Kiku: A Hidden Gem for Japanese Cuisine in Midtown NYC

Kiku Introduce

For New Yorkers, the search for a truly authentic and delicious local spot can feel like a quest for a hidden treasure. In the heart of Midtown, nestled away on West 55th Street, you'll find just such a place: Kiku, a Japanese restaurant that has quietly built a reputation as a neighborhood gem. Unlike some of the more high-profile establishments in the city, Kiku offers a cozy, unassuming, and genuinely local vibe. It's the kind of place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a high-quality meal without the pretense. The atmosphere is casual and comfortable, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a solo dining experience.

Kiku's appeal lies in its combination of excellent food, fast service, and a friendly, local atmosphere. Patrons often praise the menu for its surprising depth, offering more than just the usual Japanese fare. From perfectly executed sushi rolls to savory kitchen entrees, the food is consistently described as delicious and fresh. The service is great and fast, a huge plus in a city where time is often a luxury. The owners are known for their warm and welcoming demeanor, which contributes significantly to the restaurant’s inviting feel. While the space itself is described as small and located on the second floor, this only adds to its charm as a true hidden gem that’s worth seeking out.

Kiku is conveniently located at 50 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019, USA. This address places it squarely in Midtown Manhattan, making it an excellent choice for anyone working in the area, a tourist exploring the city, or a resident of the surrounding neighborhoods. Its central location provides easy access via public transportation, including several subway lines and bus routes. The restaurant is situated on the second floor, which is a detail to note before your visit. While it does not have a private parking lot, being in such a central neighborhood means there are multiple parking garages nearby. These are great options for those who prefer to drive. While public information on accessibility is not explicitly provided, its location on a busy Midtown street suggests that it is well-connected and easily reachable for most visitors.

Kiku offers a comprehensive range of services to cater to both dine-in customers and those on the go. The restaurant provides dine-in, takeout, and delivery options, giving you the flexibility to enjoy their food wherever you are. For those planning to visit, Kiku accepts reservations, which is particularly helpful given its cozy size and popularity. The payment process is convenient and modern, as the restaurant accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making transactions quick and easy. This blend of traditional table service and modern convenience ensures that every guest has a seamless and pleasant experience, whether they are enjoying a leisurely meal or grabbing a quick bite.

Service Options: Kiku offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery services for maximum convenience.
Dining Options: The menu is available for lunch, dinner, and dessert, with table service provided for those dining in.
Planning: The restaurant accepts reservations, which is recommended due to its popularity.
Payment Methods: You can pay with credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Amenities: A restroom is available for dine-in guests.

Kiku is celebrated for its distinctive features and highlights that set it apart from other Japanese restaurants in New York. The fast service is a key highlight, ensuring that you receive your food promptly, whether you’re in a hurry or not. The menu is a major draw, featuring a variety of classic Japanese dishes and unique creations. For comfort food lovers, the menu includes hearty options like PORK GYOZA and PORK SOUP DUMPLINGS, as well as a range of SOUP NOODLES like NABEYAKI UDON and SPICY MISO RAMEN. The sushi bar offers a diverse selection of fresh and flavorful items, from the classic TUNA ROLL and CALIFORNIA ROLL to the creative KIKU SIGNATURE ROLLS like the SNOW WHITES KISS ROLL and the ANGRY DRAGON ROLL. The restaurant also provides plenty of healthy options and vegetarian choices, such as the YASAI GYOZA and a wide variety of VEGETARIAN ROLLS like the AVOCADO ROLL and SWEET POTATO MAKI ROLL. The atmosphere is consistently described as casual and cozy, offering a welcoming environment for all. It’s a great place for a quick bite or to enjoy a small plate, with a large menu that caters to every taste and preference.

Fast Service: The restaurant is known for its quick and efficient service, making it a reliable option for a time-conscious meal.
Extensive Menu: Kiku offers a broad selection of items, from appetizers and sushi to ramen and bento boxes, including vegetarian and healthy options.
Authentic Cuisine: The food is consistently praised as being delicious and fresh, with a wide variety of classic and innovative dishes.
Cozy Atmosphere: The casual and cozy setting provides a comfortable and welcoming dining experience.
Beverage Options: A selection of alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine, is available to complement your meal.

