Ootoya Chelsea

Ootoya Chelsea Introduce

Discover Ootoya Chelsea: A Taste of Authentic Japanese Home Cooking in NYC

In the bustling heart of New York City, where diverse culinary experiences are around every corner, finding a spot that offers a true taste of authentic Japanese home-style cooking can be a real treat. Ootoya Chelsea, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood, provides just that—a welcoming and warm escape dedicated to serving traditional Japanese comfort food known as "teishoku." Unlike many Japanese restaurants that focus solely on sushi, Ootoya Chelsea prides itself on a broad menu that features grilled fish, chicken katsu, and a variety of nourishing sets that are both delicious and healthy. The focus is on quality ingredients, meticulous preparation, and a commitment to bringing a genuine Japanese dining experience to New Yorkers.

Ootoya Chelsea is more than just a place to eat; it's a destination for a truly satisfying meal that feels like it was prepared in a Japanese home kitchen. The atmosphere is designed to be both casual and cozy, making it the perfect setting for a solo meal, a dinner with friends, or a family outing. From the first sip of tea to the last bite of dessert, the entire experience at Ootoya Chelsea is crafted to provide a sense of calm and well-being, a rare find in the fast-paced life of the city.

Location and Accessibility in the Heart of Manhattan

Ootoya Chelsea is conveniently located at 8 W 18th St, New York, NY 10011, USA, making it easily accessible for anyone in Manhattan. Its prime spot between Fifth and Sixth Avenues places it in a highly trafficked area, a short walk from the Union Square subway station (4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, W lines) and several other public transportation options. This central location makes it an ideal meeting spot for both local New Yorkers and tourists exploring the city's Flatiron and Chelsea neighborhoods. The proximity to popular spots like the Flatiron Building and Union Square ensures that Ootoya is a great option for a post-shopping or pre-theater meal.

In addition to its central location, Ootoya Chelsea is committed to accessibility. The restaurant features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring that all guests can dine comfortably. While street parking is available, it can be limited and is typically metered, so using public transportation or a ride-sharing service is often the easiest option. The combination of its convenient location and inclusive design makes Ootoya Chelsea a welcoming destination for a wide range of diners.

A Full Suite of Services and Offerings

Ootoya Chelsea provides a comprehensive dining experience that caters to a variety of needs and preferences. Their services are designed for maximum convenience and enjoyment. Here are some of the key services and offerings you can find:

Dine-In, Takeout, and Delivery: Enjoy the cozy, spacious interior with table service, or opt for the convenience of takeout and delivery to savor your favorite dishes at home or the office.
Dining Options: The restaurant serves both lunch and dinner, with a menu that includes a wide range of appetizers, main courses, and desserts. They also offer catering services, perfect for corporate events or private parties.
Beverage Program: Ootoya Chelsea boasts a full-service bar with a great selection of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and hard liquor. They are particularly highlighted for their "great cocktails" and "great tea selection," which complement the food beautifully.
Reservations: Ootoya Chelsea accepts reservations, which are highly recommended, especially during peak dinner hours, as the restaurant "usually has a wait." This feature allows you to plan your visit and avoid potential queues.
Amenities: The establishment is well-equipped with amenities such as an onsite bar, clean restrooms, and Wi-Fi, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Family-Friendly: The restaurant is "good for kids," providing high chairs and a comfortable environment that makes it a great choice for families.

Features and Highlights of a True Japanese Gem

What makes Ootoya Chelsea a standout in the crowded NYC dining scene is its unique combination of culinary excellence and inviting atmosphere. These features set it apart and make it a must-visit for anyone who appreciates Japanese food:

Authentic Japanese Comfort Food: Ootoya specializes in traditional "teishoku" sets, which include a main dish, rice, miso soup, and vegetable sides. This style of dining is a cornerstone of Japanese home cooking and offers a balanced, nourishing meal.
High-Quality Ingredients: The restaurant is known for its meticulous attention to quality, from the solid-tasting rice to the perfectly prepared side dishes. This commitment to basic yet essential elements is what makes their food so satisfying.
Diverse Menu with Healthy Options: While they offer indulgent items like Tonkatsu Curry, Ootoya Chelsea also provides numerous healthy options, including grilled fish sets and a variety of salads. The menu is designed to cater to a wide range of dietary needs and preferences.
Exceptional Dessert Selection: The dessert menu, though small, receives high praise. A customer review highlighted an "insanely good" Ube Montblanc, emphasizing that the desserts are a "must-try" and a perfect end to the meal.
Cozy and Trendy Atmosphere: The ambiance is described as a perfect blend of casual, cozy, and trendy. It's a spacious spot with a calming vibe, making it a great place for a peaceful dinner or a relaxed get-together with friends.

