Taiyaki NYC

219

969

3 months ago

There really is nothing like a fresh Taiyaki fish shaped waffle cone. Taiyaki NYC is the original shop/location that made this type of waffle ice cream cone popular over 10 years ago. The soft serve ice cream here is far above average making the experience all around amazing. A favorite menu item of mine is their small custard or red bean filled fish waffles. They are made to order & soooo good! Do not try & order these before closing because they will say no! This is a grab & go type of business. There are no tables for dining in. Street parking is free & on typical NYC/Little Italy/Chinatown parking. I have had good luck when arriving as late as possible. One of my favorite spots. I hope it never closes. Especially since Williamsburg location no longer exists!! read more

Taiyaki NYC - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

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Tina C.

2049

4849

13866

1 month ago

Take me back to Japan, PLEASE! I sorrowfully miss Tokyo, Japan and the surrounding prefectures. For me, Taiyaki NYC is a close illusion visit to Japan. All the hype, all the 3.5k Yelp reviews, all the 4.3 stars, all the 5.1k photos to lured me, finally, for a visit to Taiyaki NYC to make my own assessment and patronized visit was surely justified. It is here Taiyaki NYC where the fish-shaped Japanese waffle that is chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside is well known. This fish-shaped Japanese waffle originated where invented in Tokyo, Japan in 1909. I have a strong proclivity for predilection of traditional ice cream as my personal taste, but occasionally I do enjoy soft serve ice cream. My predilection of traditional ice cream is for maintaining the coldness to intake my time consuming whereas soft serve ice cream melts very quickly. Taiyaki NYC only carries soft serve ice cream. I decided my usual default ice cream flavor green tea one scoop in small cup. Customer service is attentive as my male server cashier was very patient when deciding my order and digging my bag to search for change for cash payment. This male cashier appeared very utterly befuddled with bewilderment questioning the American coin respective values when counting to dispense my change as my payment was cash. Yes, cash is still widely accepted as a valid form of legal tender payment. "Prohibition of Cashless Establishments, as of March 21, 2026, all retail and food establishments in New York State, including New York City, must accept in-person cash payments, banning fully cashless stores." Taiyaki NYC complies. There are very limited ledge seating and absolutely no tables. This brick and mortar storefront business is designed for take-out, the standard NYC on-the-go culture. There are disposable coasters with their fish waffle image. There is a galvanized metal bucket reminisce of mint julep cup serving as makeshift gratuity from one's arts and craft creation. Ice cream cup, one scoop green tea $7.50 It has a very alluring aesthetic food appeal to my eye for the swirls heap in a large, towering mound above the cup ream line. It does have the standard hollow center, but not a large circumference unlike most soft serve ice cream competitor businesses. I find the gargantuan hollow center to be flagrantly egregious cheating and scamming customers for quantity and quality. Aesthetic food appeal for the facade attract customer attention, but can businesses focus on taste, quantity and quality for filling the interior especially at a extortionate price of $7.50? Nevertheless, the taste was a joyful delight as a temporary escape from life's chaotic of my Sisyphean task. Napkins are abundantly available for grabs. read more

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Taiyaki NYC - Gratuity bucket - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

Taiyaki NYC - Free coasters - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

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Angelica L.

526

1263

4581

4 months ago

Overall: 3.6/5 We got the Straight Out of Japan ($9.64) which is a hojicha and matcha ice cream swirl with red bean in a taiyaki cone topped with rainbow mochi and a wafer stick. The ice cream is thick and creamy but not as rich as American brands. The hojicha flavor is strong and really good and was definitely the dominant flavor, so the matcha got a little lost. The red bean was buried at the bottom of the cone but was good too. The taiyaki cone wasn't that great. I could taste salt, it wasn't sweet, and the batter had a bit too much flour. The texture was very crispy though which I did love. The rainbow mochi was tasty, soft, and you could taste the different flavors. The wafer stick was unnecessary. We both prefer Somi Somi, which is also dairy free, but I will say their hojicha is worth trying. read more

Taiyaki NYC - Menu 04.05.2026 - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

Taiyaki NYC - Straight Out of Japan - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

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Cass O.

1781

550

3984

17 days ago

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Amanda B.

128

2 months ago

What a fun experience! The shop is quite small, so expect a wait to get inside. The line moves fairly quickly though. read more

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Celian O.

101

383

3 months ago

Taiyaki NYC - Straight From Japan (I believe this is the name). - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

Taiyaki NYC - Taiyaki with red bean filling. - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

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Victoria L.

336

139

119

7 months ago

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Evonne H.

312

4876

2 months ago

Went to get the Knicks Buy1get1free soft serve and is pretty good vanilla soft serve with sprinkles.. soft n creamy soft serve.. will come back try the ube matcha flavor read more

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Gab G.

288

3985

15931

1 year ago

Taiyaki NYC - Ube slush - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

Taiyaki NYC - Pumpkin soft serve. Decent - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

Taiyaki NYC - Strawberry mango taiyaki with cotton candy sprinkles - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

Taiyaki NYC - Taro Slush - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

Taiyaki NYC - Yuzu matcha swirl - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

Taiyaki NYC - Ube taiyaki - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

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Rion C.

296

1016

1 year ago

Dropped by to taste the new items. Was busy on the day I visited. Service was great. Check out the picture! Hit the spot! read more

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Annie B.

377

1124

1 year ago

Food/drinks: *disclaimer: came here with Yelp event* tried the matcha yuzu Taiyaki and the combination was so yummy! Both flavors came through. Also loved the crunch/texture of the Taiyaki Atmosphere: cute tiny little shop, very limited bench seating - more for grab and go Service‍: pretty quick service! Price: kinda pricey for what you're getting at ~$10 but I think it's worth it compared to other NY prices! read more

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Emily G.

348

1573

2554

1 year ago

Service was great and very fast; the soft serve itself is delicious. Unfortunately very limited seating, which means you have to eat standing on the sidewalk or as you're walking. read more

Taiyaki NYC - Matcha Better - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

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Tatyana C.

144

413

1 year ago

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Gerardo E.

9 months ago

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Jessica G.

119

398

160

1 year ago

Taiyaki NYC - Strawberry and Mango - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

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Rilie F.

122

143

9 months ago

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stella l.

196

10 months ago

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Vy N.

3 months ago

SO YUMMMMMMM i would definitely go try again its so goooooodd 10/10 the food is so pretty aswell read more

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Travers U.

19 days ago

Ordered on doordash. They gave the driver a drink without the order. I was charged full price. Not the first time.

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Zachary D.

343

1 year ago

Small taiyaki spot in the Chinatown area perfect for a quick in and out/ togo dessert spot. Staff was friendly and attentive and were incredibly prompt with serving out orders. Location is not ideal for groups of 3 or more. Delicious dessert and fun tip is that you CAN customize their preset menu items if you don't like a particular topping. read more

Taiyaki NYC - Strawberry Mango - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

Taiyaki NYC - Menu - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

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Esther L.

265

979

1 year ago

Despite the hype, it's really not my favorite. It is a mess to eat, more than usual. The flavors weren't particularly unique or tasty, just kind of average. Here, you'd be paying more into aesthetics, not taste, which I prefer it if taste.. or best case scenario, both. Worth trying once if you really want but there's definitely sooo many better ice cream spots read more

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karina k.

1267

14433

1 year ago

Fun favors and super cute place with ice cream or red bean or custard or plain. You can sit or take out. No bathroom. It's a small space. Love it. Cozy. The place smells good! It's clean. Music playing. read more

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Nick N.

1087

257

812

1 year ago

This is a great, quick dessert spot in Chinatown right off canal street. If you've got a sweet tooth, definitely check this place out. The matcha yuzu flavor was so good. They had a variety of flavors that all sounded good so making a decision was hard but I think the matcha yuzu was delicious. Service was very quick and friendly. There isn't much seating inside though so it's more of a grab and go type spot. read more

Taiyaki NYC - Inside - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

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Melisa M.

