There's a reason why people have willpower for the hours-long wait here on weekends. There are many…read morerestaurants with lines that I can't say are worth waiting on, but this restaurant is worth every minute and every ounce of energy left for the wait. I've taken a lot of friends here over the course of 10 years, and without fail, every one of them has walked out mindblown--and why wouldn't they?! The wait times have gotten better over the years (probably because people are waiting for the restaurant next door), but the food and drinks here are still top-notch. Staff is always great, and they all work so efficiently. I am generally a fan of izakayas, but there are very few that offer plates that are designed to be shareable, and this is one of the reasons the food here is so enjoyable in a small group setting. I am obviously biased and think they can do no wrong, but some of my staples that have stood the test of time: Kimchi cream udon, avocado tofu salad, salmon sashimi tacos, and the kani cream croquettes. I was so excited when they opened an outpost in Flushing years ago, but sadly it shuttered during COVID. It is definitely small and there is always going to be a wait, so don't be those people who come in with a huge group during prime time because they like to move (getting customers in and out) very fast.

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

konban is a modern Japanese restaurant that focuses on creative takes on classic comfort dishes,…read moreespecially katsu, noodles, and small plates. We walked into a stylish, energetic space with a menu designed around sharing, making it a good option for a casual dinner or group meal. The interior has a contemporary, lively feel with an open kitchen that adds energy to the room, and the seating is arranged to accommodate both small groups and larger parties comfortably. Instead of sticking strictly to traditional Japanese dishes, the menu mixes familiar flavors with more modern presentations, creating a dining experience that feels both approachable and exploratory. The standout item is the katsu, which is where the restaurant really shines. We ordered the pork loin and tenderloin versions and found the breading crisp while the meat stayed tender and juicy, the crust holding up well without becoming greasy. The mazemen is another highlight, with chewy noodles and a rich sauce that brought a lot of flavor without feeling too heavy, the sauce coating each strand evenly and the toppings adding layers of texture and depth. Beyond those, dishes like the butter scallops, corn ribs, and seafood options added variety and made it worth ordering multiple plates to share. The scallops were well seared with a buttery finish, and the corn ribs offered a smoky, slightly charred flavor that paired well with the richer dishes. The desserts are also a memorable part of the meal. The corn ice cream is one of the more unique items, with a sweet and savory flavor that sounds unusual but works surprisingly well, the sweetness of the corn balanced by a subtle savory note that kept it from feeling cloying. It fits the restaurant's overall approach of taking familiar ingredients and presenting them in a more unexpected way, and the creativity of the dessert menu feels consistent with the rest of the meal. Service and atmosphere add to the experience, with attentive staff and a lively dining room that feels suited for groups. The team checked in at the right moments and kept the pacing of the meal comfortable, and the open kitchen added a layer of engagement as we watched the dishes come together. Reservations can be difficult to get, especially during busy times, and the small plate format means the best experience comes from ordering several dishes rather than focusing on one entree. The variety across the menu encourages sharing, and the pacing of the meal works well for a longer, more social dinner. konban delivers a well-executed modern Japanese dining experience. While some of the more hyped dishes may not completely live up to expectations, the katsu, noodles, and seafood dishes make it a worthwhile visit. The combination of creativity, quality ingredients, and a lively atmosphere makes it a destination for exploring different flavors and dishes together rather than just ordering one signature item, offering a meal that feels both engaging and satisfying.

