Sozai Japanese Restaurant (Izakaya Ramen) Introduce
Sozai Japanese Restaurant (Izakaya Ramen) offers a truly authentic and memorable dining experience right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. If you're a New Yorker looking for a taste of traditional Japanese cuisine, this spot is a must-visit. More than just a place to eat, Sozai provides a cozy and trendy atmosphere that feels both welcoming and special. It’s the perfect place for a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or a night out with friends. From expertly crafted izakaya plates to comforting bowls of ramen, every dish is prepared with care, reflecting the rich culinary traditions of Japan.
The restaurant is known for its quick service and a diverse menu that caters to all tastes, whether you're craving a quick bite or a full-course meal. The friendly and attentive staff, as highlighted by many satisfied customers, ensures your dining experience is nothing short of excellent. Sozai is a place where locals and tourists alike can enjoy high-quality Japanese food in a vibrant setting.
Sozai Japanese Restaurant is conveniently located at 19 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, USA, placing it squarely in the bustling Midtown area. Its central location makes it incredibly accessible, whether you're coming from work, shopping, or a visit to a nearby landmark. The restaurant is easily reachable by public transportation, including several subway lines and buses, making it a stress-free destination.
For those who prefer to drive, paid street parking is available, though it can be competitive in this busy part of the city. The restaurant itself is committed to accessibility, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests. Its prime spot in Midtown makes it a great choice for both a planned dinner and a spontaneous visit.
Sozai offers a wide range of services to meet the needs of its diverse clientele.
Dine-in: Enjoy the full experience in their casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, to secure your table. They happily accept reservations, which can be a lifesaver in a busy city like New York.
Takeout: For those on the go, Sozai provides a convenient takeout service. You can call ahead to place your order and pick up your favorite Japanese dishes to enjoy at home or in the office.
Delivery: Stay in and have Sozai's delicious food delivered right to your door. This service makes it easy to enjoy their menu without leaving the comfort of your home.
Table Service: The restaurant offers attentive table service, ensuring a pleasant and efficient dining experience from the moment you sit down.
Sozai Japanese Restaurant has many features and highlights that make it a standout destination for Japanese cuisine in New York City.
Fast Service: Customers consistently praise the restaurant for its efficient and prompt service, a major plus for busy New Yorkers. The staff is known for being attentive and quick to respond to your needs.
Great Cocktails and Drinks: The bar at Sozai is a major draw. The menu includes a variety of creative cocktails, a great selection of beer, and wine. The yuzu vodka highball comes highly recommended by patrons as a refreshing choice. They also offer a great tea selection for those who prefer non-alcoholic options.
Authentic Izakaya and Ramen: The menu is a highlight in itself, featuring a wide array of izakaya (Japanese tapas) and delicious ramen. Whether you're in the mood for small plates like Tako Wasa or Karaage, or a hearty bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen, Sozai delivers on flavor and authenticity.
Diverse Menu Offerings: The menu is incredibly varied, with sections dedicated to Cold and Hot plates, Salads, Fried items, Carpaccio, Grilled dishes, Rice bowls, Special entrees, Pasta, Donburi, Ramen, Lunch sets, and even Sushi and Sashimi. This extensive selection ensures there's something for every palate.
Happy Hour: Sozai offers happy hour drinks and food, making it an excellent spot for a post-work get-together or a casual early dinner.
Cozy and Trendy Atmosphere: The ambiance is described as both casual and cozy, with a trendy feel that makes it suitable for a variety of occasions, from a romantic date night to a fun meal with friends.
Inclusive Amenities: The restaurant provides a bar onsite, gender-neutral restrooms, and Wi-Fi, enhancing the overall comfort and convenience for guests.
To get in touch with Sozai Japanese Restaurant or make a reservation, you can use the following information.
Address: 19 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, USA
Phone: (646) 914-4242
When you’re looking for a Japanese restaurant in New York City, Sozai stands out for several compelling reasons. The restaurant's commitment to authentic flavors, combined with a modern and inviting atmosphere, creates a unique dining experience. The menu is a testament to the versatility of Japanese cuisine, with an impressive selection that goes far beyond typical sushi and ramen. You can explore new flavors with dishes like Tako Wasa, Kurobuta Sausage, or the rich and savory Miso Black Cod. The extensive variety ensures that every visit can be a new culinary adventure.
Service is another key factor that makes Sozai a great choice. The staff is consistently praised for their friendliness and attentiveness, making you feel welcomed and well-cared for. This level of service, combined with a cozy and vibrant atmosphere, makes it a spot you’ll want to return to again and again. Whether you're seeking a quick, satisfying lunch in the midst of a busy workday or a relaxed, enjoyable dinner, Sozai's blend of quality food, great service, and a superb location makes it a top-tier option for anyone in New York looking for a true taste of Japan.
