Tensai Udon House – Japanese
Tensai Udon House serves as a serene, wood-clad sanctuary where the air is thick with the comforting aroma of simmering dashi and the gentle clatter of ceramic bowls. Artisanal, hand-pulled noodles offer a satisfyingly chewy bite, swimming in soul-warming broths that are elevated by the delicate, golden crunch of freshly fried tempura. It is a masterclass in Japanese simplicity, where every slurp captures the essence of traditional craftsmanship and the quiet joy of a perfectly executed meal.
222, East 51st Street, New York, NY, 10022 +1-212-466-6591 https://www.tensainyc.com/Rating: 4.8/5 (225 reviews)
Cuisine: Japanese
Price range: $$
Dietary options: high-protein, dairy-free, nut-free, low-carb, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, keto, pescatarian, mediterranean, diabetic, heart-healthy, plant-based, low-fat, sugar-free, paleo, low-sodium, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, south-beach, clean-eating, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, gerd, weight-watchers, volumetrics, tlc, detox, alkaline, carnivore, low-fodmap, aip, raw-food, zone, mayo-clinic, macrobiotic, slow-carb, candida, pegan, lectin-free
Currently closed
Hours
- Monday - Sunday
- 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
What diners are saying
Diners consistently praise this cozy, homey spot for its delicious udon dishes and warm atmosphere. Guests rave about the flavorful broths and perfectly cooked noodles, with standout recommendations including the Ebi Niku Udon, Yakiniku Udon with steak, and refreshing appetizers like spiced cucumber and fried octopus. While one reviewer noted softer noodles, the majority celebrate the food's quality alongside exceptional, attentive service that makes visitors feel welcome and eager to return.
Menu
Small Plates
These dishes are great for sharing
- Edamame - $6.98: Steam organic pea in pods with sea salt
- House Salad - $8.98: Mix green, carrot, onion and tomatoes with ginger carrot dressing
- Shisito peppers - $8.98: Blanched in hot oil with ponzu
- Ube chips - $9.98: Sweet potatoes fries with sea salt and spicy mayonnaise
- Karaage - $9.98: Deep fried marinated chicken with spicy mayonnaise
- Kurobuta sausage - $9.98: Seared Berkshire pork sausage with hot mustard
- Pork gyoza - $9.98: Pan fried pork dumplings with ponzu sauce
- Corn Croquette - $9.98: Crispy panko breaded with creamy corn and potato filling Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Mix vegetables tempura - $11.98: Deep fried assorted seasonal vegetable with savory sauce Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Cholesterol
- Assorted tempura - $15.98: Deep fried shrimp (2) and assorted seasonal vegetable (3) with savory sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Hiya yakko - $7.98: Chilled soft tofu with grated fresh ginger and scallions Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Raw-Food, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Candida
- Ohitashi - $7: Chilled spinach with dashi broth and bonito flake Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Ika geso - $13.98: Crispy squid tentacle served with spicy mayo Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Saba Shio - $15.98: Grilled mackerel with Sea Salt Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, GERD-Friendly, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, TLC, Detox, AIP, Mayo-Clinic, Pegan, Candida, Lectin-Free
Mains
A diverse range of flavorful dishes which are all sourced daily and locally
- Ebi Ten - $16.98: Two pieces shrimp tempura Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Ebi Ontama - $19.98: Two pieces shrimp tempura and soft boiled egg Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Ebi Niku - $19.98: Two pieces shrimp tempura and simmered sheer beef Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Niku - $16.98: Simmered seared beef bacon with onion Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Paleo, Sugar-Free, Atkins, Carnivore
- Karaage - $16.98: Deep fried chicken Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Kitsune - $12.98: Seasoned bean curd Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Candida
- Vegetables - $16.98: Steam mix veg (broccoli, mushroom, carrot and spinach) Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida
- Vegetable tempura - $18.98: Deep fried mix vegetable tempura Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Low-Cholesterol
- Karaage Don - $15.98: Crispy chicken thigh with spicy mayo sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Sausage Don - $14: Seared Kurobuta sausage (3 pcs) with mustard Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Niku Ontama Don - $16.98: Simmered beef bacon with onion and poached egg Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Daily Rice Bowl - $15: Chef Special rotating everyday
Topping