For a friend's birthday dinner, we went to konban, which she apparently has been visiting every…read moreyear for her birthday the past three years. The interior is minimalistic with a japanese feel through the zen garden. For drinks my friend and I had the sayonara which I enjoyed, but she thought was too strong. We ordered family style, sharing the corn ribs, zucchini, butter scallops, ebi tempura, pork katsu, mazemen, ube tiramisu , and corn ice cream amongst four people. The ube tiramisu was free since we wrote a google review for the restaurant. Everything was delicious and the zucchini was surprisingly good as well. The pork was so tender. the ebi tempura were huge, and the mazemen was thankfully not spicy. However, the scallops could've been more tender and we we were all unimpressed with the ube tiramisu. Overall, I would come back and would definitely recommend konban! Get the corn ribs, zucchini, pork katsu, and corn ice cream! My friend did notice that some menu items changed from her previous visit (instead of the zucchini they had the eggplant in the past)

Oh yea! If you are looking for a home cooked meal away from home... this is it. This gives you the…read morehome soul food vibe. It's light healthy and nourishing And the service is quick and easy. I'm on a buisness trip so this made me feel right at home during the holiday travel. I ordered the salaried saba, drinks and the salmon carpaccio for an appetizer!

I loooooove Japanese curry and the curry omurice definitely hit the spot. The pieces of fried…read morechicken were super juicy and crispy and the rice was not soggy The curry ramen, was too heavy for me. The flavor was good but wouldn't recommend it as your first meal of the day

Had a great time celebrating a coworkers birthday here at Kimura. Was a large group so got to get a…read moreton of things to try. First thing we got may have been my fav, conveniently called Addictive Cabbage it really was addictive like wow I just couldnt stop it was so good. I also looooved the meatballs the marinade was super flavorful. Other appetizer options were pretty tasty as well, the takoyaki was soft and sweet, gyoza were large, and chicken skewers were delish. Split a shabu shabu hot pot which was pretty good, all the meat and toppings were nice but I wasnt really tasting much of the broth! Loved the sauces that came with it. Also don't sleep on the yuzu hot sauce thats on the tables that stuff was fire.

Hotpot is what they're known for! I really enjoyed the collagen nabe…read more Tried their kiss of fire roll. It was nothing extraordinary. Also, tried their skewer combo (scallop, salmon and chicken/scallion). These were ok too. I would come back for the hotpot for sure

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

I don't visit NYC too often but when I do, Raku is the #1 spot I always make sure to come back due…read moreto its delicious udon and its soup quality that is not commonly seen in most Japanese restaurants I have been. I have been to famous spots in Japan within Kyoto and Tokyo and Raku definitely is on the top of the list in terms of service, food quality, and vibes. I have ordered to-go, DoorDash and dined in and its never been a disappointment.

So this place is small and charming, dark and well I hate to say it (cus it sounds cliche now) but…read moreit's a vibe. For real. From the decor to the music to its surroundings. She's a gem. The service was attentive yet not pushy. Knowledgeable and hospitable without being extra. Just chill and on point overall. They definitely read the room and that's my favorite kind of service. The food: Chicken curry katsu! Perfection! Carbonara udon! Delightful! Black garlic ramen! Delicious! Whatever you choose I'm sure you will not be disappointed! Honestly. And tbh, literally because of that, we're headed back today! lol. Like for real no joke haha

