Ootoya Union Square: Authentic Japanese Home Cooking in NYC

Ootoya - Union Square Introduce

Nestled in the heart of New York City's vibrant Union Square neighborhood, Ootoya offers a truly authentic taste of Japanese home cooking. This isn't your typical quick-serve sushi joint; Ootoya specializes in a style of dining known as "teishoku," which means a set meal. Each teishoku set is thoughtfully composed, featuring a main dish, rice, miso soup, and pickled vegetables, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. It’s a beloved Japanese tradition that brings a sense of comfort and a taste of home to the bustling streets of NYC.

The restaurant's ambiance is a major part of its appeal. It's often described as a hidden gem with a peaceful and cozy atmosphere that transports you away from the city's noise. The interior features a modern, minimalist design, providing a serene and welcoming space. Whether you're dining alone, with a group of friends, or with family, Ootoya's inviting setting makes it a perfect spot for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner. The staff are known for being warm, friendly, and efficient, ensuring you have a pleasant and relaxing experience.

Ootoya stands out for its commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The kitchen staff meticulously prepares each dish only after an order is placed, guaranteeing freshness and flavor in every bite. This dedication to quality is apparent in their diverse menu, which extends far beyond the traditional sushi offerings to include grilled fish, katsu, hot pots, and more. While they offer delicious sushi bowls, their true specialty lies in the home-style comfort food that defines their brand. This makes Ootoya a unique and worthwhile destination for anyone in New York looking for a genuine Japanese culinary experience.

This restaurant is a solid choice for those seeking a healthy and wholesome meal. Many of the dishes are prepared with a focus on natural, flavorful ingredients. The menu also includes a variety of organic dishes and vegetarian options, catering to different dietary needs. Whether you're craving a light and refreshing salad or a hearty and fulfilling katsu set, Ootoya has something to satisfy your appetite. The variety and quality of the food, combined with the relaxing atmosphere and attentive service, make Ootoya a place you'll want to revisit again and again.

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Location and Accessibility

You can find Ootoya Union Square at 41 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003, USA. Its prime location places it just steps away from the iconic Union Square Park, making it an ideal dining spot after a visit to the Greenmarket, a shopping trip, or simply exploring the area. The restaurant is easily accessible via public transportation, with the 14th Street - Union Square subway station (serving the 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, and W lines) within a short walking distance.

For those who have accessibility needs, Ootoya provides a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for all patrons. The restaurant also accepts dinner reservations, which are recommended, especially on weekends, to secure a table. For added convenience, they accept various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

While the atmosphere inside is peaceful, its location on E 11th Street offers a quieter setting compared to the main Union Square bustle. The restaurant's thoughtful design, including a cozy interior and available Wi-Fi, makes it a great spot for solo diners who want to work or read a book while enjoying their meal.

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Services Offered

Dine-in: Enjoy a relaxing meal in a casual and cozy setting with full table service.
Delivery: Get your favorite Ootoya dishes delivered right to your home or office. The restaurant offers both no-contact delivery and standard delivery.
Takeout: Place your order for pickup and enjoy a fresh, delicious meal on the go.
Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, making it a great option for planning your dinner ahead of time.
Outdoor Seating: For a fresh-air dining experience, outdoor seating is available.
Bar Onsite: The restaurant has a full bar offering a selection of alcohol, beer, cocktails, hard liquor, and wine.

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Features / Highlights

Authentic Teishoku: Ootoya's specialty is its traditional Japanese teishoku sets, which offer a complete and balanced meal in one serving, making for a unique dining experience in NYC.
Great Tea Selection: Known for its great tea selection, which pairs perfectly with the authentic Japanese dishes.
Fast Service: Customers consistently praise the restaurant for its efficient and fast service, ensuring you get your meal without a long wait.
High-Quality Ingredients: The food is fresh and beautifully prepared, with attention to detail that ensures every dish is delicious.
Cozy and Inviting Atmosphere: The ambiance is often described as peaceful, cozy, and trendy, making it a comfortable place for solo diners, groups, and families.
Diverse Menu: The menu goes beyond traditional sushi to include a wide range of options like grilled fish, katsu, hot pots, and delicious desserts like the Matcha Parfait.

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Contact Information

Address: 41 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

Phone: (212) 473-4300

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What is Worth Choosing

What makes Ootoya Union Square a standout choice is its focus on Japanese comfort food in a city where sushi can often dominate the Japanese dining scene. For a truly authentic experience, the "teishoku" sets are a must-try. The set meals, which include your choice of meat or fish, rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables, offer a complete and satisfying meal that feels both healthy and hearty. The Salmon Saikyo Yaki Set and the Tonkatsu Set are particularly popular choices, celebrated for their flavorful preparation and generous portions.

