Sozai

4.3 (165 reviews)

Izakaya, Ramen

Closed • 11:30 am - 3:00 pm, 4:30 PM - 12:00 AM (Next day)

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Sozai - Izakaya Near Me - New York, New York

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Sozai - Sake Clam Miso - Izakaya Near Me - New York, New York

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Sozai - Black sesame ice cream and red bean - Izakaya Near Me - New York, New York

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Daichi No Kaori cocktail (white rum, miso, lime, seaweed)

Anh Y.

Had reservations for 3 on a Tuesday afternoon, and were seated at a booth on the left hand side of the izakaya soon after we arrived. (There's regular tables on the right hand side and a bar in the back.) The food and drink menu is available through QR codes at the table. We selected 6 dishes and 3 desserts to share. The Ankimo came with three pieces of monkfish liver and scallions in a ponzu wasabi sauce. It was a nice start to the meal, with its creamy texture and rich flavor. The Age Tofu came with three cubes of fried tofu that had a slightly chewy exterior and a pillowy soft interior. The bonito flakes and dashi broth gave it a punch of flavor. It was my first time ever having Mentaiko Pasta, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was creamy and the spiciness of the cod roe sauce was subtle--it kind of creeps up on you after a few bites and gives the dish a little kick. I felt like the cod roe flavor shone through, and the bacon added another dimension to it. The Hotate Carpaccio came with 6 slices of Hokkaido scallops, ikura, and a mustard soy dressing. It was a delicate dish that I enjoyed, especially after the heavier Mentaiko. The Cold Soba Green Tea was my favorite dish. It was so refreshing. All the ingredients went very well together--the green tea noodles had a good bite, the salmon sashimi was very fresh, the ikura added a nice brininess when you pop them, and the dashi broth provided a nice backdrop to the dish. The sashimi in the Kaisen Don was fresh, and came with salmon, tuna, yellowtail, octopus, and ikura. The dessert menu is found at the end of the drinks menu. We got one of each dessert: the sweet potato balls with hojicha ice cream, cheesecake with yuzu sorbet, and black sesame ice cream with red beans. The sweet potato balls were SOOO GOOD--crispy exterior and chewy interior, with just the right touch of sweetness. The hojicha ice cream was so good. We regret not having ordered an extra set of the sweet potato balls. The cheesecake was a little dry, but had these little rice crispies on top that gave a nice textural change. The yuzu sorbet was a good palate cleanser. The black sesame ice cream was rich and creamy, and the red bean sauce added an extra layer of sweetness. Sozai is a great place to share a few dishes. I definitely want to come back to check out the lunch specials.

Lucille L.

3.5 stars The good: cold green tea soba with salmon and ikura. They used a cold dashi soy sauce based broth and it worked well where I may have to make this at home after a visit to Mitsuwa. Mentaiko don tasted good, but I have had better. Chicken karaage was cooked perfectly and had a delicious aioli with citrus. Tako wasa was fresh and good. HH until 6pm with $10 apps and highball drinks I liked the yuzu highball it was refreshing! The not so good: the fried squid legs and kibinago were both under seasoned. I usually love fried squid legs at all Japanese izakaya style restaurants but this one was really mediocre and I wouldn't order it again. Maybe even a touch more salt could do the trick for both. Also, the place was tight in seating and you may have to sit right next to others. Since there are many other Izakaya spots in the city, I think I can't give a full four stars. It's decent but I've also had better not far from here!

Hotate Carpaccio- Hokkaido scallop, ikura, and a mustard soy dressing. $18. Very tasty

Glenn C.

I was at this Izakaya while walking around a good while ago. They were pretty crowded, so I sat at the bar. The inside was a tad dim, and the bartender was friendly. To drink, I got a pretty reasonably priced highball, one of my typical drinks at izakayas. This was a Chu-Hi, or a highball made with shochu, and it was $14. For the same price or a buck more, there were also options made with whiskey, Toki whiskey, vodka plus yuzu, umeshu, or a paloma with tequila, umami, and grapefruit. Outside of highballs, there was also a pretty sizeable selection of cocktails, sake, and some other drinks, as is typical for an izakaya. My appetizer was the very tasty Hotate Carpaccio for $18, with Hokkaido scallop, ikura, and a mustard soy dressing. This had six relatively large scallop pieces, each topped with a couple of pieces of salmon, and some microgreens for presentation. It was good-quality scallops with a bit of sweetness and a firm texture. The ikura added a pop of fishiness, and the slightly salty and umami-forward soy dressing thankfully did not have too much mustard, which would have overpowered the remaining ingredients. I liked this and would recommend it. The other dish was the Mentaiko Pasta for $17, consisting of spaghetti mixed with creamy spicy cod roe and topped with bacon and seaweed. I have had this wafu pasta dish from a bunch of different places, and this version was alright. Some other spots have more mentaiko, but this spot went the other disappointing way, with the spicy mayo a bit stronger. Therefore, it was a bit less fishy than usual. The pasta was cooked decently, and the bits of bacon were nice and crunchy, but they made the already salty dish saltier. This was fine, but there are several other places where I would recommend this dish much more. The food here was pretty good. It's reasonably priced, at least for Midtown West, and certainly better than many other restaurants in the surrounding area. I would go back here and try some other dishes.

Elva H.

Amazing ramen and fresh Japanese dishes at Sozai! The broth was rich and flavorful, noodles cooked perfectly, and the service was warm and friendly. Cozy atmosphere and definitely a spot I'd come back to again.

Lily Y.

Quite unique experience. Dishes came out quick and food was delicious. Staff was attentive and good recommendations. Dessert was not too sweet which I prefer.

Gloria L.

