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Lucky cat is located in Midtown NYC, a hub of Japanese business and the people. Our large beckoning cat, the symbol of Maneki Neko culture of Japan, is made and decorated for greeting y’all the welcome. The restaurant is run by chef/partner Koji KAGAWA, with the concept of “Izakaya”, a sort of informal gastropub for Japanese, commonly visited after work-drinking. Here food is a very authentic feel to it, served in a tapas style, mostly made for sharing. Lets relax and enjoy! Irashaimase
Snug, stylish eatery specializing in its namesake noodle soup, plus other Japanese staples.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 232 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022
Phone: (212) 838-5333
Website: http://www.izakayaluckycat.com/
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Order and Reservations
Reservations: resy.com
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Lucky Cat – Midtown, New York, NY
Lucky cat is located in Midtown NYC, a hub of Japanese business and the people. Our large beckoning cat, the symbol of Maneki Neko culture of Japan.
Lucky Cat (53rd St) :: Best Japanese in New York
232 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022. Lucky Cat (53rd St) is known for its Asian, BBQ, Dinner, Japanese, Lunch Specials, Noodles, Ramen, Salads, Soup, Sushi, …
Izakaya Lucky Cat (@izakaya.luckycat) • Instagram photos and videos
2.4K+ followers · 2 following · 96 posts · @izakaya.luckycat: “Since 2012 232 53rd St. New York, NY”
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Reviews
Marc Sleiman
Delicious spicy Lucky Cat ramen, gyoza, crispy shrimp, and creamy mentaiko pasta!
Came to Lucky Cat after waiting for way too long in the Tomi Jazz line, and I’m so glad I did! Cozy vibe, eclectic decorations, and outstanding ramen and small plates. Their gyoza were super flavorful and the crispy shrimp were meaty with an excellent sauce. Really loved the creamy roe mentaiko pasta as well. The crispy rice was okay – wouldn’t go out of my way to get it again.
Overall really good, definitely worth a visit!
… moreCame to Lucky Cat after waiting for way too long in the Tomi Jazz line, and I’m so glad I did! Cozy vibe, eclectic decorations, and outstanding ramen and small plates. Their gyoza were super flavorful and the crispy shrimp were meaty with an excellent sauce. Really loved the creamy roe mentaiko pasta as well. The crispy rice was okay – wouldn’t go out of my way to get it again.
Overall really good, definitely worth a visit!
arianna arroyo
Lucky Cat has been our FAVORITE ramen places and one of our favorite restaurants period. The food is always exceptional and so unbelievably delicious! Few places know how to make a proper cocktail—but Lucky Cat has mastered the art of it. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu!! A huge plus is that the staff is always so kind and wonderful. Give them a visit—you won’t regret it!
… moreMatt Jitwichot
I went to this place after work without a reservation. It was completely full and very crowded, but luckily we were still able to get seated right away at the bar.
1. Food mixed. I ordered a set that included several grilled items. Unfortunately, most of the food arrived cold, including the meat. Since the dish is supposed to be grilled, this made it clear that the food was likely precooked and not freshly prepared.
2. Soup good, but overpriced for the portion. The pork soup was actually impressive in flavor, but the portion of meat and ingredients didn’t match the price being charged.
3. Service average. The service wasn’t bad, but it also wasn’t great. It felt like the staff were overwhelmed by the peak-hour crowd and simply couldn’t keep up. I understand how difficult that can be during busy times, so I’m trying to be fair about it.
Overall, it was an okay place not terrible, not outstanding, just average based on this visit.
… more1. Food mixed. I ordered a set that included several grilled items. Unfortunately, most of the food arrived cold, including the meat. Since the dish is supposed to be grilled, this made it clear that the food was likely precooked and not freshly prepared.
2. Soup good, but overpriced for the portion. The pork soup was actually impressive in flavor, but the portion of meat and ingredients didn’t match the price being charged.
3. Service average. The service wasn’t bad, but it also wasn’t great. It felt like the staff were overwhelmed by the peak-hour crowd and simply couldn’t keep up. I understand how difficult that can be during busy times, so I’m trying to be fair about it.
