Sakagura: An Authentic Japanese Restaurant in Midtown East, NYC

Sakagura Introduce

Sakagura: A Hidden Gem for Authentic Japanese Cuisine in New York

Nestled in the heart of Midtown East, Sakagura is a true culinary haven for anyone seeking an authentic Japanese dining experience. This well-established restaurant has become a beloved destination for both New York City locals and visitors alike, celebrated for its unique atmosphere and exceptional menu. Unlike many of the more common Japanese eateries, Sakagura specializes in traditional izakaya-style dishes and an impressive selection of premium sake, making it a standout spot for a memorable meal. From the moment you step inside, you're transported to a cozy, inviting space that feels a world away from the bustling city streets above. Whether you're a connoisseur of Japanese food or simply looking to explore new flavors, Sakagura offers a welcoming and sophisticated setting. The focus here is on quality, authenticity, and a deep appreciation for Japanese culinary traditions, ensuring a dining experience that's both delicious and genuine. The warm and professional staff are always on hand to guide you through the menu, whether you're trying a new dish or pairing the perfect sake with your meal.

Location and Accessibility

Sakagura is conveniently located at 211 E 43rd St B1, New York, NY 10017, USA. Its Midtown East location places it within easy reach of many of New York City's major landmarks and transportation hubs, making it an ideal choice for both a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner. The restaurant is situated in the basement level of the building, offering a sense of intimacy and seclusion from the urban rush. For those traveling by public transit, the proximity to Grand Central Terminal and several subway lines makes getting here a breeze.

Accessibility is a key feature of Sakagura, as the establishment is well-equipped to accommodate a wide range of needs. It features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all guests can enter and exit with ease. Inside, you'll find wheelchair-accessible seating and a gender-neutral restroom that is also wheelchair accessible. For drivers, paid street parking is available in the vicinity, though public transportation is often the most convenient option in this busy part of Manhattan.

Services Offered

Sakagura provides a comprehensive range of services designed to cater to various dining preferences and occasions.

Dining Options: The restaurant offers full dine-in service for both lunch and dinner, with a variety of seating arrangements, including bar seating and tables. The menu is diverse, featuring everything from hot and cold dishes to a selection of rice and noodle bowls, providing options for every appetite.
Catering: For special events or office gatherings, Sakagura also provides catering services, bringing its delicious and authentic Japanese cuisine to you.
Takeout and Delivery: In addition to dine-in, the restaurant offers takeout and delivery services, allowing you to enjoy their high-quality food from the comfort of your own home or office.
Reservations: Given its popularity, reservations are highly recommended, especially for lunch and dinner, to ensure a seamless dining experience and avoid a potential wait.

Features and Highlights

Sakagura is celebrated for several unique features that distinguish it from other restaurants in the area.

Extensive Sake Selection: A standout feature of Sakagura is its impressive array of sake. The restaurant is known for its wide variety of traditional Japanese rice wines, curated to complement the menu and enhance the dining experience. The staff is knowledgeable and can help you select the perfect sake for your meal.
Diverse and Authentic Menu: The menu at Sakagura goes beyond standard sushi and sashimi. It offers a wide range of authentic dishes, including izakaya-style small plates, specialty soba and udon noodle dishes, and traditional rice bowls. Highlights include the Stone Grilled A5 Wagyu, Gindara Yuan Yaki, and a variety of freshly made Sashimi options.
Menu Accommodations: The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options, including a pre-order only menu for those with specific dietary needs, such as Konjak Soba, ensuring that all guests can find something to enjoy.
Cozy and Romantic Ambiance: The atmosphere at Sakagura is often described as cozy, romantic, and upscale. The underground setting provides an intimate escape, making it a popular choice for date nights or a sophisticated gathering with friends.
Quality and Freshness: As noted by many diners, the quality and freshness of the food are exceptional. Dishes like the Sashimi Moriawase and various donburi bowls showcase the restaurant's commitment to using high-quality ingredients.
Outstanding Service: Customer reviews consistently praise the staff for being attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. The level of service is often described as a major highlight, making every visit a five-star experience.
Good for Various Occasions: Sakagura is popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining. Its diverse menu and welcoming atmosphere make it a great spot for groups, locals, and tourists alike.