The ambiance in this restaurant is so cute with the dim lights and intimate, minimalist design of the booths. Sunny working at the bar was so kind!! I had a really long jacket but the hooks were too low so my jacket would've dragged on the floor. I sat on it instead and he offered to hang my jacket up for me on the hooks near the front. Very attentive staff and the food came out super quick! The seafood is so so so fresh. I was most excited for the cold soba green tea and IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!!!!!! The soba was perfectly al dente and the thickness of each piece of salmon sashimi were perfect. The dashi broth was not excessively salty and I loved the addition of the wasabi. It gave a nice kick to each bite The hotate carpaccio was really good as well. I really liked the mustard soy dressing. I've recently been eating more scallops at different establishments and I'm blown away by the presentations each time!! The hamachi Kama is such a staple for me. I remember going to Japanese restaurants with my parents when I was younger and they would always get this. It tasted exactly like how I remember. It was grilled to perfection. The skin was so crispy. Squeeze a little bit of the lemon and add some radish, perfect bite I recommend making a resy, it was packed on a Friday night! They also have happy hour from 2-6pm, who doesn't love happy hour??????

Steph W.

Ambiance (5/5): The restaurant has dark lighting with private dining booths, bar seating, floor seating. The overall noise level was moderate but within the private booths it wasn't so bad. Service (4/5): We were immediately seated at our reservation time. We found it difficult to get attention when we needed it. The warm sake was not timed very well as we had to ask for it again when the food had already come out. However, the food came out fairly quickly and we were out of there within an hour. Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen (5/5): The broth was super rich with tons of flavor. I enjoyed the pork belly pieces which were large, tender, good blend of meat to fat. The ramen also had a handful of toppings including a half egg, dehydrated lotus root (cool!), mushrooms, green onions. I loved the bounce of the noodles as well. It also felt like a sizable portion. Spicy Tuna roll (3/5): Not a fan of the cut or flavor but my partner seemed to enjoy it. Curry Udon: I liked the taste of the curry udon which similarly had tons of flavor and large portion size.

Qian L.

Stopped by on a Saturday night without reservation and got seated right away! Host was really nice and service was speedy through the night. Food was excellent! Sake clam miso 10/10 every clam was cooked perfectly, except 1, didn't matter. Broth was delicious, sake flavor subtle, savory and a touch of spice. Very memorable dish. Cold soba green tea 10/10 soba cooked perfectly, salmon sashimi and roe was excellent. Pork katsu 10/10 perfectly cooked.

Sunny L.

This was my second time dining here, and unfortunately it didn't live up to my first visit. The much-hyped clams in miso broth were a letdown. The clams were overcooked, and the broth wasn't savory enough for our liking. The salmon donburi, cod dish, and sake were solid and definitely the highlights of the meal. That said, the experience was off to a bad start when the host immediately told us we had a one hour and thirty minute time limit for the table, which we did not appreciate. Overall, this visit was disappointing, and I won't be returning.

Darrell L.

Really enjoyed Sozai in midtown. Sushi was super fresh and they have interesting different izakaya dishes like green tea soba noodles, curries, fried rice etc. So many options to choose from. Will definitely come back next time we are in NYC. We all loved it.

Chen H.

Loved this hidden gem in midtown where you can find traditional as well as innovative Japanese dishes. We tried the salmon skin salad which was a first for me, tasted quite fresh and the salmon skin was crispy. Everything else we tried was also delicious and amazing. The service staff here are friendly and tentative. From ambiance perspective, I would say this is a cozy and bright spot, perfect for seeing friends, hanging out with family, or even a quick work lunch.

Rachel M.

Overview: Overall, the food was good! The interior and ambience is super cute as well. The service was really great too. Very attentive and kind. I would definitely recommend getting a reservation, as it seems to fill up super fast. We got there right before 5pm on a Saturday and by 5:30pm they were packed and people waiting. Definitely want to come back to try the other dishes! What was ordered: Crispy salmon skin salad, kakuni, crab croquette, lemon miso salmon, beef sukiyaki udon, dessert Stand outs: Crab croquette, crispy skin salad, kakuni, beef sukiyaki udon Would I come back/recommend: Yes - I would come back Yes - I would recommend

Annie S.

Udon was really good! The sukiyaki was super flavorful and would def go back for it, only downside is it's a little pricey. Service was fast and ambiance is nice but a bit small inside. Had to wait for 15 min but it wasn't too bad.

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Mikhail B.

10 months ago

Sozai is a great place with some great options. The squid skewers were on point, the crab croquette is my girlfriends favorite, the black cod was fantastic, and aside from the ambiance is very nice. read more

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Sonal B.

Elite 26

339

187

2 years ago

Ordered sushi, mushroom ramen, grilled mackerel and garlic fried rice. All the food was amazing and quickly served. I loved the modern decor and the ambience was so clean and inviting. I would go again for sure. read more

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Ashley H.

1 year ago

Yum! This was a Yelp find for dinner and we are so glad we went. It's a really cool spot which was great for a date night dinner. They had NA options, which I appreciated and the Ramen was super good! We also had the hamachi crudo (not pictured - we ate too fast) which I would definitely recommend. Service was good and they were very attentive. read more

Sozai - Tonkotsu Ramen & Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen - Izakaya Near Me - New York, New York

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T E.

120

2 years ago

The best izakaya in town with very fresh ingredients Good atmosphere Friendly service Great Highballs in town read more

Sozai - Mentaiko Pasta - Izakaya Near Me - New York, New York

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Pamela S.

113

11 months ago

We didn't have any reservation but they took us in. The food arrived quickly and the server explained to us the flavors (i.e., sweet, spicy, etc.). The food was delicious. FYI, there were these yellow shredded items in our plate which we thought was cheese. It's egg! read more

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Bob K.

6 months ago

Food was good but the check in counter person was very rude he must be proud of the restaurant but needs to be reminded that his job is to make their customers happy read more

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Susan C.

1 year ago

We did not have a reservation, but they sat us pretty quickly. Everyone we encountered that worked there were very accommodating and pleasant. The menu was diverse and the clams in miso broth was our favorite dish. I would definitely go back and try some other dishes. read more

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LaJonda H.

