Sometimes you just want a more traditional Japanese dining experience, and that's what draws me to Ootoya. It's not bad at all--but it's also not my go-to Japanese spot. Food: 3/5 I was first introduced to Ootoya by my grandmother, who recommended their simple lunch sets like udon with rice and fish. The food itself is solid--fresh, comforting, and clearly made with care. That said, the value is where things get tricky. Most sets start around $20-$30, and once you add extras, the bill climbs quickly. It's very easy to end up spending well over $100 for a casual lunch for two, which makes it feel more like an occasional treat than a regular spot. Service: 4/5 Service is generally good and efficient. Everything feels freshly prepared and well organized, but there's not much that stands out beyond standard attentive service. Vibe: 4/5 The decor is one of the strongest parts of the experience. It feels like stepping into a traditional Japanese dining space--almost like a calm "time capsule" away from the city. It's a really nice atmosphere if you're looking for something more authentic and quiet. All in all, I don't dislike Ootoya at all--it's a pleasant, reliable experience. But because of the price point (especially with tips and add-ons), it doesn't end up being my first choice for Japanese food. I wouldn't rule it out, but I also wouldn't go out of my way for it when there are more affordable options in the city. read more

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This was my 1st visit to their Times Square location and I also haven't been to Ootoya in a hot minute. I stopped by for a birthday lunch and was seated at the counter. QR codes on the table needed to be scanned to view the menu but I think they also had physical menus as well. The Yosenabe Teishoku set had a kombu broth with 3 different kinds of fish, pork slices, beef slice and udon noodles. Talk about a lot of food! The okra side that it came with had a sesame dressing which I wished they offered refills for. The salad was just okay for me, the dressing was a bit tart for me. The miso soup was also pretty good with 2 small pieces of tofu and a few pieces of wakame. The star of this whole meal was definitely the hot pot. The first fish had quite a lot of bones but the meat tasted clean and was tender and flaky. The salmon was also pretty tender and definitely not overcooked. The third I wasn't too partial with because of the slightly fishy taste. The beef was just okay for me as I enjoyed the pork a lot more. More than just a boiled taste, perhaps the pork was seasoned but it was my favorite part of the hot pot. With some udon noodles at the bottom of the hot pot and a giant bowl of rice, this set meal was definitely very filling. 2nd visit: I tried the Kaasan Ni set. Onions were stewed till soft and paired well with the egg and katsu pieces. Next time I'll have to give the beef sukiyaki a try. read more

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Sat down solo. Ordered a lunch set: Katsu Curry rice. Added on sides: Gyoza, Croquettes and Kara Age. Service was attentive, informative. Atmosphere was calm and inviting. Everything i ate speaks for itself. The small side of Goma Ae was my favorite. Yes! read more

Ootoya Times Square - Lunch Set: Curry + s/ Croquette - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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We came here because we were seeing a show in the area and wanted something hot in this cold weather. The place was heaving on a weekday and there were too many loud people around us, we couldn't talk and couldn't hear ourselves. The food's standard, nothing to write home about but good enough and reasonably priced given the area. But honestly don't want to come here again coz the acoustics are unbearable. read more

Ootoya Times Square - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Good service, very friendly and helpful ~ went on a Saturday afternoon with a group of 6 and were seated in about 30 min. Ample seating for the space. Food came out pretty quickly ~ We all ordered different lunch sets and portions were very generous. Everything was good, filling, and solid. That said, nothing that WOWed ~ just fine/good, just not the first go-to for similar spots. Around $50 per person. Good option if you're nearby and want something reliable. read more

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A solid Japanese spot. The inside is decorated so beautifully and has plentiful seating. I made a reservation and had a short fifteen minute wait before I was seated. The service was efficient. The food was good but didn't blow me away. It was honestly quite expensive, so I was hoping for dishes that really impressed me. I had high hopes for the crispy rice, but it didn't have very notable flavor, and the rice was barely crispy. Same problem with the tonkatsu: I wanted to really enjoy it, but the crispy exterior and flavor were just alright. That being said, I did really like the washu beef sukiyaki nabe, with savory broth and thin slices of tender beef. This place wasn't bad by any means, but there are far better Japanese restaurants at the same price point. read more