Sozai Japanese Restaurant (Izakaya Ramen) Menu
COLD
- TAKO WASA $9.00
Raw octopus with wasabi
- TOMATO (GF) $10.00
Fresh tomato infused salty plum
- ANKIMO $15.00
Monkfish Liver, scallion in ponzu wasabi soy sauce
- TUNA TARTARE $22.00
Bluefin tuna marinated with spicy sesame oil, sesame seed, avocado and ponzu sauce
HOT
- SAKE CLAM MISO $18.00
Steamed clams with miso broth (sesame oil), dried chili, and pea shoots
- KAKUNI $13.00
Braised pork belly with sweet soy sauce topped with scallion
- CHASHU BUN $15.00
Steamed bun, Chashu, frisee ,scallion with mayo brown sauce
SALAD
- SALMON SKIN SALAD $16.00
Salmon skin, frisee,kale, endive, cappers with wasabi dressing
- SASHIMI SALAD $19.00
Mixed sashimi, frisee, kale,endive, cappers with wasabi dressing
- TOMATO CRAB SALAD $22.00
Snow crab, tomato, mashed potato and tobiko
FRIED
- AGED TOFU $14.00
Tofu, scallion, bonito-flakes with dashi broth
- KARAAGE $15.00
Crispy chicken with mustard sauce
- CRAB CROQUETTE $12.00
Breaded cream crab topped with spicy mentaiko sauce and seaweed
- UBE FRIED $12.00
Purple sweet potato with mustard sauce
- KAKI FRY $14.00
Fried oysters with tartar sauce
- KIBINAGO $13.00
Fried silver herring fish with wasabi mayo sauce
- IKA GESO $14.00
Fried squid legs with wasabi mayo sauce
- TAKOYAKI $14.00
Battered octopus balls with bonito flakes and dried seaweed
- KUROBUTA SAUSAGE $12.00
Japanese pork sausage with mustard sauce
CARPACCIO
- HAMACHI CRUDO $22.00
Yellowtail, ponzu soy sauce topped with carpaccio truffle
- SALMON CARPACCIO $15.00
Salmon with wasabi dressing
- HOTATE CARPACCIO $17.00
Hokkaido scallop, ikura with mustard soy dressing
- TAKO YUZU $15.00
Grilled Octopus with mustard yuzu dressing
GRILLED
- HAMACHI KAMA (GF) $25.00
Grilled Hamachi collar
- MUSSELS DYNAMITE $16.00
Mussels stuffed with dynamite sauce
- GYU TAN (GF) $17.00
Grilled sliced beef tongue with yuzu kosho
- NASU DENGAKU $14.00
Grilled eggplant with miso glazed, topped with rice cracker and sesame seed
- SABA SHIOYAKI (GF) $15.00
Grilled Mackerel
- SHISHITOU (GF) $9.00
Japanese green peppers with bonito flakes
- EDA WASA (V) $10.00
Grilled Edamame with garlic wasabi
RICE
- PORK KATSU $20.00
Pork loin cutlet with tonkatsu sauce and sesame seed served with steamed rice
- MENTAIKO FRIED RICE $15.00
Spicy Cod roe, egg, onion, scallion topped with spicy cod roe and seaweed
- GARLIC FRIED RICE $12.00
Egg, onion, scallion topped with crispy garlic
SPECIAL
- MISO BLACK COD $24.00
Grilled black cod marinated with sake lees
- LEMON MISO SALMON $26.00
Baked salmon with lemon miso, mushroom, potato and leek
- CHICKEN LIVER $18.00
Sautéed chicken liver with chive flowers topped with crispy garlic
- SPICY USHI EBI $29.00
Grilled Jumbo tiger prawn with spicy yuzu sauce
- SASHI MORI $45.00
Assorted sashimi Salmon,Bluefin tuna,Yellowtail,Scallop and ikura
PASTA
- MENTAIKO $17.00
Spaghetti with creamy spicy cod roe and bacon topped with seaweed
- COLD SOBA GREEN TEA $22.00
Cold green tea noodles, salmon, ikura in dashi broth topped with scallion
- WAFU MUSHROOM $16.00
Spaghetti sauteed with mushroom, cabbage, sweet soy sauce topped with seaweed
DONBURI
- UNAGI DON $32.00
Grilled eel with teriyaki sauce and tamagoyaki
- CHASHU DON $20.00
Braised pork belly with soy sauce, sesame seed and tamagoyaki
- KATSUDON $22.00
Deep fried pork loin cutlet cooked with egg, onion, scallion and dashi sauce
- GYU DON $24.00
Thinly sliced beef cooked with soy sauce, onion topped with scallion and tamagoyaki
- SAKE DON (GF) $25.00
Salmon sashimi and ikura
- HAMACHI DON (GF) $25.00
Yellowtail sashimi and ikura
- TEKKA DON (GF) $29.00
Bluefin tuna sashimi and ikura
- KAISEN DON (GF) $36.00
Assorted sashimi salmon, yellowtail, tuna, octopus and ikura
- HOKKAIDO DON (GF) $36.00
Snow crab, Uni, Hokkaido scallop and ikura
RAMEN
- TONKOTSU $20.00
Braised pork belly, seasoned egg, mushrooms, bamboo and scallions
- SPICY TONKOTSU $21.00
Braised pork belly seasoned egg, mushrooms, bamboo and scallions with spicy paste
- CHASHU MISO $20.00
Braised pork belly, seasoned egg, mushrooms, bamboo and scallions
- MUSHROOM MISO $21.00
Eringi mushroom, seasoned egg, bamboo and scallion
LUNCH
- KARAAGE RICE SET $19.00
Fried chicken, tamagoyaki served with rice topped with sesame and bonito-flakes
