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.

I've been coming to Izakaya Mew for years and it's still great! The food is solid and the ambiance…read moreis that of a casual bar/izakaya. It can be a little tricky to find as it has a small door on the street level and is located down a flight of stairs on 35th. They have a variety of drinks such as frozen kirin beer and Japanese inspired cocktails. For food, they have a large variety of Japanese classics from sushi, skewers, fried dishes, and noodles/rice. My favorites here are the Omu Soba which has some tasty noodles inside and the salmon don which has some sashimi and sauce over rice!

Everything we had here was spectacular. My favorite dishes were the Mazemen noodles, corn ribs, and…read moretuna uni rice. I am already wanting to go back. The cucumber salad was also very good and flavorful. karaage was just okay and can be skipped. The corn dessert was really cool and the ube tiramisu really had the yam flavor. Boz was our server and he was amazing! Super friendly and did such an amazing job guiding us through the menu. Very funny guy too. He really added good energy to our night. Overall would recommend this place. Lots of wow moments with the dishes. So many other things to try!! 10/10 would recommend

First of all, this place is pretty. Very zen Japanese hidden vibes…read more The menu isn't super extensive. But they had some good things. Opted for the lunch set which came with the salad and curry. The ebi had big prawns. Crispy good The katsu was as well. Was it the best katsu I've had? Not really, but it was good. The corn dessert was very cute. I loved the fresh pops of corn inside. The outside was a thickish layer of white chocolate. Service was good. Overall, a nice place to chat with a friend. Very zen

I've been wanting to try Soboku for a while and my expectations were met. I loved the welcoming…read moreatmosphere and Asian decor of the restaurant, I can definitely see why Soboku is considered cozy. The staff were wonderful and worked effortlessly. The Ebi Fry Katsudon was the best donburi I've ever eaten, it had a great savory flavor that almost made me want to order a second bowl! If you're ever in Carroll Gardens, give Soboku a visit.

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

lovely spot for ramen, very authentic and cozy vibe! i put my name down for dinner around 7 and i…read moreonly waited about 15 minutes to be sat for a table of 2. service was kind and attentive, and the food came fast. i ordered the seasonal mushroom udon and it was full of umami flavors and had so many wonderful components. i particularly enjoyed the addition of the dried fried tofu, which was able to soak up all the delicious savory broth. the servings are quite large and the udon was perfectly chewy and succulent.

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.

You'll definitely walk away satisfied…read more Food 5/5 Smoked Dashi Ramen - People will think you're reincarnated from a dragon due to the perfect level of smokiness from this dish. Mango Kaki-Gori - So sweet they put "happy anniversary." A nice touch to our romantic trip. This thing is freaking huge though, so make sure you saved a loooooot of room in your belly. Loved the cream on top. Accidentally ate it the wrong way and a quarter of it toppled over. So, don't make the same mistake as me. Service 4/5 We made reservations but still had to wait about 15 minutes or so. A little frustrating because the wait was longer than a normal grace period. Our waitress was friendly, not too attentive. She was quick enough to change our ramen order after we changed our minds. Ambiance 5/5 Small space inside with a bar. Barely any waiting space inside.

I really like this place !…read more It's soo freaking delicious and my go-to for ramen! I'll be back when I'm in town again

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,