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Comments (139)
Great casual sushi spot! Food was fresh and good quality. Prices are reasonable. Server was at times distracted but they turn around quickly.
The host was also our waiter for lunch. restaurant was quite empty so my friend and I asked to sit at a 4-top by the window, where i have sat with a friend many times, and the host refused. he sat us very close to another 2-person table instead and i said please move us as my friend was feeling uncomfortable at how close the people at the adjoining table were (covid). the host replied: they are leaving soon. all this while a solo man was dining alone at another 4-top. the food could have made up, but it was awful. cold, stringy sashimi. this restaurant has seen better days, sadly.
Amazing place the food is delicious. I enjoyed the California roll sushi and the broiled eel on the bed of rice. Will come back for sure.
Got the lunch lunch special. My salmon bowl came with 3 tiny pieces. The udon noodles came w one piece of tofu and spinach. I paid $30 for a bowl of rice and noodles. So disappointing.
I ate there alone and they served all the big groups and regulars before me. I asked why and they didn’t get back to me. They put me in the back and I ended up waiting 2 hours for a small sushi box. Never again.
Portions were rather small for the cost. Dont be fooled by bowls of edamame and rice. Sushi restaurants are about the fish, and thats what youre paying for.
Not the best service. Waiter just do their job emotionlessly. No single word of greeting or caring. And they were waiting for me to write down the tip amount.
I went there for lunch yesterday and there was a roach running on the floor next to me. I told the waiter and he got rid of it, unfortunately it ruined the experience for me.
Love this place !!! The food is delicious !!! Weve been here 2 times already ! We highly recommend this place ! Theres a wait but worth it !!!
Ehhhhhhhhhhh. Very very underwhelming unfortunately. We came on a Tuesday night and it was busy but we were seated right away. We came because the reviews seemed promising but we didn’t love it. The green iced tea was horrible and my udon noodles weren’t that good. My friend didn’t really love her bento box. The food just was very very average honestly. I know there are better spots around. I don’t think we’ll go back. Service was nice though
My family has been eating here forever, since before I was born, and it’s always a big treat. I celebrated graduating from BMCC here! The owner and waiters are the best. Seems like they’ve kept the quality up since cutting down on overhead costs in a cozier place.
Nice place and ambiance. Like to visit every now and then. Food is always tasty . Portions are in general on a smaller side therefore it is slightly more expensive.
By far my favorite Japanese restaurant. Ive been going there for over 30 years at 3 separate locations. The food is excellent. The staff are wonderful. Everything from Sushi and Sashimi to fully cooked meals. The quantities are good and the prices upper moderate but well worth it.
A bit pricey, but 100% worth it. Each time I come here, their sushi is some of the best I’ve eaten. Couldn’t recommend more.
They used to be top notch. But, their sushi has gone down in quality. When I order a tuna/avocado handroll I expect to see a piece of tuna sushi. Instead they now put a scoop of tuna mush at the top of the handroll. Im sure it has filler in it. And they still rush people. Argh. Hope they look at this review and make changes. Id like to see them stay in business but top quality is key particularly if they want to charge top dollars.
This is a beautiful little sushi place that really lives up to the culture, its small so while eating you might be 2-3 feet away from someone else. The sushi is expensive but, its the best sushi I have ever eaten. The food over here melts in your mouth, doesnt leave you bloated theres nothing but quality in here. You definitely pay for what you get the service is great too no complaints from this place. Highly recommend trying this place at least once !
Best Japanese food we have had in a long time. The sushi melts in your mouth. The hot entrees were amazing. We were really impressed with the mountain roll! Definitely coming back when in the area.
Even when ordering takeout, I was treated very well by the staff. The next time I came with a date, and we had a great time.Im not familiar with city sushi prices, but I definitely feel I got my moneys worth.Try the pumpkin tempura roll! Its a must for any pumpkin fan.
Simple, very tasty and unsophisticated Japanese restaurant on University Place, NYC
Food was fantastic. Had the deluxe sashimi platter it was as good as a sushi I had in Japan four months ago. Also have the bluefin tuna and it was exceptional. To echo another reviewer, the service was okay but if youre not ordering food, get ready to be urged out of the restaurant.
