Best Japanese Restaurants in Soho (10012)
6 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Hirohisa
Michelin-starred kappo dining with intimate counter service and seasonally driven courses.
Notable Picks
#1
Hirohisa
8.9
Since 2013, chef Hirohisa Hayashi’s Michelin-starred kappo counter has quietly served seasonal multi-course menus that lean into kaiseki-style technique rather than sushi. The serene, low-lit room and small dining counter make it one of SoHo’s most refined Japanese experiences for guests willing to invest in a long, carefully paced dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Corn and egg flan with uni, Roasted duck salad, Grilled Wagyu beef course
What makes it special: Michelin-starred kappo dining with intimate counter service and seasonally driven courses.
#2
Raku
8.3
Raku’s SoHo outpost focuses almost entirely on hand-crafted udon, from deeply savory niku bowls to thick curry broths, in a compact, wood-accented room just off Houston Street. High review volume and steady praise for texture and broth make it a go-to for comforting Japanese noodles rather than elaborate sushi.
Must-Try Dishes:
Niku Udon, Curry Beef Udon, Sansai Udon
What makes it special: Specialist udon shop delivering deeply flavored bowls with unusually springy noodles.
#3
Momoya SoHo
8.3
On the SoHo–Nolita border, Momoya SoHo is a glass-wrapped, two-level Japanese restaurant known for precise nigiri, creative crispy rice, and a full sushi omakase offered at the bar. Locals use it for everything from brunch and dessert omakase to evenings built around cocktails, sashimi, and a view of the busy corner below.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wagyu Crispy Rice, Bluefin Toro Tartar, Sushi & Sashimi Tasting for Two
What makes it special: Chic, window-lined space pairing modern sushi, crispy rice, and dessert omakase.
#4
Mitsuru
8.2
Mitsuru is a townhouse-style West Village restaurant where chef-owner Mitsuru Tamura, formerly of Sushi Yasuda, runs an eight-seat omakase counter alongside a lounge for a la carte sushi and small plates. Natural wine, thoughtful nigiri, and a quietly stylish room have quickly made it a destination for serious sushi fans in 10012.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sushi omakase (about 14 courses), Mitsuru’s Choice five-piece nigiri set, Uni over warm rice
What makes it special: Intimate omakase and natural-wine-focused sushi from a veteran Yasuda chef.
#5
Sushi Ouji
8.2
Opened in 2024 by owner Emily Li and chef Ben Chen, Sushi Ouji is a below-street-level SoHo omakase that focuses on a 14-course tasting around Toyosu Market fish at a relatively accessible price point. The small L-shaped counter, curtain-shrouded entrance, and emphasis on interaction with the chef make it feel like a neighborhood secret more than a scene restaurant.
Must-Try Dishes:
14-course omakase tasting, Uni and ikura over rice, Yuzu cheesecake
What makes it special: Cozy, curtain-hidden omakase counter serving Toyosu-flown fish at a relatively approachable price.
Worthy Picks
#6
Sanuki Udon
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Across from NYU’s Stern campus, Sanuki Udon runs a cafeteria-style tray line for customizable udon bowls, rice dishes, and tempura at student-friendly prices. Fresh, chewy noodles, efficient service, and a constant rotation of beef and curry udon bowls make it an everyday Japanese stop rather than a special-occasion destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Curry Udon, Beef Udon, Shrimp Tempura
What makes it special: Fast-casual udon line with handmade noodles and an extensive tempura bar.