145

211

296

1 year ago

so so good!! I got the matcha soft serve! It was super yummy. Service was quick and friendly. The matcha flavor was strong but in a good way. The cone itself was amazing, softer than a traditional waffle cone. Perfect ice cream for a hot summer day. There was a couple of people in there and for good reason it is worth trying :) read more

Taiyaki NYC - matcha soft serve - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

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Ashley C.

140

528

1101

1 year ago

Love this place! Their matcha ice cream is so good! They have yuzu soft serve now. Also their portion is generous. I also like the custard Taiyaki fish cone. read more

Taiyaki NYC - #4 Straight Outta Japan - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

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Alisa J.

243

2039

7107

1 year ago

Tried the yuzu matcha soft serve. It was surprisingly very well balanced. Definitely tasted the yuzu which was surprising considering how strong matcha can be. The taiyaki was not my favorite. It was hard and the beans were more like a paste. Would definitely just get the soft serve. read more

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Liz H.

Elite 21

164

271

4 months ago

They should inform clients of their hours more accurately. Told to get there by 4PM, but when we got here at 3:45, they said it's already closed. What a waste of time. Be smarter and more accurately read more

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Chris S.

322

508

1460

1 year ago

This is a laid-back soft serve ice cream shop that will impress your friends who love Japanese culture. My ice cream was served quickly and was well-prepared. The staff were friendly and recommended the matcha flavor, which I must say is very good. read more

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Jackie K.

254

710

1 year ago

I've come here twice. Both times the soft serve was amazing. They label some of the allergens on the menu and they even double checked for me so the ones not labeled. I really appreciated that. Great service. A few seats inside but not much. read more

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Austin K.

328

905

2016

1 year ago

I got the seasonal matcha swirl (yuzu), and this is a solid soft serve. The yuzu was flavorful without being overtly tart, and it worked surprisingly well with the matcha. I'd come back again for just the soft serve. The taiyaki itself was good too - flavorful, still crispy on the parts untouched by ice cream. It is gimmicky, and I don't think the ice cream needs to be served in it, but not bad. read more

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Timothy S.

379

226

418

1 year ago

My second time going, why did I wait so long to go back? This place is great, treat yourself!! So many amazing and different flavors to choose from. They all sound so yummy I wanted to try them all. The Taiyaki waffle cones made fresh on-site are so warm, fluffy and moist... they almost melt in your mouth. Off the main road crowded with tourists, it's a sort of hidden gem. Everyone is eager to help and friendly. Very small and very busy, but the wait is not long. So much better than your typical "ice cream or soft serve shop." And, it has and A rating!! You will not be disappointed. read more

Taiyaki NYC - The Unicorn - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

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Bryan S.

131

272

1157

1 year ago

It's a pretty good dessert, I would say go with more of the creamy ice cream, the mango I tried was closer to a sorbet which starts melting faster in the taiyaki. I was still satisfied with everything, the cotton candy sprinkles were a bit of a nice surprise. The taiyaki itself with the custard filling was decent too and held the ice cream well without getting soggy. read more

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Adam S.

Elite 25

152

1039

1 year ago

Some of the best soft serve in the city! The flavors there and possibilities of combinations are awesome. Highly recommend one of the signatures as they blend in flavors well read more

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Andrew B.

141

1193

2 years ago

A variety of adorable original delicious creations, in a shop that's also adorable (the store front was cute with a classic design, and the interior clean with a modern layout), staffed by people that were friendly :) We tried several of the flavors, and you basically can't go wrong, my favorite was chocolate, take a look at the photos for the designs Would go again when I visit NYC read more

Taiyaki NYC - Store front - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

Taiyaki NYC - Green tea in fish cone - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

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Ernie C.

Elite 25

103

237

1 year ago

Stumbled upon this fu, tiny, tiny ice cream shop after dim sum with my wife and children. The sign said they opened in 10 minutes at 12 noon (it was 11:50am), and it looked unique and different, so we decided to stick around and wait. They didn't open right at 12 noon - closer to 12:10 - no biggie, but we should have taken this as a sign. We were the first to order and the lady said our order would take 6 minutes. It took more like 20 minutes. In all fairness, she appeared to be the only person working and she was working very hard. They were also out of their signature matcha ice cream flavor, the machine was down. None of this ruined our visit, kids enjoyed it. We'd go back if we were in the area. read more

Taiyaki NYC - The Classic - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

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J R.

Elite 25

1 year ago

Pleasantly surprised by the icy quality of this Matcha Taiyaki. We got Matcha soft served with red bean and chocolate syrup which was a must. There is intense Matcha flavor that really packs a punch. The waffle cone was soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside which perfectly balanced the ice scream's texture. The restaurant is a grab and go style and has some bench seating. The staff was really friendly and kept us updated on how long our order would take. read more

Taiyaki NYC - Matcha Taiyaki - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

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Alyssa D.

401

298

825

2 years ago

What an inconspicuous but fantastic find! There is so much construction at the moment blocking the way but this is honestly one of the best Taiyaki spots I've been too. I've taken a few out-of-town friends here as well and they have also liked it. The good thing here is that while yes, it is "instagrammmable" I can confidently say it is also quite good (it's not just a gimmick, which I'm always afraid of falling for, but for the sake of reviewing, I had to give it a go). Now I am the worst cause I forgot the name of the flavor I chose but I know it was the choco-something! Tips-- --There is no proper seating area but some folks will sit by the window. --There is no bathroom here so look elsewhere (Pollo Campero not too far from here has a clean one if you really gotta go. Requires a code.) read more

Taiyaki NYC - Outside - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

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Richa T.

633

1756

2543

2 years ago

This place is great spot for a summer time treat! Pros: + Ice cream just to pretty to eat - get your cameras out + Great flavor combos - you can customize your toppings if you don't like one Cons: - Can get a little pricey - Little to no seating inside - great to grab this to go IG: QueenOfAdventureNYC read more

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Sara F.

251

501

2 years ago

Small shop with a couple windows seats nestled on a side street. Offering predetermined or 'make your own' Taiyaki. Ice cream and Taiyaki were good. Ice cream was icy, yet creamy, and Taiyaki had a good filling in a fresh warm fish 'cone'. Toppings added a nice texture. Service was also quick. Not the best I've ever had but tasty enough to go back again and try more; the drinks with Taiyaki looked interesting! read more

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Michael X.

257

1209

2 years ago

Was looking for interesting looking dessert places near the Italian district as it was pretty warm during my visit, and Taiyaki NYC popped up as an interesting option to check out! I love taiyaki and I love soft serve, so I went around 3pm on a Saturday to how the desserts are here. Taiyaki NYC itself is a pretty small shop, I would say only about 15-20 people could fit into the shop and everyone would probably be elbow to elbow in terms of space. There are about 6-7 spots near the front of the shop that people can sit to enjoy their treats, otherwise you will have to take your dessert and either enjoy in the shop while standing or take it to go. Ordering is done at the cashier, and they will call out your name to pick up once your order is ready. My order only took like 5 minutes to fulfill. I got the number 4: straight out of Japan option. This included matcha and black sesame soft serve, garnished with a small skewer of mochi and a wafer cookie roll. The red bean filling was in the taiyaki fish itself, closer to where mid way of the pastry - the filling was hearty and may be a bit hefty after enjoying some light ice cream. I thought that the soft serve tasted smooth and there was definitely a black sesame and matcha flavor profile. Matcha itself doesn't really have a strong flavor so the black sesame flavor dominated, which is what is expected - This was nice and refreshing on a hot day, note that it does get challenging to eat as the soft serve will drip everywhere. For dessert, almost $9 is not cheap by all means, but I guess you are paying for the novelty of such a dessert. But most ice cream places in this area of town are likely $5-8 anyways (nearby gelato). If you are looking for an interesting looking dessert option, Taiyaki NYC has you covered on those bases. read more

Taiyaki NYC - 4. Straight out of Japan - $8.73 - Desserts Near Me - New York, New York

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More info about Taiyaki NYC

119 Baxter St
New York, NY 10013
Little Italy
Directions
(212) 966-2882
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
Start Order
Visit Website
http://taiyakinyc.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Taiyaki NYC open?

Taiyaki NYC opens at 12:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.Taiyaki NYC opens at 11:00 AM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Taiyaki NYC close?