Izakaya Fuku in New York offers the kind of dining experience that feels memorable from the very…read morestart. Even before the food arrives, the restaurant leaves a strong impression with its stunning Japanese-inspired interior. The space is beautifully designed, blending warmth and elegance in a way that feels both inviting and refined. From the soft lighting to the natural wood accents and thoughtfully arranged decor, everything about the atmosphere feels intentional. It captures the intimate charm of a traditional izakaya while still feeling modern and stylish, making it a wonderful setting for anything from a casual dinner to a more special night out. The food more than lived up to the beauty of the space. One of the first highlights was the salmon onigiri, a dish that proved how satisfying simplicity can be when it is done well. The rice was soft, fresh, and perfectly formed, holding together without feeling too compact, while the salmon added a savory richness that made each bite feel comforting and flavorful. It was balanced, delicate, and deeply satisfying in a way that made it memorable despite its simplicity. The seared salmon salad was another standout. The salmon itself was beautifully prepared, with a lightly seared exterior that gave it a subtle crispness, while the inside remained tender, buttery, and smooth. That contrast in texture made the dish especially enjoyable. Paired with the freshness of the salad, it felt light and refreshing, yet still substantial enough to feel like more than just a side dish. It was a dish that managed to feel both clean and indulgent at the same time. The grilled squid was particularly impressive and easily one of the most memorable items of the meal. Squid can often be difficult to get right, as it can become rubbery or overly chewy if even slightly overcooked, but that was absolutely not the case here. The texture was spectacular--tender, delicate, and pleasantly springy without any toughness. Each bite had a light smokiness from the grill that added depth, while the squid itself retained its natural sweetness. It was expertly prepared and showcased a level of precision that really stood out. For the main courses, both the Tonkatsu Ramen and the Black Pepper Ramen delivered distinct experiences, each with its own appeal. The Tonkatsu Ramen was deeply comforting and satisfying, with a broth that had a rich, velvety texture and a full-bodied depth that coated the palate beautifully. It felt smooth, hearty, and luxurious without being too heavy. The noodles had an ideal texture as well--firm enough to provide a satisfying bite, yet soft enough to soak up the broth and integrate perfectly into the dish. Altogether, it was a bowl that felt warming, balanced, and incredibly comforting. The Black Pepper Ramen, on the other hand, brought a bolder and more assertive flavor profile. The broth had a smooth, glossy texture, and the noodles again had a pleasing chew that gave the dish structure and substance. The black pepper added an unmistakable warmth and aromatic intensity that made the ramen stand out immediately. It was flavorful and memorable, though the pepper was slightly overwhelming at times. A bit less black pepper would have allowed the other flavors in the broth to come through more clearly and created a more balanced bowl. Even so, the ramen was still enjoyable, especially for those who appreciate strong, pepper-forward flavors. Overall, Izakaya Fuku is a restaurant that succeeds on every level. The stunning Japanese interior creates an atmosphere that feels both immersive and elegant, while the food reflects a real attention to detail in both flavor and texture. From the comforting salmon onigiri, to the fresh and beautifully prepared seared salmon salad, to the expertly grilled squid with its exceptional texture, and finally the rich and satisfying ramen dishes, every part of the meal felt carefully executed. It is a place that offers not just excellent food, but a complete dining experience, and it is well worth visiting for anyone looking for standout Japanese cuisine in New York.

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.

In a rare moment of vulnerability, I was breaking down to my big bro about the lack of quality…read moreKatsu in New York City. I got back from Japan 3 weeks ago, and the abundant access to high level Katsu ruined me. I can only equate it to growing up on Dominos Pizza, and then you have that first real quality brick oven pizza and you're like "oh there are really levels to this..." It takes a piece of your innocence that you will never get back. Big bro put a hand on my shoulder and said, "Lil Bro, I've already walked a mile in these shoes. We are going to Katsu-Hama." Next thing I know, we are on 47th street walking into what I can only describe as a wormhole straight to a restaurant in the bustling streets of Tokyo. We ordered the Berkshire Pork Loin Curry, with an extra cutlet each because we are big dawgs. Upon first bite, hope was restored. I could breath again. Beneath delicate crackles of the crisp golden shell, the pork was impossibly tender. The curry came in over the top with a gentle sweetness and depth to tie it all together. I hate to be a prisoner of the moment, but this was just as good, if not better, than any katsu I had in Japan. I've been 3 times in the past week, and Katsu-Hama is currently my favorite restaurant in New York City. SHOUTOUT TO MY BIG BRO! IG @johnny.novo Tiktok @jnov__ Substack @johnnynovo

A friend and I came in after work and we got exactly what we were looking for. This place is really…read moreno frills without sacrificing quality. We each ordered the Chicken Cutlet Curry (B Set) with Cabbage Salad and Miso Soup. This dish is so flavorful without feeling heavy and is large enough to take leftovers home. I would order this again! Took out a star because the place is small and the tables were a little sticky but we will definitely be back!