Its okay, they give you the bums rush even when its not busy. Do the thing where they wont seat you unless everyone is there. Never understood that in an empty restaurant. When I went no one else there but I still had to wait for my date to show up to get a table. Not going back. Food was okay. Not great. Theres a lot of sushi restaurants in NYC, given that, most should try to not make it so difficult to get a table when theyre empty. Probably because of the neighborhood.
Its a small restaurant, therefore is better to make a reservation. We ordered sushi and sashimi set. Fish was nicely cut and fresh. Service was very attentive and consistent. Worth to try. Ill be back.
Went last night with my 3 year old daughter. Sashimi was fresh. Wait staff was attentive. They paid special attention to my daughter. Making her feel right at home. Thanks for a wonderful dining experience
The food was deliecious, came out in a timely manner, the staff was very nice.
Not checking vaccine status. Sat a coughing kid within 2 inches of me at sushi bar when there were plenty of open seats. Waiters not wearing masks.
This used to be the best sushi in NYC. There has since been a change in ownership, and now it is supermarket sushi. The recipes are different and the portions are much smaller.
This is a frustrating place to frequent. On the one hand, the food is authentic and of high quality. The lunch menu a good value compared to higher quality places like Hatsuhana. They still have a Japanese sushi chef even though he must be 70 years old. However despite being a regular customer for the past 3 years (2-3 times a month), I feel my family gets treated worse than a first time customer.When we arrive, there is rarely a smile and friendly greeting from the primarily Chinese wait staff. Most of the wait staff have glum faces and there is no energy nor enthusiasm. Most everyone moves as though they are in 1st gear. Maybe it’s just us as an Asian family. When a white customer comes in, the staff have enthusiastic greetings like “Welcome back! It’s good to see you again!”, etc.I’ve noticed this poor service for quite some time and ignored it because of the high quality of food and good value of the lunch menu. However the last time I went is probably my last.Their Ultra Sushi set is priced 50% higher than their Deluxe Sushi set because it includes expensive king crab leg and o-toro (very fatty tuna) sushi, which justify the higher price. On a previous occasion, I ordered the Ultra Sushi and when it arrived it didn’t include the o-toro. The waiter explained that they try to offer it but can’t guarantee it. So I’ll paid full price that time and on subsequent visits I always first confirmed if they have o-toro and king crab before ordering.During this last visit, I confirmed again before ordering and was told by my waiter they would have these two items. However when it came out, this waiter explained they didn’t have o-toro today but only regular blood red tuna. I said to the waiter that he said there was o-toro. After making some weak excuses he took back the platter to the sushi chef. A few minutes later, the piece of o-toro magically appeared on the platter. No apologies nor explanations.My average bill is usually over $160 and I pay 18% tip whether they smile at us or not.I don’t think I will go there again.
Ive been to Japonica maybe 5 times. Itd been a while; the buddy I ate there with last night only knew it in its current state despite being a patron for a few years while I was surprised there was a door missing.My memories were not good. Japonica always struck me as mediocre-at-best, with a serious dose of attitude thrown in. Ive changed my mind. This was seriously good, with surprisingly generous portions, at a decent price.Im back, Japonica. And Im glad.
If you order two large sushi platters theyll cut the sushi in half so itll be easy to share. they also give a large variety of fish which they explain before you eat. very nice would recommend
Will not be coming there again. During the order time the lady waiter couldnt explain about the items in their confusing menu. The staff dont communicate to customers properly, I pointed at one thing in the menu they brought us the more expensive version of it. When I complained when I saw the bill they called the manager who couldnt elegantly handle the situation and kept on blaming me even though I clearly heard the waiter confirming of the dishes I pointed to. They charged us for the proper ordered dishes after all, but the way they handled the situation was extremely poor. I do not recommend this place.
Always get the lunch special. Im a fan of the salmon Kama which is a good portion of grilled salmon with teriyaki sauce. I waver between the California roll which has good amount of avocado, and the eel don which is a couple bucks more. Restaurant is smaller than the old one with close seating to nearby tables but is a pleasant experience nonetheless.