1 year ago

Sake was good. The food even better; from the Sashimi bowl to the ramen. Service was professional and attentive. read more

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Jamie G.

Elite 24

2 years ago

I had dinner this week with a group of friends at Sozai. I chose the Tonkotsu Ramen and loved it. The broth was deeply flavorful, and the pork and vegetables was perfectly cooked. This is one of my favorite ramen dishes and I would definitely order it again. The restaurant is attractive, the staff was attentive and even though the restaurant was full, it was easy to hear each other. One of the staff was a little too eager to take away dishes and drinks, including some where the diner hadn't finished. After a while he asked before removing dishes. read more

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Wyatt C.

1 year ago

Stopped in for a quick lunch before a play. Great staff, sashimi salad was terrific. Had some trouble accessing the QR Code menu since I am not from NYC and my cell coverage was spotty. No troubles with the physical menu. read more

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Taylor B.

7 months ago

overall this was a standard experience. my boyfriend and i found this place thru yelp and wanted to try it out- specifically for the mentaiko pasta bc i love mentaiko, please keep this in mind. when we got here, they asked us if we had a reservation and we didn't so we decided to sit at the bar. the bartender was really nice and welcoming and the servers were too. the ambience of the restaurant was also very desireable. the warm but dark lighting, the wooden furniture, the stone-like counter tops. kudos to the interior designer. the runners were nice and didn't over-invade our space when dropping off food and the bartender was very on top of pre-bussing and refilling our waters. for the food, we spent about $99.37 ish? (not including tip) - 2 genmai cha (they don't have shirley temples) - 2 miso soup: pretty standard, had mushrooms which was nice - salmon carpaccio: fresh fish, good seasoning - hotate (scallop) carpaccio: 10/10 no notes i love scallop - mentaiko pasta: 1/10. the bacon tasted ok. the pasta would've been nicer if they used a thicker, softer noodle in my opinion but not the worst. but the mentaiko sauce they used was really INCREDIBLY disappointing. the sauce tasted like i was putting slightly spicy mayo in my mouth, i couldn't taste or feel and mentaiko at all. i was absolutely devastated. i wouldn't recommend this to anyone looking for mentaiko foods. also the pasta was kind of small, which is fine bc i didn't like it. - salmon collar: 4/10, i understand that many restaurants struggle to cook a salmon collar. ours had a good char to it and a beautiful presentation but the salmon was over cooked. it was dry and when i asked a server if they had any sauce to pair it with they only really had soy sauce or like mustard or spicy mayo. with a salmon collar, it should be paired with a soft, water based sauce, nothing too salty or creamy in my opinion. TLDR: nice service, great ambience, fresh carpaccio options. don't get the mentaiko pasta. read more

Sozai - Mentaiko Pasta Salmon Carpaccio miso soup - Izakaya Near Me - New York, New York

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Allen R.

7 months ago

Waited in front of the restaurant for 30 minutes for happy hour for with a group of 10. Restaurant filling up yet plenty of space. We were turned away even when offering to split our group up into 4, 4 and 2. The staff claimed all tables were reserved when it just opened and our party was second to see the host. Really just suspect they did not want to deal with a large party. read more

Business owner information

Su G.

We’re very sorry that you experienced this issue with your party of…

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Rose S.

Elite 25

204

412

1 year ago

This place is a surprisingly gem in a very touristy location. The menu is pretty extensive and every item we tried was so good. We ordered the fried tofu, monkfish, clam miso soup, chirashi bowl, beef bowl, scallop appetizer and uni. everythign was so fresh and amazing. The high ball was so refreshing as well. I can't wait to come back read more

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Steve H.

1 year ago

Such a great meal. I was wandering around NYC hungry for Japanese food and I stumbled into this place. Wow. I was hankering for a Bento box, but Sozai has more inventive deliciousness on its mind. I had this incredible lemon miso salmon, (a huge piece of fish), some miso soup and an avocado roll. OMG. Wonderful. Savory. The waiter, Phoom, was pleasant and attentive. I will absolutely go there again. Highly recommended. read more

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wi l.

8 months ago

My partner and I also didn't feel comfortable to eat here. All the waiters were very rush. They kept coming to ask if they could take the plates while we were still eating the food, and gave us a bill immediately after we were done. This is my first experience eating a dinner in Manhattan which is less than 30 minutes. Although I will never come back to this restaurant, their food is considered eatable and ok. read more

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BP C.

1 year ago

great food , wonderful sake , nice service Looksorn helps me a lots and the vibes is very cozy! Good place for hangout and dating!

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John S.

2 years ago

Amazing Ramen, definitely recomeded. Service is good. Place very beautiful inside. But I leave 4 star becaus we cannot order additional noodles for kids or just additional bun. They need to fixed it, because if I want to share 1 plate with my kid, i can't do it. read more

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Cari C.

1 year ago

Stopped in around 11pm - there were some quiet stalls to hop into - perfect for two people. Food was delicious - just right for a light meal, not heavy but everything was well proportioned and cooked nicely. Edamame had a slight wasabi kick and well cooked - a bit of flavor and not too soft or hard. The mushroom spaghetti had a nice soy flavor and the mix of vegetables was just the right touch. My husband had a tonkatsu ramen - the broth was not really heavy and everything was nicely cooked, egg was soft and complemented the other toppings well. A bit pricey for the portion sizes but the ambiance is nice and the food was good, and the service was very attentive. read more

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Lyss B.

651

1 year ago

Moved offices recently and was craving ramen. I did a pickup order but the restaurant was so cute - I would definitely go back to dine in. The ramen came in all separate containers (as it usually does for take out) but it was packed really well. The food itself was also delicious and comforting- exactly what I was looking for. It was a little expensive, but lunch in nyc usually is anyway. Definitely recommend if you're in the area read more

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Kelly R.