Taiyaki NYC closes at 10:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Thu 12:00 PM - 10:00 PMFri-Sun 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Taiyaki NYC take Bitcoin?

No, Taiyaki NYC does not take Bitcoin.

Does Taiyaki NYC take credit cards?

Yes, Taiyaki NYC takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Taiyaki NYC have catering options?

Yes, Taiyaki NYC does have catering options.

Does Taiyaki NYC have a drive thru?

No, Taiyaki NYC does not have a drive thru.

Does Taiyaki NYC have a happy hour?

No, Taiyaki NYC does not have a happy hour.

Does Taiyaki NYC serve alcohol?

No, Taiyaki NYC does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Taiyaki NYC allow dogs?

No, Taiyaki NYC does not allow dogs.

Does Taiyaki NYC have TVs?

Yes, Taiyaki NYC has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Taiyaki NYC have bike parking?

Yes, Taiyaki NYC has bike parking.

Does Taiyaki NYC have parking?

Yes, Taiyaki NYC has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Taiyaki NYC wheelchair accessible?

No, Taiyaki NYC is not wheelchair accessible.

Does Taiyaki NYC have free WiFi?

No, Taiyaki NYC does not have free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

"Home of the legendary fish-shaped ice cream cones" -ZAGAT The original creators of Taiyaki Ice Cream, Croyaki, Unicorn Float, and Souffle Pancakes in the United States. We're internationally recognized for our fish-shaped Japanese waffle that is chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside; the textures and flavors blend perfectly in glorious harmony with the artisan flavors of soft serve ice cream.

History

Established in 2016.

Our story begins with part faith, part love, and part luck. With members from numerous Far East cities like Guangzhou, Taiwan, Mandalay, Haiphong, and Tokyo, only faith could have brought the Taiyaki Family together to the city that never sleeps. While growing up as first/second-generation Asian Americans in New York, the Taiyaki NYC family had one love in common--embracing our heritage and identity through our love for travel and food. After many trips and adventures to the food "meccas" of the world--the streets of Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Korea, and Japan (and with a hint of luck)--we stumbled upon an idea that speaks the global dessert language of ice cream and waffles! With those three perfect ingredients--faith, love, and luck--Taiyaki NYC was born.

Meet the Business Owner: Jimmy C.

Although the son of two first generation immigrants, Jimmy is a native New Yorker through and through. Growing up in NYC's Lower East Side in Chinatown, he embraced its history and vibrant cultural diversities amidst the ever growing effects of gentrification. Jimmy and his co-founders alike have roots deeply embedded in Asian traditions and thus share a love for traveling, Asian culture, and food. These three passions are the fuel behind Taiyaki NYC.

More Info

Health Score

Taiyaki NYC Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Taiyaki NYC

Is anything Gluten free?

Hello! All the ice cream, regular waffle cones, and mini baby mochi taiyaki bites are gluten-free. The taiyaki fish cones are not gluten free.

Is there outdoor seating?

There is no seating outside, it is on a busy narrow sidewalk so it's best to take it to go and eat it somewhere else :)

Is the rilakkuma taiyaki still available or is it seasonal?

The Rilakkuma taiyaki is still currently available on our menu!

Do you have a min for credit card or Apple Pay?

Nope

Do they deliver?

Hi Tiffany E. Yes they do offer delivery, but for their pastries. By the way their pastry donuts are BOSS! Enjoy

Do all of the flavors have almond flour? Please say no

That's only their fish-shaped cone. Their ice cream doesn't use flour.

Do you sell taiyaki without the ice cream?.

Yes, we have the Traditional Taiyaki

Do they limit the amount of Pancakes they sell on weekends? I heard that they only sell 100 orders a day?

Nope! Although they only serve pancakes from 11:00 PM to 2PM on the weekends. (Friday, Saturday and Sunday)

Does this location have the soufflé pancakes?

Yes.

View 2 more answers

How long is the wait for the soufflé pancakes? Are they only served during certain hours?

Friday - Sunday (11-2pm) Last time I came on a Saturday and was the 2nd person in line 30min before…

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Do they have Pancakes?

They have souffle pancakes !

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For the suffle pancake how many pieces per one?

2 pancakes per order

View 1 more answer

Are the matcha cones available everyday since we have a nut allergy?

Yes I believe so

I saw that in August of 2018 that it was said to be launching vegan options but did not state a date. Has this launch happened yet?

Yes, they have vegan coconut sorbet and vegan sprinkles.

Which day do you serve the fluffy pancake?

The soufflé pancakes are sold Friday-Sunday from 11 am - 2 pm.

Is the fish cone hard or soft?

Soft like a waffle

View 7 more answers

How long did y'all have to wait?

To be honest we didn't wait long at all maybe 5 -10 min

View 8 more answers

Are there tables and chairs inside? Or is it standing room only?

No tables and chairs, you're standing.

View 5 more answers

Is there a menu with the different flavors of ice cream? I couldn't find it online and there is no mention of the different flavors offered on the Taiyaki website.

If you look at the pic I posted it's the step 2 pick flavor part of the pic

View 3 more answers

Do they do sampling here? I want to try their black sesame ice cream but I wanna know how it tastes first.

Yes we do! You can try any ice cream flavors before you commit, just ask the cashier and we’ll gladly help you with any questions.

View 2 more answers

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Gelateria Gentile

This gelateria I…read morecan't believe it took me so long to discover it. Located in New York, small quiet spot, you can't wait inside, it a take out thing, I don't care! Their gelato is delicious and so rich! I was so happy!

Tiny, clean desert place. No bathrooms for customers…read more Staff are accommodating. Don't be afraid to try to sample the gelatos. Sample them all until you choose the flavor you like. There are different types of cold treats: gelatos and more slushie like consistency frozen confections that are served in a cup. My vegan friend appreciated that he could choose from multiple vegan flavors, not just be limited to the one and only offering, which is what most places usually have. Melon flavor was incredible. Tasted like frozen melon was crushed with ice and chopped into an ice/smoothie blend. Super refreshing. Very sweet, though. All flavors are very sweet, so a small portion can be shared and you will feel satisfied. I personally enjoyed their in-house special flavor of gelato: honey cream with crushed almonds, pistachios, and hazelnuts. That was bombastic! Love how nutty the consistency was. I love nuts, so this almost reminded me of a chunky peanut butter situation: just more fine grained and smooth, with gelato being the base. Highly recommend trying this flavor! Focacia was okay. A bit too dry and bland for my liking, but still decent. My favorite item was the pistachio bombolone which is officially now my favorite dessert. This was magnificent! The yeasty dough was so light and airy--perfectly light and balanced. The filling of pistachio cream was very delicate and not sweet at all, which was such a nice surprise. I do not like saccharine dessert. The fresh raspberry jam was a perfect balance to the pistachio cream. I never like jams in my desserts, but this was a perfect complement. Woooow, what a treat! Can't wait to return for it and to try more of their other flavors--hazelnut & chocolate, coconut, white chocolate, tiramisu. You could taste the superb quality of the ingredients. Highly recommend.

