is the ingredients bc if you have any sensitivities or allergies, then we may want to skip the "fresh" section, bc they do put preservatives to expand the shelf life, which is also why after 6pm, they do not have to discount their items as other Japanese grocers and convenience shops do. They do have a unique selection of flours, packaged soups, and chips. The prices were a bit higher though. Would we go back if we were in the area? Maybe... Pros: Clean Cute and unique selection of Japanese items Organized well Nice packaged rice, packaged tea, and chip section Cons: Expensive Fish freshness - maybe not Onigiri and sushi - rice preservatives = no go

Very small, but great japanese grocery store in midtown! they have all the shelf staple…read morenecessities, select produce, beauty products, as well as a lot of affordable ready made food options. If you need a grab and go lunch option in the area would recommend!

I had a wonderful experience. We got the Uni croquette and fried squid. I could have passed on the…read moreUni croquette. The fried squid appetizer was the stand out because it came with a delicious wasabi sauce. I also got the karaage udon which was great. The karaage wasn't too oily, but was still crunchy. Loved this little unassuming spot. We had the sweetest woman serve us. The weight was a little bit long because we showed up at the same time as another party, but it wasn't too bad.

I had stopped by this little hole in the wall a handful of times before stopping in several months…read moreago during a cold winter day. The place was pretty quiet, and the staff was friendly. To drink, I had a Hot Organic Super Matcha Tea for 4.95. It was alright tea, and I wish teas were included in the price point, as otherwise, this place feels pretty traditional. In terms of food, I only ordered from the seasonal menu, so I'm not sure how the rest of the dishes are, but from what I had, I would go back for a light traditional meal. My appetizer was the Dashimaki Tamago/だし巻まき卵たま, or sweet savory omelet with daikon for $6.98. This came with three pieces along with a little dollop of grated radish. The pieces had a light sweetness to them along with a bit of savoriness. They were juicy and a bit bouncy while maintaining some softness. This was standard and good. My main dish was the $19.98 Beef Tan Tan Udon, or ground sirloin beef, spicy broth, baby bok choy, kikurage mushroom, scallions, and sesame seeds. While I have preferred udon from spots like Raku, the udon had a mild chew to it, and they were still good. The broth had a mix of sweetness and spiciness with a nice depth of flavor. The vegetables inside tasted fresh, and the meat added some richness. This was good as well. I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to go here, but the food was good. If you're in the area and looking for no frills Japanese dining in a more comfortable atmosphere at pretty decent Midtown East prices, I would recommend this place.

Finding Sakagura is probably the hardest part of the experience. It's tucked away in the basement…read moreof an office building, so you'll need to walk past the reception desk and head downstairs. There's only a small sign to the right of the building entrance, and it's easy to mistake the Japanese restaurant next door for the correct location. Once inside, though, it feels like you've stepped into a completely different world. The dining room is warmly lit and richly decorated with traditional Japanese touches, creating a cozy, authentic atmosphere that's a pleasant surprise after the unassuming entrance. I stopped by for lunch and thought the daily lunch special was an excellent value. The menu changes regularly, which gives you a reason to come back. The restaurant wasn't overly crowded, making for a relaxed meal, and the service was professional, attentive, and genuinely friendly throughout. The food was well executed and felt a step above your typical neighborhood Japanese restaurant without trying too hard to be fancy. Everything was thoughtfully prepared and nicely presented. My only minor criticism is that a few dishes leaned a bit saltier than I would have preferred, but it wasn't enough to detract from the meal. Overall, Sakagura is a hidden gem (literally!). If you're willing to spend an extra minute finding the entrance, you'll be rewarded with a beautiful dining room, warm hospitality, and a high-quality lunch that's one of the better values in Midtown.

This is one of the best izakaya restaurants in Manhattan, and it keeps bringing me back time after…read moretime. The moment you walk in, you're instantly transported to Japan. The décor features light natural wood and bamboo, creating a warm, authentic atmosphere, with an impressive collection of sake lining the wall. The food is outstanding. We started with the seasonal soft-shell crab, which was incredibly fresh and fried to perfection. The daily sashimi special was exceptionally fresh, and the salad was light and refreshing. The must-order Wagyu beef, served on a hot stone, simply melted in our mouths and was unforgettable. Every dish was beautifully prepared, and I enjoyed every single bite. The impeccable service was the icing on the cake. The staff was attentive throughout our meal, making sure we had everything we needed without ever being intrusive. I absolutely loved the entire dining experience and can't wait to come back again!

Food: Average Service: Hurried…read more Ambiance: too dim The price of green tea at $8 each! I don't think this restaurant deserves a standing at this location which offers many authentic Japanese restaurant choices.

Visited Izakaya Futago on a weekday evening with a friend after a nearby event. It's pretty far…read moreeast (between 2nd and 3rd off Lexington), so it is easy to miss if you are not specifically looking for it. We walked in around 7pm and there were plenty of tables available, but we decided to sit in the separate bar room near the entrance. That space was more intimate, with a couple of larger high-top tables, a small bar (about 4-5 seats), and additional seating along the wall, and there was also a TV. They have a good happy hour with both drink and food options. We both ordered margaritas, which needed a slight adjustment as they were made too sour, and I also tried some sake, which was a good selection. For food, I ordered the fried chicken, which was very good, crispy, flavorful, and a generous portion, served with tartar sauce ($20). We also shared edamame and a couple of yakitori skewers: the shiitake mushrooms ($6) and pork belly ($8). The mushrooms were quite bland and I did not finish them, but the pork belly looked great and my friend enjoyed it. Overall, this is a good Midtown East spot for happy hour or a casual lunch and I would return.