2 years ago

Sozai lunch special - Gyu Don (thin slice beef over rice with miso soup on the side.) The restaurant has good service, small tables and a lot of rice under the beef toppings. With the lunch special, it came with miso soup or salad and I chose miso soup. I came during lunch so there was a lot of open seating around with attentive waiters that would come and fill the water. read more

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Lise N.

145

2 years ago

Get: tonkatsu ramen, kaisen don, otoro sashimi Beautiful restaurant in Times Square. Loved the intimate atmosphere. The food was delicious and the service was very attentive. The ramen noodles were cooked perfectly and the slices of pork belly were some of the best I've had. The fish was fresh. The kaisen don totally hit the spot. The wafu mushroom was more of a yaki soba, not a pasta, but still good. New restaurant just opened June 2024. read more

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Vladlen T.

2 years ago

Karaage was good and miso soup too. But Yellowtail Sushi Roll was below average. It felt like the fish is pickled or fermented a bit, probably not super fresh. Black Miso Cod was ok. Stuff was not up to Japanese place standards. Kept standing behind my back and quite loudly chatting (2 servers and the hostess). Also there was not politeness in anything. From the moment we entered to the moment we got the check. Ambiance was also not good. Feels like a cave with stone tables, light are too cold for such a place. Will not go again and don't recommend to anyone else. Unless you want to let you cash $$ on fire without event enjoying it. Yeah the prices are there quite high for an Izakaya. read more

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Chris B.

1 year ago

Reasonably priced casual Japanese joint. Clean, pleasant and fast service. Great for a quick lunch that is better than bodega take out.

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karen t.

2 years ago

New Japanese izakaya opened in the middle of June btw 5&6 ave 45th St. Food-excellent Service-attentive Ambiance-nice read more

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Sarah H.

2 years ago

Excellent food and great service. New place that is definitely worth checking out! Nice prices for wine and sake as well :) we will be back!! read more

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Marvin A.

10 months ago

Food is not bad. Second time we came with a reservation. The "hostess" who sat down without even a hello or welcome tells us we have 90 minutes at table. We go to Michelin Starred and expensive restaurants around the world and no one ever told us we had a timed dinner. We left before our 90 mins and there were empty tables and absolutely NO lines at the door. Never coming back. read more

Business owner information

Su G.

Thank you for your feedback, and we apologize for any inconvenience.…

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Jeffrey Shane Kennedy H.

1 year ago

Amazing restaurant with even better service and people. Farlarr did an excellent job in helping our table. Our youngest child was feeling ill and I had to leave early while my wife and two other children stayed. The staff took excellent care of them and made them feel at home. Also, the food was incredible and the atmosphere great. Highly recommend! read more

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Anna D.

Elite 23

114

264

2 years ago

Excellent new japanese izakaya in Midtown East. Incredibly fast service. Great presentation of food. Good deal for the lunch specials. You can tell they really care about making quality food. The miso soup and small salad seem to be made from scratch and not your standard instant miso soup or mixed iceberg lettuce salad you get from other places. Will come again! read more

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Albert L.

112

665

2 years ago

Overall a nice restaurant. I like their dessert the most. Space However is kind of stressful to me. Raw bar is very fresh. Some of the cooked food is too salty to me read more

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Randy W.

200

1 year ago

Got the ube fried which was really good. Also got the miso black cod and sake don. All the food was good, but the sake don had a small portion of salmon. read more

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Attapol C.

2 years ago

Very nice izakaya to visit if you are in the area. I'm a fan of croquette and their crab croquette is killing, oozing out the creamy crab filling! The Kakuni, braised pork belly just melts in your mouth and I liked their ginger pickles as well. Tried the sake clam and mussel dynamite, both are also very very good food is very nice and in a great quality. The staffs are very friendly and willing to help. We went a group of 3 and be able to get their private booth. This place is very cozy with a clean and homey modern Japanese style. We had a great time here and Definitely coming back. read more

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Grant B.

1 year ago

Tremendous all around. The tako wasa was amazing, the pork belly, the eggplant .... everything. The service was splendid. We ended up eating there twice on a weeklong trip to NYC because it was so good. Six stars out of four. read more

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Brian C.

2 years ago

The food and drinks here were outstanding. The bar tender was amazing and now I have a new favorite drink. Try the Omugi Sour!

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Adrian B.

229

2 years ago

Sozai was amazing!! They accommodated our party of 4 on short notice after our res somewhere else got cancelled (thank god it did). We know the food looked great but I did not know it would be that good. The tonkotsu ramen was so good, I loved the broth. The servers were also extremely nice and attentive to everything. Itadakimasu!!! read more

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Audrey T.

2 years ago

i was here for a weekday lunch and it was quite crowded so i would recommend making a reservation! we ordered the saba set (be careful of the mackerel bones) & gyu don with the house salad which were all amazing! the mackerel was very meaty and the gyu don was not salty. i also highly recommend the sweet potato ball dessert with hojicha ice cream as the ice cream has a great roasted tea flavor. can't wait to come back again and try more dishes! read more

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Karl T.

1 year ago

We were walk-ins with no reservation, host quickly accommodated us after a short wait, first to the bar then to a very cosy private booth. The modern aesthetic of board formed concrete walls with natural wood accents provides a clean and welcoming atmosphere matched by great food. Not everything was perfect but it was pretty darn good, and a great find for a Sunday evening supper. Great Japanese comfort food dishes of udon, ramen, sushi and a full bar. Wonderful and friend service which, and will definitely be back. read more

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Lily Y.

268

2 years ago

Amazing food, highly recommend its grilled beef town, sake clam miso, and Omuri Sour!

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Jane K.

2 years ago

Still breaking in since new. Really great food and fantastic staff. Wonderful Tokyo vibe.

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Anika P.

