Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Kitaro

    3.3 (180 reviews)
    ModerateSushi Bars, Japanese
    Closed 11:30 am - 10:00 pm

    Order Kitaro Takeout or Delivery

    Kitaro Photos

    Business Info

    KITARO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Kitaro

    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

    Salmon
    Troy L.

    I was in the area around lunch time and was hungry. I saw that they were nearby, so I ordered their 3 Maki lunch special for $19 (2 salmon avocado roll and 1 eel avocado roll) and their salmon bento box for $19. Each lunch special came with miso soup or side salad, I ordered one of each. Overall good but a little pricey given the portion size.

    Sushi Party Platter A
    Jane D.

    During the pandemic when we lived in a tiny, rural town with all of one stoplight, we gained a new appreciation for neighborhood sushi joints like Kitaro, which we once took for granted. If I approach this analysis with snobbery... the comparison that a prior reviewer made to Takeda is preposterous. Kitaro and Takeda are in two very different arenas of play. Takeda is traditional, Edomae style, seasonal, Michelin-quality -- very much a special occasion restaurant. Kitaro is an inexpensive, Americanized, neighborhood sushi joint, good for a quick dinner or lunch. The level of quality is very different. That said, Kitaro doesn't do badly in its own swim lane. We personally like the quality of fish at comparably priced Miyako better, and the lighter / better blotted tempura and katsu there, but.... Kitaro happens to serve and deliver party platters that have a greater array of (mostly very Americanized) maki that our kids and their friends will eat. (Party Platter A includes 14 rolls: avocado / asparagus / cucumber roll, California, salmon, Alaska, eel avocado, shrimp tempura, peanut avocado, tuna, salmon mango, vegetable tempura (sweet potato), spicy crunchy shrimp, white tuna avocado, yellowtail scallion, and tuna avocado). It's a good way to feed a crowd of blossoming sushi aficionados. There's good variety. The sushi rice is well made, the fish is good enough. I personally do not enjoy Americanized sushi -- or I guess non-Edomae sushi in general, usually (e.g. spicy crunchy rolls, rolls that include cream cheese, mayonnaise, tempura, kani, salmon, etc...). But for the large contingent of folks who do, the quality to price ratio at Kitaro will probably make you happy. We are ultimately glad and extremely grateful to have Kitaro in our neighborhood!

    Sushi for 2
    Nick P.

    One of our favorite sushi places in the city! Always easy to get a table and the sushi is very fresh. Great deal too

    Squid, Salmon Belly, Tuna Sashimi. Shrimp Tempura Roll, Alaska Roll, and Salmon Skin Roll

    My4G and the Black Dragon roll were my favorite, the salmon belly always exceptional!

    Clear broth soup, shrimp tempura roll, spicy crab roll and a California roll.
    Toshi K.

    This is a little "hole-in-the-wall" spot that was very charming. Sushi was very good and quite reasonable (3 rolls for $17). Staff was not very talkative but attentive. Will definitely come here again.

    Lunch Special Menu, ends at 4:30PM everyday
    Raymond L.

    More like a 4-star place but want to help them out and they are a Mom and Pop. It's a decent spot if you know what you are coming in for. Salmon Rolls are my favorite, Tuna is good too. (Honorable mention to Salmon Special and Toro Roll) They slice big pieces here. Quick Tips: $2 Miso Soup hits the spot $1 Hot Tea has a hint of toasted seaweed flavor $10 Large Hot House Sake is a deal, can share for 2 (or 1 if you're like me) $7 Salmon, Tuna, or Cali Rolls Lunch Special is until 4:30 PM, 7 days a week Downside, place is a bit understaffed, so recommend getting as much of your order together as possible. (Lots of Grubhub/delivery orders also flow in) Good neighborhood spot to hang with friends that is friendly to your wallet as well. Manage expectations and you'll have a good time. (Sorry, it's not Nobu)

    Katie B.

    My husband and I love going to this place. We've been several times now and it never misses. Whether we get simple rolls or the special rolls, it has always hit the spot and for an affordable price too.

