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JPan Sushi

287 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
$$$
Japanese, Sushi

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Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)

JPan Sushi 8.3
South Slope
Opened around 2011, JPan anchors the lower stretch of 5th Avenue with a long menu of maki, sashimi, and cooked Japanese dishes served in a modern, slightly cramped room. It’s a flexible choice for families, groups, and takeout that still delivers above-average fish and a few composed appetizers that regulars order on repeat.
Must-Try Dishes: Volcano Special Roll, Yellowtail Jalapeno, Sushi and Sashimi for One
Scores:
Value: 8.3 Service: 8.4 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 8.7 Atmosphere: 6.7 Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A long-running 5th Avenue standby balancing crowd-pleasing rolls with sturdier sashimi and bento options.
Who should go: Families and groups wanting reliable sushi in South Slope.
When to visit: Prime early evening before the room gets tightly packed.
What to order: Volcano roll, yellowtail jalapeno appetizer, sushi-sashimi combo.
Insider tip: Lunch specials and early dinners offer the best value-to-portion ratio.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; moderately competitive after 6pm on 5th Ave but easier on side streets within a 1–2 block radius.
Dress code: Casual; jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are all appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate; conversations are possible but the narrow room gets lively during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes for small parties; longer for groups during the 6:30–8pm window.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, even for groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection, including veggie rolls, tofu dishes, and vegetable tempura.
Vegan options: Limited; 2–3 basic vegetable rolls and salads but few composed entrΓ©es.
Gluten-free options: Moderate accommodation; sashimi and some rolls can be prepared GF, but soy sauce and fried items require caution.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Decent for a casual, low-pressure date, though the room is compact and can feel busy; it's better for conversational, informal meetups than romantic ambience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes; walk-ins are normal here. Expect short waits only during weekend peak hours or when large takeout volume slows table turnover.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. High chairs are typically available, the menu is broad enough for picky eaters, and staff handle families well, though tight spacing may be tricky with strollers.
Best For
Better for: A more flexible, all-purpose sushi option with reliable rolls, quick pacing, and broader cooked offerings than many nearby competitors.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, intimate omakase-style experience or highly creative, chef-driven sushi; nearby upscale counters will serve those needs better.
JPan Sushi 8.2
Park Slope
JPan is a long-running 5th Avenue staple, combining reliable fish, creative rolls, and a surprisingly broad menu of cooked Japanese dishes. It is a flexible standby for families, groups, and delivery nights when you want better-than-average sushi without omakase formality.
Must-Try Dishes: Tuna dumpling, Volcano roll, Sushi deluxe platter
Scores:
Value: 8.2 Service: 8 Consistency: 8.3 Food Quality: 8.3 Atmosphere: 6.2 Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A high-volume neighborhood workhorse with broad menus and strong reliability.
Who should go: Families and groups needing crowd-pleasing sushi and bento.
When to visit: Prime early evenings before the room gets tightly packed.
What to order: Tuna dumpling, volcano roll, sushi or sashimi deluxe.
Insider tip: Lunch specials offer the best value on nigiri and rolls.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 5th Avenue and side streets; generally manageable before 6pm but tight during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed; jeans, sneakers, and family-friendly attire are fully acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate β€” lively during peak dinner but still workable for conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes for small groups; larger parties may wait 40+ minutes.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; seating is immediate or within a few minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid selection β€” multiple veggie rolls, tofu dishes, salads, and vegetable apps.
Vegan options: Limited but doable β€” vegetable rolls, seaweed salad, edamame; verify sauces.
Gluten-free options: Moderate accommodations β€” sashimi, some rolls without soy sauce, and grilled items; request gluten-free tamari.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual first date β€” the atmosphere is comfortable and not overly formal, with quick service and approachable sushi options.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes β€” walk-ins are the norm. Arrive before 6:30pm on weekends to avoid longer waits, especially for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Very β€” families are common, and the wide menu offers bento boxes, teriyaki, simple rolls, and manageable portions suitable for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: A broad, flexible menu with reliable execution, faster service, and better value than trendier omakase-focused spots in the area.
Skip if: You want a high-end omakase experience or ultra-polished ambiance β€” nearby dedicated sushi counters are better suited for that.