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A solid spot for authentic Japanese food with some highs and a few trade-offs. Ambience (4/5): Clean with a calm vibe, though at peak dinner hours it can feel a bit tight and noisy. Food (4/5): Fresh ingredients and well-executed traditional dishes like grilled fish and teishoku sets, but portions can feel on the smaller side for the price, especially at dinner. Value (4/5): Lunch sets are a great deal and feel worth it, but dinner pricing leans expensive for what you get. Service (5/5): Attentive and professional staff who are friendly without being overbearing; food usually comes out quickly and consistently. read more

Ootoya Times Square - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

I came here on a solo trip to New York. They opened promptly at 11:30am and I was seated at a counter space. I was surprised to see how quickly the place filled up within an hour. Digital menu can be accessed via QR code. The menu was simple and easy to understand. I ordered a miso cod lunch combo and it was delicious and flavorful. It was definitely more than enough food and I left very full. Service was attentive and they refilled my water without me asking. The atmosphere was calm. I enjoyed my visit and will definitely come back if I am in New York again. Restroom is available. read more

Ootoya Times Square - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Ootoya was the highlight of our meals during our trip to NYC. We made a reservation a few days beforehand and our table was ready as soon as we arrived. Our courses all came out right as we had finished up the last, and every single one was delicious. I really loved the Steak Ju- the Wagyu sirloin was great with their special steak sauce. The dumplings were a nice starter, and the dessert box was a fun way to end our meal by sampling 3 different sweets. It's kind of hidden off of the main Times Square area, so it isn't too noisy. Great cozy spot for a tasty dinner. read more

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I got a $30 off birthday offer so decided to come here for lunch. Came here around 11:30am on a weekday and it wasn't that busy yet. They are set up like a restaurant in Japan where there is an abundance of single seating which is where I got seated. Fair warning that the seats here have the air conditioning blasting at it if you don't like the cold. I ordered a Noodle set with Bara Chirashi Don and seiro udon. The fish was nice and fresh and the udon hit the spot. The only thing different is that usually in Japan, they would provide shaved daikon as well but I don't use that so it was fine for me. I also ordered the warabimochi to end the meal which was good. In total, it came out to $38 with tax and tip which is a little pricey for lunch but with the birthday offer, I was completely happy. read more

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If there's one place I often find myself, it is ootoya. I've been to this location twice and despite the prices being a little high, I do appreciate the comfort that their food brings back for me. I love Japanese cuisine - especially oyakodon! I've had oyakodon at some other places in NYC but it never quite hits the same. The ambiance of this place is nice and cozy - good for a small group meal. I feel that the intimacy of a small group is perfect for chill chats or quick catchups. This location is also very close to bryant park so after the meal, can do a quick stroll there. Their wait staff was mostly attentive but at some point, one just asked my friend if she needed a refill on water while I, too needed it. My friend had to flag them down XD; But overall, I would always recommend ootoya if you are in the mood for japanese food (not sushi although I believe they offer). read more

I was watching one of my favorite youtubers- Abroad in Japan and he mentioned this popular chain restaurant in Japan in one of his videos. It felt so familiar and then I realized there is a location in Manhattan that was on my list to try. They are very much a Japanese comfort set meals style place with over 400 locations in Japan and additionally several locations in China, Thailand and Vietnam. The inside of the restaurant takes you to Japan. It may look small from the outside but it's a big space. The staff were shuffling between tables and bringing food and drinks out. I was in a time crunch as I had an hour and then we had to get to penn station to catch our train. Maybe that's why trying to get their attention after we finished our meal felt very frustrating. The sweet potato fries were so delicious and I wanted to eat every bit. It was apparently an osaka sweet potato... so rich and sweet in taste I couldn't believe it. In my opinion the prices were kind of high for the size and amount of food you got. I mean an eel rice bowl was like $55.... And entree without rice or soup were starting at $26 But, it might be because they are using higher quality ingredients or they increased prices knowing they were in the US market. Not really sure but the presentation for things is simple but elegant in its own right. I got one of the sets that comes with rice, cod and a miso soup. The fact that the rice or miso soup doesn't come with the dishes was surprising to me. Regardless, the cod was delicious and I did enjoy it. Overall, despite being pricey I would 100% go again and try their drinks as well. Food 8 Service 7 Atmosphere 9 What we got Agedashi Tofu Satsumaimo stick Kaasan Ni Gindara Miso Teishoku set read more