    Underrated Sushi Gem. Fresh fish, great quality, and never too crowded. Totally underrated. One of my go-to spots when I want something consistently excellent.

    Justean D.

    Found this gem on a random night and so glad I did! Music was nice and so was the ambiance. I got the miso soup, gyoza, spicy salmon roll and spicy tuna roll and it was delicious! The chef also sprinkled a little cayenne pepper I believe and it made it even more delish. Staff was very nice and attentive. The chef was very very sweet.

    At every table- sauce, sanitizer and hooks!
    Emerald L.

    Stopped by during lunch break with family from fabulous exhibit at the children's museum nearby. Cozy atmosphere with rustic music and beautiful decor. Lots of hooks to hang bags and jackets! Hand sanitizer at every table. Chardonnay on point. Awaiting food.:)

    Shrimp Tempura roll and Crunch Spicy Salmon Roll
    Jonathan C.

    I stopped by here for lunch, and had their shrimp tempura roll and their spicy salmon roll. Both were delicious and tasted really fresh! The miso soup that came with the lunch was hot and filled with just the right amount of tofu and seaweed.

    Yellowtail Jalapeno
    Snowboard P P.

    Kitaro is Great sushi restaurant, it has been my go to spot for years due to its fresh fish and lunch specials.

    So much food.

    See all

    Photo of Michael M.
    3449
    1827
    28493

    5 months ago

    Helpful 17
    Thanks 3
    Love this 12
    Oh no 0

    9 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Troy L.
    142
    464
    22071

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jane D.
    178
    749
    3548

    2 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 3
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nick P.
    150
    6
    1

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Don W.
    0
    240
    0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nat N.
    15
    29
    3

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tom T.
    0
    11
    1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Solid, reliable Japanese on the UWS. The lunch specials are a great value. Been going here for years and realized I never wrote a review.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kwame S.
    453
    1749
    2373

    9 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Juan M.
    1
    101
    11

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Suzy S.
    0
    26
    18

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Some of the best sushi anywhere. Fair pricing, casual enough to be relaxing, nice enough for a date night.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Vi V.
    15
    127
    164

    19 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Alicia L.
    363
    170
    201

    11 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Skylar A.
    316
    24
    7

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 5

    Kitaro Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Kitaro

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Sushi Bars 93,077 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Momoya

    Momoya

    4.1(898 reviews)
    3.2 miChelsea
    $$

    I had been to Momoya on the Upper West Side before, but this was my first visit to the Chelsea…read morelocation. The atmosphere here was a bit more lively and crowded compared to the more relaxed vibe of the UWS spot. I enjoyed my meal even more this time around. I started with the beet salad, which was delicious and offered great value given the generous portion size. it featured sliced beets, arugula, goat cheese, and walnuts. I also had my eye on the hijiki soybean salad--which is a bit smaller and reportedly homemade--so I may try that next time, along with the warm mushroom salad which looked very tasty. The edamame was standard but served as a nice starter. For my main rolls, I chose the salmon avocado and the yellowtail scallion. Both were very fresh and definitely worth ordering again. The salmon avocado roll had a nice touch of sesame seeds on the rice, while the yellowtail scallion was prepared with the seaweed on the outside. My boyfriend's sushi entree looked excellent, so I am considering that or the sushi-sashimi combo for my next visit. The entrees provide a substantial amount of food, and I especially appreciate that they allow you to choose which roll comes with your meal.

    Came as a group of 5 around 7pm on a weeknight and seated fairly quickly. Ordered a bunch of apps…read moreto share and several rolls. The edamame dumplings and the crispy shrimp shumai were crowd favorites.