Overall, it was an okay place not terrible, not outstanding, just average based on this visit.
Monke
I stopped in after a long day with a lot of walking, and this was the perfect spot to eat on a cold afternoon.
Delicious takoyaki, hearty and nourishing ramen, and genuinely kind and gracious staff. I sat at the bar to eat, and never once felt smothered, but felt attended to when I needed it.
I don’t drink, so unfortunately I didn’t try the cocktails that others have raved about, but I’ll certainly be back for the wonderful food and cozy atmosphere! I’ll bring friends next time as well.
… moreDelicious takoyaki, hearty and nourishing ramen, and genuinely kind and gracious staff. I sat at the bar to eat, and never once felt smothered, but felt attended to when I needed it.
I don’t drink, so unfortunately I didn’t try the cocktails that others have raved about, but I’ll certainly be back for the wonderful food and cozy atmosphere! I’ll bring friends next time as well.
Khoa Ngo
My wife and I stopped by here for a little late afternoon snack, and the skewers really hit the spot! It’s a great place for little plates. The restaurant was decorated in a lot of fun Japanese themed pictures and artwork, and they had a little TV playing some anime (Ranma if I’m not mistaken). Stop in for some food if you’re in the area!
… moreEl Pt
My second time at The Lucky Cat.
My first visit was on a Sunday night — the place was packed, so I was seated at the bar. It turned out to be a great experience. The bartender was attentive and helpful, and the food was flavorful across the board: ramen, salmon roll, even the green tea. Everything came together nicely, so I decided to book a table for New Year’s Eve.
This time, however, the experience was very different. The restaurant wasn’t crowded at all, yet it still took a while to place my order. I ordered the fried squid legs, spaghetti with creamy mentaiko, miso soup, and green tea.
The squid legs were overly oily and lacking in flavor. The miso soup — usually the most basic dish you can’t really get wrong — was so salty it was inedible. The spaghetti with creamy sauce was delicious, but then came another disappointment: the green tea. A staple in any Japanese restaurant, this one came from a tea bag and had almost no taste. The waiter explained they ran out of their regular green tea (which is also from a tea bag, but at least had flavor).
I was already surprised on my first visit to be charged $6 for tea from a tea bag, though at least it tasted good. This time, I was charged $8 for what basically felt like plain hot water.
I was ready to become a big fan of this restaurant, but after this second visit, I’m left with very mixed feelings.
… moreMy first visit was on a Sunday night — the place was packed, so I was seated at the bar. It turned out to be a great experience. The bartender was attentive and helpful, and the food was flavorful across the board: ramen, salmon roll, even the green tea. Everything came together nicely, so I decided to book a table for New Year’s Eve.
This time, however, the experience was very different. The restaurant wasn’t crowded at all, yet it still took a while to place my order. I ordered the fried squid legs, spaghetti with creamy mentaiko, miso soup, and green tea.
The squid legs were overly oily and lacking in flavor. The miso soup — usually the most basic dish you can’t really get wrong — was so salty it was inedible. The spaghetti with creamy sauce was delicious, but then came another disappointment: the green tea. A staple in any Japanese restaurant, this one came from a tea bag and had almost no taste. The waiter explained they ran out of their regular green tea (which is also from a tea bag, but at least had flavor).
I was already surprised on my first visit to be charged $6 for tea from a tea bag, though at least it tasted good. This time, I was charged $8 for what basically felt like plain hot water.
I was ready to become a big fan of this restaurant, but after this second visit, I’m left with very mixed feelings.
Andrea Novoa
Lucky Cat in New York City is one of those rare places where modern Japanese dining meets the soul of a traditional izakaya. Hidden in the heart of Midtown, this spot captures that Tokyo-after-dark energy dim lights, neon glow, and the soft hum of conversation mixed with the aroma of sizzling skewers and miso. The moment you walk in, you’re welcomed by the warmth of the staff and a setting that feels both elevated and effortlessly cool.
