Best Upscale Japanese Restaurants in Gramercy | Upscale Japanese Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Japanese Restaurants in Gramercy | 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Poke and Roll Sushi — Japanese · rated 4.8/5: Poke and Roll Sushi, located at 441 E 9th St, New York, offers a casual dining experience with a variety of sushi options, poke bowls, and bubble tea. Known for its super fresh ingredients and friendly staff, this spot has an excellent 4.8 rating from over 1,100 reviews. With outdoor seating available and convenient takeout and delivery options, it’s the perfect place for a delightful meal. Open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ama Raw Bar East Village — Seafood · rated 4.7/5: Welcome to **Ama Raw Bar East Village**, a unique Asian-style seafood restaurant nestled in Alphabet City. Known for its cozy, living room-style lounge and backyard patio, Ama offers a delightful ambiance perfect for enjoying their menu highlights, including fresh oysters, lobster ramen, and crispy rice tuna. Don’t miss their craft cocktails like the lychee martini during happy hour. Ideal for private parties and charity events, Ama promises a memorable dining experience. Reservations are recommended.
• 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.
• Evil Katsu — Japanese · rated 4.6/5: Located at 435 E 9th St, New York, Evil Katsu is a cozy East Village restaurant specializing in Japanese comfort food. Known for its delicious Katsu curry and bento boxes, this spot offers an inviting outdoor seating area and is perfect for both dine-in and takeout. Rated 4.6 by diners and kid-friendly, it’s a top choice for a satisfying meal. Open daily from 12 PM to 9 PM.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Proong Noodle Bar — Thai · rated 4.5/5: Nestled in the heart of New York at 347 1st Ave., Proong Noodle Bar offers a delightful escape into Pan-Asian cuisine. With a diverse menu featuring noodle dishes such as ramen and khao soi, gyoza, and desserts, it caters to a variety of tastes. Boasting a 4.5 rating from 156 reviews, this spot is celebrated for its savory offerings and welcoming ambiance. Wheelchair-accessible and offering takeout, it is a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
• Koku Ramen — Japanese · rated 4.4/5: The air at Koku Ramen is thick with the intoxicating aroma of slow-simmered bones and toasted sesame, drawing diners into a sleek, bustling space where the art of the bowl takes center stage. Deep ceramic vessels arrive brimming with springy noodles and velvety, collagen-rich broths, topped with tender chashu and perfectly jammy eggs that offer a soul-warming escape into the heart of Japanese comfort.
• Hi-Collar — Japanese · rated 4.4/5: Stepping into this intimate hideaway feels like a journey to a vintage Tokyo kissaten, where the rhythmic hiss of siphon coffee brewers and the sight of golden, cloud-like omurice create a sanctuary of meticulous craft. As daylight fades, the narrow, wood-paneled space transitions into a sophisticated bar where the amber glow of low lighting catches the effervescence of highballs and the elegant pour of curated sakes.
• J's Kitchen New York — Japanese · rated 4.4/5: J's Kitchen New York captures the electric spirit of a Tokyo neighborhood gem, where the sizzle of the grill and the delicate fragrance of dashi create an inviting sanctuary amidst the city's hustle. Artfully composed plates celebrate the harmony of seasonal ingredients and bold umami notes, offering a soulful dining experience that feels both intimately traditional and vibrantly modern.
• Hibachi Express — Japanese · rated 4.4/5: Located at 146-20 Rockaway Blvd in Queens, Hibachi Express offers a laid-back dining experience with a variety of delectable Japanese dishes, including hibachi specialties. Ideal for families, the restaurant features a special children's menu and is highly accessible. Offering takeout and delivery options, and accepting various payment methods, Hibachi Express is a convenient spot to satisfy your Japanese cuisine cravings. Rating: 4.4 ⭐ (167 reviews).
• Flame Hibachi — Japanese · rated 4.4/5: Located at 381 3rd Ave, New York, Flame Hibachi offers an upbeat and intimate dining experience. Rated 4.4 by over 500 guests, it features hibachi tables with entertaining chefs who prepare meals to perfection. Ideal for groups and families, this bi-level restaurant also serves a variety of wines, beers, and cocktails. Flame Hibachi is open daily from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with options for lunch, dinner, brunch, dessert, and happy hour.