    Photos
    Momoya - Inside

    Inside

    Momoya - Chirashi Lunch

    Chirashi Lunch

    Momoya - Dessert

    See all

    Dessert

    Sanyuu West

    Sanyuu West

    4.5(168 reviews)
    3.4 miChelsea
    $$$$

    price - $87 per person pre tax…read more food - 5/5 service - 5/5 ambiance - 5/5 I got the chance to try out Sanyuu West for my birthday and I had such an amazing time! from the moment I stepped into the restaurant, the waiters were super sweet and attentive to my friend and I. the courses kept coming out and each piece was super tender and bursting with flavor! my favorite was definitely the uni, toro, and wagyu on milk bread course! I love how the flavors mix so well together, I felt like I was in heaven! the service was amazing, like the never left my water cup empty!!! (props to them) the ambiance inside was also super calm and vibey. overall, I had such an amazing time and I would love to go again soon

    Came for takeout and got the Salmon Set which includes 8 huuuuge salmon nigiri for $30. You'll…read moredefinitely want to share this one. The slices aren't thin, delicate, and melt-in-your-mouth as one usually gets in a sit down; they are extra thick, and I had to really bite down on some of the pieces. The rice was nicely seasoned and was cooked well + portions are also big to match those thiccccc salmon slices. To be honest, I was getting a little nauseated after 5 pieces, haha~ They were definitely delicious but I'd probably just eat 3 or 4 pieces and share with a friend! It was easy to text the number on the website and coordinate a pickup time, and the staff was friendly when I arrived. The restaurant is a little hard to find as the windows are blinded and the sign is a piece of paper on the door.

    Photos
    Sanyuu West
    Sanyuu West - (@joeynht)

    (@joeynht)

    Sanyuu West - (@joeynht)

    See all

    (@joeynht)

    Mikado

    Mikado

    4.4(206 reviews)
    3.6 miChelsea

    Great atmosphere, delicious and reasonably priced food, attentive service…read more Can't go wrong with crispy rice and hand roll set. Enjoyed every bite. Definitely coming back.

    Reviewing location in Chelsea - The food is pretty good and there is definitely an existing…read morestandard leaning towards quality, but the service! Now, having said that although the food was decent, there were a couple of questionable choices in the overall presentation and plating and the sauces that accompany the black cod bento box I ordered, which did not actually come in a box. Everything is brought out piecemeal so you don't get an actual meal before you, but a lot of little plates brought out at different times, kinda like the Japanese equivalent of Tapas. We have been to this location twice, hoping the first time was a fluke, and trying to give them a chance only for the second time to be worse. The waitstaff is entirely disengaged from the customers. They rush you through the order process and don't explain any of the menu offerings, such as what is the difference between the different platter options. When they do come over, you are greeted with the sweetness and warmth of an unemotionally flat "What do you want?" After you get your food, no one comes over to refill water and cups are initially filled halfway with too much ice. No one comes over to remove plates afterward, and they definitely show no interest in finding out if you are enjoying your meal in the least. The booth we were sat at had not been cleaned after the last party's use so there was sauce all over, and it got on the back of my pants, which I later discovered while walking home...the joy. After eating comes the best part, they come over with these tablets outlining your check on the screen. Meanwhile, the tablets are strapped to their bodies the entire time. They don't allow you to scrutinize the charges in peace, no, they stand there impatiently for the duration either swerving from side to side of tapping their foot signaling discomfort that you're taking way too long. The funny part is the straps have clips to remove the tablets so it's not like it's impossible to leave the tablet and come back shortly. The whole process feels very rushed and pressurized for you to tip with one of the predetermined button selections, which start at 25%. Ummm, service sucked so no, we're definitely NOT starting there. I guess now we're both disappointed. Eventually, you get no paper receipt for your records even if you ask for it to be printed. And the whole time, the waitstaff is with you judging you on your tipping and not even being graceful enough to restrain their reaction. So no, not going back, and definitely would not recommend as a place to have a good time. Now, if you're looking for an uncomfortable experience served by someone that completely ignores you during your entire time there and expects an exorbitant tip to boot, then yes, this is the place for you!

