The Izakaya NYC Introduce
Tucked away on the famed "Little Japan" street of East 6th Street, The Izakaya NYC offers a genuine and unpretentious slice of Japanese dining culture right in the heart of New York City's East Village. An izakaya, for those unfamiliar, is a traditional Japanese pub or gastro-bar where friends gather to enjoy a variety of small, shareable dishes (tapas) and drinks in a relaxed, casual setting. The Izakaya NYC perfectly embodies this spirit, providing a welcoming and cozy space that feels both authentic and distinctly New York. It's a place where the focus is on good food, good company, and a comfortable, unfussy atmosphere.
In a neighborhood teeming with countless dining options, The Izakaya NYC stands out for its commitment to classic izakaya fare. While many Japanese restaurants in the city prioritize sushi or ramen, this spot celebrates the rich diversity of small plates, from perfectly fried chicken and crispy tofu to savory grilled fish and hearty rice dishes. The menu is designed for exploration, encouraging diners to order a variety of items to share and sample different flavors. This communal style of eating fosters a social and engaging experience, making it an ideal destination for a laid-back dinner with friends or a solo meal at the bar. The decor is simple and functional, a refreshing contrast to some of the neighborhood's flashier establishments, allowing the quality of the food and the warmth of the service to take center stage.
The Izakaya NYC's appeal lies in its authenticity and straightforward approach. It doesn't rely on trends or over-the-top presentations; instead, it delivers consistently delicious, soulful Japanese comfort food. This dedication to tradition and quality has earned it a loyal following among locals who appreciate a "hole-in-the-wall-ness" that provides an intimate and personal dining experience. Whether you're a seasoned izakaya enthusiast or new to the concept, this restaurant offers a truly rewarding culinary journey that feels both exciting and familiar. It's the kind of place you'll want to revisit again and again, discovering new favorites with each visit.
The Izakaya NYC is strategically located at 326 E 6th St, New York, NY 10003, USA. This address places it in a prime spot within the East Village, a neighborhood famous for its vibrant nightlife, diverse culinary scene, and rich history. East 6th Street, in particular, has long been known as a hub for excellent Japanese restaurants and is a destination in itself for food lovers.
The restaurant's location offers exceptional accessibility via public transportation. It is just a short walk from several major subway stations. The Astor Place station, which serves the 6 train, is one of the closest and most convenient options. The 8th Street-NYU station is also nearby, providing easy access to the N, R, and W trains. For those coming from other parts of Manhattan or even other boroughs, the major transit hub at Union Square is within comfortable walking distance, offering an extensive network of lines including the L, 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, and W trains. This makes The Izakaya NYC a highly convenient choice for anyone in the city looking for a great Japanese meal, whether they're coming from work, home, or a night out.
Given its urban setting, walking is also a popular and enjoyable way to get to the restaurant. The surrounding area is full of unique shops, bars, and cultural landmarks, making for a pleasant pre- or post-dinner stroll. While street parking can be scarce, the extensive public transit options make a car unnecessary and help maintain the area's lively, pedestrian-friendly atmosphere.
The Izakaya NYC provides a range of services designed to offer a complete and flexible dining experience for its customers. These services cater to different preferences, from dining in to enjoying a meal at home.
- Dine-in Service: The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, allowing guests to enjoy their meal in a cozy, casual indoor setting or on the sidewalk, taking in the vibrant energy of the East Village.
- Delivery and Takeout: For those who prefer to eat at home, The Izakaya NYC offers convenient delivery and takeout options. This service ensures that customers can enjoy their favorite dishes without leaving their homes.
- Late-Night Food: A key feature of an authentic izakaya, the restaurant provides late-night food service, making it an excellent spot for a post-show or late-evening meal.
- Reservations: Reservations are accepted and highly recommended, especially for dinner, to ensure a table in the popular, cozy space.
- Table Service: The restaurant provides full table service, with an attentive and personable staff that enhances the overall dining experience.
The Izakaya NYC distinguishes itself with a set of highlights that contribute to its well-regarded reputation and welcoming character. These features make it a standout choice for those seeking an authentic experience.
- Authentic Izakaya Experience: The restaurant truly captures the essence of a traditional Japanese izakaya, with a focus on small, shareable plates, a casual and cozy atmosphere, and a menu that goes beyond typical sushi and ramen.