Beyond the set meals, the sushi bowls are a fantastic option for a fresh and delicious meal. The Kaisen Don, with its assorted sashimi, is a treat for seafood lovers. Even with minor feedback about rice temperature, the quality of the fish, such as the toro that melts in your mouth, is consistently praised. Another highlight is the Salmon Oshizushi, featuring three kinds of pressed salmon, showcasing the kitchen's innovative take on traditional dishes.

For a satisfyingly warm meal, the hot pot options like the Beef Sukiyaki Nabe Set are excellent. The dishes are not just about taste but also about presentation and a focus on detail, which elevates the entire dining experience. And don't skip dessert; the Mochi Matcha Tiramisu and the Warabimochi are delicious ways to end your meal on a sweet note. Ultimately, Ootoya is worth choosing for its authentic approach to Japanese home cooking, its focus on quality and freshness, and its ability to provide a peaceful and inviting dining atmosphere that is perfect for a range of occasions, from a solo lunch to a family dinner.

Ootoya - Union Square Menu

Takeout Dinner - 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

Takeout Dinner - Appetizers
Tofu Salad $0.00
Homemade silky tofu served with tomato, broccoli, shredded cabbage, green salads, shaved bonito flakes, and a wafu vegetable dressing.
Daikon Salad $0.00
Watermelon radish, daikon radish, red radish, and kaiware radish served with an original cucumber plum dressing.
Salmon Oshizushi $16.00
Three kinds of pressed salmon sushi; raw, seared, seared basil and mayonnaise
Pork Gyoza $0.00
OOTOYA signature homemade grilled pork dumplings served with soy sauce based Koji dipping sauce.
Chili Shrimp Gyoza $0.00
OOTOYA signature homemade grilled spicy shrimp dumplings served with soy sauce based Koji dipping sauce.
Beef Potato Croquette $11.00
Breaded and deep fried mashed potato and minced beef croquette served with an original Tonkatsu sauce.
Karaage $0.00
Crispy fried chicken karaage flavored with a garlic soy sauce.
Edamame $6.00
Boiled soybeans sprinkled with salt.
Homemade Tofu $8.00
Homemade silky tofu served with shaved bonito flakes, grated ginger, and chives.
Rice & Miso Soup Set $5.00
The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.

Takeout Dinner - Sushi Bowls
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)
Salmon Ikura Don $32.00
Finely sliced salmon sashimi and salmon roe served on top of sushi rice.

Takeout Dinner - Grilled Fish
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.
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.

Takeout Dinner - 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.

Takeout Dinner - Chicken
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.
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.

Takeout Dinner - Hot Pot
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.
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.

Takeout Dinner - Japanese Curry
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.
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.
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.

Takeout Dinner - Bowls & Noodles
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.
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.
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.

Takeout Dinner - 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.

Takeout Dinner - Beverage
Oi Ocha 16.9oz $4.00
Unsweetened green tea with a smooth, earthy flavor in a 16.9oz bottle.
Jasmine Tea 16.9oz $4.00
Fragrant jasmine tea with a delicate floral aroma, unsweetened, in a 16.9oz bottle.
Fiji Water 16.9oz $4.00
Natural artesian water sourced from Fiji, bottled in a 16.9oz container.
Calpico Soda (Can) 11.3oz $3.00
A refreshing carbonated soft drink with a unique, pleasantly tangy flavor, packaged in an 11.3oz can.
(T) Moshi $0.00
Refreshing choices include Yuzu, White Peach, Matcha Strawberry, Oolong Lychee, and Passion Fruit.

Takeout Lunch - 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

Takeout Lunch - Appetizers
Tofu Salad $0.00
Homemade silky tofu served with tomato, broccoli, shredded cabbage, green salads, shaved bonito flakes, and a wafu vegetable dressing.
Daikon Salad $0.00
Watermelon radish, daikon radish, red radish, and kaiware radish served with an original cucumber plum dressing.
Salmon Oshizushi $16.00
Three kinds of pressed salmon sushi; raw, seared, seared basil and mayonnaise
Pork Gyoza $0.00
OOTOYA signature homemade grilled pork dumplings served with soy sauce based Koji dipping sauce.
Chili Shrimp Gyoza $0.00
OOTOYA signature homemade grilled spicy shrimp dumplings served with soy sauce based Koji dipping sauce.
Beef Potato Croquette $11.00
Breaded and deep fried mashed potato and minced beef croquette served with an original Tonkatsu sauce.
Karaage $0.00
Crispy fried chicken karaage flavored with a garlic soy sauce.
Edamame $6.00
Boiled soybeans sprinkled with salt.
Homemade Tofu $8.00
Homemade silky tofu served with shaved bonito flakes, grated ginger, and chives.
Rice & Miso Soup Set $5.00
The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.