Contact Information

For reservations or inquiries, you can reach Sakagura at the following contact points:

Address: 211 E 43rd St B1, New York, NY 10017, USA
Phone: (212) 953-7253

What is Worth Choosing at Sakagura?

Sakagura stands out in the crowded New York City restaurant scene for a number of reasons. For those looking for an escape from the ordinary, its authentic izakaya setting and specialized menu offer a truly unique experience. The restaurant's dedication to an authentic Japanese experience is evident in its meticulously crafted dishes, from the comfort food of Buta Kakuni to the refined flavors of Gindara Yuan Yaki. The expansive sake menu is a definite highlight, with selections that can satisfy both the novice and the seasoned drinker.

Beyond the food and drink, the atmosphere is a major draw. The space is a perfect blend of cozy and upscale, making it equally suitable for a quiet, romantic evening or a lively dinner with friends. The attentive and warm service, a quality often highlighted in customer feedback, ensures a welcoming environment from the moment you arrive. Sakagura also prides itself on its accessibility and ability to cater to various dietary needs, making it a considerate choice for any group.

Whether you're craving an authentic bowl of soba noodles, high-quality sashimi, or the chance to explore a fantastic sake list, Sakagura offers an unparalleled dining experience that’s worth seeking out. It's a place where you can feel the passion for Japanese culture and cuisine in every dish, making it a must-visit destination for anyone in New York looking for an exceptional meal.

Sakagura Menu

Dinner Menu - Hot dishes
Gomoku Kinpira $8.00
Sauteed root vegetables in sesame oil
Edamame $7.00
Lightly salted young soybeans
Surumeika $14.00
Grilled squid marinated in sake soy sauce
Chikuzen Ni $11.00
Simmered assorted root vegetables, chicken dashi
Tamago Yaki $9.00
Dashi egg omelette
Maguro Misoni $19.00
Simmered tuna and vegetables in miso dashi
Buta Kakuni $14.00
Braised pork belly with shishito peppers
Saba Shioyaki $13.00
Mojito salt grilled mackerel with grated daikon radish
Dassai 'Sake-kasu' Salmon $18.00
Grilled salmon filet marinated in sake-kasu and miso
Jidori Shioyaki $18.00
Grilled organic free range chicken with sea salt
Stone Grilled A5 Wagyu $52.00
Age Dashi Tofu $12.00
Flash fried tofu in dashi broth
Shishito Age $9.00
Flash fried shishito peppers with sea salt
Ebi Shinjo $12.00
Japanese style shrimp fritters with toasted almonds
Tori Karaage $14.00
Japanese style fried free-range chicken
Chawan Mushi $12.00
Steamed egg custard with shrimp, ginkgo and shiitake mushroom
Gindara Yuan Yaki $28.00
Grilled black cod simmered in yuzu soy sauce

Dinner Menu - Salad
Seaweed Salad $17.00
Trio of seaweed with sesame dressing
Daikon Salad $18.00
Daikon radish with mentaiko (spicy cod roe) mayo
Mixed Green Salad $8.00

Dinner Menu - Cold Dishes
Hiyayakko $7.00
Chilled Tofu topped with Grated Ginger, Scallion and Bonito Flakes
Uni Ikura Onsen Tamago $17.00
Soft Boiled Egg topped with Sea Urchin and Salmon Roe in Cold Dashi Soup
Kishu Umeboshi $6.00
Pickled plum "umeboshi"
Uzaku $10.00
Eel, Thin Cucumber Slices and Wakame Seaweed in Vinaigrette Sauce
Gomaae $7.00
Blanched spinach served with sesame sauce, chilled
Mishima US Wagyu Beef Tataki $24.00
Lightly seared beef sashimi with daikon radish and ponzu
Sashimi Moriawase $45.00
3pcs each of 3 types of sashimi
Sashimi Moriawase $79.00
3pcs each of 5 types of sashimi
Maguro Butsu $17.00
Diced fresh tuna sashimi with soy sauce