Generally consistent both service and food. The staff tends to be attentive without being obsequious, the food is ok I think it has fallen a wee bit since the move to the new digs, but this is not a joint you would visit often so it is passable. I tend to stick to sashimi and the dragon roll sans cucumbers and I have not yet regretted my choice. Whenever I have strayed to mix things up - I have felt I should not have to pay for my experimentations, so I have kept it simple since.
Unfortunately we were very disappointed.The sushi was high quality but it was cut so thick it was rather unpleasant to eat. We also felt that due to the crampness the waiter seemed oblivious of how invasive his presence was while taking the table next to us order. They also were barely able to fit the oversized plates on our tiny table which they were way to hurried to clear while we were having a discussion and trying to still actually eat. My father who I was with embarrassingly announced how awful the sashimi was and how he has been to Japan and this was not authentic Japanese cuisine. The waiter disregarded it with no concern. It was strange and again disappointing
Been eating here for 15 years! Best Sushi in NYC! A classic with different specials that do not disappoint! Ask for Tan- best waiter ever!
Saw a cockroach in the bathroom and left immediately! Eek!
What can I say? Ive been going here for almost 30 years. I remember when they moved up the street and now theyve moved back to the block they started on. The quality has always been consistent. The owners, wait staff, chefs are all gracious, humble folk who are GLAD for your business and let you know it. I dont even patronize other Japanese restaurants in the city. #japonicaforlife
Too expensive. Sashimi not fresh.
I ate there one month ago. I told the owner that I´ll rate it with 5 stars on google. Now at 2 AM, I have remembered that. Can you remember me, owner?? I went with my mom, we didn´t know a lot of English but we understood us. We were in a table near to the entrance door and we took a menu with pineapple for dessert. All was great!!!! I hope I´ll go again
Forget the rest Japonica ONLY place for the finest, freshest quality sushi & Japanese food Inn all of Manhattan. Pair it with a Sake Martini and you are in heaven. I especially enjoy eating there when Japonica observes the annual Hakata festival during the summer as you write down your wish on colorful pieces of paper & they string them to flutter throughout the restaurant- it makes you feel as if you were sitting in a teahouse in Japan rather than the heat of NYC.I
The service was great as usual but I have see a gross decline in food quality since 2019. My girlfriend and I feel sick from eating fish that has obviously passed its expiration. Please be mindful when eating here...I suggest not to go unless management sorts it’s problems out.
Japonica is a neighborhood stalwart. The food is always delicious and the staff friendly and helpful. Whether you order the sushi/sashimi or any of the cooked food, everything is prepared to your liking. I particularly enjoyed the make it yourself bento box. The miso salmon was my choice for the entree. I ordered a plate of oshinko on the side. Ended the meal with a plum wine on ice.
This unassuming Japanese spot has a rather confusing menu and servers who arent particularly enthusiastic about their job. But the food is great. Would probably visit again to taste other dishes if Im around the area.
So Madama Butterfly roll rocks because of the tuna-cucumber-avocado-edible pansy flower combo and the delicious iced green tea. Reasonable prices and solid yum factor for sushi. Also this place gets points for being open for food from noon onward, and not having strict dinner hours like other joints.
Terrible. It was extremely cold inside (aircon was unbearable) so we asked to pack our lunch box to take away. When we finally opened the bag to eat, they had forgotten 2 dishes (for which we of course paid!)We’ll never go back
Great sushi, I love people who work there. Quiet and very comfortable. U can choose any dish wouldn’t make mistake. ❤️
Fantastic place. Great Japanese food without frills of you are willing to pay, sit in an o er stuffed place with a noisy air conditioning. But eat great food then go there.
I mean the sushi here is decent, I have nothing bad to say. But its just like whatever. I don’t hate it though, good for takeout.
Amazing service.. amazing food! I had a couple rolls and it was so great! Dont hesitate, just go here! Its more of an intimate spot.. so dont expect to land a table for 10 lol
Best sushi in NY! Have been eating here for over 15 years and they never disappoint.
One of New Yorks finest Japanese restaurants, was great 15 years ago, was great last night.If youre looking for good sushi and a great atmosphere, go there!
