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Osakana Midtown at Katagiri Japanese Grocery
Master Critic Review
Osakana Midtown at Katagiri Japanese Grocery
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Inside Katagiri’s Lexington Avenue grocery, Osakana runs a fish counter offering take-out sushi, sashimi and traditional hosomaki rolls. It functions more as a serious fish market than a sit-down restaurant, but the roll sets and nigiri trays are a reliable upgrade over typical grab-and-go sushi.
Must-Try Dishes:
Inari / Cucumber hosomaki set, Hamachi / Scallion roll set, Toro / Takuan roll set
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Japanese-style fish market inside a historic grocery where traditional hosomaki rolls are rolled with serious fish and rice.
Who should go: Office workers wanting high-grade take-out rolls near Grand Central.
When to visit: Midday and early evening before the most popular trays sell out.
What to order: Hamachi / scallion rolls, toro / takuan rolls, a mixed nigiri tray.
Insider tip: Grab rolls here and eat in nearby pocket parks instead of settling for generic deli sushi.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Lexington Ave and side streets is limited; metered spots open more frequently after 6pm. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Very casual—grocery-store setting where anything from office attire to gym clothes fits.
Noise level: Low to moderate—it's a grocery environment with some foot traffic but easy for conversation.
Weekend wait: No traditional wait since it's take-out only, but popular trays may sell out by early evening.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait beyond a short line; busiest around 12–1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—simple cucumber, avocado, and takuan rolls are reliable options.
Vegan options: Limited but possible—vegetable hosomaki and some packaged sides qualify; selection varies by day.
Gluten-free options: Partially—sashimi and many rolls are inherently gluten-free, but soy sauce packets contain gluten; no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date since it’s a grocery-based take-out counter with no seating. Better for a casual meet-up if you’re grabbing rolls for a park.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables or reservations; it’s grab-and-go only. Plan to eat at nearby pocket parks or return to the office.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick take-out—children who enjoy simple rolls or salmon nigiri will do fine. No seating or high chairs, so not ideal for dining in.
Best For
Better for: Exceptionally high-quality fish at take-out prices, traditional hosomaki precision, and convenience for commuters.
Skip if: You want a sit-down sushi experience, specialty rolls, or a longer meal with service—other Midtown East sushi spots are better suited.