The food at Lucky Cat tells a story of flavor and precision. Every dish that comes out of the kitchen feels like it was made with intention from the crisp karaage and juicy skewers to the ramen bowls that arrive steaming, rich, and full of depth. The noodles have that perfect bite, and the broth carries layers of umami that linger in the best way. Their small plates are meant to share, but it’s easy to get possessive once you taste the combinations of texture and spice that make each one special. Even their cocktails are a highlight creative, balanced, and designed to complement the food perfectly.
What makes Lucky Cat stand out from other Japanese restaurants in New York is how it blends authenticity with atmosphere. It’s not just about eating; it’s about experiencing. Whether you’re coming after work for drinks, meeting friends for dinner, or just craving a true Japanese comfort meal, Lucky Cat delivers every single time. The music, the service, and the pace all work together to create something that feels alive a reminder of why New York’s dining scene is unlike anywhere else.
If you’re searching for the best Japanese izakaya in New York City, Lucky Cat deserves to be at the top of your list. It’s flavorful, vibrant, and full of personality the kind of restaurant that makes you want to come back before you’ve even finished your first meal.
… moreThe food at Lucky Cat tells a story of flavor and precision. Every dish that comes out of the kitchen feels like it was made with intention from the crisp karaage and juicy skewers to the ramen bowls that arrive steaming, rich, and full of depth. The noodles have that perfect bite, and the broth carries layers of umami that linger in the best way. Their small plates are meant to share, but it’s easy to get possessive once you taste the combinations of texture and spice that make each one special. Even their cocktails are a highlight creative, balanced, and designed to complement the food perfectly.
What makes Lucky Cat stand out from other Japanese restaurants in New York is how it blends authenticity with atmosphere. It’s not just about eating; it’s about experiencing. Whether you’re coming after work for drinks, meeting friends for dinner, or just craving a true Japanese comfort meal, Lucky Cat delivers every single time. The music, the service, and the pace all work together to create something that feels alive a reminder of why New York’s dining scene is unlike anywhere else.
If you’re searching for the best Japanese izakaya in New York City, Lucky Cat deserves to be at the top of your list. It’s flavorful, vibrant, and full of personality the kind of restaurant that makes you want to come back before you’ve even finished your first meal.
Mia Huynh
I came here for dinner with one of my girl friends and we had a great time. This Japanese izakaya is a great spot for dinner with friends or a date night. Service here is very nice.
Their menu has a variety of Japanese appetizers, ramen, rice dishes, sushi, and even nabe! My friend and I got their sukiyaki curry rice and their omusoba. Both were so flavorful and delicious! The prices are great and portions are huge. Would highly recommend!
… moreTheir menu has a variety of Japanese appetizers, ramen, rice dishes, sushi, and even nabe! My friend and I got their sukiyaki curry rice and their omusoba. Both were so flavorful and delicious! The prices are great and portions are huge. Would highly recommend!
Hester Hu
Tried the lunch special at Lucky Cat and it was actually really good. The ramen came out super hot and comforting, with a nice broth and bouncy noodles. The toppings were on point — the egg, veggies, and those little crispy bites made it extra fun to eat.
Portion was solid, and the little side dishes that came with it were a nice bonus. Overall, it was a tasty, easy lunch that hit the spot without being too heavy. I’d totally get it again.
… morePortion was solid, and the little side dishes that came with it were a nice bonus. Overall, it was a tasty, easy lunch that hit the spot without being too heavy. I’d totally get it again.
Rita Chu
Lucky Cat NYC quickly became one of my favorite spots in the city. The food is excellent — fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and beautiful plating. The cozy ambiance makes it perfect for date nights, dinner with friends, or even a relaxed solo meal.
The staff is incredibly kind and attentive, making the whole experience even better. Highly recommend this place if you’re looking for great food and a warm, inviting vibe. I’ll definitely be back
Tony is the best
… moreThe staff is incredibly kind and attentive, making the whole experience even better. Highly recommend this place if you’re looking for great food and a warm, inviting vibe. I’ll definitely be back
Tony is the best