Best Upscale Japanese Restaurants in Union Square | Upscale Japanese Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Japanese Restaurants in Union Square | 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Tomokase — Japanese · rated 4.7/5: Discover a delightful Japanese dining experience at Tomokase, located at 131 Avenue A, New York. Open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Tomokase offers exquisite omakase sushi and sake tastings, ensuring an unforgettable evening. With a stellar 4.7 rating, the restaurant accepts reservations and credit card payments, and also offers takeout and delivery options. For inquiries, call +1 646-661-3260.
• 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.
• Tabetomo — Japanese · rated 4.6/5: Steam rises from bubbling cauldrons in this high-energy sanctuary, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of tonkotsu broth simmered to a velvety, collagen-rich perfection. Diners engage in the tactile ritual of tsukemen, dipping chilled, house-made noodles into concentrated elixirs that burst with deep umami and smoky complexity. Amidst the industrial-chic surroundings, every bowl becomes a celebration of patience and craft, delivering a bold, soul-stirring experience that redefines the boundaries of traditional ramen.
• DokoDemo — Japanese · rated 4.6/5: DokoDemo captures the electric pulse of a Tokyo night market, where the rhythmic clatter of spatulas on the teppan grill creates a vibrant soundtrack for an evening of casual indulgence. Savory clouds of steam rise from golden takoyaki and hearty okonomiyaki, each dish finished with a delicate dance of bonito flakes and rich, umami-laden sauces that transport diners to the heart of Japan’s bustling street food culture.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Marufuku Ramen — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Fragrant plumes of steam rise from bubbling cauldrons where rich, milky tonkotsu broth simmers for hours to achieve a velvety, soul-warming depth. This minimalist sanctuary brings together the artistry of Hakata-style ramen, pairing ultra-thin artisanal noodles with melt-in-your-mouth chashu and perfectly jammy eggs for an experience that feels both deeply traditional and vibrantly modern.
• 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.
• Raku East Village — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: A serene sanctuary of blonde wood and minimalist elegance, where the air is thick with the comforting steam of oversized bowls and the deep, smoky aroma of traditional dashi. Velvety, hand-crafted udon noodles take center stage, offering a soulful, chewy bite that transforms a simple meal into a meditative experience amidst the vibrant pulse of the East Village.
• 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.
• Sushi by M — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Step into an intimate, minimalist sanctuary where the rhythmic precision of the chef’s blade takes center stage at a sleek wooden counter. Each hand-pressed piece of nigiri arrives as a delicate jewel, balancing the buttery richness of pristine seafood with the subtle tang of seasoned rice to create a fleeting, perfect harmony of flavor. This immersive dining experience celebrates the quiet elegance of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, turning every meal into a focused, sensory journey through the sea.
• Karakatta — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Stepping into Karakatta feels like discovering a vibrant Tokyo hideaway where the air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of slow-simmered broths and toasted spices. Guests are treated to bowls of steaming ramen featuring springy, hand-pulled noodles bathed in rich, velvety soups that balance delicate umami with a bold, signature heat. The intimate space hums with a modern energy, offering a soulful dining experience where traditional Japanese craftsmanship meets a fiery, contemporary spirit.