Best Upscale Japanese Restaurants in Flatiron District | Upscale Japanese Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Japanese Restaurants in Flatiron District | Upscale Japanese Food

• J's Kitchen New York — Chinese · rated 5/5: J's Kitchen New York captures the vibrant energy of a modern Japanese grill, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of sizzling Wagyu and golden-fried cutlets. Guests indulge in the buttery richness of the signature melting Hamburg and the satisfying crunch of perfectly breaded pork, each dish plated with the meticulous artistry of a Tokyo eatery. It is a culinary crossroads where hearty comfort meets refined technique, offering a soulful, meat-centric escape in the heart of the city.
• Towa — Japanese · rated 5/5: Bathed in soft, amber light, this refined Japanese destination centers around an open kitchen where the primal glow of binchotan charcoal meets the meticulous precision of traditional knife work. Diners are treated to a sensory journey of seasonal elegance, where smoky, flame-seared delicacies find their counterpoint in the delicate, melt-in-your-mouth freshness of pristine sashimi. It is a space where minimalist design and warm hospitality converge, creating an atmosphere of quiet luxury that elevates every bite into a celebration of culinary artistry.
• Kame — Japanese · rated 5/5: Soft, pillowy buns take center stage at this lively haunt, where steaming clouds of aroma carry the scent of melt-in-your-mouth braised pork and savory beef to eager diners. The experience is rounded out by the satisfying crunch of golden-fried karaage and delicate, pan-seared gyoza, while charred shishito peppers and sticky glazed ribs add layers of smoky, umami-rich depth to every shared table.
• Blue Mountain (Sushi, Bar&Lounge) — Japanese · rated 4.9/5: Located at 396 3rd Ave, Blue Mountain combines sushi rolls, Asian-fusion fare, and crafted cocktails in a relaxed setting with live music. With a stellar 4.9 rating, it's perfect for families and sports enthusiasts alike. Enjoy valet parking, credit card payments, and mouth-watering desserts. Whether for lunch, dinner, or brunch, Blue Mountain offers fresh, delicious options and excellent service.
• Cube 55 Food Cart — Japanese · rated 4.9/5: Located at 55 Lexington Ave, New York, NY, Cube 55 Food Cart offers a delightful Japanese takeout experience right next to Baruch College. This wheelchair-accessible food cart is operational weekdays from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM and offers an array of flavorful dishes like the popular chicken cutlet over rice. With friendly service, fast preparation, and various payment options, Cube 55 is a must-visit for tasty, convenient meals in Manhattan.
• Sushi Dairo — Japanese · rated 4.8/5: Sushi Dairo invites guests into a serene, minimalist sanctuary where the rhythmic dance of the chef’s blade transforms the morning’s freshest catch into exquisite edible art. Each hand-pressed piece of nigiri is a masterclass in balance, marrying warm, vinegared rice with buttery seafood that melts upon the palate to reveal deep, umami-rich flavors. This intimate experience honors the quiet precision of Japanese tradition, turning every bite into a fleeting, flavorful moment of pure culinary grace.
• K Sushi & Bar — Japanese · rated 4.8/5: Step into a world where the precision of traditional omakase meets the vibrant energy of a modern cocktail lounge, all set against a backdrop of sleek, minimalist design. The air hums with the rhythmic pulse of the city as master chefs transform the day’s freshest catch into edible art, pairing buttery cuts of fish with inventive libations for an evening that feels both timeless and trendsetting.
• EJ BBQ & Sushi — Japanese · rated 4.8/5: Nestled in Chelsea, EJ BBQ & Sushi is a newly opened gem offering a delightful blend of Japanese and Korean comfort food. With a menu featuring fresh sushi, sashimi, bulgogi, and kimchi, the restaurant caters to both casual diners and families alike. Praised for its friendly service and welcoming ambiance, EJ BBQ & Sushi offers a range of healthy options and small plates at an affordable price point.
• Handroll Bar Rolling — Japanese · rated 4.8/5: Welcome to Handroll Bar Rolling, a standout sushi destination in midtown Manhattan. Nestled at 864 6th Ave, this Japanese gem boasts a flavor journey curated with fresh fish and a delightful ambiance. Open Monday to Saturday, 12:00 PM - 9:30 PM, they offer versatile dining and payment options. Rated 4.8 stars based on 21 reviews, it's a must-visit for sushi enthusiasts. Discover the excellence today!