1 year ago

This was my families first Japanese restaurant in nyc and it was great!!!! The staff were very kind and they had a very creative menu with many things to choose from. The place was organized and they had coat hangers at every table which was perfect since we were all wearing puffy jackets. The setting was super chill and the lights were quite dim. Perfect atmosphere for a nice dinner in New York! I ordered the green tea soba noodles and my family got the crab croquettes and salmon carpaccio for appetizers. Fish quality was excellent, and the crab croquettes were soooooooo good. Very rich in flavor with the masaiko sauce. For dessert we got the yuzu sorbet + cheesecake and the sesame ice cream + red bean and both were good! I don't usually like cheesecake let alone cheesecake with sorbet but it honesty worked out really well. Eating the cheesecake and sorbet together was ‍. The two on their own were ok but together they were AMAZING. The flavors were balanced, and that can be said about everything else i ate as too. I would definitely come back the next time i come to nyc. Their menu was very large and they had a wide variety dishes. Our server, Tyler, was very polite and helpful. Super friendly and did a great job taking care of us!!! Keep in mind for dinner time you might want to make a reservation first! It was pretty busy after we were seated but there were both booths and tables, so it did not feel too crowded. read more

Sozai - Crab Croquette - Izakaya Near Me - New York, New York

Sozai - Salmon Carpaccio - Izakaya Near Me - New York, New York

Sozai - Yuzu sorbet and cheesecake - Izakaya Near Me - New York, New York

Sozai - Cold Cold Soba Green Tea - Izakaya Near Me - New York, New York

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Manny C.

2 years ago

Exactly food...and the service was great with very nice atmosphere. The food and flavors reminded me very much of my many business trips to Japan. Highly recommended!! read more

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Page 4 of 5

19 W 45th St
New York, NY 10036
Midtown West
Directions
(646) 914-4242
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
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Visit Website
http://www.sozainyc.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Sozai open?

Sozai opens at 11:30 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday.Sozai opens at 4:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Sozai close?

Sozai closes at 3:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday.Sozai closes at 11:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.Sozai closes at 12:00 AM (Next day) on Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Thu, Sun 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM - 11:00 PMFri-Sat 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM - 12:00 AM (Next day)

Payment methods

Does Sozai take credit cards?

Yes, Sozai takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Sozai have catering options?

Yes, Sozai does have catering options.

Does Sozai have a drive thru?

No, Sozai does not have a drive thru.

Does Sozai have a happy hour?

Yes, Sozai has a happy hour.

Does Sozai serve alcohol?

Yes, Sozai serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does Sozai allow dogs?

Yes, Sozai allows dogs.

Does Sozai have TVs?

No, Sozai does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Sozai have bike parking?

Yes, Sozai has bike parking.

Does Sozai have outdoor seating?

No, Sozai does not have outdoor seating options.

Does Sozai have parking?

Yes, Sozai has parking options. Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Is Sozai wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Sozai is wheelchair accessible.

Does Sozai have free WiFi?

Yes, Sozai has free WiFi.

More Info

Health Score

Ask the Community - Sozai

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ICHIRAN - Times Square

Exceeded expectations! Good was delicious and plentiful. Spice and salt levels appropriate (and…read moreflexible too).

Naturally was skeptical that USA couldn't possibly have replicated this Japanese brand…read moresuccessfully, but I was wrong! Love all the ways to customize your ramen bowl to your liking. I'm shocked your spice preference can go up to 20! After asking for a recommendation, I got level 4, as a spice-fan, and was perfectly satisfied. I chose medium noodle firmness but next time, I'd actually get the most firm option since their signage explained the noodles begin soaking moisture upon broth exposure. The chasu is so tender too--best bite!

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Description of the ramen

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Tonchin

This one was already on my list but I had no idea if I'd actually make it. Turned out it was right…read moreon the same street as my friend's hotel, so it just happened. One of those lucky accidents. Easy to walk past if you're not looking for it. The entrance is subtle, almost like a hallway leading you somewhere. But once you're inside, the vibe is genuinely good. Not trying too hard, just comfortable and cool. I had a couple cocktails while I was there. They have a solid bar program and everything I tried landed. Then I got the Spicy Tan Tan and it was exactly what I wanted. The broth was the star. Deep, rich, and had just the right kick without going overboard. I finished every last drop, which honestly says it all. This is the kind of place you go back to. Already thinking about when I'll be back in New York.

Solo dined here after the gym. Although the host told me it was going to be a 25 minute wait, I…read moreonly waited about 5 minutes tops and got seated at the bar counter. This place is packed and they have their Michelin Bib Gourmand placard all lined up from 2019 to 2025 at the front, so expectations for a good bowl of ramen is high. I tried their Tokyo Ramen ($22), which overall tasted pretty good. The noodles were freshly made and had good texture to it. The broth itself was light, rich, not garlicky, and tasted really clean. The portion did feel a bit on the frugal side. Service is alright for the most part. The bartender ended up taking the person's order that sat after me, which did tick me off a bit as I was ready to order myself and got skipped over. Ended up waiting another 5 minutes before I finally got to place in my order. A simple question asking if I was ready would have fixed that issue, rather than assume I wasn't.

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Kyuramen - Times Square

I eat at a lot of ramen places and i can for sure say that is one of the most favorite places to…read moreeat ramen. Great service and good quality of the food. Prices are really good and affordable. I definitely recommend people that want to have a good ramen to go there.

Unfortunately, my experience at here at Kyuramen was disappointing. I was looking forward to trying…read morethe Yin Yang ramen, but the service really overshadowed the meal. I have a shrimp allergy and politely asked if the shrimp tempura could be substituted. The server immediately said no, without offering any alternative or showing much concern. He said I can remove it myself. I said so let the shrimp inside the bowl for me to remove? WTH. For a restaurant, especially one serving customizable ramen dishes, with a allergy list post on the wall by the counter where I sat at B1, a little flexibility or empathy toward food allergies would go a long way. The interaction felt dismissive and unwelcoming, which made the overall dining experience uncomfortable. Customer service matters just as much as the food, and sadly this visit fell short. The smashed cucumber was good. Spicy dumpling was good. Ramen broth was light, not as rich or flavorful as others. There are so many good ramen places in NYC, this Chinese Ramen place has lot of room to improve.

