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Tomi Jazz
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Tomi Jazz
8.7
Speakeasy-style Tomi Jazz packs live jazz, Japanese bar food, and serious drinks into a low-ceilinged basement just off Second Avenue. Plates like cod roe spaghetti, omurice, and fried croquettes come out of a tiny kitchen while trios play to a room of tightly packed two-tops and counter seats.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cod Roe Spaghetti, Omurice, Honey Toast
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: A snug jazz club where serious Japanese comfort food meets live nightly sets.
Who should go: Jazz lovers and couples chasing an atmospheric late-night hang
When to visit: Weeknights after 9pm for peak music and manageable waits
What to order: Cod roe spaghetti, omurice, and honey toast for dessert
Insider tip: Arrive early, put your name down, then grab a nearby drink while you wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce in Midtown East, especially after 6pm; expect to use nearby paid garages within a 2–3 block radius.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most guests lean slightly dressy for the jazz-club atmosphere.
Noise level: Loud during live sets — conversation is possible but requires leaning in.
Weekend wait: 60–90 minutes for walk-ins; the room is tiny and fills early.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — Tomi Jazz opens late afternoon with dinner service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options (e.g., omurice variations, salads, honey toast), but the menu skews seafood-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited — most dishes include butter, eggs, or dashi.
Gluten-free options: Limited — several dishes contain soy sauce or breading; staff can guide you but there’s no GF-specific prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dim lighting, tiny tables, and live jazz make it intimate and memorable. Just be aware the room gets loud during sets.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, but expect a wait. Put your name down early and they’ll text you when a spot opens; most nights see steady queues.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children — it’s a dark, cramped basement with late-night crowds. Teens who enjoy live music may fit in.
Best For
Better for: Atmospheric late-night dates, live jazz in a speakeasy setting, and Japanese comfort dishes that outperform typical bar food.
Skip if: You need quiet conversation, spacious seating, or robust vegan/gluten-free options — other Japanese spots nearby are better suited.
Tomi Jazz
8.6
Hidden in a basement off 3rd Avenue, Tomi Jazz combines intimate live jazz with Japanese drinking food that runs well into the night. Lines form for cod roe spaghetti, okonomiyaki, and sake while tightly packed tables lean into the moody, late-night club feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cod roe spaghetti, Okonomiyaki, Omelet rice with demi-glace
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A late-night Japanese jazz bar where serious small plates match the music.
Who should go: Live-music fans and couples wanting an intimate Midtown escape.
When to visit: Arrive early evening to queue for late-night sets.
What to order: Cod roe spaghetti, okonomiyaki, omelet rice.
Insider tip: There’s often a line and minimum; plan to linger for a full set.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Midtown East, especially after 6pm; expect to use nearby paid garages within a 2–3 block radius.
Dress code: Smart casual. Most guests lean slightly dressy due to the jazz-club vibe, but nice jeans and a clean top are fully acceptable.
Noise level: Loud during live sets—conversation is possible but limited; expect a true jazz-club atmosphere rather than a talk-friendly dinner.
Weekend wait: 60–90 minutes for walk-ins, especially after 7pm; lines form early.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—Tomi Jazz operates primarily dinner through late night.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate options—several small plates (e.g., veggie okonomiyaki variants, salads) work for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Very limited—most dishes include butter, egg, or bonito; verify individually.
Gluten-free options: Limited—several items contain soy sauce, batter, or noodles; some grilled small plates may work with modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want an atmospheric, intimate, music-driven date. The dim lighting and live jazz create a memorable mood, but the noise level means it’s better for couples comfortable with less conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes—but expect to wait. Arriving before 6pm greatly improves your chances. Walk-in lines are common, and the space is small, so late-night arrivals should plan for a significant queue.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. It’s a tight, dim jazz club with late-night service and a primarily adult crowd. Suitable for older teens who enjoy live music, but not recommended for young children.
Best For
Better for: Late-night dining with genuinely strong Japanese small plates in a live-jazz setting—few Midtown spots match the intimacy, mood, and food-music pairing.
Skip if: You want easy conversation, fast seating, or broad dietary flexibility; larger izakayas or quieter Japanese restaurants may be better fits.