• Vinyl Steakhouse — Steakhouse · rated 4.8/5: Nestled in the heart of New York at 35 W 19th St, Vinyl Steakhouse combines an upscale dining experience with the ambiance of vinyl records playing in the background. This stylish spot serves steak, sushi, and seafood along with delightful cocktails and wine. Known for its exceptional service, the restaurant provides a unique and inviting atmosphere perfect for special occasions. Open for dinner throughout the week, Vinyl Steakhouse invites you to savor its gourmet offerings. Secure your spot with a reservation today!
• Kazunori — Japanese · rated 4.7/5: Sleek, industrial-chic design meets the rhythmic precision of the handroll bar, where guests gather around a communal counter to witness the artistry of the perfect bite. Each roll arrives with a signature crunch of toasted nori, enveloping warm, seasoned rice and pristine seafood in a seamless dance of temperature and texture that celebrates the beauty of Japanese simplicity.
• Towa — Japanese · rated 4.7/5: Towa unfolds as a serene urban sanctuary where minimalist design and warm wood accents create an intimate stage for the artistry of seasonal Japanese cuisine. The air hums with the gentle crackle of binchotan charcoal as chefs meticulously craft dishes that balance the smoky depth of the grill with the ethereal freshness of pristine sashimi. It is a refined sensory journey where every plate honors the purity of its ingredients, offering a tranquil escape defined by elegance and culinary precision.
• Emperor Dumpling — Chinese · rated 4.7/5: Nestled in the heart of Chelsea, Midtown Manhattan, Emperor Dumpling offers a casual and welcoming setting perfect for lunch and dinner. With a diverse menu featuring dim sum, sushi, and rice dishes, the restaurant stands out for its delicious soup dumplings and shrimp fried rice. Guests appreciate the clean, open kitchen, where they can watch dumplings being crafted. Families are welcome, and reservable tables ensure a seamless dining experience. Service is friendly and attentive, promising a delightful visit every time.
• Tonchin New York — Japanese · rated 4.6/5: This Midtown sanctuary pulses with a refined energy, where minimalist design meets the comforting steam of Tokyo-style ramen served amidst warm woods and soft, ambient light. The kitchen celebrates the art of the craft through springy handmade noodles submerged in a velvety, long-simmered broth, while inventive cocktails and towering, syrup-drenched kakigori add a touch of modern whimsy to the soulful experience.
• Kame — Japanese · rated 4.6/5: Kame invites guests into a serene, wood-accented sanctuary where the rhythmic pulse of the open kitchen and the delicate scent of toasted nori set the stage for a refined culinary journey. Masterful hands transform the season’s finest catches into translucent slivers of sashimi and vibrant rolls, while steaming bowls of ramen offer a deep, soul-warming embrace of complex, umami-rich broths. Each plate arrives as a balanced study of texture and tradition, offering a tranquil escape that celebrates the timeless elegance of Japanese craftsmanship.
• Futago — Japanese · rated 4.6/5: Futago captures the spirited essence of an Osaka yakiniku house, where the intoxicating aroma of premium wagyu searing over tabletop grills fills the sleek, energetic space. It is a place of communal celebration, where guests master the flame to transform marbled cuts into succulent, charred perfection, all while immersed in a vibrant atmosphere that honors the bold flavors and interactive joy of Japanese barbecue.
• Chacha — Japanese · rated 4.6/5: Nestled in the heart of Jamaica, Queens, Chacha is a delightful fast-food restaurant offering a diverse menu and a welcoming atmosphere. Conveniently located at 8630 102nd St, this spot is perfect for lunch or dinner, with dining options available both indoors and for takeout. With a high rating of 4.6 from satisfied patrons, Chacha promises a flavorful experience that keeps customers coming back. Open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM.
• Ichiran — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Step into a focused sanctuary of flavor where individual wooden booths invite a meditative devotion to the art of the perfect bowl. The air hums with the quiet intensity of diners savoring velvety tonkotsu broth, its creamy depth punctuated by a signature kick of spicy red sauce and the satisfying snap of artisanal thin noodles.
• SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: This minimalist sanctuary strips away the artifice of traditional dining, inviting guests to surrender to a curated journey where the focus remains solely on the purity of the catch. Each bite celebrates a delicate harmony of temperatures, pairing loosely packed, warm rice with chilled, melt-in-your-mouth fish that dissolves on the palate with effortless grace.
• Kyuramen — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Guests are whisked away into a striking architectural landscape of warm wood and geometric honeycomb booths that offer a cozy, private retreat from the bustling city. Within these intimate nooks, the air is thick with the savory perfume of slow-simmered broths and the spectacle of golden, silk-spun omurice, creating a multisensory journey through the heart of modern Japanese comfort.