Contact Information

For reservations or more information, you can contact Ootoya Chelsea at:

Address: 8 W 18th St, New York, NY 10011, USA
Phone: (212) 255-0018

What Makes Ootoya Chelsea Worth Choosing

For New Yorkers seeking a genuine and satisfying Japanese meal beyond the typical sushi bar, Ootoya Chelsea is a top contender. What truly makes this restaurant worth choosing is its unwavering focus on the fundamentals of Japanese comfort food. The a-la-carte menu and signature "teishoku" sets are a testament to their dedication to providing a complete and balanced dining experience. While a few customer reviews have noted concerns about raw seafood freshness, the vast majority of feedback points to the high quality of their cooked dishes, from grilled fish to their perfectly crispy katsu and flavorful noodle bowls. The attention to detail in their basic ingredients, such as the rice and vegetable sides, is a highlight often mentioned by patrons who appreciate the subtle nuances of Japanese cuisine.

Beyond the food, the overall experience is enhanced by the kind and attentive staff and the lovely, spacious atmosphere. It's the kind of place where you can relax, enjoy a great cocktail or a cup of quality tea, and feel a sense of calm amidst the city's chaos. Whether you’re looking for a healthy and hearty lunch, a comforting dinner, or a sweet finish with a unique dessert, Ootoya Chelsea delivers. Its combination of authentic flavors, a welcoming environment, and a diverse menu makes it a standout choice for anyone looking to experience the true essence of Japanese home-style cooking right here in New York City.

Ootoya Chelsea Menu

Sushi Bowls
Salmon Ikura Don $32.00
Finely sliced salmon sashimi and salmon roe served on top of sushi rice.
Bara Chirashi Don $32.00
Finely diced assorted sashimi containing tuna, yellowtail, scallop, shrimp, salmon, egg, Kanpyo, and salmon roe served on top of sushi rice.
Kaisen Don $40.00
Assorted sashimi served on top of sushi rice containing tuna, yellowtail, salmon, scallop, shrimp, egg, sea urchin, and salmon roe. (Assortment is subject to change based on seasonality and availability)

Bowls & Noodles
Oyako Don (Small) & Hot Udon Set $24.00
Grilled chicken and onion simmered in a dashi broth wrapped with a layer of half-cooked custard egg over rice and an original hot Udon noodles served in dashi soup.
Katsu Don (Small) & Hot Udon Set $27.00
Breaded and deep fried Herb pork loin cutlet and onion simmered in a dashi broth wrapped with a layer of half-cooked custard egg over rice and an original hot Udon noodles served in dashi soup.
Unagi Ju Set $59.00
Grilled premium eel imported from Japan; cooked with an original eel sauce served over rice. The set comes with miso soup and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Katsu Ju Set $29.00
Breaded and deep fried Herb pork loin cutlet and onion simmered in a dashi broth wrapped with a layer of half-cooked custard egg over rice. The set comes with miso soup and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Oyako Ju Set $26.00
Grilled chicken and onion simmered in a dashi broth wrapped with a layer of half-cooked custard egg over rice. The set comes with miso soup and a side of Japanese vegetables.

Grilled Fish
Shima Hokke Set $26.00
Grilled Atka mackerel served with Japanese grated radish. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Saba Set $24.00
Grilled salted mackerel served with Japanese grated radish. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Gindara Miso Set $28.00
Grilled black cod marinated in an original blend miso served with Japanese grated radish. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Salmon Saikyo Yaki Set $25.00
Grilled salmon marinated in a special Saikyo Miso served with Japanese grated radish. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.

Pork
Tonkatsu Set $29.00
Breaded and deep fried Herb pork loin cutlet served with an original Tonkatsu sauce. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.

