NYC is one of the restaurant capitals of the world. People come from all over to open up eateries that offer diners unrivaled eating experiences. Needless to say, one of the standout cuisines in the city is Japanese. Over the last year, several new Japanese restaurants have opened up in the NYC, offering customers dining experiences they won’t soon forget. Here are three of the best.
Ichiran Ramen
Ichiran Ramen actually has 61 locations across the world — and in late 2016, the chain finally opened in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This trendy ramen spot offers only one kind of soup: pork-bone-broth tonkotsu, which diners can customize. Besides delicious Japanese food, there’s one thing that sets this restaurant apart. Diners can choose to eat in “flavor concentration booths” — tables for only one person (much like a carrel at a library), where they can focus on the most important thing: the flavors of the delicious meal in front of them.
Ikinari Steak
For another unique Japanese restaurant experience in NYC, check out Ikinari Steak — a beef-focused Japanese restaurant in the East Village. One thing makes Ikinari unique is the fact that it is a standing-only restaurant. Diners hover around communal counters and watch fresh, thick steak be cut to-order. Diners can enjoy their meat served with a daily vegetable, as well as soup, salad, side and sauce choices. Like Ichiran, Ikinari started in Japan first, with more than 100 outposts across the country. The New York branch of Ikinari Steak is the first in the United States.
KazuNori
If sushi is your favorite Japanese food, you’re in luck: KazuNori is a brand-new sushi spot located in the Flatiron District. It offers diners the opportunity to eat exquisite, freshly made hand rolls, at an affordable price. The menu gives customers the option of several hand roll varieties — all rolled in crispy nori with warm rice — along with several sashimi choices. Owned by the same people as the famous Omakase-style sushi restaurant, Sugarfish, KazuNori has several locations in Los Angeles. This is their first outpost in NYC.
If you love ramen, steak, sushi and just Japanese food in general, you can find many great restaurants in NYC. However, wouldn’t it be great if you could enjoy your favorite Japanese dish at home? You can create many Japanese flavors with several condiments. If you are adventurous, even hosting a ramen-themed home party could be a possibility. Once you master the art, you can enjoy all of the complex flavors, textures and smells of Japanese cuisine, all in the comfort of your own kitchen.