Vegan/Non dairy options: Bergamotto (orange) and Fondente (dark chocolate)

Gelato Flavors

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Grace Street

Locally owned & operated

Locally sourced ingredients

So after having lunch in New York's Chinatown and taking a stroll through little Italy, we took a…read moresubway ride to New York's K-Town or aka as Korea Town. Upon arrival we noticed the difference in crowds. Not as busy and packed sidewalks. Also it was a lot cleaner than Chinatown. Since we just ate at C-Town, it was time to find a good dessert place in K-Town. So we walked and we walked until I saw a banner sign showing shaved ice desserts. Then I noticed the name of the business is Grace Street. How fitting, because that is my wife's name. So we went in and what caught my eye was a mango shaved ice with mangoes, mochi, strawberries, and condensed milk, however I was over ruled by my wife and we went with the black sesame and mochi and condensed milk. It also had red bean, but that had to be on the side, since that gives me gout. Such nice staff taking orders and we went into the dining area to find a seat. What a large spacious area with many tables. Our order came out and it looked so good. The black sesame shaved ice or snow as it's also referred to as, was perfectly sweetened by the condensed milk and the chewy mochi. Definitely cleaned my pallet from our Chinese lunch and it helped cool me down from the New York heat. We got water, but there was no ice offered, so I asked one of the workers and he was kind enough to get me some. We are through that dessert like, if we didn't finish it fast, it was going to melt. We did not give it a chance to melt one bit. The staff here are efficient, as they saw we were done, they asked to clear our dessert bowl away. It was a nice experience even if it was just dessert. They definitely had more dessert options to offer, but i

Grace Street is a quick-service go-to in Koreatown for a sweet treat or afternoon snack. Our Mango…read moreMadness shaved snow hit the spotand was MASSIVE! The generous serving had creamy, silky layers and was easily enough for the two of us to share. Sweet, light, and refreshing. Plenty of seating, generous portions, and a stop here never disappoints! Located on 32nd St, between Broadway & 5th Ave Train: 34 St-Herald Sq (N/Q/R/W); also an easy walk from Penn Station. Overall, a great casual dessert stop after exploring K-Town, Midtown or nearby Chelsea.

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Sunset Lemonade ($5.50)

Aubi & Ramsa

I ended up here after dinner with some friends, and I'm so glad we stopped by…read more The space is on the smaller side, which gives it a cozy, intimate vibe. It would be perfect for a date night or catching up with a small group of friends. They had a great selection of flavors, but I went with the Tennessee Crème Brûlée. It was sooo good--rich, creamy, and definitely worth trying. My only complaint is that I wish the serving was a little bigger, but I get it... there's alcohol in it. We ended up staying much longer than we planned, just talking and enjoying the atmosphere. It was the perfect way to end the night, and I'll definitely be back.

This is a really fun little spot in NYC. The alcohol-infused ice cream is actually good, not too…read morestrong. just a nice twist on regular ice cream. It's a cute place to stop by after dinner or if you just want something different for dessert. I tried a couple flavors and liked them more than I expected. Would definitely go back to try others.

Left to right: Strawberry & Rosé, Tangerine Mimosa, Jack & Chocolate.

Kentucky Creme Brulee

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Chocolate and Amaretto

Insomnia Cookies

small establishments but I've noticed most insomnia locations are small . We got a 6 pack and they…read morejust came out the oven. We were in heaven. My favorite is oatmeal cookies

Don't recommend custom service is horrible , very racis , don't come here this not the spot would…read moremessed up your night like it did to mines

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Sundaes and Cones

Amazing Ice Cream Shop on East 10th Street off 3rd Avenue…read more Awesome selection of ice cream and gelato in traditional and unique flavors, many Asian, like lavender, ginger, etc. They have a frequent visitor membership rewards and bet there are many, like myself, who take advantage given frequent visits year round. The service is always great. Sometimes the Moms and Dads visiting their kids at NYU clog up the front with a LOT of questions, but usually very quick for a large waffle cone with 2 scoops. If dining at other venues in the area, skip desert and stop here for a special treat!

This ice cream shop has been around forever - 2000's maybe & is just slightly off the busy area of…read moreSt. Mark's but deserves the attention! Don't remember what I had the previous 20+ years I went there after a group dinner. This time I was influenced & specifically took a bus over for their corn ice cream. It's STILL the summer of corn. Prices are now average - good for a scoop $7.50 & the portion is good compared to other craft ice cream shops in LES. The corn flavor was good. Medium flavor with that corn sweetness. The quality of the ice cream was excellent, medium creamy & very smooth with the teeniest bit of corn blended. Sampled the hazelnut which was great also - like a thick gelato. Would like to try the lychee next time. They have probably 20 different flavors, displayed well. The staff is patient & very nice. The space is very big for a business in the East Village with mostly a waiting area. 4-5 seats are up front & they set up a few plastic chairs on the side. On a 90°F day, the shop was filled with customers & groups. A stantion at the door with directions for 2 lines would help manage things better.

Scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream in a cup with a cone. Ice cream freshness ftw

Exterior

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Green Tea Rose, Black Sesame

Amorino Gelato

Solid gelato what can I say the sorbetti and gelati worked very well together…read more Short line and great location!

The workers are friendly and the service was good. The place is cozy and was a nice spot to chill…read moreat especially during the cold weather. The Affogato al cioccolato was very rich and sweet. The chocolate was more on the thicker side. I definitely recommend it if you are a fan of chocolate. The ice cream here is very smooth and creamy.

2 flavors

Small waffle cone

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Anita Gelato

Food: This is one of my favorite gelato spots in NYC! They have a variety of gelato and sorbet…read moreflavors; my favorite is the hazelnut mousse. You can sample as many flavors as you'd like before deciding. A small cup/cone comes with two flavors. Their waffle cones are very good! Toppings for an additional charge are also available. Overall, their gelato is excellent quality. Service: Staff are very patient and friendly as you're sampling flavors. Great service. Ambiance: This is a good size gelato shop with seating both indoors and outdoors. There are a good number of tables and chairs. The line does get long but goes pretty quickly. Overall, I would HIGHLY recommend this spot!

Don't be deterred by the line outside the store and around the block. Its there for a reason. They…read morehave the best gelato in town. The line moves quickly and you are greeted with an array of flavors. Sample a few and take your pick. We got the hazelnut and coffee flavor combination and loved it. The staff is helpful and efficient - make a stop here! They have some seating area and the crowd moves through pretty fast.

Chocolate pistachio and mint

Small Gelato (pistachio + strawberry)

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The scooped gelato.

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

Service was very friendly and quick and gave us lots of iced cream! We split a small and it was…read moreenough for both of us. Which is good because it is definitely on the pricier side. The honeycomb flavour was quite good imo, but don't get it if you don't like crunchies/hard sugar in your dessert. I have also tasted the Earl Gray at a different location recently, which I would recommend if like me you like that sort of tea (: It was quite busy and since they're small there was no place to sit, no biggie, so we just rushed home and split it there (: Also so cool that they have a vegan menu, looking forward to trying one of them sometime!

Walked in. Ordered a milkshake. It solved most of immediate problems. Ice cream is always a good…read moreidea in August.

Vegan strawberry cheescake

Passion Fruit Berry Pop

Earl grey tea

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Caffe Paradiso

4.4

(219 reviews)

0.4 mi

Got the brown butter latte (surprise) and was better than I had initially thought. Has a slight…read moreaftertaste, but it's also brown butter, so I'm not surprised. Not sure if it was worth the wait though. Service was good, noticed that many others had an unpleasant experience, but the lady who took my order was kind and did not scam me! Overall it's not really worth the hype to watch a man pour coffee from a machine. Yes, it's a place to buy a nice cup of coffee, but only if there's little to no line.

Trust me... Caffe Paradiso is viral for a reason, and the hype is VERY real! Their Salty Brown…read moreButter & Oat Latte is easily one of the best lattes I've ever had. It was 100% worth standing in line in the humid weather, and I'd do it all over again! The drink was perfectly salty, incredibly creamy, and I could actually taste those delicious brown butter notes. Of course, it's not the strongest coffee-wise, which is something I usually prefer in my everyday coffee, but as a treat it's absolutely perfect!

It was busy, so after paying, you get a cute ticket--hand it to the barista for the viral latte!

Salted brown butter oat latte on tap

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Salted Brown Butter & Oat Latte

Ess-a-Bagel

Great selection of different bagels and cream cheeses so everyone can get what they'd like. They…read moreare popular and unfortunately small, so the line gets tightly packed and seating is not plentiful. I ended up quickly ordering, grabbing seats, then having to circle back to get food and pay. On busier mornings, expect to take to go. I got the "signature favorite" because you can't go wrong with a name like that - bagel of your choice (everything is the way to go) and lox with lettuce, tomato, onion, and capers. It was very thick with its innards with a soft bagel around it. Lox was plentiful and slightly salty. She got a pumpernickel bagel with walnut raisin cream cheese which I thought was a wild combination, but it really worked without being too sweet. So, something for everyone. Good bagels, quick service, and a nice variety of options.