- Diverse Menu of Comfort Food: The menu is a major highlight, offering a wide variety of delicious and satisfying comfort foods. From the highly praised Izakaya's Signature Chicken Nanban to the savory Sake Clams Vongole Udon, there's a dish to please every palate. The menu also includes a mix of fried and non-fried dishes, such as fresh sashimi, though it leans toward richer, comforting fare.
- Fast and Attentive Service: Customers frequently praise the staff for their fast, personable, and well-balanced service. The team is known for being attentive without being overbearing, contributing to the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
- Alcohol and Beverage Selection: The restaurant offers a full bar with a selection of alcohol, beer, hard liquor, and wine, which is essential for a true izakaya experience where food is meant to be paired with drinks.
- Cozy and Casual Atmosphere: The atmosphere is a significant draw. It's a casual, trendy, and cozy space that is perfect for solo dining, a relaxed dinner, or a night out with friends. It feels genuine and welcoming, unlike many more formal or commercialized establishments.
- Ideal for Sharing: The small-plate format makes it an ideal spot for sharing and trying a wide range of flavors without committing to a single large entree, which is a core part of the izakaya tradition.
For more information, reservations, or to place an order, you can contact The Izakaya NYC using the information provided below.
- Address: 326 E 6th St, New York, NY 10003, USA
- Phone: (646) 684-4411
Choosing The Izakaya NYC is a decision rooted in a desire for authenticity, quality, and a truly comfortable dining experience. It is a place that is worth choosing for several compelling reasons. The food itself is a primary draw; the dishes, particularly the fried items like the Izakaya's Signature Chicken Nanban and Agedashi Tofu, are expertly prepared with a light, delicate batter and perfectly cooked interiors. The flavors are rich and satisfying, providing a genuine taste of Japanese comfort food that is hard to find elsewhere in the city. While some dishes may be a miss, the overall quality and commitment to the cuisine's core principles are consistently high.
Beyond the food, the atmosphere and service are what truly set The Izakaya NYC apart. It's a "hole-in-the-wall" gem that avoids the pretentiousness of more prominent, "big deal" spots in the neighborhood. The cozy and unfussy vibe makes you feel right at home, and the fast, attentive staff ensures your experience is smooth and enjoyable from start to finish. The small plates menu is perfect for a social gathering, allowing you and your companions to sample a variety of dishes and share in the culinary adventure. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite, a full dinner, or a late-night meal with drinks, The Izakaya NYC provides a versatile and highly satisfying option. For locals and tourists alike, it’s a million-out-of-ten experience that promises to become a favorite spot for many. The combination of incredible food, welcoming staff, and an authentic atmosphere makes it an easy choice and a place you’ll be eager to return to.
The Izakaya NYC Food & drink
Sashimi
- BONITO CARPPACIO $24.00
- Scallop Sashimi $21.00
- Salmon Sashimi $24.00
8 slices of salmon.
- Yellowtail Sashimi $24.00
8 slices of Yellowtail Sashimi.
Side
- White Rice $3.00
- Miso Soup $5.00
To Finish
- Sake Clams Vongole UDON $22.00
clams,red pepper,butter,shiso.
- Mentai Cream UDON $20.00
Splcy cod caviar,Milk.butter,shiso.
- YOKOHAMA Style Crab & Egg Fried Rice $30.00
- Mushroom Garlic Butter Fried Rice $16.00
mushroom.garlic.butter fried rice,sesame,parmiglano cheese,scallon.
Appetizers
- Sake Steamed Clam $18.00
- Mapo Tofu $16.00
- Grilled Mackerel $14.00
- UPSTATE Fried Chicken $16.00
- Salmon Mushroom In Foil $24.00
Served with miso in foil.
- Japanese Style "Yakiniku" $24.00
- Izakaya's Signature Chicken Nanban $17.00
chicken thighshomemade tartar sause on top.
- Fried Scallop $21.00
- Mentaiko Omelette $10.00
Egg Omelette with Mentaiko Caviar.
- Sukiyaki $25.00
- Ikura Omelete $16.00
Dessert
- Izakaya Pudding $8.00
caramel custard flan.