Takeout Lunch - Sushi Bowls
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.
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.

Takeout Lunch - 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.
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.
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.
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.

Takeout Lunch - 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.

Takeout Lunch - Chicken
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.
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.
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.

Takeout Lunch - 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.

Takeout Lunch - Japanese Curry
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.
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.
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.

Takeout Lunch - 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 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.
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 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.

Takeout Lunch - 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.

Takeout Lunch - Beverage
Oi Ocha 16.9oz $4.00
Unsweetened green tea with a refreshing, pure taste, made from high-quality tea leaves for a natural, healthy beverage option.
Jasmine Tea 16.9oz $4.00
Aromatic jasmine tea with a delicate floral essence, unsweetened, 16.9oz.
Fiji Water 16.9oz $4.00
Natural artesian water sourced from the islands of Fiji, 16.9oz bottle.
Calpico Soda (Can) 11.3oz $3.00
Light, refreshing carbonated drink with a sweet and tangy flavor, packaged in an 11.3oz can.
(T) Moshi $0.00
(t) moshi - Choice of Yuzu, Yuzu White Peach, Matcha Strawberry, Oolong Lychee, or Oolong Passion Fruit.

Ootoya - Union Square Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great tea selection

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible seating
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
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

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Parking

Ootoya - Union Square Photos

Ootoya - Union Square Location

Ootoya - Union Square

New York New York County New York East 11th Street

41 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

Ootoya - Union Square Reviews

An average rating of ★4.2 from 677 user reviews.

tippingdinnersalmonsukiyakiporkkatsubowlcomfort foodegg custardchirashi

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Ootoya in Union Square is a hidden gem that delivers an authentic taste of Japan right in the heart of NYC. Their new Matcha Parfait that lured us in is definitely a must try! This rich, smooth, and refreshing dessert is like taking a little trip to Japan with each and every bite. The food here is fresh, beautifully prepared, and absolutely delicious. Ootoya’s staffs are warm and friendly making you feel right at home. Their fast service ensures you never have to wait long to enjoy your meal in this cozy and inviting place. Whether you’re here for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, Ootoya is a spot you’ll want to come back to again and again.—
August 10 · itzelenaho
It might be because we were there in the middle of the week for lunch, but it was nice coming to a restaurant that was pretty quiet! Very much Japanese style sets where it’s more for one person rather than sharing. The portion size was great ! We both got the regular size but I’m sure if we had gotten the small, it would have been just as filling.The only complaint I have was that the rice we had for the salmon oshizushi was a little too warm and too much — fish to salmon ratio was a little off but the salmon itself was delicious.The toro melted in your mouth 🤤I would have given 5 stars if it wasn’t for the warm rice
April 06 · Rudylee Jyssica Goco
I’m not the kind of person who usually writes reviews, but this experience was really disappointing. After eating their so-called 和牛beef bowl, I had an upset stomach for the rest of the day. The dish cost $45, and while Japanese cuisine is usually known for its freshness and natural flavors, their Wagyu beef was heavily salted—probably to cover up the poor quality or even spoiled meat.Aside from the food, the overall environment and other dishes were far below the standard of other Japanese restaurants. It wasn’t even busy that day, but we still waited quite a while for our food.Worst of all, the service was terrible. I didn’t catch the name of the waitress, but she was a woman with a sour attitude. After a long wait, she brought us the wrong order. When I kindly pointed it out, she looked at me suspiciously and took the dish away without even a simple apology.I won’t be going back. I hope my review helps others. This place is expensive, but it’s nowhere near worth the price.
July 20 · Bo Na
Although the prices are little high, you definitely get your money's worth here. The quality and quantity of the food are both very good. The teishoku options are plentiful - almost makes it hard to choose. Recommended for a hearty lunch.
July 04 · James Korge
Ootoya has been my favorite restaurant since my second visit to nyc and I made the decision to stay after eating here. Their 10th year anniversary set was a huge value. You basically no longer need to choose and can eat everything, with an appetizer and a desert even, for a good price. It is only offered until end of this March. Definitely try this one!
March 18 · Sarah S (Y)