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    Kosaka

    4.3 (239 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndJapanese, Sushi Bars
    Closed Closed
    Updated a few days ago

    Kosaka Photos

    Business Info

    KOSAKA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Intimate
    Classy
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Kosaka

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    Kyle A.

    Kosaka is an upscale pricey omakase that are a dime a dozen in the city and the dinner here did not standout for the value for me. The restaurant has chef's counter and dining table options starting at $295/$270 pp. They have a sake pairing with a standard and reserve option ($275 and $175, respectively). The reserve option came with five sakes and important thing to note is they serve the next sake as soon as you finish one and is not actually paired with particular courses and they served each in standard cups without any extra pours - overall very disappointing for the price you're paying and definitely not worth it. The omakase itself was good but nothing memorable. We were given the standard findings and the fish tasted fresh but similarly it was a let down for the price. The experience was very impersonal too - the staff were fairly attentive throughout the meal but the chefs barely acknowledged us, even when handing out courses, which is completely fine if that's the experience you prefer too as they are so focused on the prep! But for the other options in the city at a similar price range, I had a much more memorable experience even down to under $200 such as at sushi jin.

    Sushi
    Rose B.

    Very cozy omakase in the west village! Liked every dish except for the egg soup -- it tasted like egg mixed with water. Served did a great job of explaining every course. Left feeling full but not stuffed (although I was hungry a few hours later). Great omakase spot but for the price, I think you could find better value.

    Gab G.

    Celebrated my boyfriend's birthday here and had an amazing meal! Service was wonderful and our chef was so friendly. Firefly squid appetizer, Hokkaido uni and toro were all standouts... in general, the nigiri was the highlight for me. Presentation was wonderful and everything was super fresh. Would recommend to anyone looking for a slightly-off-the-beaten-path omakase experience!

    Mikayla F.

    I have no photos of my sushi, but this dinner will always be remembered and as near and dear to my heart, they are beyond spectacular with everything service is incredible. They always check on you. They clean up after you fold your towel. They pour your drink and you don't even have to ask for anything. The interior was nice. It felt very intimate inside the quality of the fish is what I dream of I still have dreams of it. It's the best meal I've ever had in my entire life. I highly highly highly recommend this place if you ever get the chance to go here, definitely don't second-guess it. You need to go here. It is some of the best food you'll ever have the quality was so good nothing tasted too fishy. It was all really tender. I give this 1000 out of 10. I'd give it five stars over and over again. The sushi chef was amazing. He prepared everything so excellent and it was really cool to see him prepping everything for us and they explain what everything is where it came from amazing I can't get enough of this place and I wanna go back and I plan to.

    JP P.

    SO and I had a celebratory dinner here over the weekend and were both very pleased with it.  It's a small establishment, very clean and classy with soothing, slow jazz playing at a comfortable level.  The benefit of a smaller establishment like this is very attentive service, which was demonstrated throughout our dinner. After a couple of tasty starters, the omakase onslaught followed. The seafood was high quality mostly from Japan, but also from countries like Spain and New Zealand. Our favorites were the uni (which was creamy with a mild and pleasing aftertaste) and the otoro (buttery and delectable). There were a few tables available for more of an intimate dinner, but seeing dishes prepared live is always a good spectacle.  Bottom line, the service was on point and the food was delicious. Yes, it's pricey, but excellent for special occasions!

    Tiffany F.

    Omakase was OKAY at this 1-Michelin star But compared to other 1-Michelin star omakase places in NYC, this hits below the threshold. Sushi was decent/good (when you compare it to other sushi places that are NOT Michelin starred/rated) but the selection AND quality was mediocre compared to OTHER 1-Michelin places. At $250/person, it was disappointing. Attentive staff, a cozy environment, sit at the counter if possible. Not going to get into the individual course/nigiri details but cost did not match quality.

    Red snapper, skipjack, amberjack
    Jahleel C.

    VENUE: Dark lighting setting. We were seated by the door. It's summer so the door opening and closing is okay. Not sure how it would be in the colder weather. SERVICE: Perfect. The waiter was attentive and explained every dish that came out. FOOD: I'm picky when it comes to sushi and do not eat other types of fish especially uni. Let me tell you, every single sushi/sashimi/maki was delicious! Sake was delicious too! I would absolutely go here again if I had $300 USD to spare again. Til next time!

    omakase
    Victoria G.