Japanese Curry
Yasai Vegetable Curry Set $22.00
Japanese style curry with steamed vegetables and multi grain rice. The set comes with miso soup and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Matcha Curry Set $25.00
Ootoya original Uji-Matcha mixed Japanese green curry with grilled Koji-marinated chicken. The set comes with miso soup and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Tonkatsu Curry Set $26.00
Japanese style curry with a breaded and deep fried Herb port loin cutlet. The set comes with miso soup and a side of Japanese vegetables.

Grilled Fish
Salmon Saikyo Yaki Set $31.00
Grilled salmon marinated in a special Saikyo Miso served with Japanese grated radish. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Gindara Miso Set $34.00
Grilled black cod marinated in an original blend miso served with Japanese grated radish. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Saba Set $30.00
Grilled salted mackerel served with Japanese grated radish. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Shima Hokke Set $32.00
Grilled Atka mackerel served with Japanese grated radish. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.

Hot Pot
Pork Kimchee Nabe Set $30.00
Mugifuji pork belly slices, kimchee, Tofu, egg, Nira chives and vegetables with an original spicy Kimchee soup. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Beef Sukiyaki Nabe Set $39.00
Japanese traditional hot pot; contains thinly sliced Washugyu beef and vegetables with a soy sauce based original sweet sukiyaki sauce. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.

Hot Pot
Beef Sukiyaki Nabe Set $34.00
Japanese traditional hot pot; contains thinly sliced Washugyu beef and vegetables with a soy sauce based original sweet sukiyaki sauce. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Pork Kimchee Nabe Set $26.00
Mugifuji pork belly slices, kimchee, Tofu, egg, Nira chives and vegetables with an original spicy Kimchee soup. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.

Beverage
Jasmine Tea 16.9oz $4.00
Fiji Water 16.9oz $4.00
Calpico Soda (Can) 11.3oz $3.00
Echigo Koshihikari $10.00
Oi Ocha 16.9oz $4.00

Chicken
Tori Shio Koji Set $30.00
Grilled chicken marinated in a special salt Koji based sauce. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Chicken Katsu Set $27.00
Breaded and deep fried chicken cutlet served with an original Tonkatsu sauce. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Tori Kurozu An Set $29.00
Fried chicken and vegetables served with an original sweet and sour vinegar sauce. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.

Signature Bento Box
Ootoya Gozen Bento $35.00
OOTOYA Signature All-in-One Bento Box. Clockwise from the top left: 1. Fried vegetables served with a sweet and sour vinegar sauce, 2. Grilled yellowtail served with a Teriyaki sauce over white rice, 3. Dashimaki egg and steamed marinated chicken, 4. Breaded and deep fried Herb pork loin cutlet, 5. Thinly sliced Washu beef and vegetables served with a soy-based Sukiyaki sauce, 6. Fried chicken flavored with a garlic soy sauce, 7. Hijiki seaweed and edamame over multi grain rice, 8. Grilled salte

Appetizers
Beef Potato Croquette $11.00
Breaded and deep fried mashed potato and minced beef croquette served with an original Tonkatsu sauce.
Edamame $6.00
Boiled soybeans sprinkled with salt.
Daikon Salad $10.00
Watermelon radish, daikon radish, red radish, and kaiware radish served with an original cucumber plum dressing.
Karaage $9.00
Crispy fried chicken karaage flavored with a garlic soy sauce.
Salmon Oshizushi $16.00
Three kinds of pressed salmon sushi; raw, seared, seared basil and mayonnaise
Rice & Miso Soup Set $5.00
The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Homemade Tofu $8.00
Homemade silky tofu served with shaved bonito flakes, grated ginger, and chives.
Chili Shrimp Gyoza $8.00
OOTOYA signature homemade grilled spicy shrimp dumplings served with soy sauce based Koji dipping sauce.
Tofu Salad $9.00
Homemade silky tofu served with tomato, broccoli, shredded cabbage, green salads, shaved bonito flakes, and a wafu vegetable dressing.
Pork Gyoza $8.00
OOTOYA signature homemade grilled pork dumplings served with soy sauce based Koji dipping sauce.

Pork
Tonkatsu Set $23.00
Breaded and deep fried Herb pork loin cutlet served with an original Tonkatsu sauce. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.