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I have been to this place for at least 5 times already. But last time I came here, They added a ton of new restrictions and limitations, I honestly don't think i will come back, the food still tastes ok. The tofu salad is the best thing ever, the chicken karaage simply sucks, the service wasn't good and they are very pushy to get you to pay even though you are not the last table. read more

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Ootoya is still so delicious. Their Japanese butterfish is soft and flavorful. The multi grain rice is a good choice for healthier carb option. For the soup, you can get miso or clear soup, which has mushrooms and tofu in it. I added the plain chawanmusi (steamed egg) to the set. That is always so good. Another wonderful dish is the beef sukiyaki nabe set special. The washu beef is tender and in a hot pot with sweet soy sauce. Their sushi is very tasty also. They have tea to order. It comes in a pot with tea leaves and shareable for just $6 and they can fill it again with hot water for a 2nd brew too. Still has tea flavor. This place is a must try. They have other locations in Union Square and Chelsea also. read more

Ootoya Times Square - Beef sukiyaki special set - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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A little pricy for what it is. I've definitely spent less for better taste and quality. I also felt that we receive the bare minimum service, just take our order and receive our check but other than that, nothing that stood out. I will preface that I am a little strict on my Japanese food since I grew up eating Japanese food. The udon wasn't necessarily not good, just nothing special. I did like the ambiance of the restaurant read more

Ootoya Times Square - Ootoya mazemen - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

This was a very cute Japanese restaurant. The lunch specials are around $28 for a fish entree. I loved the fresh taste. It was very light and easy on the stomach. I'll try a few extras next time to taste. I'll be back. read more

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Definitely coming back again to try different items on the menu! Quality and delicious food! Staff are very attentive and accommodating, I came walk in and don't need to line they sat me on the table right away. read more

Ootoya Times Square - Definitely coming back again to try different items on the menu! Quality and delicious food! - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Some of the best Japanese food I've had in NYC! I ordered the Katsu Toji Set and it blew me away! The pork was tender and it soaked so well in the dashi broth. The sides (okra in sesame sauce, miso soup, side salad) completed the set. I ordered seaweed rice for an additional $2 but it didn't taste any different so regular white rice would have still been great. Service was friendly and quick! I'd definitely want to try their other locations. read more

I brought my Mom here to celebrate her birthday last week. It was her first time here. The atmosphere is very cozy and the service is amazing. Our server answered all of the questions we had about the menu. The Autumn Gozen included so many items, but it did not include a dessert. You can only add the chosen dessert for an additional $7. We opted out on the chosen dessert and ordered two different ones at regular price. My Mom had a great time and enjoyed her meal. We will be back to try the other items on the menu! read more

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Service was prompt and professional. Clean bathroom. I ordered the goken bento. It's $30 and for take out orders they give 10 % off. The bento has a little bit of everything and I actually really enjoyed it. It has 9 different sections filled with different things. 1. Fried vegetables served with a sweet and sour vinegar sauce, 2. Grilled yellowtail served with a Teriyaki sauce over white rice, 3. Dashimaki egg and steamed marinated chicken, 4. Breaded and deep fried Herb pork loin cutlet, 5. Thinly sliced Washu beef and vegetables served with a soy-based Sukiyaki sauce, 6. Fried chicken flavored with a garlic soy sauce, 7. Hijiki seaweed and edamame over multi grain rice, 8. Grilled salted mackerel, 9. Salmon flakes over white rice. I really enjoys the different flavors and how healthy it was. read more