My husband and I shared: - Berkshire Pork Loin Katsu Curry…read more- Surprise Katsu Donburi Both were delicious! If I had to pick between the two, I'd probably go with the curry. I love Japanese curry and this one is done very well. It's also a ton of food. Two people could probably share one dish. We came in on Friday a bit after 7 and only had to wait a few minutes for a table. The service was quick too.

Coming from southern California, I'm bummed that this didn't meet my expectations. Curry was good…read morebut everything else was mediocre or less than. Salad dressing has no flavor, kinda bland. Sashimi is low grade, don't order it. Karage is eh ok. I've had better, like furaibo. Shocking, there weren't any Japanese cooking... Like I normally see but that isn't always needed. Service was ok,

Sozai is one of our favorite Japanese restaurants in Manhattan. The food is always fresh,…read moreflavorful, and beautifully prepared, and the drinks are just as good. The service is fast and friendly, making it a great spot for lunch or dinner. It does get a bit loud during peak hours, but that's because it's such a popular place. If you're looking for delicious Japanese food in Manhattan, Sozai is definitely worth a visit!

Very clean space with comfortable seating…read more Fried Squid legs - fried well, would order this if I were in the mood for it. Ube Fried potatoes - fried well with a nice sauce. Nothing out of the ordinary. Pork Katsu - okay, pork was a little dry. Probably would not order this again. Ton Toro Yaki - grilled pork neck. This was very tender and unique. I would order this again. Mentaiko pasta - sphaghetti with spicy cod roe and bacon. This was rich but very tasty. I think this is more of a side, not a main meal. Cold soba green tea - I really liked this for a hot summer day. The noodles were firm and topped with salmon and roe. Again it is more of a side dish and not a main entree. Wafu mushroom - sauteed sphagetti. I didn't really like this one, the flavor was off for me. Sukiyaki beef udon - this has great flavor and had a lot of accoutrements. I would order this again. Great place for quality food. I would return.

This place is so hip and busy!! I had to wait about 30 minutes to get a seat and yes, it was…read moreworth it. Very cozy atmosphere but lively at the same time. It does make you feel like you are in Japan. Service was great and quick with servers checking on you often. Love the tapas menu.

There's a reason why people have willpower for the hours-long wait here on weekends. There are many…read morerestaurants with lines that I can't say are worth waiting on, but this restaurant is worth every minute and every ounce of energy left for the wait. I've taken a lot of friends here over the course of 10 years, and without fail, every one of them has walked out mindblown--and why wouldn't they?! The wait times have gotten better over the years (probably because people are waiting for the restaurant next door), but the food and drinks here are still top-notch. Staff is always great, and they all work so efficiently. I am generally a fan of izakayas, but there are very few that offer plates that are designed to be shareable, and this is one of the reasons the food here is so enjoyable in a small group setting. I am obviously biased and think they can do no wrong, but some of my staples that have stood the test of time: Kimchi cream udon, avocado tofu salad, salmon sashimi tacos, and the kani cream croquettes. I was so excited when they opened an outpost in Flushing years ago, but sadly it shuttered during COVID. It is definitely small and there is always going to be a wait, so don't be those people who come in with a huge group during prime time because they like to move (getting customers in and out) very fast.

Never even knew this place existed. As soon as we walked in, to my surprise, we were greeted with…read morecute decor, cozy atmosphere, and even live jazz band. For appetizer, We went adventurous and got the monkfish liver salad - first thought the portion is very small. But to my shock, the sauce is so delicious-- strong, vinegar-y, and spicy - my favorite flavors. Monkfish liver is fishy but very good. I ended up drinking the sauce Entrees: Braised rib massaman, as everyone recommends - best massaman I've ever had so far. Roti is crispy, perfect to go with the curry. seasonal mango branzino - fillets come off of the spine. surprisingly delicious! A little but not too sweet and also savory; again, strong flavor but it works. Better than I expected. E-san hotpot - light in consistency but flavorful dashi. Soup is very nice. Pad thai with salmon - only OK. Service was helpful too: constantly filling our waters, timely clearing dishes, even cooking the hotpot for us. Excellent thai restaurant. Will be back for sure.

This small Thai restaurant in Midtown East got packed so quickly! The inside is so floral and…read morevibrant and the menu is simple, highlighting some of their signature must-try dishes and classics.For drinks, we started with the My Summer and Thai Ice Tea. We liked both! The Crying Tiger steak was grilled really well, paired with a tangy dipping sauce. The Keaw Tod were like fried wontons. I did like the crunch but wish there was more filling and more than 6 pieces, so for $12.95, I'd pass on this one. The Short Rib Massaman is the star dish; a coconut curry with a big chunky piece of meat served with flaky roti bread. It was really flavorful and tender. The Salmon Clay Pot had nice fragrant garlic rice and a fresh salmon filet. However, the salmon rice tasted more Japanese than Thai. To end the meal, we got their delicious seasonal Mango Sticky Rice. The mangos were ripe and the rice was nice and chewy.