East Village is known for its nightlife and ethnic enclaves. The most represented are German, Jewish, Polish and Hispanic. It was once even called Manhattan’s Little Germany. You can see the world in New York, as it’s shaped by the immigrants who now live here. Nowadays, some of the best Japanese restaurants can be found here, as well. You can taste all five basic flavours, and something extra - umami! From Japanese, it translates as “a pleasant savoury taste.” Ever had kimchi or seaweed? That’s it. East Village’s atmosphere lures people in. Even famous artists live here - from musicians like Lady Gaga and Regina Spektor to filmmakers like Darren Aronofsky and Jim Jarmusch. Therefore, whether you live in East Village or you’re visiting in search of cool vintage shops and good sidewalk cafes, make time to savour some Japanese dishes. Where? Read on to learn about the top Japanese restaurants in East Village, New York.
1. Takahachi
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This place isn’t fancy-schmancy but you can score home-cooked meals and freshly rolled sushi with decent prices and portions. This is how Takahachi gained its popularity. Lovers of Japanese cuisine who live here are regulars, mingling with visitors of The Big Apple. Savour some fish, edamame, or sushi. You might even meet the friendly Mr Takahachi himself. Sushi has a tender texture, so we recommend the sashimi or nigiri. You can even try the eel!
The friendly staff is happy to give you recommendations as well, and the service is fast. Finish off the tasty dinner with some ice cream.
Takahachi
Address: 85 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009, United States
Website: Takahachi
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 5pm - 12am; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 12:30am
2. Village Yokocho
This restaurant was the first izakaya in the neighbourhood. Izakaya is something like an American pub - a place for after-work drinking and small nibbles. Order the grilled yakitori, which has options for veggies, beef tongue, or duck. There are also fried dishes called kushiage, cold plates, hot dishes, and since this is a great place to dine out with groups, shared plates. For seafood options, you can eat squid, octopus, crab, or oysters. If it’s cold outside, we recommend a hot broth or noodles. Wash your food down with sake or beer.
Village Yokocho
Address: 8 Stuyvesant St, New York, NY 10003, United States
Website: Village Yokocho
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 5pm - 1am; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 2am
3. Hasaki
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Hasaki opened in 1984 and is beloved by many regulars because of consistent quality, fresh sushi and refined setting. Sit at the table or the long bar and watch sushi masters make their art. It’s so popular that we recommend making a reservation.
Customer favourites are miso, sushi rolls, bento specials, or salads, but do not hesitate to ask for a recommendation - the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. You can go for omakase, the chef-selected tasting menu. Be careful not to walk right by it - it’s slightly tucked away, below street level.
Hasaki
Address: 210 E 9th St, New York, NY 10003, United States
Website: Hasaki
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 5:30pm - 10pm; Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 5:30pm - 10:30pm; Sat: 12pm - 4pm, 5:30pm - 10:30pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm, 5:30pm - 10:00pm (closed on Mon)
4. DokoDemo
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This casual streetfood-like eatery specialises in appetizing okonomiyaki (savoury pancake), takoyaki (small balls filled with octopus), and yakisoba (wheat-noodle dish). It’s great for a quick bite, as it offers counter service. Their fried noodles are especially popular, as are the Japanese beers and sake. There are rice dishes, as well. Prices are reasonable for New York and the staff pays attention to details, from food to customer service.
If it’s your first time, all dishes are displayed via pictures, so it’s easy to imagine what you will get. Enjoy the textures and flavours of Japanese street food without having to fly to Japan!
DokoDemo
Address: 89 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003, United States
Website: DokoDemo
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11:30am - 10:30pm; Sun: 12pm - 9:30pm
5. Kura
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Kura serves simple and tasty omakase sushi and a few other dishes, but it’s all fresh and flavourful. This place is small, accommodating around 10 to 15 guests at a time and is famous for omakase - with 12 and 20-piece options. Cuts of fish, from trout and mackerel to salmon, are generous and the prices reasonable. They also offer Japanese beers and desserts. Everything is presented nicely and with a smile.
The friendly Chef Norihiro Ishizuka, almost 80 years old, certainly knows what he is doing. After all, the phrase omakase means “I’ll leave it up to you.” The storefront is minimalist, so be careful not to miss it.