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Interiot

Chicken Nuggets (10pc) / 香酥鸡块 (@joeynht)

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(9A) Original Chicken Ramen

Kin Ramen

One of my go-to spots for ramen in the city! I love the atmosphere and overall vibe of the…read morerestaurant. The interior is decorated nicely with Japanese and anime-inspired elements, which adds to the experience. Upon arrival, you're greeted by the staff in a unique and energetic way. They have a wide variety of menu options, ranging from ramen to rice bowls. I always opt for the curry ramen, and it's one of my favorite dishes here. The cutlet is crispy, and the curry broth is rich, flavorful, and delicious. The service is also great. The servers are always attentive, ready to answer questions, and quick to refill waters whenever they notice your glass getting low. Food comes out quickly as well. Overall, Kin Ramen is a spot I find myself coming back to again and again whenever I'm craving a good bowl of ramen.

Such a delicious bowl of ramen! I tried the kin ramen and I loved the flavorful broth, tender meat,…read moreand all the ingredients in the bowl. It's cozy and packed inside, but that adds to the intimate vibe. They do not take reservations, so be sure to wait in line early. The staff are fast despite being so busy.

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Kajiken

went with a group of friends and food was great and the sake was pretty good too order the sweet…read morepotato ice cream desert. Had a great time !

food quality was amazing, as well as service and speed with incoming costumers having a clean table…read moreunder 10 mins. the aura here is calm and peaceful good place to be out with a friend or partner when days are gloomy

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IPPUDO Westside

Had a good time dining in here on a weekend. The ambience was good, quiet and peaceful. The service…read morewas great with the food being served quickly and also the staff checking for any allergies. The vegan options are really good although it could be a bit more spicy in my opinion. The yuzu soda and vegan spicy miso is a must try here!

The food was delicious. It was quite a cool night and we needed soup and this totally hit the spot…read more Definitely will be back. The sushi was also delicious. Definitely go!

Photos

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Kohoku-Ku Ramen

There are a few ramen options in Hells Kitchen and Kohoku-Ku is a welcomed establishment. It…read moreprovides the necessary competition to enable great ramen dishes. The ramen was pretty good but what stands out is the price you pay for what you get. Inside Kohoku-Ku is beautiful, the decor is nice. Feels very intentional and cozy.

I finally made it here after walking by so many times and seeing a line out the door -- and now I…read moreunderstand why. We ordered a few things to share. The Kara Age ($8), boneless fried chicken with spicy mayo, was super tender and full of flavor. I especially loved the spicy mayo -- it really made the dish. The Takoyaki ($6) is a must-try. Perfectly seasoned and soft inside, they basically melt in your mouth. I'd order this again without hesitation. For ramen, I had the Kumamoto Ramen ($18). The thin white noodles were great, and I appreciated the lighter, more delicate broth -- not overly salty like some other ramen spots. I was hoping for a bit more shishito (I only got one!), but overall it was comforting and well balanced. It's a very small space with a cozy vibe, which adds to the charm. Definitely a place I'd return to.

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Very Japanese place

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Kyoto beer

EAK Ramen

I was in the city, and wanted a quick bite to eat, so I dropped by EAK Ramen. It was not crowded,…read moreand I was able to get served within 10 minutes. The tables, floors, and bathrooms were all very clean. This will be short and sweet. I ordered the Shrimp Bao. It was very good. The shrimp was crispy and tasty, but I think there should be 2 per order. One was not enough. 5/5 for taste 1/5 for quantity. I also ordered the Oh So Hot ! Miso. This consisted of pork and chicken broth, spicy ground chicken, spinach, bean sprouts, cabbage, and nori. I ordered it spicy, but I should have gotten it hot instead. I like spicy food, and the spicy needed more kick to me. But it was delicious. 5/5 Til we eat again...

Went here a few weeks ago with friends and finally getting to write my review upon reflection. I…read moreloved the variety of vegetarian options that were available. I was NOT a fan of their mushroom friend rice. It was a plain white rice with sauteed mushrooms and corn. That's it. I expected a bit more and fresh ingredients especially for the price. I thought the rice would be at least been fried? I asked for some soy sauce and spice just to add a bit more flavor to it. However, our service was great and I cannot say enough kind words to the staff. The rest of our company enjoyed their food. My partner ordered a ramen which he enjoyed and wished there was more ramen options available for being a ramen (advertised) restaurant. Overall it was a good experience to try!

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Oh So Hot Ramen

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Zen Ramen & Sushi

Been here many times for a quick lunch /dinner and quality is always solid…read more Can't go wrong with the bento box or the Spicy Tonkotsu 10/10 The plum wine paired with it chefs kiss

Alright quality sushi place. It's not really Japanese style…read morerestaurant. The bento box that I ordered has an odd combination.

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Spicy Vegetable Ramen with added egg, menma, narutomaki and wakame seaweed!

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Toribro Ramen

Cozy no-frills ramen bar near the theater district. I enjoyed a delicious, balanced bowl of Paitan…read moreramen ($19). No complaints, except that I guess I prefer Tonkostu (pork bone) over Paitan (chicken bone). I appreciated sitting at the bar to watch the lone ramen monger stir around the next batches of broth, hand-torching some chashu; boiling, whip-drying, and gently nestling my noodles, then manually laying out the toppings. The dish feels real, personal.

Toribro Ramen exceeded my expectations because the pork is even better now than it ever was at…read moreTotto Ramen! If you loved Totto's spicy paitan ramen like I did, look no further because Toribro has what you need. I only wish they offered the super spicy ramen with chili oil on the side like the good old days, but the standard spicy packs a punch too! The regular size ramen was plenty, but don't let that stop you from trying the decadent Mega with all of the toppings. The food came out hot and fast too, so my table of two was in and out in less than 45 minutes easily. The menu is pretty straightforward with few choices that are all delicious - a perfect spot for the quintessential quick bite and a fair price to match. Vibe-wise, this place is a true hole in the wall with steps leading down from street level into a basement. The inside is packed and intimate so I'd come with a small party such as a friend or a date who's into good food. There was no line when I visited on a Sunday at opening time, but it got packed quickly so be prepared to wait on the sidewalk or arrive at noon. As someone who's moved out of NYC years ago, I made an effort to visit Totto Ramen every time I come back and now Toribro has taken that spot in my itinerary.