Tapas
- Edamame $7.00
- Addictive Cucumber $7.00
cucumber, homemade spicy sauce, sesame.
- Izakaya's Agedashi Tofu $11.00
potato, egg, carrot.
- Deep Fried Eggplant With Miso $12.00
eggplant, miso
- Shishito Pepper With Garlic Butter $12.00
homemade soy sauce base katsuobushi, crushed sesame.
- Addictive Cabbage $7.00
cabbage, seaweed, sesame.
- Cold Tofu $10.00
tofu, eggplant, sesame, katsuobushi, shiso.
- Seaweed Tempura $11.00
homemade spicy oil on the side.
The Izakaya NYC Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Tourists
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
The Izakaya NYC Photos










The Izakaya NYC Location
The Izakaya NYC Reviews
cabbagechicken nanbanaddictivemushroomsalmontipfried ricesmall platestapasspicy
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Food is so good. Staff was so nice, helpful, and personable. Unfussy, casual atmosphere but welcoming and cool. Highly recommend over the other “big deal” spots with the same cuisine in this neighborhood— most of those places were hoppin when we walked around before/after; this spot was pretty empty when we were there (it was earlier in the evening on a Friday though, so makes sense), but its hole-in-the-wall-ness shouldn’t put you off compared to those other spots nearby that appear flashier or more accessible. Go here, no contest. A million out of ten. We’ll be back!
August 23 · Jake BurbageThe service staff was attentive and timely without being overbearing or too friendly. Very well balanced!On the other hand, the menu is a bit unbalanced, offering mostly fried and rich foods. That being said, we enjoyed most of what we ordered, except for the deep fried miso eggplant.They do a great job at frying lightly, as demonstrated by the delicately thin batter that coated the agedashi tofu and the chicken nanban. Both dishes were perfect: lightly fried exteriors, silky/juicy interiors, excellent broth/sauce. I especially loved the bonito flakes that topped the tofu.The salmon sashimi was also very nice. It was one of the few non-fried dishes on the menu, so I’m glad it worked out.Unfortunately, the deep fried miso eggplant was a miss. Firstly, a large amount of red miso was simply slathered over the surface, and it was overwhelmingly salty. In my opinion the miso should be a thin, liquified finishing glaze, usually some combination of miso, cooking sake and sugar to balance the salty and sweet. Secondly, I believe they used an Italian eggplant instead of a Japanese or Chinese eggplant, which resulted in a hard skin and tougher interior. When the smaller Asian eggplants are used for this dish, the skin sort of melts away in your mouth, as does the inside.Other than the eggplant, this Izakaya was a very nice experience. The service is understated in the best way and the portions are small, allowing us to try a few different flavor palettes without becoming too full. The interior decor is not my taste, but decor falls low on the totem pole for my evaluation of a restaurant, so I’d still come back here when I’m in the mood for fried Japanese comfort food.
August 27 · Kana HiguchiThe space is small and narrow with just benches and stools to sit on - par for the course given the area. Service was attentive and friendly. Food came out quickly.Overall, the food was underwhelming. We shared the omelet, Japanese eggplant with miso, chicken nanban, clams with ramen, and the salmon with mushrooms. We also had the grapefruit and calpico sours for drinks. There wasn’t any stand out dish in terms of flavor or execution. I think there are far better Izakayas in NYC given the price point.
July 30 · Yvonne meets FoodOverall experience was a bit lacking but the food was pretty good. Fried chicken was a generous portion and really enjoyed the ramen, very original taste. Unfortunately, the restaurant was freezing it seemed like the heat wasn't working at all. And our server wasn't very knowledgeable. Didn't have a clue about any of the wines or sake but gave us tastings so we could try ourselves. Seemed like it was his first few shifts but did make an effort. Might visit again if I were in the neighborhood but many other places I'd prefer to try first.
January 16 · maia lukeThe portion is relatively small however very tasty! Eggplant is very salty so please be careful! The steam sake calm is suuuuuuper good which you definitely should try! The overall price is not cheap, please be careful if you just want to pick a quiet and easy talking place, it's to me more like a fine-dining japanese restaurant.
July 17 · 孫紹庭(Shao-Ting Sun)
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