TsuKuShi Introduce
Nestled in the bustling landscape of Midtown East, TsuKuShi stands out as a true hidden gem for lovers of authentic Japanese cuisine. Far from a typical Americanized sushi spot, TsuKuShi offers a deeply traditional and intimate dining experience. The atmosphere is casual and cozy, making it a peaceful and inviting place for locals seeking a genuine taste of Japan. Many patrons note that it feels like stepping into a small, authentic restaurant in Japan, with the majority of the crowd often speaking Japanese. This is a place where the chef's creativity and expertise are on full display, providing a unique and highly personalized culinary journey.
The core of the TsuKuShi experience is its traditional omakase menu, which means "chef's choice." This allows you to put your trust in the chef, who meticulously selects and prepares a multi-course meal based on the freshest and highest-quality ingredients available. The restaurant is celebrated for its commitment to authenticity, featuring dishes that are rarely found in other New York establishments. From delicate sashimi to hearty home-cooked meals, every plate is crafted with a focus on flavor and presentation. For those looking to go beyond the usual sushi and hibachi, TsuKuShi offers a refreshing and rewarding dive into the true essence of Japanese cooking.
---TsuKuShi is located at 357 E 50th St, New York, NY 10022, USA. This prime location places it in the heart of Midtown East, making it an accessible destination for a wide range of diners. The restaurant is a short walk from major transportation hubs like Grand Central Terminal, which provides access to numerous subway lines and the Metro-North Railroad. Its proximity to this major transit center makes it an ideal spot for a dinner after work or a planned evening out. The neighborhood is a mix of residential and business, drawing in both local residents and professionals.
While the exact accessibility details are not specified, its street-level location and central placement make it a convenient destination. Given its popularity and cozy size, making a reservation is highly recommended to ensure you can secure a spot. The area can be quite busy, especially during peak hours, but the peaceful atmosphere inside the restaurant offers a welcome escape from the city's hustle and bustle. The walk from public transportation is straightforward, and for those who choose to drive, there are various parking options in the surrounding area, though they may require paid parking.
---TsuKuShi provides a focused set of services that highlight its dedication to a traditional and high-quality dining experience. The restaurant’s service model is built around a relaxed and thoughtful approach to Japanese cuisine.
- Takeout and Dine-in: The restaurant offers both dine-in and takeout options, allowing you to enjoy their authentic food in their cozy setting or from the comfort of your home.
- Table Service: TsuKuShi provides full table service, with attentive and friendly staff who are knowledgeable about the menu and the dishes. This allows for a more personal and guided dining experience.
- Accepts Reservations: Given its intimate size and popularity, TsuKuShi accepts reservations, which is highly recommended for dinner, especially on weekends. This helps ensure a seat and a smooth dining experience.
- Onsite Bar: There is a bar onsite offering a variety of beverages, including alcohol, beer, hard liquor, and wine, which perfectly complement the meal. This is a great feature for those who enjoy a drink with their dinner.
- Popular for Solo Dining: The cozy and peaceful atmosphere makes TsuKuShi an excellent place for solo diners to enjoy a quiet and high-quality meal.
These services are all part of the restaurant’s commitment to providing an authentic and comfortable experience for every guest.
---What makes TsuKuShi a standout in the crowded New York dining scene are its unique features and highlights. These elements set it apart and contribute to its reputation as a hidden gem.
- Traditional Omakase: The primary highlight is the traditional omakase menu, which offers a chef-curated selection of courses. This is a true culinary adventure, as each dish is a surprise based on the freshest seasonal ingredients.
- Late-Night Menu: For those looking for a late-night bite, TsuKuShi has a special menu available after 11 pm. This provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy delicious and authentic Japanese comfort food after a long day or a night out.
- No-Tipping Policy: As is common in many traditional Japanese establishments, TsuKuShi has a no-tipping policy, making the dining experience more straightforward and transparent. This can be a welcome change for many New Yorkers.
- Authentic Home-Style Dishes: The restaurant is known for serving "legit" and traditional Japanese home-style dishes that are hard to find elsewhere. This provides a genuine taste of Japanese comfort food.
- Cozy and Authentic Atmosphere: The small and intimate setting creates a cozy and peaceful ambiance that is perfect for a relaxing dinner. The fact that a large majority of customers are native Japanese speakers speaks volumes about its authenticity.