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Always love visiting this gem when I'm in the city

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Adel's Famous Halal Food

oh my god. genuinely best food truck i've ever had…read more i got the lamb and chicken over rice and it was so good. definitely worth the wait and there's so much food. eating outside by the rockefeller center is nice at night.

Still good. Queued up and it took 30mins to get the food in my hand. Honestly, not the worst…read more App orders might still be the way to go but you'll pay over a 50% premium versus lining up with cash in hand. Choose accordingly. Combo over spicy rice with white sauce is still my play. It's a grease bomb in the most satisfying way. It's also one of the cheaper combos available, despite the hype. They're generous with the protein, and it could actually use more rice to even up the balance but I won't complain. There are a few pieces of lettuce but they might as well not be there. Still a good play but I hope they continue to maintain the quality.

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Mix Platter

Combo (chicken and lamb) over rice and fries was well seasoned. Would recommend dranks while waiting with friends in line hehe!

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L’industrie Pizzeria

Came here after seeing it on a few lists and the hype is real. Tried the L'Industry slice,…read morepepperoni, and margherita. The L'Industry is genuinely one of the best pizzas I've had, maybe the best. The burrata on top is fresh and creamy and takes it to another level. Fair warning: the crust is not the typical crunchy NY slice you might expect. It's softer, more of its own thing. I didn't mind it at all, the dough itself is really good, just go in without assumptions. Plan for a wait. The line is part of the deal here. Worth every minute.

Loved this pizza! Perfect thin crust , fresh ingredients and the staff is super efficient. There…read moreseems to always be a line but it goes pretty fast Typical place where you make a line , order your pizza , grab it and go. They have a few standing tables but more than likely you won't have space to eat there. I really loved all the pizzas i tried , and they have hot honey as a side which goes perfect with L' industrie (my favorite ). I also loved that there is a bar 2 doors down that allows you to take your pizza inside, it was perfect!

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Open kitchen interior

IG: @nom.noms.only | fig jam & tartufo

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L'Industrie Slice

Mama's Too

Amazing "thick style" (as I call it) pizza slices with so many flavors and plenty of vegetarian…read moreoptions! Order as much as you can to try it all - you won't regret it. My favorite flavors were the Bruschetta, Cacio e Pepe and the Spinach Carbonara (a special I believe). The Vodka slice is also a must, and the Fungi is tasty as well (loved the sweet carmelized onion). The Poached Pear is probably the most unique option although I think I got a bad slice on the particular day I was there as it just lacked cheese and was a bit dry. Expect a bit of a line but Mama's Too is definitely worth the hype!

Disappointed that this pizza place got so much hype, and felt it did not live up to my…read moreexpectations. Long line out the door- which they did move QUICKLY (churning and burning)! Crowded store but a few tables and a long bar (standing room only) along the back. I ordered a slice of the "Angry Nonna" Detroit-style pizza- hot soppressata, mozzarella, Calabrian chili oil, and hot honey. The slice tasted like it lacked seasoning, and had been sitting out for awhile. ALL of the ingredients were dried out, as well as the crust. One bite and the bottom of the pizza was breaking apart into crumbs. Not impressed by this place and quickly moved onto the next.

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Golden Diner

5/27/2026 What could I say about this place that everyone…read moredoesn't know about..... absolutely nothing lol. Always recommend getting a reservation weather calling or walking to the booth. Our wait was at least an hour and a half and were texted when our table was ready. They have indoor and outdoor seating with one bathroom for all to use. We got the viral pancakes and they were everything you'd dream they be and then some for sure very filling and buttery. I got a "pick me up" and it was perfect gave me a beautiful caffeine kick to start the day I recommend for sure. Weather you come for the viral moment this feels like a solid staple in the community with bright music playing everyone kind of everywhere and just a relaxed feel that you can't wait to enjoy after you get seated. Bathroom rating 5/5 very clean for how busy the place is :)

I went here because one of my friends REALLY wanted to try it because apparently it went viral. I…read morehad no idea what was so great about these pancakes but we made it happen. It didn't open until 9am, but by the time we came around at 830am..the line was ALREADY poppin' lol. I was like okay...maybe it is really good. We got lucky as we were able to be seated in the first rounds of the tables that they had outside. We ordered the pancakes, wings and thai tea dessert. UNFORTUNATELY, for me, this place is OVERHYPED. Sure, the pancakes were soft and soaked with honey butter...but its really NOT THAT GOOD. I would never wait in line for this place. The wings were just meh...not really crispy, wasn't great as other korean wings I've had. The dessert was recommended and it was my least liked item ordered lol. All three items for a whooping $70. NO THANKS

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Inside space

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Korean Fried Chicken Wings

Szechuan Mountain House

We had a lovely birthday dinner here. The Szechuan fried noodles, and the stir-fried cabbage were…read moremy favorite, but everything was so good. The mapo tofu, green beans, twice cooked pork, and spicy (lazi) chicken were very flavorful. I thought the mala levels were just right, but it may be on a bit on the lighter side compared to authentic. The lamb spine came in a delicious broth, but it was a bit hard eating the lamb from the bone for not a lot of meat. The house steamed fish was also amazing. They don't take online reservations for groups over 5, so we called to make one for our group of 6. It was pretty busy Friday night, so would recommend. The service was great; they drew the cutest card when they found out it was my brother's birthday and let us bring a cake. And they also offered hair ties to the people with long hair. You order through an iPad which has a beautiful menu.

