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Tenjou
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Tenjou
7.9
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Girls Night Out Approved
An upscale-casual Japanese spot that works best when you order like a balanced bar meal: a few pieces of nigiri, one roll for texture, and something warm to round it out. It’s more flexible than a strict sushi counter, making it a reliable option for mixed groups who still want solid fish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nigiri assortment, Spicy tuna roll, Salmon avocado roll
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: A flexible Japanese menu where sushi fits into a full meal.
Who should go: Groups who want sushi plus warm dishes
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner
What to order: Nigiri set, spicy tuna roll, miso soup
Insider tip: Order nigiri first, then add one roll to finish—keeps the meal focused.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and difficult after work hours; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but polished shoes and a nicer top fit the room best.
Noise level: Moderate—lively enough for groups, but still workable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a short 5–10 minute pause.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable rolls, tofu-based dishes, and a few cooked plates.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable rolls and sides; best to ask the server.
Gluten-free options: Yes—sashimi, nigiri, and select cooked dishes; soy sauce alternatives available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want something relaxed but polished. The menu flexibility removes ordering stress, and the vibe feels social without being overly loud.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes during lunch and early dinners. Weekend evenings are tougher—arrive early or be ready for a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids or teens who enjoy sushi and noodles. It’s not geared toward small children, but accommodating during earlier hours.
Best For
Better for: Mixed groups where not everyone wants strict omakase—this balances sushi quality with approachable warm dishes and rolls.
Skip if: You’re looking for a pure sushi-counter experience or a quiet, intimate omakase-style meal.
Tenjou
7.9
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A flexible Japanese comfort spot that’s at its best when you order like a balanced quick meal: one ramen bowl or omurice anchor, plus a skewer or small plate for contrast. It’s reliable for lunch and early dinner, with a clean, approachable room that suits mixed groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omurice, Tonkotsu ramen, Yakitori skewers
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Omurice-and-ramen comfort cooking in a clean, fast rhythm.
Who should go: Lunch regulars and mixed groups
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner
What to order: Omurice, ramen, one yakitori order
Insider tip: Use the lunch deal, then add one skewer—don’t over-spread across the menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited; nearby paid garages within 1–2 blocks are the most reliable option, especially during weekday lunch.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and sneakers are fine; business-casual works well for lunch meetings.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy to hold a conversation, even during lunch rush.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak early dinner; shorter if you arrive before 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; brief lines possible between 12:30–1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable ramen, omurice variations, and several small plates.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable-forward options; ask about broth and sauce bases.
Gluten-free options: Limited—rice-based dishes are safer; confirm soy sauce and noodle ingredients with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a low-pressure first meet—comfortable, quiet enough to talk, and flexible ordering without the formality of omakase.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially at lunch or early dinner; small groups and solo diners are seated quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes—simple dishes like ramen and rice-based plates work for older kids; no special kids menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Quick, balanced Japanese comfort meals that work for solo dining, business lunches, or mixed groups without committing to a full sushi or omakase experience.
Skip if: You’re looking for a high-end sushi counter, nightlife energy, or a destination Japanese dinner—choose a more specialized spot instead.
Tenjou
7.9
A Flatiron ramen-and-izakaya room that plays best as a late-hour comfort mission—rich tonkotsu, reliable toppings, and a menu built to keep groups moving. The win is staying focused: pick one ramen lane, add one supporting side, and avoid turning it into a full-menu tour.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tokyo tonkotsu ramen (black garlic option), Spicy tonkotsu ramen, Gyoza
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: A dependable tonkotsu-and-garlic ramen lane with late-hours utility.
Who should go: Groups craving ramen after other kitchens close
When to visit: Late evening, after peak dinner rush
What to order: Tokyo tonkotsu, spicy tonkotsu, gyoza
Insider tip: Choose one tonkotsu style and add one side—stop there.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive in the evenings. Nearby garages available but expect typical Flatiron rates.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual. Jeans and sneakers are common; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours—easy for group conversation, tougher for quiet one-on-one chats.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes after 7pm; shorter later at night
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – a vegetarian ramen option and a few veg-friendly sides.
Vegan options: Limited – possible with modifications, but not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Limited – rice-based dishes and sides only; ramen noodles are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or low-pressure dates than intimate ones—the energy is lively and the food is comforting but not romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially late at night or on weekdays. Prime dinner hours may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids who enjoy noodles; less ideal for toddlers due to noise and tight seating.
Best For
Better for: Late-night ramen with rich tonkotsu and an easygoing, group-friendly vibe.