What makes Kiku a truly worthwhile choice is its status as a genuine "hidden gem." In a city saturated with dining options, finding a place that delivers on both quality and value is a win. The delicious food, which includes everything from FRIED GYOZA to the rich RIVER ROLL and the flavorful HIBACHI CHICKEN, consistently impresses customers. The pricing is considered very fair for New York City, which is a major bonus. The friendly and local vibe, enhanced by the presence of a very nice owner, creates a sense of community that is rare to find. For New Yorkers seeking a reliable, high-quality Japanese spot for a casual meal, Kiku is an excellent option. Whether you're in the mood for a simple SUSHI DINNER, a satisfying BENTO BOX, or a warm bowl of RAMEN, Kiku’s extensive menu and welcoming atmosphere make it a perfect destination. It is a place that many visitors vow to return to, and one that is highly recommended for anyone looking for a delicious, unpretentious, and local Japanese dining experience in Midtown.

For more information, or to place an order, you can contact Kiku at the following information:

Address: 50 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019, USA

Phone: (212) 582-8357

Kiku Food & drink

Appetizers from the Kitchen
Edamame $8.00
Steamed soy beans.
Shrimp Shumai $8.00
Pork Gyoza $8.00
Yasai Gyoza $7.50
Pork Soup Dumpling $10.00
Roast Pork Buns $7.00
Scallion Pancake $7.00
Steamed Yasai $7.50
Steamed mixed vegetables.
Lemongrass Chicken Dumpling $8.00
Wasabi Shumai $7.50
Age Tofu $7.00
Harumaki $7.00
Vegetables spring rolls
Fried Oyster Appetizer $9.50
Soft Shell Crab Appetizer $11.50
Coconut Rice $7.50
coconut favor with mango.
Shrimp Dumpling $8.00
Pop Corn Shrimp $9.00
Gentry fried shrimp with sweet chilli sauce
Crispy Fried Calamari $8.00

Appetizers from the Sushi Bar
Sushi Appetizer $14.00
Four pieces of sushi.
Sashimi Appetizer $17.00
9 pcs of sashimi
Tuna Tartar $12.00
Salmon Tartar $12.00
Yellowtail Tartar $12.00
Tuna Tataki $11.00
Seared tuna thin-sliced and served with ponzu sauce.
Salmon Tataki $11.00
Seared with special sauce
Yellowtail Jalapeno Appetizer $12.50
Sliced yellowtail and jalapeño & Yuzu sauce.
Salmon Katsu Maki $10.50
Batter fried spicy salmon roll with special sauce
Trio Tartar $12.00
Lobster salad, snow crab, avocado and tobiko
Pepper Tuna Sashimi $11.00
Pepper tuna with scallion, tobiko and yuzhu sauce and Wasabi mayo.
Avocado Bowl $12.00
Spicy tuna inside wrapped w avocado topped w tobiko crunch and eel sauce, spicy mayo.
Dinosaur Egg $12.00
Deep fried avocado wrapped w spicy Kani, spicy tuna inside chef special sauce.
Salmon Special $11.50
Spicy tuna wrapped w salmon served with wasabi mayo and yuzhu sauce.
Tako Su $10.50
Slice octopus served w. yuzhu sauce
Tuna Pizza $14.50
avocado，onion and tomato top with thin sliced of tuna，scallion，tobiko，eel sauce and spicy mayo.

Soup
1. Miso Soup $3.50
Soy bean soup.
3. Seafood Soup $10.95

Soup Noodle
N1. Nabeyaki Udon $17.50
Chicken, egg, vegetable, fish cake and shrimp tempura in a soup.
N2. Tempura Udon $17.50
Noodle soup with shrimp and vegetable tempura on the side.
N2. Tempura Soba $17.50
Noodle soup with shrimp and vegetable tempura on the side.
N4. Tokyo Ramen $17.50
Soy sauce flavor, chicken or pork, bean sprouts, spinach, egg and scallion.
N5. Miso Ramen $17.50
Miso flavor, chicken or pork, bean sprouts, spinach, egg, and scallion.
N6. Spicy Miso Ramen $18.50
Spicy miso flavor, chicken or pork, bean sprouts, spinach, egg and scallion. Spicy.

Salads
House Salad $6.00
Served with ginger carrot dressing.
Avocado Salad $8.00
Avocado and fresh vegetables.
Seaweed Salad $7.00
7. Kani Salad $8.00
Crabmeat and cucumber mixed with special sauce.
Sashimi Salad $12.50
Snow Crab Salad $9.00
Snow crab meat w tobiki crunch &eel sauce
10. Salmon Skin Salad $7.00
Mango Avocado Salad With Ginger Dressing $8.50
Sliced avocado with a variety of vegetables