Ootoya Times Square - Goken Bento $30 July 2025 - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Ootoya at Times Square is a break from the Times Square hubbub and offers great food, but not quite as good as the Chelsea location in my opinion. I came here with my cousins from out of town and they liked the food, but wished they could have visited the Chelsea location, which has a few differences I noted. I am hooked on their salted mackerel set, but the menu at Times Square offers the set as an a la carte add on, instead of as a whole set with the fish by default in Chelsea with the option to order the fish a la carte. The set at Chelsea also includes the egg custard missing at Times Square, unless that has been removed from the set in Chelsea these days. The sets include ground radish that offers a light counterpoint to the oil of the fish, that gives a spark with a touch of soy sauce. Really, that combo of mackerel, radish and soy sauce is delectable. The set also includes miso soup and a small bowl of vegetables. Second, the Chelsea location offers sushi omakasse not offered at Times Square. The preparation of the mackerel at Chelsea is slightly better in my opinion. It is trimmed better and has a slightly crispier skin. However, one would enjoy the salted mackerel at Times Square without a doubt. The number and ratio of Japanese patrons at either location is testimony to the quality and value offered; though like anywhere, the prices have risen. The Asahi on tap is not to be missed. I do not know of other places offering Asahi on tap, but it is so refreshingly crisp with just enough flavor that does not get in the way of whatever you eat at Ootoya. The hotter it gets, the more you will think of and reminisce about that Asahi on tap! I have had their futomaki rolls before at Chelsea and they are very good. You can eat through the entire menu with confidence at Ootoya. The gyoza at Times Square are great appetizers and I was pleasantly surprised by the sweet potato sticks with black salt. Very good appetizer! Service is also good at Times Squres. The atmosphere at Times Square is a nice respite from what is happening nearby. Enjoy. Overall, 3.8 stars! read more

Once you step in, it almost feels like you've been transported out of NYC and into Japan. From the welcome to the service itself, the whole experience is extremely cordial, even serene. You forget that you're in the middle of Times Square! Fantastic meal sets and pretty customizable. Digital menus make it easy to scroll through and find the options that are right for you. Sure there are more affordable spots elsewhere but if you're looking for the complete package of a Japanese meal with the ambiance & experience then this is it. read more

Ootoya Times Square - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Had an early dinner after a matinee. Very very good and reasonably price The ambiance was meh but good enough! Would go back and recommend read more

Great fish dishes here. Tons of different menus make it a bit confusing but that means more choices. Good sake options and various smaller dishes. Miso fish was my choice and a great one. read more

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I had a satisfying and delicious lunch set at Ootoya. It checked all the boxes in terms of food. The service was prompt. The playlist was soothing. It was a good break from the bustle on Broadway. read more

Ootoya Times Square - Gindara lunch set - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Dinner before watching broadway, lovely restaurant. Service is great, really fast and efficient. No long wait for anything. Food is delicious. I don't like to have too much salt and this is just about right. Not salty at all. Solid 8-8.5 restaurants read more

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It was solid! Went with a Japanese coworker, and he was quite happy with the food as well. It was $26 for the katsu with soup and rice, and I thought it was a pretty good value for new york. I did go for lunch though. It's walk in only, but the line did move fast, and it was casual yet nice. read more

Ootoya Times Square - Katsu toji set - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Ordered the mackerel set for delivery. The food was so good and was still very warm when it arrived. The fish was cooked perfectly and it was easy to take all the bones out. The miso soup, rice, and side vegetables all tasted good as well. Also tried beef potato croquettes. They were so good. Perfectly crispy and not soggy or oily. Inside was seasoned well and so yummy. Would definitely recommend! read more

Ootoya Times Square - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

the ultimate japanese comfort food in the heart of nyc with amazing service and the perfect ambiance! We got 2 of their noodle lunch sets, if you look at my photo, the top is their Katsu Ju set and the bottom is their Ootoya Yosenabe set. Highly recommend either one! Definitely coming back for their other menu items in the near future! read more

Ootoya Times Square - Rosu Katsu Ju Set and Yosenabe Set - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Great food, service was fine, it was a bit busy and we received food fairly quickly. But not a lot of checking in on our table. Small casual dining was perfect for us, we enjoyed it. read more