- Steam short grain white rice - $4.98 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Low-Fodmap, TLC, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic
- Miso soup - $4.98 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic
- Onsen egg - $4.98 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, GERD-Friendly, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, Zone, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Kimchi - $5.98 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Paleo, Diabetic, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Raw-Food, Volumetrics, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
- Chili oil - $2.98
Drinks
- Hot green tea - $2.98
- Soda - $2.98: coke, diet coke, ginger ale, sprite or seltzer
- Spring water - $4.98
- Japanese drink: orange ramune - $4.98
- Japanese drink: Calpico soda - $4.98
- Ice unsweetened green tea - $4.98
Sake
- Draft Sake (180 ml) - $6.98: Tanrei Junmai semi dry easy to drink. Pairs well with savory street food and noodle soups. ABV 13.5%
- Hakutsaru Junmai Ginjo (300 ml) - $17.98: Junmai ginjo sake has clear, dry and smooth finish with nose of melon, grape, and sweet rice. ABV 14.5%
- Hakutsuru Sayuri (300ml) - $17.98: Our Little lily coarsely filtered to allow flavorful and aromatic sediments to remain, creating a creamy, cloudy, and generally sweeter Sake. ABV 12.5%
- Dassai 39 (300ml) - $28: Junmai Daiginjo sake with a more subtle aroma, higher acidity, and a creamy texture. Pair well with any seafood dishes ABV 16%
Wine
- Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, NZ (Glass) - $7.98: Vibrant fruit aromas of ripe gooseberries, key lime zest, and passion fruit. Fresh and bright on the palate. Pair well with any tempura dishes.
- Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, NZ (Bottle) - $35.98: Vibrant fruit aromas of ripe gooseberries, key lime zest, and passion fruit. Fresh and bright on the palate. Pair well with any tempura dishes.
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendocino, USA (Glass) - $7.98: A lush entry of plums, followed by a hint of dark chocolate & espresso bean. The finish is balanced with smooth tannins. Greta with any meat and rice bowls
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendocino, USA (Bottle) - $35.98: A lush entry of plums, followed by a hint of dark chocolate & espresso bean. The finish is balanced with smooth tannins. Greta with any meat and rice bowls
- Plum Wine, California, USA (Glass) - $7.98: Japan plum essence is imported from Japan. Elegant and fruity wine with its ripe cherry aroma and crisp, smooth plum flavor make it excellent as an after-dinner treat
- Plum Wine, California, USA (Bottle) - $35.98: Japan plum essence is imported from Japan. Elegant and fruity wine with its ripe cherry aroma and crisp, smooth plum flavor make it excellent as an after-dinner treat
Beer
- Sapporo Premium Lager - $6.98
- Kirin Lager - $6.98
- Asahi Super Dry - $7.98
- Brooklyn IPA - $7
Frequently Asked Questions about Tensai Udon House
- What are the standout dishes based on the menu?
- Standout dishes include Ebi Niku Udon, Yakiniku Udon with steak, spiced cucumber, fried octopus, Ebi Ten, Karaage, and Kurobuta sausage.
- What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?
- The only concern noted in reviews is one instance of softer noodles, despite the majority praising the food's quality.
- Is this restaurant good value for money?
- Tensai Udon House offers high value with a moderate ($$) price level, a 4.8/5 rating, and reviews praising the quality food.
- How many reviews does this restaurant have?
- Tensai Udon House has a total of 225 reviews and an average rating of 4.8/5 from its diners.
- What type of cuisine does this restaurant specialize in?
- Tensai Udon House specializes in Japanese cuisine, featuring artisanal hand-pulled udon noodles, savory broths, and a variety of traditional tempura.
- What percentage of this menu works for vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets?
- Vegan options include mix vegetables tempura and hiya yakko; keto, gluten-free, and low-carb choices include hiya yakko, ohitashi, and saba shio.
- How can I contact this restaurant?
- You can contact Tensai Udon House by visiting their official website located at https://www.tensainyc.com/ for more information.
- What type of diner would most enjoy this restaurant?
- Diners seeking a cozy, homey Japanese spot with high-quality udon, attentive service, and extensive dietary options like vegan and keto.
- Is this restaurant suitable for families?
- This cozy, homey restaurant offers a warm atmosphere and attentive service that makes visitors feel welcome and comfortable.
- Is this a good spot for a date or special occasion?
- This 4.8/5 rated restaurant offers a cozy, homey atmosphere and exceptional, attentive service that makes visitors feel welcome and eager to return.
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