The restaurant is beautiful! I love the nature theme~ it feels like a peaceful escape from the…read morehectic nyc streets. The beef rib served with pancakes was tender and very smoky. I wish the sauce was sweeter though since the flavor was more j spicy/ salty. I think a different sauce like a hoisin chili combo would make the dish a lot tastier. They have a variety of sichuan dishes. I wasn't a huge fan of the swing pork belly since it's served cold and mostly tastes like cucumber- it was lacking flavor for me even with the red sauce/oil. The sour cabbage beef soup was interesting! It tasted nice and beefy, but was a bit too sour for me. The lemon dessert was my favorite! It was a cheesecake mousse with lemon curd in the middle~ so pretty and tasty! Service was top tier! I'd recommend coming here for the vibes!

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Swing Pork Belly - IG @bougiefoodieboi

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Mala prawn

Very Fresh Noodles

One of the main reasons I went to Chelsea Market was to try Very Fresh Noodles, which is very good…read more The line was long but moved very quickly and despite the number of orders, the wait for food was not super long. It's one of the larger stalls in the market and has some seating, but not enough, and the market seating is very limited as well. I ordered the hibiscus lemonade and the very spicy Dan Dan Mian. I loved watching the staff prepare the noodles while waiting. My bowl was huge and absolutely delicious. It was very spicy as promised, but not too spicy that it was rendered not enjoyable. I looked at other orders and everything looked delicious, leading to only semi-regret of my choice. My lemonade was very good. I'm very much looking forward to returning.

Considering this place is inside of a food hall, I wasn't sure how it would taste but I was happily…read moresurprised!! The noodles are freshly hand made and the beef was super tender. The broth was too salty for me but I just didn't drink it and it made all the other ingredients taste good. Pretty good portion for the price too. My bf got the lamb version and they didn't give him much lamb so I'd go with the beef. If you're looking for a quick tasty bite this place is it!

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Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup

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These both weren't mine....but I did eat both.

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

7 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Cady Ann C.

10 months ago

This spot positions itself as a fusion Japanese restaurant with creative cocktails, which sounded promising at first. The atmosphere leaned trendy, and the menu had a mix of playful takes on Japanese ingredients. Unfortunately, the food itself didn't quite deliver. I started with the wasabi-inspired edamame, which was a fun concept but nothing particularly memorable. For my main, I ordered the mentaiko pasta with bacon--a carbonara-inspired dish featuring salmon roe. This was the biggest disappointment of the night: the pasta was soggy and served cold, making the cheese component unpleasantly clumpy and unappetizing. With pasta, temperature and texture are everything, and this dish missed the mark completely. To end the meal, I tried the black sesame ice cream, hoping for something rich and nutty. Instead, it was bland and lacked the deep, roasted flavor that makes black sesame desserts so special--it could have passed as plain vanilla. Overall, while the idea of Japanese fusion with inventive touches is exciting, execution matters most. With cold, poorly textured pasta and desserts that don't deliver on flavor, this restaurant has a long way to go before it matches its creative ambitions. read more

Simon Z.

2 years ago

Sozai is a decent addition to the ramen scene, offering a comfortable atmosphere and efficient service. While I've only sampled their tonkatsu ramen, I can say it's definitely above average and gave a lot for the price. However, it falls short of reaching the heights of Ippudo, primarily due to the lack of customization options. The broth was flavorful, but I prefer a thicker consistency. Similarly, the noodles were cooked well, but I found them lacking in the al dente texture I crave. Being able to tailor the soup base and noodle firmness is a crucial factor for me when enjoying ramen, and Sozai unfortunately doesn't offer this. On the plus side, the service was impressively swift. I walked in without a reservation and was seated and served promptly. The restaurant's decor is clean and inviting, with the Japanese-style booths creating a cozy ambiance. Overall, Sozai is a solid choice for a quick and satisfying ramen meal, but it's not a place I would go out of my way to revisit unless they expand their customization options. read more

Linda L.

Elite 26

439

1 month ago

Had such a wonderful girls night dinner at Sozai. We were so happy they accommodated us with a booth table since the other party was late, which made the whole night feel extra cozy and intimate. The sashimi here is definitely the highlight and some of the best I've had at an izakaya. Highly recommend the cold soba with salmon sashimi as a starter -- super refreshing and light. The miso cod was another standout: incredibly flavorful, flaky, and moist. Next time I will have to try the Hotate carpaccio and lemon salmon. A couple dishes were less memorable for me personally -- the pork don leaned a little dry and the fried octopus was a bit chewy -- but the quality of the sashimi alone makes me want to come back. Overall, a really nice spot for catching up with friends over fresh seafood and good vibes. IG:Jubes111 Youtube:Jujubi Fam read more

Bing-Hsun W.

Elite 24

256

154

2 years ago

My experience at Sozai was mixed. On the positive side, the dining booths are thoughtfully designed with coat hooks and under-seat bag storage, though the space is quite cramped, which some might find uncomfortable. The bathrooms are well-maintained and clean, likely because they're new, and I noticed the staff regularly tidying them. For lunch, I had three small dishes: ube fries, sake clam miso, and mentaiko pasta. While I expected smaller portions from an izakaya, I ended up feeling overly full and experienced an upset stomach afterward, possibly due to the freshness of the pasta or clams. The bill felt steep considering the overall experience. If I were to recommend anything, it would be the ube fries. read more

William K.

4 months ago

Food so good I ascended to Heaven and dapped up Jesus Christ, 10/10 restaurant and would live in it if they allowed me

Ramiro S.

5 months ago

Delicious food and great ambiance. If I lived here I'd be a regular! Try the udon and the yellowtail

Grace L.

1 year ago

Amazing food, amazing dinner vibe, and amazing service 5/5 would come back again!!!!!

Sozai - izakaya - Updated June 2026

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7 Sozai reviews that are not currently recommended

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7 reviews that are not currently recommended

Sozai - izakaya - Updated June 2026

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