Sushi and Sashimi a la Carte
A2. Egg Custard $5.00
Tamago.
A3. Crab Stick $4.00
Kani.
A4. Octopus $5.50
Tako.
A5. Squid $5.50
Ika.
A6. Shrimp $4.50
Ebi.
A7. Mackerel $4.50
Saba.
A9. Fluke $5.25
Hirame.
A10. Tuna $5.25
Maguro.
A12. Fresh Salmon $5.25
Sake.
A13. Yellowtail $5.25
Hamachi.
A15. Flying Fish Roe $5.00
Tobiko.
A16. Salmon Roe $9.50
Ikura.
A17. Eel $5.25
Unagi.
A19. Scallop $5.00
Hotategai.
King Crab $12.00
Stripe Bass $5.25
White Tuna $5.25

Classic Sushi Roll and Hand Roll
M4. California Roll $7.00
Crab, cucumber and avocado.
M2. Salmon Roll $8.00
M3. Tuna Roll $8.00
M5. Yellowtail Scallion Roll $8.00
M12. Spicy Tuna Roll $8.50
M13. Spicy Salmon Roll $8.50
M14. Spicy Shrimp Crunch Roll $8.50
M24. Spicy Scallop Crunch Roll $9.00
M6. Alaskan Roll $8.00
Salmon, avocado and cucumber.
M7. Boston Roll $8.00
Shrimp, cucumber, lettuce and mayonnaise.
M9. Salmon Skin Roll $8.00
Salmon skin and cucumber.
M1. Eel Avocado Roll $8.50
M10. Eel Cucumber Roll $8.50
M17. Salmon Cucumber Roll $8.50
Tuna Avocado Roll $8.50
M17. Salmon Avocado Roll $8.50
M20. Philadelphia Roll $8.50
Smoked salmon with cream cheese.
Shrimp Tempura Roll $9.00
Shrimp Asparagus Roll $9.00
Tuna Cucumber $8.50
Oysters Tempura Roll $8.50
Futo Maki $8.50
Rock N Roll $12.50
Kani, eel ,avocado,cucumber wrapped seaweed then batter fried
Spider Roll $12.95
Snow Crab Roll $10.00
Snow crab avocado crunch tobiko
Yellowtail Jalapeño Roll $8.50
Spicy Mango Shrimp Roll $8.00
With crunch tobiko
Black Pepper Roll $9.50
Black pepper tuna avocado &tobiko
King Crab Roll $16.00
Saba Roll $8.00
Marinated mackerel, cucumber, and ginger
Shrimp Cucumber Roll $8.50
Rainbow Roll $14.50
California roll wrap with assorted fish.
Dragon Roll $14.50
Eel cucumber roll top with avocado ,tobiko and eel sauce.
Spick Kani Roll $8.50
East Roll $8.50
Shrimp,egg,avocado, cucumber & caviar
Shrimp Mango Roll $8.50
Shrimp Avocado Roll $8.50

Vegetarian Roll
Avocado Roll $6.00
Cucumber Roll $6.00
Peanut Avocado Roll $6.25
Yasai Roll $6.25
Avocado, cucumber, asparagus
Spinach Roll $6.00
Oshinko Maki Roll $6.00
Japanese pickled radish.
Kampyo Roll $6.00
Cooked squash.
Shitake Maki Roll $6.00
Sweet Potato Maki Roll $6.50
Asparagus Roll $6.00
Mango Roll $6.00
Avocado Cucumber Roll $6.25