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Came to Ootoya for lunch and enjoyed a nice meal. I liked their decor and the wait staff was very efficient and cordial. The menu is diverse, with pictures. They have a four item selection, where you choose from protein, rice or noodles, sauce, and accompaniments. My chicken, multi-grain rice, ginger sauce, and dumplings were enjoyable. It also comes with Miso Soup and a soy dipping sauce, for the dumplings. All of this was served on a convenient tray, that keeps everything together. I also noticed, that they have a to-go window, adjacent to the entrance door. The window was busy and a smart addition to the restaurant. I recommend Ootoya, but try to arrive before noon. By the time we left, the place was full and many patrons were waiting. read more

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Please be aware that 6$/riceball looks like this They open a new riceball area outside of the restaurant and i was exited to try because i always love ootaya food but i am extremely disappointed on this 6$ rice ball They wrap it like whatever and the riceball that i chose is sukiyaki but it taste like white rice read more

Ootoya Times Square - Rice ball - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Came by for dinner the other night and it was a tasty experience. Ottoya features traditional Japanese cuisine around Times Square. No reservations. Dining is available indoors exclusively at the bar or at a table. All parties must be present before being able to be seated. Staff were talented in a uniform shirt with name tag. Some even opted to wear tight and long latex gloves when bringing out food from the kitchen. Started off with the chicken karaage and the chicken was fresh and flavorful. Moved onto the miso black cod and the cod was perfectly grilled with a huge portion. There was a nice side of pickled radish along with vegetables. The miso soup was perfect. The restaurant was very warm, just like in Japan. read more

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Second visit to Ootoya. Had a great time both times. Lots of seating inside so the wait times weren't long both visits. And the place is quite clean. Had the katsu udon, was very filling. I enjoyed my meal, it really was warm for a cold rainy day. The broth wasn't too salty and the katsu was very juicy. Would definitely suggest visiting. read more

Ootoya Times Square - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Ootoya is a chain from Japan with several stores in New York. Unfortunately, the quality isn't up to the same standards as the Japanese branches. Ambiance was ok for a casual meal after work or with the family. The music playing was some generic jazz at a good volume to block out other tables but still allowed you to have a conversation with your own party. Decor was showing its age. The restaurant was definitely showing some signs of wear and could use some renovations. The menus were also in a very dilapidated condition. The bathrooms were clean enough but a very tight fit making you feel like you're on an airplane. There's a lot of empty space in the front of the restaurant which could better be used for bigger bathrooms. Service is quick and functional. It is not warm or welcoming but the restaurant is great for those in a hurry. Some meals come out faster than American fast food chains. Food is where things go off the rails. The menu will be familiar to anyone who has been to Japanese restaurants. The pictures look great. Hell, the food all LOOKS great when it comes out. The plates and faux lacquer boxes all look the part as well - even if they show their age. Everything is off. From the items we had: Fresh tofu was very fresh but it's usually served with flavored salts. No salts were listed on the menu and none offered so it was very bland. Shishito peppers were unevenly cooked and had no flavor. Some were charred completely black while some were lightly cooked. Chawan mushi was very small. Good flavors albeit a little fishier than usual. Shrimp gyoza had a good dipping sauce but the filling was like a shrimp cake and "meaty" with an odd taste. It didn't taste like fresh shrimp for a homemade gyoza. Katsu ju was a katsu don in a lacquer box. There was a generous amount of thick pork pieces but the pork fat wasn't completely rendered leaving a chewy bad aftertaste with some bites. Tonkatsu udon also had a large serving of pork with the same issue of the pork fat not being fully rendered. The udon noodles were OK but the broth wasn't really balanced and tasted like either they put too much bonito in the soup stock or something else went wrong during the development of the broth. Aside from the food quality the items are pretty expensive averaging $25-35 per main dish representing poor value for money. Hard pass. Best to do a little research for some better options a few blocks south in ktown. read more