Excellent sushi, attentive staff, festive atmosphere. 3 years into their new(ish) space...its smaller but take out is excellent as well.
Great, fresh food. Convenient location. Better with reservations, but you can get in without in about 30-40 minutes during busy hours. Love it.
Best sushi out there. Have tried almost every nyc spot and this one is the best. They have great value and selection for all things sushi.
By far one of the best sushi places in the city. Great value. MUST try the Japonica Invention, Sunrise Sunset and Rainbow rolls.
Love this quaint, comfy and elegant sushi spot in Greenwich Village. The Sushi is top notch and the service is A number one.
Authentic Japanese restaurant. I was looking for some place like this for a long time.Highly recommended.
Probably one of the best Sushi restaurant in New York! Rather expensive, but excellent quality! Reservation required, it is quite small!
One of my favorite Japanese restaurants in Manhattan. Right by Union Square, it serves authentic Japanese cuisine at reasonable prices.
The food is super great. Service is excellentThe tekka with avocado is out of the world.10/10 would recommend to everyone
The California sushi is amazing. Cosy place medium prices. 100% recommended.
I go to Japonica to eat Chirashi. Its huge and delish. I should share it with someone, but instead I stuff myself. Its so worth it!
Japonica was on its game in an April 2021 visit, serving delicious sushi.
Very good... Extremely expensive... A very excellent Rainbow Roll was $33. Seems high to me!
Not the same but good for a quick meal
Authentic Japanese run restaurant with quality and fresh sushi. Great. Would def. Visit again.
Pretty average. Nothing crazy. Ide stick to things on the special menu that does change. Hand roll was best thing I had.
They have the best sushi. And the soft shell crabs are fantastic
The food was absolutely amazing! Delicious sushi and great service.
Always delicious.. generous sushi portions...never disappointed!
Delicious sushi, good menu. A little bit pricier but you pay for what you get.
The service and atmosphere were good, but I was slightly disappointed by the food.it Was too salty , and for the same price I can find better in this area....
A cozy reprieve from the busy streets . Quiet music and soothing vibe . Very clean . Attentive service. Good food .
Excellent service, and phenomenal food. Even the white rice alone is the best Ive ever had.
Excellent sushi. Friendly staff. Good bento boxs at lunch time
Nice but a bit rushed. Too much lemon in there ginger. Well sized sushi, some rare ones.
A classic. Been there forever. Some of the best sushi in town.
True Japanese!!!! Many options,very fresh!!!!! We always visit when in New York. A hidden Gem!
Fish is so fresh and the sushi is huge. Place is really clean
One of my go to places for lunch in NY.Value for money lunch in nice cosy ambience with friendly attentive service.
Great sushi, nice staff. Fish so fresh.
Good lunch special!
I always go in a group and split the House Special 3-4 ways. The Royal Japonica and the Japonica Invention Roll are both winners.
The sushi is really good and the service is great
Best sushi I’ve ever had, but too expensive.
I love it here. Consistent for the 10 years+ I have been going!
Great food although very small portion.
One of my favorite Japanese restaurants in the city.
Great sushi, bento, atmosphere and service.
Best sushi resturant in manhattan. Hands down.
Consistent food quality, portion size, and top service.
FABULOUS PLACE FOOD IS DELICIOUS AND THE CROWD VERY PLEASINGTHE SERVICE IS THE BEST IN THE CITY MY NUMBER ONE PLACE TO GO
Awesome Sushi get there early before the crowd
Nice portions, authentic, clean and cozy
They changed locations, this place is much smaller and was very cramped, but the food was great as usual
Best local sushi in NYC
Wonderful food, great service.
Nice place great food and close to my job!!!!
Average sushi but very pricey.
Excellently crafted, delicious food - a neighborhood institution.
Will always be my favorite Sushi spot
Perfect! Like in Japan!
Spent 27$ on a lunch special for chewy chicken
Great rolls with Avocado and fresh tuna
Extremely bad service and terrible food!!
Great sushi and sashimi options
Lunch bento box... One of the best
Good quality. A little pricey though.
Their customer service is phenomenal.
Fine fish. Loud and bad saki.
Best Sushi in NYC
The goat of nyc sushi
Food is great here.