Dinner Menu - Crudo & Mediterranean Menu
Oysters (3PC) $14.00
with red grapes and celery mignonette
Hitokuchi Uni (M/P)
M/P Fresh sea urchin, shrimp consomme, clementine filet olive oil, Persian lime salt
Hotate $14.00
Hokkaido scallop, prickly pear sauce, Israeli EVOO, Italian chili
Hamachi $21.00
Yellowtail, charred red bell peppers and pine nuts romesko, almond-sesame "crumble", Persian lemon salt, Israeli EVOO
Sake (Salmon) $18.00
Lightly torched salmon, 'Atzukezuri' crème fraîche, pickled shallots and dill, fresh soba crumbs
Madai $15.00
Sea bream, plum paste, salmon roe, shiso, EVOO
Toro Tartare $24.00
Fatty tuna, soy-ginger vinaigrette, watermelon rinds relish, osetra caviar
A5 Wagyu Tartare $28.00
Freekeh, dates harissa, grape must reduction
Ikura Hummus $14.00
Soy marinated salmon roe and housemade hummus
Asari Couscous $17.00
Sake steamed asari with fennel and anise, Israeli couscous
Shrimp Yuzu Labne $22.00
Pan seared koji aged shrimp with charred vegetables yuzu-labneh sauce
Swiss Chard Sake-kasu Cod $28.00
Grilled cod marinated in tahini and Dassai sake kasu served with swiss chard prepared in two ways: grilled and marmalade

Dinner Menu - Rice / Noodle
Nihachi Soba $19.00
Housemade cold soba with nori and wasabi
Hot Inaniwa Udon $18.00
Hot udon noodle soup with yuzu and scallion
Una Ju $48.00
Grilled eel over rice
Maguro Zuke Don $24.00
Soy marinated tuna sashimi slices with uni and ikura over rice
Maguro Kimchee Don $16.00
Fresh tuna and kimchee with gochujang sauce over rice
Sake Ikura Chazuke $14.00
Rice soup with grilled fresh salmon and roe
Miso Soup $6.00
With tofu, seaweed, nameko mushroom and scallion

Dinner - Desserts
Arabic Panna Cotta $14.00
Labne yogurt, vanilla, rose water, honey and herbs. *Pairing with Dassai Nigori, unfiltered sake (add $6.00)
Cha-an: Homemade Daifuku Mochi $9.00
Your choice of: yuzu, strawberry, black sesame or green tea (availability will vary depending on the stock)
Cha-an: Chocolate Chip Mochi Cooker $9.00
Warm and fresh cookie served with the ice cream of the day.

Lunch Set Menu - Soba (Cold)
Zaru Soba $26.00
with half roll, pickles, chawan mushi, kobachi appetizer
Tempura Zaru Soba $29.00
Shrimp & assorted vegetable tempura, cold buckwheat zaru soba served with half roll, pickles, chawan mushi, kobachi appetizer
Natto Soba $28.00
Cold soba topped with fermented soybeans (natto). Served with with half roll, pickles, chawan mushi, kobachi appetizer.
Spicy Maze Soba $29.00
Cold soba topped with minced pork, green onions, and nori. Served with with half roll, pickles, chawan mushi, kobachi appetizer.

