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Chotto Matte
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Chotto Matte
8.6
High-energy Nikkei destination atop Union Square serving sashimi, tiraditos, and specialty rolls with polished cocktail service. Guests come for the dramatic indoor–outdoor setting and precise fish quality that holds up across the menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s sashimi selection, Tiradito flight, Nikkei specialty rolls
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Rooftop Nikkei experience pairing elegant sushi with skyline views.
Who should go: Design lovers and celebratory diners
When to visit: Reserve prime terrace seats before sunset
What to order: Tiraditos, chef’s sashimi, signature Nikkei rolls
Insider tip: Ask for terrace placement; wind breaks make shoulder-season evenings comfortable.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated valet; closest options are the Union Square garages (Powell or Sutter Stockton). Street parking is scarce after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning upscale—jeans are fine with a jacket or heels, but most guests dress for a night out.
Noise level: High-energy with music and rooftop chatter—fine for groups, tougher for quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–75 minutes without a reservation; prime terrace tables require booking weeks ahead.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; evening reservations strongly recommended.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—sushi rolls, tiraditos with veggies, and a few hot dishes can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 rolls and some sides available; staff can guide modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes—several sashimi, tiradito, and grilled items are naturally gluten-free; soy sauce substitutes available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dramatic setting, rooftop views, and polished service make it impressive for a stylish date, though noise level is high.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible for the bar or lounge on off-peak weekdays, but weekends and terrace seating almost always require advance booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids due to the late-night vibe and noise; older teens who enjoy sushi and design-forward spaces may appreciate it.
Best For
Better for: Best in Union Square for dramatic rooftop ambiance, Nikkei fusion, and Instagram-worthy presentation.
Skip if: If you want quiet conversation, budget dining, or traditional Japanese-only menus—choose a smaller sushi bar instead.
Chotto Matte
8.3
Nikkei-focused rooftop spot in Union Square with a wraparound terrace and skyline views. The menu leans sushi-forward alongside ceviches and robata, drawing a fashionable crowd for late dinners and weekend brunch on the terrace.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yellowtail “Nikkei Sashimi”, O-Toro Nigiri, Dragon Roll
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Rooftop Nikkei restaurant with panoramic Union Square views.
Who should go: Sushi lovers seeking a lively rooftop scene
When to visit: Golden hour for terrace views and photos
What to order: Yellowtail sashimi, O-Toro nigiri, Dragon Roll
Insider tip: Ask for terrace seating; weekend rooftop brunch books fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Closest option is the Union Square Garage ($5–$8 per hour); valet is occasionally offered during peak weekend dinners. Street parking is extremely limited after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—think blazers, cocktail dresses, or fashionable jeans with heels.
Noise level: Lively rooftop vibe; music-driven energy but still possible to hold conversations at smaller tables.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; walk-ins may be turned away during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Rarely a wait—typically seated within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several small plates, sushi rolls, and sides are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—expect 2–3 options such as salads and vegetable maki; ask staff for off-menu adaptations.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many items can be prepared gluten-free upon request; soy sauce alternatives available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the rooftop setting, skyline views, and Nikkei-style menu create a stylish backdrop. The lively energy skews toward trendy, so it works best for confident or social first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are possible at the bar and occasionally on the terrace, but prime rooftop tables typically require advance booking, especially Thursday–Saturday.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children—the atmosphere leans adult with late-night energy and cocktails. Teens may enjoy the sushi and views if dining early evening.
Best For
Better for: High-energy rooftop dining with dramatic Union Square views and a fashionable crowd; best for celebrations and stylish nights out.
Skip if: If you want quiet, budget-friendly sushi or a traditional omakase experience, opt elsewhere.
Chotto Matte
8.3
Nikkei-focused rooftop destination in Union Square pairing sushi and sashimi with ceviches and robata. Guests come for skyline views, polished service, and a lively, fashion-forward scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yellowtail sashimi with yuzu, O-Toro nigiri, Seabass anticucho
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Rooftop Nikkei dining with panoramic Union Square views.
Who should go: Sushi lovers seeking a stylish evening
When to visit: Golden hour for sunset terrace seating
What to order: Yellowtail sashimi, O-Toro nigiri, seabass anticucho
Insider tip: Request terrace tables; weekend prime times book early.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet service; nearby Union Square garages cost $5–$8 per hour. Street parking is very limited after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Most guests wear cocktail attire or upscale casual; jeans are acceptable if paired with a nice top and shoes.
Noise level: Lively and energetic, especially weekends. Conversation is possible but not quiet—expect a buzz from the bar and terrace.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; reservations highly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Not typically offered; dinner is the main service, but bar seats can open up early evening without much wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple sushi rolls, tempura, and veggie robata skewers.
Vegan options: Limited – about 2–3 menu items, mainly vegetable-based rolls and sides.
Gluten-free options: Yes – many items can be prepared gluten-free; staff is knowledgeable and can adjust sauces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the rooftop views and stylish scene make it a strong choice for an impressive first date. Be aware it’s lively, so better for energy and ambiance than intimate quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at the bar or terrace lounge early evening, but prime terrace tables usually require advance booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children. The late-night energy, dressy crowd, and rooftop cocktails lean adult-oriented. Teens interested in sushi may fit in better than families with small kids.
Best For
Better for: A fashionable night out with skyline views, polished Nikkei cuisine, and a see-and-be-seen atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dinner or a budget-friendly sushi outing. Alternatives may suit if you prefer a low-key or family-style Japanese meal.
Chotto Matte
8.6
High-energy Nikkei spot with sushi, tiraditos, and cocktails in a dramatic rooftop setting. Plating and product quality shine, making it a destination for scene-forward nights out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sashimi Tiradito Selection, Nikkei Rolls, Wagyu/Sushi Combos
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Nikkei sushi in a sweeping indoor–outdoor rooftop space.
Who should go: Design lovers and celebratory diners
When to visit: Prime reservations 7–9pm book early
What to order: Tiradito flight; chef’s sashimi; specialty Nikkei rolls
Insider tip: Ask for terrace seating for skyline views when weather cooperates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking; closest option is paid garages around Union Square. Street parking is limited and metered until late evening.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual—cocktail attire or dressy jeans with jackets/dresses fits the scene.
Noise level: High-energy with music and crowd buzz; conversations are possible but not intimate.
Weekend wait: Without a reservation, expect waits of 60–90 minutes or no seating at peak times.
Weekday lunch: Generally closed at lunch; evenings have lighter waits midweek if you book early.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable rolls, tiraditos, and sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited—about 2–3 plant-based dishes; request modifications where possible.
Gluten-free options: Yes—staff can guide; many ceviches and sashimi are naturally gluten-free, and soy alternatives are available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a high-energy, design-forward setting; it’s dramatic and stylish, though less ideal for quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely on weekends—reservations are essential. Limited bar seating may be available for walk-ins early in the evening.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—better suited for adults. No kids’ menu; atmosphere is more nightlife-oriented than family-focused.
Best For
Better for: Best for stylish nights out, rooftop views, and high-design Nikkei plating.
Skip if: Skip if you’re looking for quiet dining, budget-friendly sushi, or a family-focused meal.