    Food 10/10 As a huge fan of edo style, I really enjoyed tasting the pure fish flavor rather than extravagant and unnecessary flourishes. The sushi to rice ratio was very reasonable, and each piece had a distinct touch. Started out with an appetizer and some sashimi that tasted super fresh. I would say the toro and uni were my absolute favorites, but the whole omakase menu was very coherent and well put together. Definitely one of the best omakase I've had in the city, as it isn't too boisterous and showy, and remains very solid and sophisticated. Atmosphere 10/10 Very vibey, dark interior but both modern and elegant. The counter was very long, with multiple chefs working, and I think there were tables behind me. Very intimate space, definitely recommend sitting at the counter rather than at a table. Service 10/10 Our water was never empty, and the chef was super friendly but also respected our dining space. Had some great conversations with him, learning about his expertise and watching him do his magic!

    Front outside
    Sarah B.

    The ambiance was elegant and quiet. But didn't feel too formal or stuffy, which I liked. The service was great, what you'd expect from a top notch omakase spot. I just wish they had a full bar (I was craving a martini or cocktail with some shiso or yuzu, they only have beer, wine and sake). And of course we were blown away by each bite of the omakase. Omakase offers flavors and freshness you don't get from any other kind of cuisine. It's exactly what I want for my bday every year! I'm happy I finally made it here, it's been on my list for a long time, and now I can finally check it off! Thanks Kosaka!

    Leah B.

    A decision I do not regret: taking my loved one here for their birthday. My partner has a refined palette when it comes to sushi, particularly toro. After doing some research, Kosaka seemed like a good choice. I was hesitant because of the price at first, but as each course came , we felt more and more glad we came here. Each dish was a surprising and unique delight. It wasn't the same concept hashed again and again like some omakase restaurants might do. The chef was cheery and not overly serious, and that really lightened the atmosphere . Funny enough I keep thinking of the toffee they served for dessert. It was so delicious. If you are doing Omakase, I recommend calling in to reserve a counter spot. I was not able to do this online. I also had noted on my reservation online that it was a birthday celebration and they really did make it special. We were welcomed by the greeter with a happy birthday and had a little note card welcoming us. We also had an aesthetically pleasing miniature cake.

    Troy E.

    Excellent meal! I've been to a few other Michelin starred places around the city and Kosaka does not disappoint. All of the pieces were unique and the service was excellent. I ordered the sushi Omakase and opted for the $50 Toro Caviar supplement. 1. Firefly Squid 2. Toro with Ostera Caviar 3. Shima Aji 4. King Salmon with Smoked Soy Sauce 5. Golden Eye Snapper 6. Grouper from Japan 7. Chu Toro 8. O Toro 9. Octopus from Hokkaido Yuzu and Green Tea Salt 10. Ocean Trout from Hokkaido 11. Salmon Roe 12. Jumbo Sweet Shrimp 13. Scallop with Yuzu Frond 14. Chu Toro Handroll 15. Anago Sea el 16. Tamago

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    Kosaka Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Kosaka

    Is there a strict dress code? Here on Yelp it says casual, but other sources list it as business casual?

    No, you can dress casually

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    Tensai - ebi niku udon ($18)

    Tensai

    4.3(59 reviews)
    2.1 miMidtown East

    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.

    I recently tried Tensai for dinner during the weekday and enjoyed a nice authentic Japanese udon…read more The restaurant is nestled in Midtown East NY and has several two-seater tables, but only one or two larger tables that can seat a party of 4. Very cozy restaurant and the staff were attentive and friendly. Luckily their service is very fast so my family and I didn't have to wait more than 10 minutes for a table in the back. I really enjoyed their niku udon. The broth was flavorful but not too salty. The menu offered a variety of options, all reasonably priced between $10-20, ensuring great value for the quality provided. I would come back to Tensai for some comforting Japanese udon noodles!

    Photos
    Tensai
    Tensai - Karaage

    Karaage

    Tensai - Spicy Cucumber $8.98 (Persian cucumber with chili oil, garlic chips and chili thread)

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    Spicy Cucumber $8.98 (Persian cucumber with chili oil, garlic chips and chili thread)

    Sakagura

    Sakagura

    4.2(2k reviews)
    1.8 miMidtown East
    $$$$

    Food: 4/5 Service bumped it to a 5/5 because all of the…read morestaffs were so friendly. From the moment we walked in to us finding the bathroom and waving anyone down for our requests. We got the fish carpaccio to start and it was pretty good! It tasted like what I expected from the description. The miso soup was also good, not too salty and slightly different than your trusty takeout sushi spot. I got the dashi omelette and it was a little sweet and savory. It paired nicely with the radish. I got the cold, plum udon. Which was refreshing and a bit sour from the plums. The broth was sippable since it wasn't too salty. My friend got the mushroom cold soba and it came with mashed yam. This dish tasted more like what I was expecting since the sourness of my dish kinda was unexpected, but I still enjoyed it! My friend also got a drink and it was SO strong. I think they're serious about their drinks here I didn't see any mocktails or cocktails. They gave us black sesame ice cream on the house since her drinks came out later than expected, which was really nice! I'm not a black sesame fan, but this place's ice cream was good! You're able to chew on the black sesame's bits and pieces in there. Overall, I do think they nail Japanese food, it's supposed to be simple and clean. So if you're looking for creative and big umami flavors, that's not going to be this place. But if you want authentic, Japanese food, this is the place!