Lunch Set Menu - Soba (Hot)
Kake Soba $23.00
Hot soba noodles served with half roll, pickles, chawan mushi, kobachi appetizer
Tempura Soba $29.00
Shrimp & assorted vegetable tempura and hot soba served with half roll, pickles, chawan mushi, and kobachi appetizer
Sukiyaki Soba $29.00
Simmered beef and onion with hot soba, and served with half roll, pickles, chawan mushi, kobachi appetizer
Aburi Cha-shu Soba $29.00
Roasted pork chashu soba. Served with with half roll, pickles, chawan mushi, kobachi appetizer

Lunch Set Menu - Donburi (over rice)
Oyako Don $26.00
Chicken, Soft-Scrambled Eggs, Sliced Onion served over rice. With miso soup, pickles, kobachi appetizer, hot or cold soba
Gyu Don $28.00
Simmered thinly sliced beef and onion over rice. Served with miso soup, pickles, kobachi appetizer, hot or cold soba
Katsu Don $27.00
Fried pork cutlet, egg and onion simmered and over rice. Served with miso soup, pickles, kobachi appetizer, hot or cold soba
Tempura Don $27.00
Shrimp & assorted tempura over rice. Served with miso soup, pickles, kobachi appetizer, hot or cold soba
Bara Chirashi Don [RAW] $28.00
Assorted pieces of fish, tamago, and cucumber over rice. Served with miso soup, pickles, kobachi appetizer, hot or cold soba

Lunch Set Menu - Teishoku
Chicken Nanban $26.00
Fried Chicken with sweet vinegar tartar-sauce. Served with with rice, miso soup, pickles, chawan mushi, kobachi appetizer
Pork Filet Cutlet $28.00
Fried pork filet cutlet served with rice, miso soup, pickles, chawan mushi, kobachi appetizer
Tori Karaage $26.00
Japanese fried chicken served with rice, miso soup, pickles, chawan mushi, kobachi appetizer
Buta Shoga $24.00
Sauteed pork with ginger. Served with rice, miso soup, pickles, chawan mushi, kobachi appetizer
Sashimi [RAW] $38.00
Assorted sashimi. Served with with rice, miso soup, pickles, chawan mushi, kobachi appetizer
Chutoro Uni Ikura Don [RAW] $86.00
Fatty tuna, sea urchin, soy marinated salmon roe over rice, and served with miso soup, pickles, chawan mushi, kobachi appetizer
Chutoro Don [RAW] $64.00
Fatty tuna over rice, Served with miso soup, pickles, chawan mushi, kobachi appetizer
Uni Don [Raw] $68.00
Sea Urchin over rice, Served with miso soup, pickles, chawan mushi, kobachi appetizer
Ikura Don [RAW] $48.00
Soy marinated salmon roe (ikura) over rice. Served with miso soup, pickles, chawan mushi, kobachi appetizer
Washu-Gyu Beef Steak Don $48.00
Washu beef steak served over rice. Served with miso soup, pickles, chawan mushi, kobachi appetizer
Una Ju $48.00
Grilled eel over rice

Lunch Set Menu - Rolls
Vegetable Roll $18.00
with miso soup, soba salad
Spicy Salmon Roll $22.00
with miso soup, soba salad
Spicy Tuna Roll $23.00
with miso soup, soba salad
Shrimp Tempura Roll $22.00
with miso soup, soba salad

Lunch Menu - Salad
Green Salad $10.00
served with onion dressing
Tofu Salad $12.00
Served with sour plum (ume) dressing
Soba Salad $18.00
Served with sesame dressing