Kiku Signature Rolls
Kiku Roll $16.00
Spicy tuna crunch top with eel, avocado and wasabi tobiko,eel sauce.
Snow Whites Kiss Roll $17.00
Spicy tuna,snow crabmeat,crunch and tobiko, wrap with marble seaweed.
Rich Roll $17.00
Spicy salmon, cucumber,crunch and avocado wrapped w marble seaweed,top with hot sauce.
Milky Way Roll $16.00
Spicy salmon crunch roll top with variety fish.
Mt.fuji $17.00
Yellowtail,cucumber top with spicy yellowtail and crunch.
River Roll $17.50
Spicy shrimp tempura top with avocado,eel and tobiko, eel sauce.
Spicy Girl Roll $17.50
Pepper tuna,avocado inside topped w.spicy salmon,Wasabi tobiko and siracha
Mermaid Roll $17.50
Tuna ,salmon, yellowtai, avocado,cucumber and tobiko wrapped with marble seaweed .
Crazy Salmon Roll $16.00
Salmon avocado inside top with spicy salmon and crunch.
Crazy Tuna Roll $16.00
Pepper tuna avocado inside top w spicy tuna and crunch.
Rocky Roll $16.00
Snow crab, avocado,shrimp tempura , tobiko, asparagus wrapped in marble seaweed w eel sauce.
King Roll $18.00
King crabmeat and cucumber top with eel and tobiko, eel sauce.
Tiger Roll $18.50
Salmon ,tuna , avocado,top with salmon, tuna, eel, crunch, tobiko,scallions and eel sauce.
Neptune Roll $18.00
Shrimp tempura ,snow crab,eel ,avocado,tobiko wrap with marble seaweed .w eel sauce.
Dynamite Roll $16.00
Spicy crunch kani top with spicy yellowtail and spicy tuna .
Crush Roll $15.00
Spicy tuna ,spicy salmon , avocado, then batter fried w eel sauce and spicy mayo, tobiko scallion .
Perfect Match Roll $16.00
Snow crab,crunch,cucumber top w salmon, white tuna,and two kinds of tobiko.
Lion Roll $16.00
Shrimp tempura and white tuna inside, avocado and spicy kani on topped w eel sauce and crunch.
Angry Dragon Roll $17.00
Shrimp tempura avocado spicy tuna top with spicy kani and eel sauce w soy bean paper .
Painted Lady Roll $16.00
Snow crab ,mango , asparagus inside topped spicy tuna and spicy mayo,mango sauce, with soy bean paper.
Six Flags Roll $17.00
Cooked tempura roll,spicy Kani,avocado,inside top with spicy tuna,eel sauce and spicy mayo sauce, and tobiko, scallion.
Godzilla Roll $17.00
Tuna, salmon,white fish,Kani,deep fried w eel sauce and spicy mayo,Tobiko and scallion on top

Special Roll Combo
A. Salmon, Tuna And California Roll Coembo $20.50
Served with miso soup or salad.
B. Spicy Tuna, Salmon-Avocado And Eel Cucumber Roll Combo $21.50
Served with miso soup or salad.
C. Spicy White Tuna Crunch, Spicy Salmon Crunch And Spicy Yellowtail Crunch Roll Combo $21.50
Served with miso soup or salad.
D Shrimp Tempura Roll,&Lobster Tempura Roll $21.50
Served with miso soup or salad.

Sushi and Sashimi Entrees
S1. Sushi Dinner $27.00
Regular. 9 pieces of sushi and a tuna roll. Served with soup or salad.
Kiku Special Sushi Entree $27.00
2pcs of tuna,salmon,yellowtail,white tuna,spice tuna roll. served with soup or salad
S4. Sashimi Entree $29.00
. Assorted 18 pieces of raw fish. Served with soup or salad.
S6. Sushi And Sashimi Combination $31.00
5 pieces of sushi and 12pieces of sashimi. California roll.Served with soup or salad.
S10. Sushi For 2 $68.00
16 pieces of sushi and Tuna roll and special roll. Served with soup or salad.
S11. Sushi And Sashimi For 2 $75.00
18 pieces of sashimi, 10 pieces of sushi, special roll and California roll. Served with soup or salad.
Chirashi Special $30.00
Variety of 18 pcs raw fish over sushi rice. served with soup or salad.
S13. Trio Sashimi $33.50
7 pieces tuna, salmon and yellowtail with sushi rice. Served with soup or salad.
Tuna Don $25.50
12 pcs of tuna served with soup or salad.
Salmon Don $25.50
12 pcs of salmon and served with soup or salad.
Yellowtail Don $25.50
12 pcs yellowtail and served with soup or salad.

Sushi Donburi
D1. Unagi Don $22.00

Fried Rice
F1. Vegetable Fried Rice $15.00
F2. Pork Fried Rice $16.00
F2. Chicken Fried Rice $16.00
F3. Shrimp Fried Rice $17.00
F3. Beef Fried Rice $17.00
Pineapple Vegetables Fried Rice $16.00
Pineapple Chicken Fried Rice $17.00
Pineapple Pork Fried Rice $17.00
Pineapple Beef Fried Rice $18.00
Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice $18.00

Tempura app
Vegetable Tempura App $9.00
Shrimp Tempura & Vegie App $10.00
Chicken Tempura& Veggie App $9.50
Deep-fried shrimp and vegetable.