Alex was a great server ...
Not authentic Japanese restaurant
Superb, pragmatically sublime!!
Yum😋
Old school style NY sushi place
Good
Amazing
Great food..
Expensive but good
Fabulous sushi!!!!
Beautiful place 😍
Food
Awesome sushi
The volume of chirashizushi here is for two people! !!I think it is conscientious because there are low-salt soy sauce and gluten-free soy sauce.However, as the number of people decreased, it was a little difficult to stay because the distance between the customer and the clerk was a little closer.As a customer who is coming, I sometimes want to talk while eating meals with my relatives, so I would be happy if you could stay away from me unless you meet my eyes.The sushi was great!
We came for dinner as we got to NYC. We arrived relatively early, around 6:30 PM on a Tuesday, and had no problem getting a table. Half an hour later it was full. The food is fine without being particularly remarkable. Fast and attentive service.
Excellent Japanese restaurant. The portions are surprising for a Frenchman. Be careful because fish slices are the size of a steak for us French
Amazon everything and service.
Total reviews rating 4.3
139 Reviews for Japonica 2023:
Review №1
2022-06-21The fish is always fresh here. The technique for making sushi and other Japanese food itens is pretty much as good as it gets. Highly recommended
Review №2
2022-03-29Had a lovely meal here ! I got the dinner set with tempura soba and yellowtail roll that came with a delicious assortment of vegetarian sides. Love the straightforward service and simple, classic interior as well. Cant wait to come here again :)
Review №3
2022-06-18Plate was sticky and oily. Not just few spots. Felt disgusted. I’ve been dining at the japonica more than 10yrs. Their food quality is still acceptable but the basic is sanitation and if you cannot, I might not come back
Review №4
2022-08-04Id give zero stars if I could. service was horrible, far too much waiting around for anyone to come take our order or even serve us water. we got the lunch specials and that just looked like really sad airplane food. just lazy mayo on the salads, the rice bowl had the tiniest pieces of salmon on it, barely anything at all. sushi was dry, like store bought refrigerated ones. got out of there unsatisfied and still hungry after spending so much. heavily disappointed.
Review №5
2020-11-03Friendly service. First visit in quite a while, ate outside during the pandemic and they have a nice set up, sturdy shelter and electric heaters. I had the sushi deluxe which was pretty good and my friend had the bento dinner, which he enjoyed. I will definitely be back to give it another try.
Review №6
2018-05-17This was our first time coming to Japonica and it was a mothers day lunch/dinner for 4. The seating was intimate, the service was excellent & the food perfect. There are seasonal options and regular favorites when you think of sushi/sashimi. This location is ideal for small groups (2-6) or if youre on your own. From appetizers to dessert, we were absolutely pleased. I look forward to returning.
Review №7
2017-12-16The sushi is really amazing here, it’s just that it’s very expensive. It’s a cute little place and I would recommend it. For lunch they have lunch specials not the cheapest lunch special you can find, but I would definitely want to go here again because everything looking beautiful and fresh. There’s some things on the menu that I’ve probably never seen before in a Japanese menu that’s what makes this place unique, and authentic.
Review №8
2019-08-21Amazing small restaurant who do not take reservations, walk-ins only. I have been here with my girlfriend, sat at the sushi bar table. The overall experience was fantastic: great food and great service. Paid 110$ + tip for two persons with hot sake and a lot of sushi, rolls and a snow crab roll. Note to the owner: give Mr. Alex a raise, he deserves it!
Review №9
2022-08-19Went for lunch recently, had the sushi/sashimi combo with a salad. Excellent quality, nice sized portions of fish. Highly recommend. Ive read some reviewer complaints about high prices...this is not a budget sushi place. Its also not super expensive like some sushi places in midtown that gouge the tourists/business crowd/money-to-burn millionaires. For the quality, portions, location, decor, fellow diners, and service, its reasonably priced.Sushi/sashimi combo $46Tip $10
Review №10
2022-07-18Terrible experience!! I asked to use the restroom, and the female employee would not allow me to use it. She became unhinged and began shoving a menu into my face me. I would stay far away from this place. They are dangerous.