• Nonono — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Tucked into a sleek, industrial-chic space, Nonono pulses with the energy of a modern Tokyo izakaya where the smoky aroma of binchotan-grilled yakitori wafts through the air. Guests gather around the open kitchen to witness the artistry of charred skewers and steaming bowls of rich, soul-warming ramen, all served against a backdrop of minimalist design and a vibrant urban spirit.
• Pokeworks — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Bright and modern, this coastal-inspired sanctuary invites you to build a personalized feast from a vibrant palette of the sea’s finest offerings. Glistening cuts of pristine fish are tossed with zesty house-made sauces and crisp, colorful vegetables, resulting in a refreshing bowl that bursts with clean, umami-rich flavors. It is a place where the artistry of Japanese tradition meets a breezy, contemporary energy, turning a quick meal into a sensory journey through the Pacific.
• MUI — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Stepping into MUI feels like entering a serene sanctuary where the clean lines of minimalist design meet the vibrant, precise artistry of Japanese gastronomy. The air hums with the quiet focus of the kitchen as masterfully sliced sashimi and soul-warming broths arrive at the table, each dish a delicate balance of seasonal freshness and deep umami. It is an intimate retreat where the elegance of tradition is reimagined through a contemporary lens, offering a dining experience that is as visually stunning as it is deeply satisfying.
• Kushi Kushi Yaki — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: The air hums with the rhythmic sizzle of the grill and the intoxicating scent of binchotan charcoal, drawing guests into a vibrant space where the art of the skewer takes center stage. Each morsel of tender meat and crisp vegetable is kissed by open flames and finished with a savory glaze, offering a smoky, umami-rich journey that captures the convivial spirit of a traditional Japanese izakaya.
• Hakata TonTon — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Steaming cauldrons of rich, collagen-packed broth take center stage at this intimate sanctuary, where the air hums with the convivial energy of a bustling Japanese izakaya. Guests gather around bubbling hot pots and sizzling iron plates to savor the deep, soul-warming flavors of Fukuoka’s legendary comfort food, creating a sensory journey that feels both rustic and deeply restorative.
• Sushi teria — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: A vibrant, contemporary escape where the artistry of the sushi bar meets a sleek, urban energy, inviting guests to witness the meticulous assembly of jewel-toned nigiri and creative rolls. The air carries the delicate scent of seasoned rice and fresh ginger, setting the stage for a dining experience that balances the clean, bright flavors of the sea with a sophisticated, modern atmosphere.
• TOKUYAMATCHA & ONIGIRAZU BAR — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Nestled in the heart of New York at 627 E 6th St, TOKUYAMATCHA & ONIGIRAZU BAR offers a delightful culinary experience with authentic Japanese flavors. Rated 4.5 by patrons, this cozy spot serves everything from breakfast to dessert, including vegetarian options. Enjoy their signature matcha lattes and onigiri in the outdoor seating area. With curbside pickup and delivery available, it's a perfect place for families and those on the go.
• Kushi Kushi Yaki | Ramen & Yakitori Izakaya — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Nestled in the heart of New York's Koreatown at 2 W 32nd St, Kushi Kushi Yaki is a cozy spot where cocktails, beer, and sake perfectly complement an enticing menu of izakaya bites, ramen, and yakitori. With outdoor seating and child-friendly options, it’s ideal for groups and leisurely strolls post-meal. Enjoy paid street parking, inclusive dining options, and excellent accessibility. Rated 4.5 stars by 343 patrons, it's a delightful choice for Japanese cuisine lovers.
• Momoya Chelsea — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Nestled in Midtown Manhattan’s lively Chelsea neighborhood, Momoya Chelsea offers a cozy and laid-back dining experience. Renowned for its fresh sushi and classic Japanese fare, this casual eatery is perfect for both lunch and dinner. Popular dishes include the spicy tuna and miso soup, complemented by an array of sake, beer, and cocktails. With a fast service and relaxed ambiance, it’s an ideal spot for solo diners and quick eats. Enjoy delightful small plates and a diverse menu, all typically priced between $30-$50. Note, it's a first-come, first-served restaurant that doesn't take reservations.
• Izakaya MEW — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Nestled in the heart of New York at 53 W 35th St, Izakaya MEW offers a taste of Japan that transports you straight to Tokyo. With a vibrant atmosphere and authentic Japanese dishes, it’s a true culinary gem. Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant excels in customer service and serves a diverse menu including sushi, yakitori, and unique desserts. Perfect for groups, it’s a must-visit for a delightful dining experience.