Sushi Bowls
Kaisen Don $39.00
Assorted sashimi served on top of sushi rice. (assortment is subject to change based on availability)
Salmon Ikura Don $31.00
Finely sliced salmon sashimi and salmon roe served on top of sushi rice.
Bara Chirashi Don $31.00
Finely diced assorted sashimi containing tuna, yellowtail, scallop, shrimp, salmon, egg, kanpyo, and salmon roe served on top of sushi rice.

Bowls & Noodles
Unagi Ju Set $50.00
Grilled premium eel imported from Japan; cooked with an original eel sauce served over rice. The set comes with miso soup and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Katsu Don (Small) & Hot Udon Set $25.00
Breaded and deep fried Herb pork loin cutlet and onion simmered in a dashi broth wrapped with a layer of half-cooked custard egg over rice and an original hot Udon noodles served in dashi soup.
Oyako Don (Small) & Hot Udon Set $22.00
Grilled chicken and onion simmered in a dashi broth wrapped with a layer of half-cooked custard egg over rice and an original hot Udon noodles served in dashi soup.
Oyako Ju Set $22.00
Grilled chicken and onion simmered in a dashi broth wrapped with a layer of half-cooked custard egg over rice. The set comes with miso soup and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Katsu Ju Set $25.00
Breaded and deep fried Herb pork loin cutlet and onion simmered in a dashi broth wrapped with a layer of half-cooked custard egg over rice. The set comes with miso soup and a side of Japanese vegetables.

Chicken
Tori Shio Koji Set $24.00
Grilled chicken marinated in a special salt Koji based sauce. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Tori Kurozu An Set $23.00
Fried chicken and vegetables served with an original sweet and sour vinegar sauce. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Chicken Katsu Set $21.00
Breaded and deep fried chicken cutlet served with an original Tonkatsu sauce. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.

Japanese Curry
Yasai Vegetable Curry Set $25.00
Japanese style curry with steamed vegetables and multi grain rice. The set comes with miso soup and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Matcha Curry Set $28.00
Ootoya original Uji-Matcha mixed Japanese green curry with grilled Koji-marinated chicken. The set comes with miso soup and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Tonkatsu Curry Set $29.00
Japanese style curry with a breaded and deep fried Herb port loin cutlet. The set comes with miso soup and a side of Japanese vegetables.

Dessert
Warabimochi $5.00
Japanese traditional dessert. Housemade mochi made of bracken starch served with red beans and brown sugar syrup.
Mochi Matcha Tiramisu $11.00
Delightful twist on Japanese version of the classic dessert, featuring creamy mascarpone cheese and matcha cake layers and chewy warabimochi.

Ootoya Chelsea Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Great cocktails
Great tea selection

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Comfort food
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Small plates
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
Tourists

Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually a wait

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Paid street parking

Ootoya Chelsea Photos

No photos available at the moment.

Ootoya Chelsea Location

New York New York County New York West 18th Street

8 W 18th St, New York, NY 10011, USA

Ootoya Chelsea Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 1239 user reviews.

tippingsobayakitorihot potcomfort foodcoldpicklesegg custardgrilled fishtowels

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

The ambiance and service at Ootoya Chelsea were both quite nice when we walked in, and we were initially excited about the meal. We ordered the beef croquettes, assorted sushi platter, and sashimi rice bowl.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.
June 13 · Maydonshoots
Lovely, spacious spot with kind and attentive staff. The atmosphere is perfect if you're looking for some calmness.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.
April 23 · Sel C
Lovely place with amazing food! The Toro Salmon Sashimi Ponzu melt like butter in your mouth and the OOTOYA Mazemen was very unique and flavorful! We also got the crispy rice set and it was one of the best one we’ve have!!
May 04 · Phuong Anh Tran Hoang
I came here for dinner one evening and had a great time! The interior of the restaurant is spacious and there's lower level and higher level seating. Service was really polite and fairly quick.I got the katsu and the nabe and both were super good! The katsu was crispy and you could upgrade to a set with rice and some sides. The nabe was comforting and full of protein. One thing that I did feel though was that the portions were a bit small for the price. We also got a matcha dessert that was delicious! A bit on the pricey side (for the portion size) but delicious food.
March 26 · Mia Huynh
Fresh, authentic Japanese izakaya. Prices are reasonable and service is good. All the side dishes are amazing and everything is cooked so perfectly. The miso soup is also fantastic. Food here is also on the healthy side. It’s delicious but not drenched in grease or salt!
May 14 · Angel Hsu