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Momoya SoHo
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
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
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Chic, window-lined space pairing modern sushi, crispy rice, and dessert omakase.
Who should go: Groups or couples wanting polished sushi and a lively room.
When to visit: Weekend evenings or brunch for peak energy and views.
What to order: Wagyu crispy rice, toro tartar, sushi omakase at the bar.
Insider tip: Target sushi-bar seats upstairs if you care about omakase interaction.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Lafayette and Kenmare; expect meter scarcity after 6pm. Nearest reliable option is paid garages within 1–2 blocks.
Dress code: Smart casual with a polished lean—jeans are fine, but most diners opt for elevated pieces suitable for SoHo nightlife.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is doable at two-tops, but the room trends energetic during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for sushi-bar seats.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; walk-ins are usually accommodated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—vegetable rolls, salads, and cooked small plates are available.
Vegan options: Limited—primarily vegetable rolls and simple sides; many dishes contain fish-based components.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—sashimi, nigiri, and some hot dishes work well; request gluten-free soy and clarify sauces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its sleek design, polished sushi, and views over the SoHo corner create an impressive but not overly formal setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes for small parties—arrive early or be flexible with bar seating; prime weekend hours fill quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—older kids who enjoy sushi will be fine, but the lively atmosphere and tight tables aren’t ideal for toddlers or strollers.
Best For
Better for: Stylish sushi nights, creative crispy rice, and a buzzy SoHo setting with both omakase and à la carte flexibility.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional omakase-only experience or need extensive vegan/gluten-free options.
Momoya SoHo
8.3
Momoya’s SoHo outpost brings a glassy two-level room and a menu that mixes rolls, crispy rice, and composed sushi platters. It’s the neighborhood’s flexible choice for everything from casual dates to low-key celebrations where people want rolls plus cooked Japanese plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Salmon Avocado Roll, Chirashi Sushi Special
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Window-wrapped Nolita Japanese spot with deep roll selection and crispier rice plates.
Who should go: Groups wanting rolls, nigiri, and cooked dishes together.
When to visit: Weeknights or late lunches to avoid peak dinner rush.
What to order: Spicy tuna crispy rice, salmon avocado roll, chirashi.
Insider tip: Use the sushi bar for faster solo meals and better chef interaction.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Lafayette and surrounding Nolita blocks; rely on nearby paid garages on Crosby or Mulberry.
Dress code: Smart casual; polished jeans and a nice top fit the room’s slightly upscale vibe.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation is doable, but peak dinner hours bring buzzy tables and some soundtrack spillover.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with faster seating upstairs.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid options including veggie rolls, tofu dishes, and vegetable sides.
Vegan options: Limited—mostly vegetable rolls and a few sides; ask staff to confirm sauces.
Gluten-free options: Good selection of sashimi, nigiri, and select rolls; soy sauce substitutions available but no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The glass-wrapped dining room, balanced noise level, and polished service create a comfortable setting without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, but timing matters—walk-ins fare best at late lunches or early weeknight dinners. For peak evenings, expect a wait unless you sit at the sushi bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably—high chairs and simple rolls are available, but the room skews adult and is better suited for older kids who can handle a longer meal.
Best For
Better for: More versatile than nearby roll-focused counters thanks to strong cooked dishes, chirashi, and a two-level space that works for both groups and business meals.
Skip if: You want an intimate omakase-only experience or very quiet dining—several smaller specialist sushi bars in the area will suit that better.