    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!

    Photos
    Sakagura - Happy Friday!

    Happy Friday!

    Sakagura - Hot "Inaniwa" Udon

    Hot "Inaniwa" Udon

    Sakagura - Lunch Time. Happy Friday!

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    Lunch Time. Happy Friday!

    Katsu-Hama

    Katsu-Hama

    4.0(1.9k reviews)
    1.8 miMidtown East
    $$

    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.

    Food: This is one of the few places in NYC that does a traditional Japanese tonkatsu very well;…read moreit's not as good as Japan, but it's still very good. This restaurant offers a variety of Japanese katsu including pork loin, pork tenderloin, curries, seafood, and donburis as well as many appetizers, drinks, and desserts. We tried the miso pork loin and the half pork/half chicken curry katsu. Both were delicious, and very enjoyable. The katsu is very crispy and well made; the meat inside is very moist. For every entree, you have the option of choosing set A (miso soup with pork and vegetable, potato salad, shredded cabbage) or set B (miso soup and shredded cabbage). There was nothing special about the vegetable and pork soup and potato salad so I would recommend set B. At every table, there are a variety of condiments - salad dressing for the cabbage, spice powder, tonkatsu sauce, and soy sauce. I would definitely come back here if I am craving katsu. Service: Service was phenomenal. The restaurant was packed and very busy, but our server was still very attentive and always available if we needed something. Very friendly! Ambiance: The restaurant is not big but can accommodate both large and small groups. Space is a bit tight, but the seating is still comfortable. They have counter seating as well as tables in the back. During peak dinner time, there was a little bit of a wait and a line near the door; the place is very popular. Overall, I would highly recommend this restaurant if you are craving tonkatsu!

    Photos
    Katsu-Hama
    Katsu-Hama - Oyster and katsu

    Oyster and katsu

    Katsu-Hama - Agedashi Tofu

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    Agedashi Tofu

    Sozai

    Sozai

    4.3(177 reviews)
    1.7 miMidtown West

    Beyond the usual ramen and sushi--an incredible Japanese spot!…read more When friends suggest Japanese food, it's usually the same rotation of ramen, basic sushi, or curry. This place completely breaks the mold! The chefs here put genuine thought, balance, and incredible freshness into every single dish. The space is small and cozy--perfect for groups of 2 to 4--and our server, Alisa, was attentive, friendly, and never pushy. Here is a breakdown of what we ordered: Sake Flight & Sakura Mori: Smooth, light, and the perfect start to the evening. Ankimo (Monkfish Liver): Super innovative and a total standout compared to other spots. Paired brilliantly with the ponzu-wasabi-soy combination. Uni: Exceptionally fresh with that natural, clean sweetness you always hope for. Toro Tataki: Pure summer vibes! Beautifully fresh sashimi topped with the perfect crispiness. Scallop Roll: Fresh with a great bounce to the texture. Karaage: Fried to perfection--super crispy on the outside, incredibly juicy on the inside, and paired with a delicious house-made mustard dipping sauce. Age Tofu: Super soft texture with a wonderfully balanced flavor profile. Takoyaki: Generously packed with octopus. The sauce was a bit heavy-handed, but if you love takoyaki sauce like I do, it hits the spot! Pork Katsu Curry: Crispy, perfectly fried pork chop balanced out seamlessly by the rice and rich curry sauce. Kurobuta Sausage: More of a casual bar-style bite that felt a little out of place next to the other refined dishes, but saved by that great house mustard. Black Sesame Ice-Cream & Fried Sweet Potato Dessert: We usually skip dessert when we order this much food, but this combination was an incredible, must-order finish to the night! You can tell the kitchen takes immense pride in their craft. I can't wait to come back!

    Vibe/ambiance: clean, modern Izakaya Service: attentive…read moreReservation: recommended Items ordered: Fav dish was hamachi crudo - v good flavor combo with light truffle flavor Salmon carpaccio was aight nothing too special here Kakuni is like hongshaorou. A bit dry but then very fatty Scallop yellowtail yuzu roll: 9/10 Udon: 9/10 Fried squid: 6.8/10

    Photos
    Sozai - Bar area

    Bar area

    Sozai - Sake Clam Miso

    Sake Clam Miso

    Sozai - Black sesame ice cream and red bean

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    Black sesame ice cream and red bean

    Kosaka - japanese - Updated August 2026

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