Lunch Set Menu - *PRE-ORDER ONLY* Vegetarian & Gluten Free options
V: Zaru Soba $14.00
Please call us at Sakagura AT LEAST one day ahead to pre-order this dish as we need to prepare ahead. Thank you!
V: Kake Soba $14.00
Please call us at Sakagura AT LEAST one day ahead to pre-order this dish as we need to prepare ahead. Thank you!
V: Natto Soba $18.00
Please call us at Sakagura AT LEAST one day ahead to pre-order this dish as we need to prepare ahead Thank you! Cold soba with fermented soybeans (natto) on top.
V: Tempura Soba $18.00
Please call us at Sakagura AT LEAST one day ahead to pre-order this dish as we need to prepare ahead. Thank you! Hot or cold soba, assorted vegetable tempura
V: Green Salad $10.00
Onion dressing. Please call us at Sakagura AT LEAST one day ahead to pre-order this dish as we need to prepare ahead. Thank you!
V: Tofu Salad $12.00
Please call us at Sakagura AT LEAST one day ahead to pre-order this dish as we need to prepare ahead. Thank you! Sour plum dressing.
V: Soba Salad $18.00
Please call us at Sakagura AT LEAST one day ahead to pre-order this dish as we need to prepare ahead. Thank you! Sesame dressing.
V: Vegetable Roll $18.00
Please call us at Sakagura AT LEAST one day ahead to pre-order this dish as we need to prepare ahead. Thank you! Miso soup, soba salad.
GF: Sashimi $38.00
Please call us at Sakagura AT LEAST one day ahead to pre-order this dish as we need to prepare ahead. Thank you! Rice, miso soup, kobachi appetizer
GF: Chirashi $38.00
Please call us at Sakagura AT LEAST one day ahead to pre-order this dish as we need to prepare ahead. Thank you! Assorted fish over rice, miso soup, kobachi appetizer
GF: Vegetable Roll $18.00
Please call us at Sakagura AT LEAST one day ahead to pre-order this dish as we need to prepare ahead. Thank you! Miso soup and house salad.
GF: Spicy Salmon Roll $22.00
Please call us at Sakagura AT LEAST one day ahead to pre-order this dish as we need to prepare ahead. Thank you! Miso soup and house salad.
GF: Spicy Tuna Roll $23.00
Please call us at Sakagura AT LEAST one day ahead to pre-order this dish as we need to prepare ahead. Thank you! Miso soup and house salad.
Konjak Soba $10.00
Please call us at Sakagura AT LEAST one day ahead to pre-order this dish as we need to prepare ahead. Thank you! Konjak yam noodle - hot or cold.

Sakagura Details

Service options
Delivery
Dine-in
Takeout

Highlights
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
Healthy options
Late-night food
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Romantic
Trendy
Upscale

Crowd
Groups
Locals
Tourists

Planning
Lunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually a wait

Payments
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids

Parking
Paid street parking

Sakagura Photos

Sakagura Location

Sakagura

New York New York County New York East 43rd Street

211 E 43rd St B1, New York, NY 10017, USA

Sakagura Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 1390 user reviews.

basementspeakeasypork bellystairstapassmall platesoffice buildingblack codduckgrand central

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Can't speak enough of the sushi experience I had here. The presentation was about as Instagram worthy as you can get, and the taste and freshness were amongst the best I've ever had. As a frequent traveler, I had a suitcase of which they offered to store for me without any ask from me. The staff were ALL beyond attentive and extremely friendly. Both myself and my friend were treated as well as anyone could expect from a dining experience. This was my first visit, but I can guarantee you there will be many more. Five star first class all around here.
May 02 · David Reynolds
Quality Japanese restaurant in NYC✔︎ I’ve been here twice. I ordered Kamo Namban soba (duck and leek) and Hayashi rice. Both were very authentic.✔︎ Service and atmosphere✔︎ Very reasonable and quality lunch option at 18 USD with limited availability. I tried Hayashi rice on Monday and it was delicious!
August 20 · Hanna H
True hidden gem!Sakagura delivers an authentic and elevated Japanese dining experience that’s hard to find.Tucked away beneath the city streets, this cozy izakaya-style spot surprises you the moment you walk in. The seafood is incredibly fresh, and the miso cod is an absolute must-have—flaky, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.The izakaya selections are top-tier, offering both classic dishes and inventive small plates that pair beautifully with their extensive sake menu. The ambiance strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and refined, and the service was warm, attentive, and knowledgeable without ever feeling rushed.If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine (or just good food), Sakagura is a destination worth discovering.
April 06 · Rekha Karna
Sadly, the atmosphere was the only perk here. It used to have a wide variety of selection for sashimi and other plates but not anymore. Hope this photo helps to guide others with what to expect with portion and quality. I think we paid $120 for all of this and 2 draft beer!
June 18 · J J
The restaurant was out of lunch specials on a Friday at 1225pm… Also asked for the dessert menu and received the check instead. Oh the food was fine and so was the ambiance.
May 02 · Chris L