Best Japanese Restaurants in Midtown South
2 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Tonchin
Tokyo-rooted tonkotsu with house-made noodles and a Michelin-noted bowl.
Notable Picks
#1
Tonchin
8.6
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Tokyo-born tonkotsu with a Midtown polish: creamy broth, springy house-made noodles, and an izakaya-side menu that’s stronger than most ramen “supporting casts.” The move is to keep it ramen-forward—one signature bowl plus one starter—because the room can get busy and pacing matters. Tonchin traces its roots to Tokyo (1992) and opened its U.S. flagship in Midtown (est. 2017), with Michelin Guide recognition boosting confidence in repeatability.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Tonkotsu Ramen, Smoked Dashi Ramen, Seared Gyoza
What makes it special: Tokyo-rooted tonkotsu with house-made noodles and a Michelin-noted bowl.
8.3
A Midtown omakase room tuned for a modern, high-energy tasting arc—fast-moving courses, playful embellishments, and a ‘treat night’ feel without going fully austere. It lands best when you commit to the set menu and let the pacing carry you rather than trying to customize every turn.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase set, Hokkaido uni rice (when offered), Hand roll finale
What makes it special: Modern omakase pacing with crowd-pleasing course design.