Skip if: You’re looking for refined or experimental ramen, ultra-quiet dining, or strong vegetarian/vegan depth.
Tenjou
7.9
A modern Japanese/izakaya-leaning spot where sushi rolls shine when you treat them as the reliable lane inside a broader comfort-forward menu. Go for one classic roll and one chef-leaning option, then stop—this place rewards focus more than over-ordering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy tuna roll, Salmon roll, Shrimp tempura roll
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A modern izakaya room where rolls are the safest repeat order.
Who should go: Groups who want sushi plus small plates
When to visit: Late evening for the best vibe
What to order: Spicy tuna roll, shrimp tempura roll, one hot small plate
Insider tip: Pick two rolls max, then add one cooked item—stop there.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but the room skews polished—clean sneakers or casual dress shoes fit best.
Noise level: Moderate-lively. Easy for group conversation, slightly loud during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – a handful of vegetable rolls and cooked small plates work well.
Vegan options: Limited – possible with careful ordering, but not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Some options available (sashimi, select rolls), but cross-contact is possible—flag needs clearly.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for evening dates. The room feels lively without being chaotic, and rolls keep ordering low-stress and shareable.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or later in the evening, but weekend dinner is hit-or-miss—expect a short wait or bar seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. The late-night energy, menu focus, and seating style skew adult and group-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Casual group sushi where rolls are dependable and the vibe carries the night without needing a full omakase commitment.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate sushi counter or a purist fish-first experience—there are calmer, more traditional options nearby.
Tenjou
7.8
A modern, low-key Japanese spot that plays best as a value-forward lunch set or a streamlined weeknight ramen-and-rolls stop. Keep the order disciplined: one rich broth, one specialty roll or skewers, and let the set pacing do the work instead of overloading the table.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu ramen, Omurice, Specialty sushi roll
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: A lunch-set-friendly Japanese menu that’s built for repeatable value.
Who should go: Ramen fans and quick weekday diners
When to visit: Late lunch or early dinner for calmer seating
What to order: Tonkotsu ramen, omurice, one specialty roll
Insider tip: Order the lunch set and stop—extras turn it heavy fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability. Garages within a few blocks are the safest bet.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — jeans and sneakers are fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate — easy to hold a conversation, even solo at the counter.
Weekend wait: 20–30 min without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of the 12–1pm rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable ramen, rice dishes, and a few roll options
Vegan options: Limited — vegetable-based items available, but broths and sauces may restrict choices
Gluten-free options: Limited — rice dishes and sashimi-style orders work best; ramen noodles are not gluten-free
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a low-pressure, casual first meet than a long romantic dinner — relaxed, quick, and unintimidating.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — especially for lunch or early dinner. Peak weekend nights may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Okay for older kids who enjoy noodles or rice dishes; not designed for strollers or long family meals.
Best For
Better for: Quick, value-conscious Japanese meals with predictable pacing and minimal fuss.
Skip if: You’re looking for an omakase experience, a long sit-down dinner, or a broad vegan/gluten-free menu.
Tenjou
7.8
A modern Japanese comfort spot that works for date night when you want sushi energy without a hushed omakase vibe. It’s a strong move for couples who like variety—one roll, one crispy share, and one warm dish keeps the meal fun and structured.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oceans Bounty Roll, Crispy Rice (spicy tuna), Omurice
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: A modern comfort-food Japanese menu that still delivers sushi hits.
Who should go: Couples who want variety beyond just nigiri
When to visit: Later dinner when you want a lively, relaxed pace
What to order: Oceans Bounty Roll, crispy rice, omurice
Insider tip: Split crispy rice first, then pick one roll and one warm dish.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in Flatiron, especially after 6pm. Nearby paid garages within a few blocks are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy. Jeans are fine, but the room skews polished—clean shoes and a put-together look fit best.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. You can comfortably talk across a two-top, but it’s not a whisper-quiet room.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a short 5–10 minute wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable rolls, salads, and cooked dishes are available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable-based rolls and sides, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited — sashimi and some dishes can be modified, but soy sauce and crispy items are a constraint. Ask the server for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want something lively and flexible. The menu encourages sharing without feeling formal, which helps keep the conversation flowing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes. Early evenings or later-night slots are your best bet. Prime dinner hours on weekends usually require a reservation or a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for younger kids. The late-night energy, higher price point, and menu style work better for adults or older teens.
Best For
Better for: Date nights where you want sushi plus fun, comfort-style Japanese dishes in a stylish, energetic room rather than a quiet omakase counter.
Skip if: You’re looking for a traditional, fish-forward sushi experience or a calm, minimalist setting—choose a dedicated omakase spot instead.