Kura
Address: 130 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003, United States
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 5:30pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 5:30pm - 10:30pm (closed on Sun)
6. Kikoo Sushi
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Enjoy fine Japanese cuisine, fusion, all-you-can-eat buffet, and all-you-can-drink in just one restaurant. With two locations in the city and a wide variety of dishes, Kikoo Sushi is the place to be. It is a bigger joint than the previous one, so bring your friends and family along. You select your dish on an iPad - with options like raw dishes, udon, sushi and sashimi.
The selection is wide. They have octopus, salmon, tuna, yellowtail, squid and more. You can even experiment with an eel pizza or try the tartar. And what does the famed all-you-can-eat include? Sushi, sashimi, teriyaki and dessert.
Kikoo Sushi
Address: 141 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10003, United States
Website: Kikoo Sushi
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 12:30pm - 11pm; Fri - Sun: 12:30pm - 11:30pm
7. Benemon
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Are you into innovative dishes? How about fried potatoes or black miso chicken? Ever tried donburi bowls? Benemon serves them all, as well as curry dishes, at affordable prices. Donburi is basically a bowl of rice topped with fish, meat, vegetables or other ingredients. Here, they simmer together chicken, mushrooms, shrimp, eel, ginger, and eggplant. You can also order seafood, crab or squid. This is a good place for some comfort food.
Benemon
Address: 108 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003, United States
Website: Benemon
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 5:30pm - 10:30pm; Fri: 5:30pm - 11pm; Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 5:30pm - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 5:30pm - 10pm
8. SenYa
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
With minimalist decor and delicious food, this fusion restaurant is loved for its fresh dishes and its variety. They even make homemade tofu and offer pre-selected Chef’s Choice for those who are indecisive. By using bone marrow, poached egg, soy reduction, truffles, or katsuobushi, they really elevate their dishes up a notch.
Combined with great service and the experience becomes even more memorable. And since it is a fusion-cuisine spot, you can find items such as risotto as well. Guests love their weekly specials and sake, so definitely check them out. And be sure to reserve a table since the place is small and intimate.
SenYa
Address: 109 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10003, United States
Website: SenYa
Opening hours: Tue - Thu, Sun: 5pm - 10:30pm; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 11:30pm (closed on Mon)
9. Kenka
The previous place is unassuming but this one is the opposite - it has a colourful, easy-to-spot entrance, flashy decor, lots of pictures on walls, statues, posters, and memorabilia. Beer is served in cold glasses and the dishes on simple ceramic or metal plates. Sit at the wooden table and enjoy authentic Japanese dishes such as ramen, yakitori, or gyoza at this izakaya joint. It is open until late, which makes it a perfect spot for hungry night owls. Thanks to reasonable prices, you can sample several items. And they even have a cotton candy machine!
Kenka
Address: 25 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003, United States
Website: Kenka
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 6pm - 2am; Fri - Sat: 6pm - 4am
10. Yuba
Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed
Craving fresh Japanese sushi in East Village? Surprisingly, this one was opened in a former Korean joint by two Chinese veteran chefs, and it has been here for 10 years now. It became popular due to the lunch menu, signature rolls like bluefin tuna and sea urchin, beef and pork dishes, sushi and sashimi. The location is quiet, the service is quick, and the restaurant clean and modern. Whether it is the uni recommended by Chef Jack himself, sushi or miso soup, Japanese food lovers should not miss this place.
Yuba
Address: 105 E 9th St, New York, NY 10003, United States
Website: Yuba
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11:30am - 3:15pm, 5pm - 10pm; Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 11pm; Sun: 5pm - 10pm
Japanese dishes besides sushi - sample the best ones in East Village
“Irasshaimase” (welcome) is what you will hear in Japan when entering a restaurant or a food stall. The carefully selected places above will make you feel welcome, too. You will see chefs preparing the food behind the counter, slicing the fish, rolling the sushi, and your stomach will growl. The staff is polite, the places clean, and the food nicely presented. After reading about these top Japanese restaurants in East Village, New York, you now know where to go for your next craving.
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