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Tensai
Master Critic Review
Tensai
8.0
Tensai focuses on house-udon and tempura in a modest, softly lit room just off Second Avenue. Bowls lean clean and comforting—think Ebi Ontama udon with onsen egg or stir-fried yakiniku udon—backed by crisp tempura, karaage, and a calm pace that suits solo meals and low-key dates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ebi Ontama Udon, Yakiniku Udon, Assorted Tempura
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: A udon-centric shop where broths, noodles, and tempura skew clean and precise.
Who should go: Midtown locals wanting quieter, noodle-focused Japanese comfort
When to visit: Weekday lunches or early dinners before the room fills
What to order: Ebi Ontama udon, yakiniku udon, assorted tempura to share
Insider tip: Window-facing bar seats are ideal for solo diners and walk-ins.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Midtown East, especially after 6pm. Expect metered spots to be scarce; nearby garages on 2nd & 3rd Ave typically run $18–$28 for 1–2 hours.
Dress code: Casual and neat. Most diners come in workwear or weekend-casual—jeans and sweaters are fully appropriate.
Noise level: Low to moderate. Conversation is easy at both tables and counter seats.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes for walk-ins depending on peak hours; shorter for solo diners at the counter.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though small delays (5–10 minutes) during office-lunch rush are possible.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several options like plain udon, vegetable tempura, and broth-based bowls without meat. Confirm dashi base if strict.
Vegan options: Limited—broths are typically dashi-based; stir-fry udon without egg or meat is the safest option. Tempura batter contains egg.
Gluten-free options: Minimal—traditional udon noodles and tempura batter contain wheat, and the kitchen does not operate a gluten-free fryer.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a low-key, conversation-friendly first date. The softly lit room, clean bowls, and calm pacing make it intimate without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. Tensai is primarily walk-in friendly. Solo diners almost always find counter seats quickly; small groups may wait briefly during dinner peak.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for kids 6+ who enjoy noodles and mild broths. The space is compact, so strollers can be tricky, and there are no dedicated kids’ menus or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Clean, comforting udon; quick but calm meals; solo dining; straightforward tempura with precise frying.
Skip if: You want elaborate sushi, high-design interiors, long sake lists, or gluten-free-friendly Japanese menus.