From the Kitchen
K1. Chicken Teriyaki $17.50
Fillet of chicken marinated in teriyaki sauce.
K2. Chicken Katsu $17.00
Deep-fried chicken with tonkatsu sauce.
K5. Beef Teriyaki $19.50
Filet of beef marinated in teriyaki sauce.
K7. Shrimp Teriyaki $19.50
Broiled shrimp in teriyaki sauce.
K8. Salmon Teriyaki $18.50
Barbequed salmon in teriyaki sauce.
K9. Pork Katsu $18.00
Deep-fried breaded pork.
K11. Tofu Teriyaki $14.50
Deep-fried tofu with teriyaki sauce.
Shrimp & Veggie Tempura $18.00
Chicken & Veggieso Tempura $18.00
Vegetables Tempura $14.50

Naruto
Snow Crab Naruto $15.50
Eel Naruto $15.50
Rainbow Naruto $15.50
Spicy Tuna Naruto $15.50
Spicy Salmon Naruto $15.50
Lobsters Tempura Naruto $18.00

Yaki Udon and Soba
Vegetable Yaki Soba $15.50
Vegetable Yaki Udon $15.50
Chicken Yaki Udon $17.00
Chicken Yaki Soba $17.00
Beef Yaki Udon $18.00
Beef Yaki Soba $18.00
Shrimp Yaki Udon $18.00
Shrimp Yaki Soba $18.00

Japanese Dinner Bento Box
B1. Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box $22.95
B2. Beef Teriyaki Bento Box $23.95
B3. Salmon Teriyaki Bento Box $23.95
B4. Tofu Teriyaki Bento Box $21.50
B5. Shrimp & Vegetable Tempura Bento Box $22.95
B5. Chicken & Vegetable Tempura Bento Box $22.95
B6. Shrimp Teriyaki Bento Box $22.95
B8. Chicken Katsu Bento Box $21.50
B8. Pork Katsu Bento Box $21.50
B9. Six Pieces Sushi Bento Box $24.50
B10. Twelve Pieces Sashimi Bento Box $24.50

Sides
Brown Rice $3.00
White Rice $2.50
Sushi Rice $3.00
Side Of Sauce $1.00

Lunch From sushi bar
L1. Sushi Lunch Special $15.50
5 pieces of sushi and a California roll.
L6. Sushi And Sashimi Combination Lunch Special $18.50
3 pieces of sushi, 6 pieces of sashimi and a California roll.
L10. Sashimi Lunch Special $17.00
12 pieces of assorted raw fish.
L13. Chirashi Lunch Special $16.50
Unagi Don Lunch Special $16.50

Maki Roll Lunch Special
Any 2 Rolls Lunch Special $13.95
Any 3 Rolls Lunch Special $17.95

Japanese Lunch Bento
L15. Chicken Teriyaki Lunch Bento $15.95
L15. Beef Teriyaki Lunch Bento $15.95
L15. Salmon Teriyaki Lunch Bento $15.95
L15. Tofu Teriyaki Lunch Bento $15.95
L15. Shrimp Teriyaki Lunch Bento $15.95
L15. Shrimp Tempura Lunch Bento Box $15.95
L15. Vegetable Tempura Lunch Bento $15.95
L15. Chicken Katsu Lunch Bento $15.95
L15. Pork Katsu Lunch Bento $15.95

Beverages
Soda $2.50
Spring Water $2.50
Perrier Water $3.00

Desserts
Ice Cream $5.50
Fried Banana $6.00
Tempura Ice Cream $6.50

Kiku Details

Service options
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Parking
Parking

Kiku Photos

Kiku Location

Kiku

New York New York County New York West 55th Street

50 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019, USA

Kiku Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 341 user reviews.

bento boxmiso soupfloortiprollswalltunadeliverythe momaapartment

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

This restaurant is a hidden gem in Manhattan.Food is very good. I was happily surprised. Their menu has more to offer than it looks.Service is great and fast. The owner is really cool.Atmosphere is simple but it works and its clean.Space - It is quite small (and on the second floor) but its worth a try. Hence, there is always people.
April 04 · mikey Boren
100% hidden gem. Delicious, delicious food. Nicely priced. VERY local vibe, extremely nice owner. We’ll definitely be neck and you should go, too!We’re ordered fried gyoza, sushi combo D (can’t remember but I think it was 2 rolls, lobster and shrimp), River Roll, and hibachi chicken. Can’t recommended enough!!
June 30 · Annie Simmons (Annie Simmons)
Some of the best sushi I’ve ever had! They have a lot of options for sushi and kitchen meals. The service was absolutely amazing and fast, and the restaurant is very cozy and welcoming. I’m glad I found this place! Perfect for lunch or dinner!
February 24 · Lia Guzman
Wish I could give service 10 stars - Mr. Lee is a National Treasure. Go for the great food but return for the fun conversations. Don’t be shy - he hits all subjects! 😂 Hot, single rich girls are encouraged to go! Just ask for Mr. Lee.
May 04 · C D
The place is a real hole in the wall but that what people love it for!Food is delicious, very quick service and very interesting atmosphere!
April 16 · Юрій Теселько