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To Date Japanese Food
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
To Date Japanese Food
8.6
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Quick Bites Champions
To Date Japanese Food is a busy Sunset Park Japanese spot where ramen shares the menu with sushi, bento boxes, and fried snacks. High-volume delivery ratings and steady local traffic point to reliable execution, especially on curry seafood ramen and tonkatsu chashu bowls. The room is casual and compact rather than design-driven, but portions, quality, and pricing make it a go-to option for neighborhood ramen cravings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Curry seafood ramen, Tonkatsu chashu ramen, Chirashi don
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: High-volume neighborhood Japanese spot where ramen, sushi, and bentos all deliver.
Who should go: Families and groups craving casual ramen plus sushi.
When to visit: Evenings or weekends when the room feels most lively.
What to order: Curry seafood ramen, tonkatsu chashu ramen, chirashi don.
Insider tip: Check delivery apps for combo deals that bundle ramen with sides at better value.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be challenging after 6pm, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, hoodies, and everyday wear are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — easy to talk, but expect steady background noise during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak dinner rush without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of the 12–1pm window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable ramen, avocado rolls, cucumber rolls, and veggie bentos.
Vegan options: Limited — vegetable-based sushi and sides, but most broths contain animal stock.
Gluten-free options: Limited — rice-based sushi and sashimi work, but most ramen noodles and sauces contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual first dates than romantic ones — the vibe is busy and neighborhood-focused rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most diners walk in, but weekends and rainy evenings can mean a short wait for tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — bento boxes, fried snacks, mild ramen options, and flexible seating work well for kids.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, affordable ramen plus a wide menu that works for mixed groups who want sushi, rice bowls, and noodles together.
Skip if: You want a craft ramen experience with specialty broths, house-made noodles, or a design-forward dining room.
To Date Japanese Food
8.4
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
To Date Japanese Food is a compact 57th Street shop just off 8th Avenue where an extensive roll list, ramen, and Japanese small plates run through delivery apps and steady takeout traffic. Regulars treat it as an all-purpose sushi stop for salmon, eel, and scallop rolls that travel well without feeling generic.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Salmon Roll, Eel Avocado Roll, Spicy Scallop Hand Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Tight, roll-focused menu with better-than-expected quality for a takeout-first shop.
Who should go: Locals craving reliable salmon, eel, and specialty rolls on a budget.
When to visit: Evenings for fastest turnover on rolls and hot dishes.
What to order: Spicy salmon roll, eel avocado roll, spicy scallop hand roll.
Insider tip: Mix a couple of special rolls with one classic to keep portions balanced without overspending.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; meter and alternate-side spots on nearby side streets, can be tight after 6pm.
Dress code: Very casual — hoodies, jeans, and takeout attire are the norm.
Noise level: Low — mostly a pick-up-and-go environment with limited indoor chatter.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for takeout during peak delivery rush.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetable rolls, avocado cucumber, sweet potato, and tofu-based options.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — vegetable rolls and seaweed salad; confirm sauces.
Gluten-free options: Partial — sashimi and some rolls without soy sauce work, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual takeout dates than sit-down romance — it’s about food quality, not atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but seating is very limited — most guests order to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for takeout meals — simple rolls and noodles work well for kids, but space is tight for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Affordable, consistent sushi rolls that hold up well for takeout and delivery versus pricier omakase counters.
Skip if: You want a full dine-in sushi experience, premium fish sourcing, or upscale ambiance.
To Date Japanese Food
8.6
To Date Japanese Food is a snug 57th Street spot where salmon-don bowls, sashimi, and cooked plates make for relaxed, mid-price sushi dates. Couples use it as a neighborhood go-to when they want real Japanese comfort dishes without trekking to more crowded parts of Brooklyn.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon-don rice bowl, Chef's assorted sashimi platter, Spicy salmon roll
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Cozy Japanese counter-restaurant known for generous salmon-don and sashimi at fair prices.
Who should go: Couples wanting real Japanese comfort food without big crowds.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners when the room is calm but still lively.
What to order: Salmon-don, sashimi platter, spicy salmon roll.
Insider tip: Sit by the window for a quieter corner and better conversation.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along 8th Avenue is possible but tight after 6pm; metered spots on side streets are easier if you arrive early.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — hoodies, sneakers, and relaxed date-night outfits all fit in comfortably.
Noise level: Low to moderate — quiet enough for easy conversation without leaning in.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie rolls, tofu dishes, and vegetable don bowls are available.
Vegan options: Limited — vegetable rolls and a few cooked veggie plates, but not a full vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Some sashimi and rice bowls are naturally gluten-free; soy sauce substitutions may not always be available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s relaxed, affordable, and intimate enough for real conversation without feeling awkward or overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weeknights and earlier dinners; weekends between 7–9pm may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy sushi or rice bowls; there’s limited space for strollers and younger toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Affordable sashimi, comforting don bowls, and quiet, low-pressure sushi dates compared to flashier omakase spots.
Skip if: You want luxury-level sushi presentation, a big cocktail scene, or a high-energy nightlife vibe.