Top 7 Japanese Restaurants in New York

In a city full of gastronomic options such as NY, It’s not easy to discover the best restaurants. In fact, some of the best are hidden, in discreet doors. And when we talk about Japanese cuisine, that’s a fact! If you, like us, also love this cuisine, check out our selection of the Top 7 Japanese restaurants in New York!

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7 Japanese Restaurants in New York

Morimoto

Located at Meatpacking and under the command of chef Masaharu Morimoto, one of the greatest in Japanese cuisine, the restaurant offers contemporary cuisine with influences from Eastern traditions. The atmosphere is sophisticated and modern, with a trendy bar on the first floor, ideal for a pre-dinner drink.

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Nakazawa

In a discreet little door in the West Village, the restaurant run by chef Daisuke Nakazawa has a small but cozy atmosphere. There is a sushibar with seating for 10 people and a more intimate dining room. On the menu, only Omakase is offered, which means tasting menu, and which changes daily according to the fish of the day. In other words, the experience will always be different! Reservation is recommended.

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Suzuki

In Midtown, this authentic Japanese restaurant is owned by Toshio Suzuki, pioneiro da Japanese cuisine in NY who trained renowned chefs, e.g. Masaharu Morimoto, who we talked about above. The atmosphere is modern and contemporary, but the menu features dishes that aims to offer a traditional flavor of japanese gastronomy.

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SakaGura

Located in the basement of a commercial building in Midtown, this restaurant opened in 1996 and was once considered one of the top restaurants in New York, as well as being one of the best authentic Japanese cuisines in the city. The menu features typical culinary dishes. Oh, and if you’re a fan of loot, be sure to check out the menu with more than 200 labels! The restaurant is also one of the best sake bars in the United States.

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Nobu

It is clear that the most famous Japanese restaurant in the world, created by Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa in the 80s,It also has a presence in the Big Apple! In the Tribecca neighborhood, the atmosphere is sophisticated and the menu features Japanese haute cuisine dishes, with the influences of the chef who was born in Japan and lived in Peru. Additionally, right next door, there is Nobu Next Door, open due to the long lines at the first one. But today, if you book a little in advance, you can get a seat without any problems.

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Nobu 57

A few years ago, Nobu 57th opened, on the street of the same name. It’s a more touristy area and it’s much bigger than the first one. In fact, the decoration is beautiful, by the way. There, prices are more reasonable, so it’s a good option for those who want to spend less, but have a great eating experience at Nobu!

Zuma

One of the most famous Asians in the world! A success in Miami, London and Dubai, it is located right on Madison Avenue and in addition to being delicious and having dishes on the menu that are ideal for sharing, it has a beautiful architectural design and several floors. It certainly couldn’t be missing from our list of 7 Japanese restaurants in New York.

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Extra Say: Sushi Yasuda

With 1 Michelin star, the restaurant, located in Midtown Manhattan, has a relaxed atmosphere and a large counter where you can see the sushi men working. The rice at Sushi Yasuda is completely Japanese, as is the salt and vinegar. Meanwhile, most of the fish comes from Japan and is specially treated so as not to lose its flavor. In other words, details that make a difference. In fact, don’t forget to make your reservation in advance!

End: 204 E 43rd St, New York

Text and photos by Renata Araújo