We enjoyed: Vegan…read morePumpernickle Rye Bagel with scallion tofu spread, capers, tomato, and cucumber Vegan Everything Bagel with scallion tofu spread, capers, red onion, tomato, and cucumber Vegan Salt Bagel with veggie tofu spread, capers, red onion, tomato, and cucumber The best I've ever had anywhere. Last time we were here we took a suitcase full back with us to Wyoming. We come here every time we can when visiting NYC.

Plain Bagel w Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese

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Signature favorite (lox, tomato, capers and lettuce) with less cream cheese) on pumpernickel

Hamburger America

A Michelin-Star-Level Egg Salad Sandwich…read more This update focuses on the egg salad sandwich, which stole the show on my most recent visit. I ordered the egg salad sandwich on toasted whole-wheat bread, and it was outstanding. The flavor and texture were, in my opinion, Michelin-star level. Visually, it was almost a work of art: the egg salad had a beautiful, vibrant yellow color, thanks to the addition of yellow mustard and the use of high-quality eggs. What makes the sandwich particularly impressive is how simple the recipe is. The egg salad is based on George Motz's mother's classic recipe, made with just hard-boiled eggs, yellow mustard, and quality mayonnaise. Sometimes, keeping things simple is the secret to making something exceptional. I chose the express line and headed to the first-come, first-served seating area in the back. I quickly found a window seat, which gave me a great view of the constant SoHo hustle and bustle--the perfect setting for enjoying lunch. There are also several options for customizing your experience. You can order the egg salad on white or wheat bread, toasted or untoasted. And if you can't decide between egg salad and tuna salad, there's the off-menu "Jonathan," which combines half egg salad and half tuna salad in the same sandwich. Another option is the Salad Plate, which comes with a scoop of both egg salad and tuna salad served with Ritz crackers. As always, the restaurant was spotless, and the service was efficient, friendly, and consistently excellent. For me, though, the star of this visit was unquestionably the egg salad sandwich--simple ingredients, beautifully executed, and absolutely delicious.

Went to Hamburger America on a weekend in the early afternoon. It's located at the corner of West…read moreHouston Street/Sixth Ave, between SoHo and the West Village. It was busy but not overcrowded, and we found a table outside. When you arrive, you order at the counter inside, receive a number, and then find a seat while your meal is prepared fresh. A server brings your food to your table once it is ready, it only took about 5-7 minutes for our food to arrive. I ordered the "All the Way" burger, their classic smash burger with mustard, diced onions, dill pickles, and cheese, along with fries and a gluten-free bun. The total came to about $17, including tax and tip. The burger was delicious. Smash burgers are my favorite, and this one was cooked perfectly with crispy edges while still moist. I also really appreciate that they offer a gluten-free bun. The burger and fries were a satisfying portion without feeling overly heavy. This is a casual spot, but it consistently delivers delicious food at a reasonable price. If you are looking for a classic smash burger in the neighborhood, I would recommend. I will certainly be back!

Lunch Counter and kitchen

Double George Motz's Fried Onion Burger.

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Fried Onion Double Cheeseburger

Crispy Heaven Bakery

High quality French bakery/brunch spot!! They won nyc's best baguette in 2024. Only downside is…read morethat their sandwiches are kinda pricey I def need to come back to try their pancakes and Turkish eggs. - Grass fed short rib 1/2 baguette sandwich: 11/10, the baguette was crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, and the meat was so tender and flavorful w/ the caramelized onions. The soup was insanely flavorful too and not too salty (which I was scared about) - 16 m. aged serrano ham 1/2 baguette sandwich w/ Gouda cheese: 7/10, not as good as the short rib baguette sandwich, but still yummy

Really good bread here! Scrambled eggs were nice and fluffy. My only criticism is the short amount…read moreof time we had at our table. We had made a reservation for 9.30 am and they asked us to leave at 10.05 am because they had another reservation waiting. Kind of weird to only give 30mins to sit down, look at the menu, order and eat your food. I had just finished my last bite and the plates were taken away and we were given the cheque. The waitress was friendly, just wish we weren't rushed out.

Latte and bread pudding

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Beet salad

Parla

10/10 Mafaldine Alla Vodka - This pasta is insanely delicious and so creamy. My mouth is watering…read morejust thinking about it. I absolutely love the pasta it comes with too. The shape is unique, which makes it even better. My only complaint is... why doesn't it come with any protein? Cost - $22.87

{Overall: 4; Food: 4} Ambiance: 4; Service: 4…read more Parla is a great Italian restaurant on the Upper West Side very close to the American Museum of Natural History. The menu is focused on Italian American comfort food, with an emphasis on pizza and pasta. *Mafaldine Alla Vodka: Really good. The pasta was cooked perfectly, with plenty of rich vodka sauce. The chili flakes added a nice little kick. *Angry Roni: A really satisfying pizza with lots of melty cheese and toppings. Service was very friendly and attentive throughout the meal. The ambiance is also nice. There is bar seating, communal tables, and a windowed area at the front of the restaurant that feels like a sunroom.

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Pura Vida Miami

4.3

(215 reviews)

1.9 mi

Seems like Pura Vida has popped up in a lot of neighborhoods. We stopped by the Flatiron location…read morefor a weekend brunch. This location has several tables outside. The menu is large so there is something for everyone. Various eggs, smoothies, pancakes, salads, sandwiches, bowls and wraps to choose from. We ordered the falafel crunch wrap and chicken pesto sandwich. The wrap was stuffed with fresh veggies. The chicken sandwich was cooked well and quite filling. Both were very tasty and made with fresh ingredients. Great option for a healthy and quick meal!

stopped by on a weekday morning for a quick bakery treat. i decided to try the chocolate croissant…read more& there was only one left in the case. the croissant had a wonderful flaky, crispy texture that paired really well with the warm dark chocolate inside. compared to other chocolate croissants i've had, this one probably had a little less chocolate filling, but the taste was still great. the contrast between the flaky layers and the soft, warm center was superb. the staff was kind, and it took about 10 minutes to get my croissant warmed up. i would say it may take a little more time than expected to get your food, especially if you're in a rush like i was. otherwise, the space is really nice. they don't have many prepared grab-and-go items, but they do have a good selection of baked goods and the option to sit down and eat. i also noticed later that they had some lunch meals available to go, which is something i'd definitely look into trying next time.

Handcrafted coffee with latte art and a hazelnut crunch acai bowl, served in a warm and welcoming all day café atmosphere.

Fresh and healthy table spread featuring vibrant salads, nutritious bowls and wraps, all-day breakfast favorites, superfood s...

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The Perfect Egg Sandwich with pasture-raised eggs, avocado, tomato, arugula and mozzarella - the ultimate healthy breakfast on-the-go

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Andrew V.

586

8 years ago

I have been to both locations which include their NYC and Miami location which is at 1-800 Lucky and love the concept and the branding. I skipped the Signature Taiyaki cones and decided to go our a "Build your own ice cream" which included the Taiyaki Cone which is fish shaped that had the custard filling. I then picked the Matcha and Black Sesame as my ice cream flavor and was not satisfied with the flavor, should ave either picked Matcha (Green Tea) on its own or the Vanilla which my sister ordered and was delicious. For the third step I picked the condensed milk as the drizzle which always hits the spot and finally selected the crushed Oreos, graham crumbs, chocolate sprinkles and rainbow mochi for my toppings. They will give you two toppings for free and you must pay fifty cents for every other topping. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised with the overall experience and product, the staff was very friendly at their very small NYC Manhattan location and the product which I believed would be all hype was actually really good. I do believe my mistake was ordering the Matcha Black Seseme blended ice cream flavor which was not sweet enough and had a strange aftertaste. I highly recommend the selection I chose by building your own ice cream, except you should choose Vanilla for the ice cream flavor. I will say that the Custard filling in the Taiyaki cone is an awesome touch and was so happy that I got to try my first fish shaped (Taiyaki) cone. I definitely plan on going back in the near future and trying out the Unicorn Taiyaki (#6) or the Berry Lovely (#5) from the signature Taiyaki menu which everyone wont stop talking about. I highly recommend you go during the week on off hours as this place has the potential to fill up quickly as it is small and NYC attracts a lot of tourists, especially in the summer. It would be much better to eat your ice cream inside in the AC on the window sill seats than to be forced to eat it outside in the heat. read more

Gina M.