Ootoya Times Square is an extremely popular Japanese restaurant with a fairly large food and drink menu. It used to be non-tipping (no longer true). There will be a a wait list, the food is very overpriced for the size and taste, but the service was A+. -- Personally, the best part of my meal was the service- a server offered to charge another patron's phone which was low on charge while he ate. Portions are small, our food was soggy (but hot and came out fast). I would highly recommend checking out other Japanese restaurants in the area for better value and taste. -- As a first time diner at Ootoya Times Square, I can confidently say this will be my last time here. I arrived around 5:30 PM (around when they reopen for dinner) and put my name on the wait list. I was informed the wait was around 45 minutes and this estimate was accurate. The seating area is very nice/comfortable for those waiting for a table and we didn't mind the wait. Overall, the ambiance is clean and fairly quiet considering how crowded the restaurant is. As a holiday weekend, it seemed busy and understaffed. Service was slow, but extremely friendly. Like I highlighted above, another patron was on low battery and the restaurant took his phone to charge for him while he ate! I was impressed by their going above and beyond! Additionally, the food was ready in 10 minutes! We were happy it was very fast as we were very hungry. We ordered the pork katsu ju (breaded pork cutlet) and kaasan ni (fried chicken cutlet with soy broth). The katsu rice dish has a laughably small amount of chicken and rice for $27. The breading flavor was phenomenal but it was a shame it was soggy. Also, the chicken was overcooked and chewy. The egg was delicious. The kaasan ni hot pot was so extremely salty I actually only took a few bites before giving up and just accepting that's $26 down the drain. (It does not come with noodles or rice. Rice costs extra!) It actually hurt my lips drinking the broth since it was so salty, and for me personally I could not taste anything over the salt. I ended up just eating the plain white rice on its own and this was my favorite part of my meal. Overall, we were extremely disappointed by both the size and flavor of our food, but we were thoroughly impressed by the service. Since we were still hungry after we left, we had to immediately grab fast food. I would not recommend dining at Ootoya unless it is for a lunch deal/special and it is not busy. read more

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This location is adorned with a sleek warm wooden accents. Though it was bustling at first, I arrived after the show and was delighted to find a cozy spot for two. The real star was the "katsu toji." This dish arrived at our table steaming hot, with a sauce that was still gently bubbling. The delicious custard egg draped over the breaded pork loin cutlet was an promising delight. Definitely go for the teishoku set for the homemade pickles and rice to go with your meal. The experience was made even better by the excellent service here. And the bar seating made this a convenient option for nights out with a friend! read more

Ootoya Times Square - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York

A bit pricey for their lunch sets, but definitely filling. Came for lunch on a Monday afternoon with my friend & we were a bit nervous about wait times. The Times Square location doesn't take reservations, & when we showed up at 11:30 (opening time), there was already a line forming. Within about 20 minutes, all tables that we could visibly see in the restaurant were filled! We both decided on the lunch sets, which come with generous & filling portions. My friend ordered the miso cod lunch set ($28) which came with miso cod, rice, miso soup, a side salad, and a few assorted veggies. I ordered the noodle set with the small kaisen don ($23) and added on the kake udon ($5). The noodle set also comes with a salad and small side of pickles. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount & quality of fish with the kaisen don. There's good variety, slices are thick, and everything was really fresh! The udon was delicious as well. Service here is kind, quick, and efficient. Definitely recommend coming early to beat the lunch rush! Outside of the restaurant, there's also a mini onigiri stand. The onigiri are quite filling, and the beef croquette is phenomenal. read more

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Butterfish 3 bony, medium soft texture Steak 4 medium rare, tender, flavorful sauce Karrage 3 light yellow color, crispy, medium tender Beef Croquette 4 very crunchy, creamy on the inside Steamed Egg 3 not a lot of seafood, not flavorful Salmon Sashimi 5 fresh read more

Service: 5/5 Food: 4/5 Ambiance: intimate, good for dates / solo dining / peaceful friend dates Pretty quiet inside, typically decor. Service is polite + efficient. It's likely you'll get immediate seating for walk-in. What I Ordered: Tonkatsu Rice Set- perfectly crispy, but slightly overcooked. good size portion if you're a medium level of hungry. Salmon Tonyu Nabe Set- large portion, hearty + perfect for winter. love it when the salmon is cooked halfway. read more

Ootoya Times Square - Salmon Tonyu Nabe Set, Tonkatsu Set w/ Curry Rice - Sushi Bars Near Me - New York, New York