    Photos
    Mikado - Indoor decor

    Indoor decor

    Mikado - Happy hour taco $5 comes with 3 tacos

    Happy hour taco $5 comes with 3 tacos

    Mikado - Inside large table

    See all

    Inside large table

    Izakaya MEW - Salmon Carpaccio

    Izakaya MEW

    4.3(3.3k reviews)
    2.6 miMidtown West
    $$

    You walk down a sketchy staircase off 35th with basically no signage and land in a basement that's…read morelouder than half of K-town one block over. That's the charm. Went tonight and the sushi was legitimately fresh, like actually fresh, not Midtown-lunch-counter fresh. Yellowtail carpaccio and the salmon tataki were the standouts, clean fish, no fridge taste. This is izakaya food though, so order like it: geso kara, aged tofu, gyoza, repeat. Frozen beer comes with that slushie foam cap they do in Tokyo and it keeps the pint cold to the last sip, which matters when the room is this warm and packed. Service is fast and a little chaotic. Prices are fair for the neighborhood, borderline cheap at lunch. Not a temple of sushi, but for a rowdy basement near Herald Square? Way better than it needs to be. Full by 6pm sharp. Come at 5 for the sake deal or book on Resy, the phone voicemail is always full.

    We came on a weekday evening around 7pm and there was a short line down the stairs to get on the…read morewaitlist. It only took about 20 minutes to get a table. The environment was loud like a buzzing bar. The service was attentive, bringing out dishes and cleaning up the table throughout. I liked the texture of the salmon tataki and the wasabi cream was well-incorporated. The kimchi cream udon was delicious. I was literally licking the sauce off the plate because the sauce was so good! The okonomiyaki came on a sizzling skillet. The flavor of the dish was perfectly savory and made for some great bites.

    Photos
    Izakaya MEW - Dining area

    Dining area

    Izakaya MEW - Volcano Roll and Chikaten Roll

    Volcano Roll and Chikaten Roll

    Izakaya MEW - Scallop Uni Butter Skewer

    See all

    Scallop Uni Butter Skewer

    Umami Sushi - Delicious coursed out hand rolls

    Umami Sushi

    4.3(289 reviews)
    3.8 miWest Village
    $$

    Stopped here for dinner on a Saturday on a whim and was so happy with our choice! We walked in and…read morewere seated right away. It is a really small place with around 6-8 tables so it probably gets busy at times and there may be a wait. One of the best parts of their menu here is that you can order sushi by the piece. My mom doesn't always have the biggest appetite so for her to be able to order only a few pieces instead of an entire roll was a huge plus! I had to crispy tuna rice appetizer and the dragon roll. Literally so good. I was seriously craving crispy rice and these were perfect. I would order this again and again. The sushi was fresh and taste great as well. Super glad we decided to come here!

    This evening we were going to a jazz club where a friend of our son works at, but they don't serve…read morefood, so we had to find a place in the area of where the club is at. Do of course I use Yelp to find something that catches my eye close by where we need to be. I found umami Sushi. We usually can't go wrong with Japanese food or sushi. We had no problems finding the place. The description said it was a small restaurant and as we entered the dining area was very small. Our hotel room was probably bigger. That doesn't bother me especially if we get there, there tables for us to sit comfortably. I also trust my judgment when I find a place that seems to be popular by the locals. The restaurant was empty when we arrived. We were the only ones there, but for some reason we bring good vibes to the places we eat because not too long after we placed our order, people started coming in, to the point that the small dining room was packed. I love Omakase style Service and what we ordered was a sashimi/sushi platter for three and two special rolls. I thought I got to choose the rolls but even that was chefs choice. I was just a bit worried that they would give us the cheap rolls like spicy tuna or California roll. The platter came out and it was beautifully prepared with a piece of sashimi for each of us and the rolls the chefs chose, ended up being two of my favorite rolls. The types of fish they selected were also great quality fish. We were lucky to have placed our order before the crowd came in our we might have had to wait a while because how they prepared it would have taken some time. The service was just right. Because they got busy right away, the waitress was forced to attend to everyone and couldn't really socialize with us. In fact when we finished our platter we were debating what we wanted for dessert but the waitress didn't even ask us and instead she just brought us the bill, so we said to ourselves, "I guess we're not having dessert here." So we paid the bill and gave an opportunity for someone else to take our table.

    Photos
    Umami Sushi
    Umami Sushi - Salmon handroll (least favorite)

    Salmon handroll (least favorite)

    Umami Sushi - Salmon carpaccio

    See all

    Salmon carpaccio

    Kitaro - sushi - Updated September 2026

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