Elite 20

393

267

1540

8 years ago

Taiyaki is one of the quintessential Instagrammable dessert spots in NYC. Their classic dessert includes a taiyaki, which is a hot waffle shaped like a 3D fish and filled with either red bean paste and custard. That taiyaki is then topped with soft serve ice cream and toppings of your choice. One of the classic combinations (which you've probably seen on social media) include the unicorn which has a vanilla and strawberry soft serve swirl topped with gold-dusted fondant decorations of a unicorn horn and ears. They also offer seasonal flavors such as cold brew or pumpkin. One thing to note is that these treats can be pretty unwieldy because the "fish cone" isn't really a cone and the ice cream just sits on top. Also, the waffle is warm, so it can melt the ice cream and next thing you know, your ice cream is on the ground. You've been warned, especially if you're coming here with kids, get them a cup to dump the ice cream into! As for the actual space, it's pretty unimpressive. The tiny storefront has room for no more than 10 people to stand, so there is basically no option to stand inside while you eat your ice cream. As a result, I would not recommend coming here in the winter. That being said though, everyone who works inside is kind and patient with customers while trying to crank out dessert orders. And the quality of the desserts themselves are great; these treats are unique and delicious! They are expensive (about $8 each), but they occasionally run BOGO specials which is nice. If you're in the Chinatown/Little Italy area, I would definitely recommend stopping by! read more

Jae U.

6 years ago

I came with my friend to get the holiday cones, get 2 for the price of 8 dollars. It was very crowd and noisy. The worker handed over one ice cream with fish cone after a while, I could barely made out what she was saying since it was so loud. It was my bad for not asking her to repeat, I just assume she was telling us to wait a bit for the other cone since the place was quite busy. So we literally stood there waiting for like 20 minutes for the other cone, we were at the front and no worker came out to even ask what we were waiting for. I finally just went up and ask. She said they ran out of cones so they just gave us fish cone instead. This was pretty frustrating because we came here for two cones. If they knew they don't have any cones left, notify us first?? Before making the ice cream with fish cone instead? They didn't make sure we knew what we were agreeing to. That's basically giving us no choice but to accept the fish cone because they're probably gonna trash it like all the other "failed" ice cream swirls I saw them throw out during my useless wait. When I went to a bubble tea store, they ran out of herb jelly, they notify me BEFORE making the bubble tea to make sure I'm ok with it. I don't understand why the workers couldn't have told us before cause it just feels like a scam now. They could've easily called us up and ask us if we wanted a refund. Honestly wasn't even worth the eight dollars we spent. We only had knowledge of the holiday cone cause we were first time customers and from this experience I don't think we're gonna be coming back. read more

Sea K.

9 years ago

I went to this fish market on grand opening day and they didn't even have salmon. The price of each ice cream is so expensive that I needed to ask for loans from 10 different hobos on the street. However the ice cream tasted pretty good if only the fish weren't trying to eat some of it too with its big mouth ass. This place didn't used to sell the fish by itself so i guess that is an improvement but I'm still waiting for them to roll out sushi. The place is packed that even Hercules can't undergo this trial of getting in. The exorbitant prices they charge can single handedly save the Venezuelan economy. Most of the customers seem to be school kids so either their parents wondering why their bank account dropping in money or I got mugged. This the type of ice-cream that will create type 3 diabetes. I wouldn't recommend the black sesame green tea duo combo with powers the rival Harvey and Irma combined cause its destructive effect on my stomach after required me to set up a charity under my name for medical expenses. Obviously the fish itself isn't worth it so you because there is only filling in the bottom layer, like the USA can dig oil but they wont be able to get the custard out of this dough ass fish. The next time I step into this store is when I'm ready to declare bankruptcy matter of fact it gonna be the reason I declare bankruptcy. On the other hand they do have great customer service but I don't know how fast they can dial 9-1-1 when I get a heart failure eating this. read more

Jay P.

2 years ago

Having visited Japan several times, I've always been a huge fan of their taiyaki ice cream desserts, so when I discovered Taiyaki NYC, I was beyond excited! This spot truly brings the authentic taste of Japan right to the heart of New York. The soft serve here is so creamy and rich, with a texture that's perfectly smooth. But the real highlight is the taiyaki itself--crispy and golden on the outside, just like the ones I had in Tokyo. I decided to try something a little different this time and went for the chocolate filling inside the taiyaki, paired with their deliciously smooth matcha ice cream. It was the perfect combination of flavors--rich, slightly bitter matcha balanced with the sweet, indulgent chocolate. Beyond the delicious treats, the atmosphere at Taiyaki NYC is so cozy and inviting. It's the kind of place you can sit and relax, enjoying a sweet moment with a great dessert in hand. Whether you're grabbing a quick treat on the go or taking your time to savor every bite, this place offers a little taste of Japan that's hard to beat. I can't recommend it enough to anyone craving an authentic Japanese dessert experience! It's a must-visit, and I'll definitely be back soon to try more of their mouthwatering creations. read more

Dan A.

Elite 16

198

368

119

10 years ago

Taiyaki NYC is a relatively new ice cream shop that has been getting a lot of press through social media. I mean, once you see a picture of ice cream in a fish shaped waffle, you kind of want to go for the novelty factor. And that's exactly what I did on my last trip to NYC. The shop is a lot smaller than I expected, with very little indoor seating (which was somewhat unfortunate because it started pouring rain right as I got my ice cream lol). But it's very clean inside and the servers were nice. I opted to get the Straight Outta Japan. There's black sesame ice cream and matcha green tea ice cream, a wafer, and mochi... all in the fish shaped waffle. I liked it a lot, especially the black sesame ice cream. It cost around $7 with additional toppings extra. They also serve water and canned green tea. However, just note that if you pay with a credit card, there is a $10 minimum. So come with a friend... or get some beverages to go with your ice cream... or load up on your toppings. All are not bad choices :) To be honest, at the end of the day, it is just soft serve ice cream in a waffle... but it's so cute and fun. It's definitely worth a trip! I'm planning to go back next time im in NYC! :) read more

Gautami N.

1 year ago

As a New Yorker constantly on the hunt for fun and unique desserts, Taiyaki NYC is always a go-to spot that I recommend to locals and tourists alike. Located in the bustling heart of the city, this place offers a whimsical twist on soft-serve that feels like a celebration in every bite. What truly sets Taiyaki NYC apart is its iconic fish-shaped cone - a nod to the traditional Japanese taiyaki pastry, reinvented with a modern, Instagram-worthy spin. But it's not just the shape that impresses - the flavors are incredibly thoughtful and delicious. From classic vanilla and matcha swirls to ube, black sesame, and seasonal specials, each combo feels both nostalgic and creative. Toppings like mochi, red bean, sprinkles, and the occasional unicorn horn or caramel drizzle make every order feel personalized and fun. The cone itself is warm, chewy, and slightly sweet - the perfect contrast to the creamy soft serve. Whether you're a dessert lover or just want to try something new in NYC, Taiyaki is an absolute must. It's not just dessert - it's an experience. read more

Ms K.

10 years ago

I tried the new croyaki with custard filling and it was not memorable. I struggled to finish it because flavors and texture felt too "flat" in that I got bored of it by the 4th bite. Also is messy to eat.. powdered sugar on top contributed nothing to the croyaki itself.. why not just make a burnt/caramelized glaze on top? I heard a lot of hype around this so that was pretty upsetting. Also, definitely not enough seats in this location. Unless you're lucky enough to come at an odd hour, but even then there is a less than 10% chance you can score a seat. If I'm going to be holding a fish with icecream stacked on top, I want to be sitting down and enjoying it, not stand outside in 20 degree weather or congregated near the checkout line (if you're lucky). It's cute that they have a mini bucket of photo props that you can use to make the dessert more insta-worthy, but if you are in the Chinatown area and craving ice cream, head over to Ice and Vice instead. read more

John S.

