Best Upscale Japanese Restaurants in Gramercy Park | Upscale Japanese Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Japanese Restaurants in Gramercy Park | 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.
• Momofuku Noodle Bar — Japanese · rated 5/5: Stepping into this high-energy culinary landmark, guests are greeted by the rhythmic clatter of an open kitchen and the irresistible aroma of slow-roasted meats. The space pulses with life as communal tables overflow with golden, triple-fried chicken and succulent whole roasted duck ssäm, inviting diners to wrap and share their way through layers of bold, savory flavor. Vibrant cocktails and a spirited atmosphere round out the experience, turning every meal into a lively celebration of modern comfort food.
• 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.
• Mira — Japanese · rated 4.9/5: Mira unfolds as a sanctuary of Japanese elegance, where the soft glow of ambient light dances across polished wood and the rhythmic precision of the chef’s blade takes center stage. The experience is a sensory journey through the seasons, pairing the melt-in-your-mouth richness of marbled toro with the bright, citrusy zing of yuzu-infused broths. Every detail, from the delicate weight of the handcrafted ceramic ware to the quiet hum of the open kitchen, creates an atmosphere of intentionality and grace.
• Shokudo — Japanese · rated 4.9/5: Shokudo transports diners to the heart of a bustling Tokyo eatery, where the air is thick with the savory steam of slow-simmered dashi and the rhythmic clatter of a busy open kitchen. This vibrant sanctuary offers a heartfelt tribute to Japanese comfort food, where soul-warming bowls of ramen and golden, crispy katsu celebrate the simple, honest joy of a shared meal.
• 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.
• Sushi 295 Mercer — Japanese · rated 4.9/5: Nestled in the heart of Greenwich Village, Sushi 295 Mercer offers an intimate dining experience with just four seats at the sushi bar. Specializing in omakase and Japanese fare, this hidden gem is loved for its incredibly fresh sushi, friendly staff, and welcoming atmosphere. With a BYOB policy and dishes like fatty tuna and yellowtail hamachi, customers enjoy high-quality meals at exceptional value.
• 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.
• SANUKI UDON — Japanese · rated 4.7/5: Steam rises in fragrant clouds from bubbling vats of dashi, where the rhythmic slap of hand-kneaded dough signals the arrival of thick, chewy Sanuki-style noodles. Diners find comfort in bowls of golden broth topped with lacy tempura, savoring the satisfying tug of each strand in a space that hums with the soulful warmth of a traditional Japanese noodle house.
• 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.
• Shuya — Japanese · rated 4.7/5: Shuya invites guests into a sleek, minimalist haven where the air is thick with the savory perfume of slow-simmered broths and the focused energy of artisanal craftsmanship. Each bowl is a masterclass in balance, pairing springy, hand-crafted noodles with complex flavors that elevate traditional Japanese comfort into a refined sensory journey.
• 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.
• 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.
• Temakase - Handroll Bar — Japanese · rated 4.6/5: Discover Temakase - Handroll Bar, a trendy East Village spot known for its fresh, made-to-order handrolls and extensive Japanese and Asian fusion menu. Popular dishes include spicy tuna crispy rice and blue crab. Enjoy knowledgeable and rapid service in a cool bar top setting. Gluten-free options, delicious cocktails, and set menus complement the vibrant atmosphere. Open for lunch and dinner, with prices between $30-50.
• Shokudo 34 — Japanese · rated 4.6/5: Located at 138 E 34th St, New York, Shokudo 34 is an easygoing Japanese restaurant perfect for families and casual food enthusiasts. Specializing in comfort dishes like ramen, udon, and yakitori, the restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere complemented by fast service and attentive staff. Popular dishes include spicy miso ramen and okonomiyaki. Guests typically spend $20-30, enjoying options for lunch and dinner.
• 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.
• Phoshime — Vietnamese · rated 4.6/5: Located at 165 E 33rd St, New York, Phoshime offers a delightful culinary journey with its Vietnamese noodle soups, sushi rolls, and banh mi sandwiches. With a warm, family-friendly ambiance, this eatery is perfect for groups and accepts various payment options. Enjoy desserts and a selection of wines, all while dining in or opting for takeout. Rated 4.6 by many satisfied visitors, Phoshime is a must-visit!
• Momofuku Noodle Bar — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Steaming bowls of rich, umami-laden broth take center stage in this high-energy space, where the rhythmic clatter of the open kitchen and the warmth of light wood create a vibrant, urban pulse. Diners huddle over communal tables to savor the perfect tension of hand-pulled noodles and the legendary, pillowy softness of pork buns that melt away with every savory bite. It is a sensory celebration of bold flavors and culinary craft, where the tradition of the ramen shop is reimagined through a lens of modern, soulful innovation.
• 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.
• Temakase — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Temakase invites guests into a sleek, minimalist sanctuary where the rhythmic snap of toasted nori and the warmth of seasoned rice provide a sensory backdrop for pristine seafood. This intimate counter experience transforms the hand roll into a curated ritual, delivering each bite at its peak of freshness to celebrate a delicate balance of buttery textures and clean, vibrant flavors.
• Kimura — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Kimura unfolds as a serene, wood-clad sanctuary where the delicate aroma of toasted nori and the rhythmic precision of the chef’s blade set the stage for an evening of quiet artistry. The kitchen honors the seasonal soul of Japanese cuisine, balancing the ethereal lightness of pristine sashimi with the deep, grounding umami of slow-simmered broths. This intimate retreat invites diners to slow down and savor the harmony of tradition and modern refinement in every meticulously plated bite.