- Chef-Led Experience: The chef's kindness and willingness to accommodate requests, as noted in reviews, add a personal and welcoming touch to the omakase experience, making guests feel well cared for.
These features combine to create a truly special dining experience that is both authentic and memorable.
---To plan your visit or make a reservation at this highly sought-after restaurant, you can use the following contact information. Given its intimate size, calling ahead for a reservation is highly recommended.
- Address: 357 E 50th St, New York, NY 10022, USA
- Phone: (212) 599-8888
The staff is ready to assist you with making a reservation and answering any questions you may have about the menu or dining options.
---Why is TsuKuShi worth choosing for your next meal in New York City? It's a place that offers an authentic and high-quality Japanese dining experience that feels both unique and deeply personal. The traditional omakase menu is a fantastic way to explore genuine Japanese cuisine, allowing you to sample a variety of dishes hand-selected by the chef. This approach ensures you're getting the freshest and most delicious offerings available, and the a la carte options for those not wanting a full omakase provide welcome flexibility.
The peaceful and cozy atmosphere is a huge draw, offering a calm respite from the busy city streets. It’s a perfect spot for a date night, a special occasion, or simply when you want to treat yourself to an excellent meal. The food is consistently praised as excellent and authentic, with many highlighting the great quality of the dishes. While some have noted that portions can be small or that service can be slow at times, the overall consensus is that the quality and taste of the food make it well worth it. For those who want to "graduate" from the typical American sushi experience and try something truly special and traditional, TsuKuShi is an unparalleled choice in Midtown East.
TsuKuShi Details
Service options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Comfort food
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
Crowd
- Locals
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
TsuKuShi Photos










TsuKuShi Location
TsuKuShi Reviews
omakasepricefishcoursetipsobasakecurrymoussejapanese family
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Traditional omakase menu, very affordable and no tipping policy. They have a late night menu as well. Both times I visited, we had already eaten earlier and didn't want to order the full omakase. Each time the bartender was kind and asked the chef if he could prepare a 3 dish course for us, and the chef kindly agreed. Each dish was excellent--traditional Japanese cuisine. Next time, I will definitely try the full menu or go after 11pm for the late night menu.
May 20 · Cliff JonesAuthentic Japanese restaurant you can enjoy legit food. The portion is little too small but it was really good.Our noodle took little too much since we waited more than 30mins for soba and Udon. 😢
July 14 · Sinclair LimThis was three years ago. It was past midnight. In the base of an ordinary Manhattan apartment building, an unmarked door and a curtain concealed an izakaya. I stepped through, and the city fell away. I was in Sapporo.Inside, it was loud—but not American loud. This was practiced loudness, rhythmic and intentional. Loud but you can still hear a needle dropping. Japanese men in loosened ties laughed from deep in their chests, slapping shoulders with the ease of repetition. Their voices collided like waves. Across the room, a woman spoke in a thread-thin voice that wove beneath theirs. I didn’t understand a word. It felt like watching someone else’s memory loop quietly in the background.The chef didn’t smile. He didn’t need to.I ordered the omakase. Dishes arrived in calm succession—chilled tofu, soft fish, a bitter broth that reminded me of a conversation I’d rather forget. The food didn’t ask to be liked. It wasn’t polished, or photogenic. It simply existed, as if made by someone who knew you were hungry, not searching.At one point, the chef looked at me. Just once. He knew I didn’t belong. I stayed anyway.When I stepped back outside, the curtain swayed shut behind me. Manhattan returned in a rush—cold, electric, indifferent.
May 07 · Yunong ShiThis place was really good. Owned and operated by one person who is Japanese. The omakase was well worth the $66 for 6 courses. While it may not fill you up, you can order curry rice, ramen, soba (hot or cold), and other dishes after if you are still hungry, I was. The sake was fantastic. I was the only person there speaking English and went at midnight. Good vibes, great food, excellent chef = great night.
February 22 · Victor Farrell$66 late night omakase Japanese family style restaurant, a good place that you don't have any idea of what to eat. You can order extra food such as curry or rice, and homemade dessert. No tip here.
February 01 · Erin Hwang
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