3 years ago

After few days ago my sister said to go out for Ice cream. So we plain at weekend to eat Ice cream. We visited a Share a review too? I impressed with just their team members and name. I really like your business name. It's not quite as decadent as traditional ice cream. There's no denying this is a lower-sugar, lower-fat alternative. I really like ice cream beacause it's a special recipe that's free of caffeine, excess fat, sugar and calories, which is friendlier for the nighttime digestion process. It also includes additional minerals (like magnesium, a proven sleep aid) and amino acids to support sleep quality. It's a great experience. The ambiance is very welcoming and charming. Amazing wines, food and service. Staff are extremely knowledgeable and make great recommendations. This place is great! The price of ice cream was so reasonable. I honestly highly recommend it. read more

Ilda S.

7 years ago

Worth the hype! I went to Taiyaki NYC on a Sunday afternoon and thankfully the line wasn't that bad. My friend said when she last came here there was a line halfway down the street. The service here is pretty quick too. I feel like we waited in line and were in and out of there within 10 minutes I ordered the strawberry mango ice cream with rainbow sprinkles, coconut flakes and strawberry syrup all in the cute little fish like cone of course :) This ice cream was sooo incredibly good!! The strawberry mango flavor was delicious it was the perfect blend of sweet and citrus flavor but not too sweet. It kind of reminded me of a creamy sherbet. The cone was actually really good too! And I'm not even a fan of ice cream cones but I loved how fresh it was. Check this place out if you're in the NYC area! And BE SURE TO CHECK IN ON YELP :) you'll get an extra free topping! read more

M Y.

7 years ago

Overrated desserts overshadowed by poor experience. I was looking forward to trying the fluffy Japanese pancakes and went on a Sunday and waited on line and got there by 11am for it to open and as I was one of the first people to go in and order, I still had to wait 35 minutes for the pancakes!! The system is terrible. How do they not have some fresh stacks of pancakes prepared for people when they KNOW people are there for that? The wait inside was crowded and stuffy and then to make matters worse, there was a hair inside my matcha pancake order!! While the pancakes were good, they scene and atmosphere made me vow to never step foot in there again. People. Don't be fooled to go there and eat this just so you can Instagram a photo. Not worth the hassle and wait. I am surprised another place in NYC has not gotten the recipe to sell these pancakes elsewhere. read more

Cathy M.

346

9 years ago

Visited nyc for the weekend and had to go check out what the taiyaki hype is all about - there was a line but the wait wasn't too bad! The line got super long as we waited in line, but I'm pretty sure everyone would agree it's totally worth the wait because the taiyaki not only was aesthetically pleasing(aka insta-worthy) but also tasted AMAZING. One of the owner was also regulating the line, explaining the menu, and chatting with the customers in line - we felt very welcomed! We got the unicorn taiyaki and matcha and it was definitely a highlight of our trip to nyc! We really liked how they kept the traditional Japanese taiyaki part by having the red bean filling but still manage to make the modern twist of adding ice cream and adorable decorations that worked perfectly! I'd say Taiyaki is a must-try in nyc! read more

Sasha B.

7 years ago

What better place to go to while exploring China Town? Some of my friends who knew their way around China Town took me there, and I was beyond exited from looking at their Instagram pictures. The line was not too long, and there were so many options. I finally decided on the unicorn one with the vanilla custard filling! When it came out, the homeade Taiyaki cone was warm and fresh. The ice cream was excellent quality. The unicorn's horn and ears made from fondant were yummy, as well. I couldn't even eat it without taking a photo of the crazy creation! The custard inside was my favorite part. The red bean is also yummy, but the vanilla custard, for me, was truly exceptional. You should certainly take a visit to Taiyaki if you want a nice treat and new insta feed! read more

Melissa L.

Elite 19

196

7 years ago

It's not even my birthday... but Taiyaki, if you wanna put your name on it. I want that cake, cake, cake, cake. Came in on a Sunday afternoon and there was no line wrapped around outside... shout out to the weather gods! We made in right before the 2pm cut-off for the souffle pancakes. FYI they only sell these delectable bites Fri-Sun 11am-2pm. Walked in here feeling like I stepped into Southeast Asia... hot, humid, and crammed in like sardines. I regret nothing. Taiyaki, no one STACKS up to you. I'd go hard for those pancakes any day. Their souffle pancakes are the MF GOAT... buttery, velvety, thick, creamy, melt in your mouth decadence. We got the original flavor, but will be back to try the matcha ones next time! Peace, syrup, and unicorns. read more

Tony C.

5 years ago

Finally visited this gem to try out their fluffy pancakes and ice cream! Ambiance: I visited on a Sunday afternoon and the line was not long which was shocking! Food/Price: I ordered the taiyaki ice cream and chose vanilla with cookie crumbles. The menu sorts the items by number so it's easier to order. The taiyaki ice cream was creamy, flavorful and aesthetically pleasing LOL! I also ordered their pancakes and OMG, the best! Imagine me with ice cream in one hand and pancakes in the order; HEAVEN! It was around $18 for both. Service: They are quick with taking your order and bringing it out. Can't wait to go back, I can't believe I didn't visit sooner! read more

Wendy H.

Elite 17

370

10 years ago

I'm not a huge fan of dessert, but I'm finally glad I can find a place where I can get both my green tea and black sesame soft serve fix. (I used to drive all the way to Fort Lee to Mitsuwa!) The fish is just the right size (not too small but not too big). However, you can definitely share one with the friend because they give you so much ice cream plus there's filling inside the fish! A word of advice, I would try the green tea and black sesame separately. They both are so rich in flavor that is swirled together, one will over power the other. (But the swirl is worth the Instagram photo .) read more

Noeru N.

111

5 years ago

I absolutely love this place! I went once the summer before COVID, but I haven't been able to visit again because Chinatown is a bit far from where I am at. But once I saw that they had a Rilakkuma collaboration going on, I immediately planned a trip to get one. It was so good~ They only call it a "bear" cone on the menu, but it was super soft and fluffy. I still think I prefer the normal taiyaki cones though because the Rilakkuma one didn't have any fillings. It was just the bread and a small hole for the ice cream to sit. Definitely a must-go place everytime I'm in Chinatown! read more

Sade P.

190

120

8 years ago

Recently visited this place with my sister after seeing all the pics on Instagram. It was definitely worth all the raving. Despite there being a line, we didn't have to wait very long due to the efficiency of the staff. One person takes the orders, while the others are moving to quickly to fill them. I ordered the unicorn ice cream and I was impressed! Every piece from the unicorn horn to the cone itself were delicious. I love the creativity of the soft waffle cones, made it so much easier to hold the ice cream in comparison to the traditional cones. A vert good summer treat! read more

Debra M.

10 years ago

This place recently opened in Chinatown. There's another place that sells it in Flushing but there really isn't one in Manhattan. They sell fish shaped cake waffles with red bean or custard filling topped with soft serve ice cream. I ordered the Straight Outta Japan - match & black sesame swirl ice cream with mo chi and a wafer cookie. It's a bit messy to eat so you have to eat it immediately once you get it. It's also a bit pricey - $7 for one with ice cream and 2 toppings. It's a nice treat once in a while to get though. read more

Dian L.

367

9 years ago

Definitely instagram worthy and also tastes great too! I got the unicorn float and straight out of japan. I would not recommend getting the unicorn float ($10) because it tastes like a regular taro slushee but you are paying 3x as much. Skip that and get the ice cream instead for $7. Straight out of Japan has a sesame and green tea swirl for ice cream and red bean filling. I found the sesame to be a bit overpowering and couldn't taste the green tea as much but I am already planning on coming back to try the other flavors! read more

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Taiyaki NYC - desserts - Updated August 2026

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Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

4.2

(3.3k reviews)

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I had just finished dinner with my friends and we were looking for a little dessert to cap the…read moreevening. It's summer and humid, so ice cream seemed like the perfect finisher. Chinatown Ice Cream Factory was only steps away, so it only made sense for us to check it out. I had heard of CICF before - it has become pretty well known on social media and my brother also frequents this area and has spoken of it. The space is small - outside of a small area indoors to queue up there is no other seating or area for customers. There was a small line when we arrived but it moved quickly; I can see foot traffic being an issue when they're being slammed though as there is no efficient flow of customers in and out. But I mean, it must be working for them - this spot is incredibly popular. Anyway, they have a good selection of ice cream flavors - some common ones and other more unique ones. I decided to try the vanilla fudge which was quite good; I could tell the ice cream itself was quality, and there was a generous helping of fudge ribboned throughout. Service was good - they were working the line well and before I knew it I was outside enjoying. Overall, Chinatown Ice Cream Factory was great - the ice cream was delicious and I wouldn't hesitate to return to explore more of their flavors.