- SABA RICE SET $21.00
Grilled Mackerel, tamagoyaki served with rice topped with sesame and bonito-flakes
- PORK KATSU RICE SET $20.00
Fried Pork loin cutlet, tamagoyaki served with rice topped with sesame and bonito-flakes
- SAKE DON $25.00
Salmon sashimi and ikura
- HAMACHI DON $25.00
Yellowtail sashimi and ikura
- KATSUDON $21.00
Deep fried pork loin cutlet cooked with egg, onion, scallion and dashi sauce
- GYU DON $24.00
Thinly sliced beef cooked with soy sauce, onion topped with scallion and tamagoyaki
- Tonkotsu Ramen $20.00
Braised pork belly, seasoned egg, mushrooms, bamboo and scallions
- SPICY Tonkotsu Ramen $21.00
Braised pork belly seasoned egg, mushrooms, bamboo and scallions with spicy paste
- CHASHU MISO RAMEN $20.00
Braised pork belly, seasoned egg, mushrooms, bamboo and scallions
- MUSHROOM MISO RAMEN $21.00
Eringi mushroom, seasoned egg, bamboo and scallion
Sushi Roll
- Avocado Roll $9.00
Avocado, cucumber
- Salmon Skin Roll $9.00
Salmon skin, cucumber and eel sauce
- California Roll $10.00
Kani, cucumber, avocado
- Hamachi Roll $10.00
Hamachi, scallion (RAW)
- Salmon Roll $10.00
Salmon (RAW)
- Eel Roll $12.00
Eel, cucumber, scallion and eel sauce
Sashimi
- Salmon Sashimi $12.00
- Hamachi Sashimi $15.00
- Uni Sashimi $15.00
- Hotate Sashimi $15.00
- Akami Sashimi $16.00
- Chutoro Sashimi $21.00
- Otoro Sashimi
MP
Sozai Japanese Restaurant (Izakaya Ramen) Details
From the business
- Identifies as Asian-owned
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- 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
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Locals
- Tourists
Planning
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Parking
- Paid street parking
Sozai Japanese Restaurant (Izakaya Ramen) Photos










Sozai Japanese Restaurant (Izakaya Ramen) Location
Sozai Japanese Restaurant (Izakaya Ramen)
19 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, USA
Sozai Japanese Restaurant (Izakaya Ramen) Reviews
spicy tonkotsu ramencrab croquettemiso black codmentaiko pastahamachi crudokorntimes squaremiso salmongreen tea sobatakowasa
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I’ve been wanting to try Sozai for a while and I FINALLY came!This place did not disappoint at all!Drinks were delicious and the yuzu vodka highball was SO refreshing!The soba green tea with sashimi salmon on top was SO good.The tako wasa definitely cleared my friend’s sinuses.The ambiance of the place was bright and clean, I can definitely see this as a date spot.But a great spot for just everyday dining or even special occasions.Our waitress/ server Farlarr was super duper nice and attentive. Always checked up on us if the food was good, ready to take our orders and always had a keen eye on cleaning the dishes and refilling our water cups.Come check out Sozai when u can!!Definitely a cute spot!
August 16 · Pauline ChengI love this place! Japanese food is one of my favorite cuisine’s and Sozai did not disappoint. Reservation is highly recommended, if not a must. Came here for a quick lunch in midtown with my parents while in the city and we enjoyed it so much. Service, ambiance and food quality was a pleasure and I crave for the next time I’ll be back!
July 30 · Danielle WGreat value Japanese eatery with a wide selection of amazing Japanese dishes and cozy decor.Every dish we ordered was delicious. The ramen was even one of the best I’d had in the continental US! 😋Will definitely become my go-to place in NYC.They are quite busy so recommend booking a table in advance.
June 30 · Billy XiaArt took great care of us, decided to drink and have quick lunch. We got notified of happy hour so ordered another yuzu vodka. Great food and drinks, easy eating at the bar!
August 23 · L NHad a lovely dinner at Sozai. Service was prompt and on point. Food came out fast too which was nice since we were starving. Miso black cod was very soft, and green tea soba is close to the kind you get in Japan ! Very good on a summer day. Cocktails are nice too, my favorite was the Okinawa wind. For dessert , the yuzu cheesecake was great, but wish the piece was a bit larger given the price.
August 26 · Alex
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