

This sleek bi-level outpost of a Tokyo izakaya chain attracts expats with its Japanese home cooking.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 8 W 18th St, New York, NY 10011
Phone: (212) 255-0018
Website: http://www.ootoya.us/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: resy.com
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Ootoya America
Menu | Ootoya America
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Reviews
This location feels cleaner and more organized compared to the Times Square branch. I also love that the menu here offers a wide variety of options. It would be a great spot for lunch as well.
However, I was extremely disappointed with the uni from the sushi platter. Its appearance was off, and the taste was overwhelmingly fishy — clearly not fresh. When I raised the issue, the staff responded politely and explained that it’s “out of season,” and eventually agreed to remove the dish from the bill.
While I appreciate the service, I don’t think uni — especially in that condition — should have been served at all. If you’re visiting, I would not recommend ordering any raw seafood here. Other items were decent and reasonably priced, but the uni really ruined the experience for me.
I gave one star for the rice.
I was really looking forward to trying this place, but the experience was quite disappointing. Both the sushi and Unagi don tasted fishy and far from fresh — definitely not what I would expect, especially given the high prices. It felt like the sushi had been sitting out for a while instead of being freshly prepared.
What’s even more disappointing is the attitude toward customers. When I was in Japan, even at a simple 7-Eleven, same day seafood is either discounted or discarded by the end of the day to ensure freshness. Unfortunately, this restaurant doesn’t seem to follow that same respect for quality or customers. If you can not make a dish, take it off your menu.
Beef Sukiyaki is even much sweeter than that from Japanese chain Matusya/Yoshinoya. In the Chawanmushi (steamed egg), either the water or the egg is below good quality.
I have not tested other dishes such as Saba Teishoku or Soba/Udon noodles.
For the price, I expected authentic, carefully prepared dish— not something that tastes like it’s past its best. Sadly, I won’t be returning and can’t recommend this place to anyone looking for real Japanese food.
More importantly, they’ve nailed all the basics of Japanese comfort food: the rice, the vegetable side dishes, the presentation — everything was solid.
I “accidentally” ordered the dessert… (meant to cancel it but then forgot) and thank god I did. It was insanely good. The ube montblanc I had is apparently only available during spring season and you MUST try if you like sweets. Really well balanced and no matter how full you are you will definitely have space for it.
I ordered the oyako ju, which comes in a small box with the grilled chicken/egg/onion over rice. The chicken was cooked very nicely, tender and juicy, and the savoury flavours of the sauce/broth went well with the egg and rice.
My friends ordered the sukiyaki nabe and tonkatsu curry, both of which were delicious also. The sukiyaki nabe was really filling (had a bunch to take home afterwards!) and the beef in particular was super.
Overall, the meal here was very consistent with my experience at the other location in terms of quality and service (and price, of course), which I’m always pretty happy with! Will definitely be back again.
I came here by myself and got the bar position.