Figo Il Gelato Italiano

(642 reviews)

The Greek yogurt with honey and crushed almonds was perfect on this hot August afternoon!…read more The tanginess kept it from being too sweet. It was a good-sized scoop that I didn't have to share.

I like gelato. I highly prefer traditional ice cream as my proclivity for predilection which costs…read moresignificantly less than gelato. Nevertheless, I decided to try Figo as Yelpers rated fairly good reviews. I entered to the coolness relief of indoor air conditioner. While in the vicinity of Chinatown / Little Italy, NYC I check off Figo from my "places to go" bookmark with time. It is a long walk from my designated starting point which I rushed pressed for time in summer's humidity and eating for my return walk. There is a decent plethora of gelato flavors to choose from. After browsing the glass display counter the flavors appear non-traditional but modern with names: fresh lemon, Fragola, fresh strawberry, frutta della passione, fresh passion fruit and mixed berry. The flavors did not pique my interest. It quickly melted. I inquired if there were any flavors close to Nutella which I can comprehend there is no Nutella which this male associate blatantly with determination stated "we don't have Nutella, got that? For the same price you can get two scoops." The male server/ cashier was very brusque, impatient, abrupt, unyielding and curt for his behavior and communication. When requested a sales receipt, this male associate adamantly stated "we don't give receipts we can email it or text it to your phone, okay!" To survive is to make money as a business for profit, but it does not come with a human cost. This male associate has zero compassion and absolutely no empathy. Churlish for brackish personality. Or, was the high intense summer's humidity intolerable for him to withstand for adaption? He projects a high functioning hubristic behavioral approach towards me. The cash register is powered by Square with dual screens - well at least Figo accept cash which is the method of my payment. I did obtain my sales receipt via email which I did not realize it was an extortionate staggering price $8.75! Oh! Their competitor Grom charges significantly less approximately $5.25. Ergo, two stars for excessively poor customer service. Two scoops, regular cup $8.75 Vanilla and hazelnut flavor which were both very bland. The gelato quickly melted onto my hands leaving a very sticky residue - unfortunately. I honestly did not taste any flavor. I find Figo's gelato, surely, mediocre. Bye, Felicia!

Sundaes Best

(321 reviews)

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Located just at the edge of ktown, this spot serves plenty of Asian flavors to choose from! They…read morehave your more classic options, like strawberry + mango, to classic Asian flavors, like Pandan, lychee, + Thai tea, all the way to your unique Asian flavors, like Thai Basil, Choco Pie, + Hwache, just to name a few!! I love that they draw inspo from Asian snacks to derive their flavors - it's what makes Sundaes Best unique! I surprisingly enjoyed Pineapple Thai Basil, which had the classic fruity flavor, but also a freshness from the basil, which was pleasant. You can sample as many flavors as you want. Not that many indoor seating options, but you're not too far from Herald Sq to grab an outdoor seat. Perfect post-dinner dessert spot if you're in the area!

Morgenstern's

3.8

(1.6k reviews)

Sooo many flavors and toppings, there's gotta be something for everyone!! They don't give samples…read morewhich is a bummer :( I got the pineapple salted egg yolk and the Hong Kong milk tea and it was DELICIOUS. I would go back in a heart beat!! Hong Kong milk tea tastes more like brown sugar boba than milk tea but still yummy! Definitely understand why they categorized this under caramel. The pineapple salted egg yolk was the perfect combination of sweet and salty and I loved the bits of salted egg yolk I can't wait to go back and try more flavors!!!!

Vibe/ambiance: quick Service: standard, no testing…read more Items ordered: Mango lychee lemonade: too sweet sour and salty at the same time

Fluffy Fluffy

4.2

(52 reviews)

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Mixue

3.9

(82 reviews)

•$

it's grandma approved…read more I like the vanilla soft serve more than matcha soft serve, but both are good + perfectly portioned with the cone.

Popped by right when it was about to open and a line started forming behind us…read more They prefer you order by the kiosk which was easy and there's three available. Large space inside and we sat towards the back which was an icebox back there. Comfortable temperature for soft serve dining. They call your number for soft serve and make it once you are there. And at the same time my drinks were ready. Good process. Vanilla soft serve - bigger than I thought for $1.19. The texture was good but doesn't have a noticeable vanilla flavor. Matcha soft serve - this was great! I enjoyed it more than I thought and the matcha was distinct. For under $2, it was a steal. Peach mango jasmine - 50% sugar and less ice. It was alright. Watered down. The chunks of peach were great. Matcha latte - 50% sugar. Didn't realize it comes with matcha pudding which was cool. Overall decent but also felt watered down. Will try at 75% sugar next time to see if it makes a difference. Can't complain too much. All this was under $13 for three cones and two drinks. A worthy experience.

Smoove Ice Cream

4.5

(311 reviews)

1st time trying this place. Glad they were at the Astoria fair…read more Matcha boba float $12 - really good, just wish the matcha was a bit stronger Def wanna try black sesame & Thai milk tea next time.

Smoove ice cream has many unique flavors like tamarind, ube, tofu, Thai tea etc. I came for the…read morewaffle and strawberry ice cream. It is a small store with some available seating. There is a kiosk for orders or one can just speak to the associate. This a nice place to go after an evening walk or a date. All of the options are great conversation starters.

Aoko Matcha - West Village

4.5

(163 reviews)

This was my first time trying one of those 5 level matcha ice cream spots, and it lived up to the…read morehype!! I felt like I was in Japan lol. The level 5 was my favorite obviously (i'm a diehard matcha fein). I could go for an even stronger matcha flavor tbh! But this one had a nice hint of sweetness to balance out the bitterness. We also got the level 3 matcha, but that one was too sweet and not strong enough for me. The hojicha was great, I loved the roasted flavor and it was strong and sweet at the same time. It got a little too sweet by the end tho. I think I went during their soft opening and it wasn't as busy as some other new spots, but there was still like a 20 minute wait. Interior isn't big, but we were lucky enough to get 2 seats at a shared table.

I been thinking abt going back to this place since I went last yr. They have 5 levels of matcha…read moregelato. 4/5 Matcha love parfait $14.25- believe I got level 1 matcha which is perfect for me- strong enough matcha, w/o being overwhelming or tasting like dirt or grass, the mini matcha chocolate forests were a bit too sweet for me but great otherwise, & the mochi was too bland- needs flavor 5/5 matcha soft serve latte - level 1 or 2 was perfect 4/5 level 5 gelato : really good matcha, but was way too bitter for me, but my friend loved it, if you drink black coffee w/o sweetener, this is for you 2/5 sesame gelato- I love sesame anything, so was really excited to try this, but way too sweet

Figo Il Gelato Italiano

(124 reviews)

Out vacationing in NYC and surrounding areas. After having a slice of Ny pizza, stumbled upon what…read moreis now my FAV gelato ever! The place was packed (good sign) but the servers worked quickly to scoop out each order to keep the line moving and minimizing wait time. Our server let us try multiple flavors. I settle on the fresh mango and pistachio Both were very creamy. The mango was a perfect pairing...sweet mango flavor and so smooth. This place is now saved in my FAVORITES list.

Really good gelato! I got the small cup with nocciola and Dubai chocolate, and I honestly could not…read moreeven finish it. The portions are pretty generous, even for the small size. The nocciola was a little too rich for my taste, but both flavors were delicious. I especially liked the Dubai chocolate. Overall, great quality gelato and definitely worth a stop. I would come back to try more flavors.

Anita Gelato

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