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"Nikkei is the new Creole izakaya inside the Broadside from the Honns, the chefs and owners behind Carmo, and chef Wataru Saeki, who led the raw bar at Carmo for 10 years. It’s inspired by the cuisine of Japanese immigrants who “took their culture around the world” and in turn created new ones, specifically in countries like Peru and Brazil (Nikkei is the word for the descendants of Japanese immigrants living around the world). The menu is a mix of traditional Japanese dishes like chashu pork and karaage, as well as Japanese diaspora dishes like kakiage." - Clair Lorell
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"A Creole izakaya from the Honns (the chefs and owners behind Carmo) along with chef Wataru Saeki, who led the raw bar at Carmo for 10 years. Tucked away within the Broadside’s compound in a lovely sliver of a space, it offers a relaxing atmosphere for drinks and dinner. The food is inspired by the cuisine of Japanese immigrants — the concept of Nikkei (the descendants of Japanese immigrants living around the world) — and the menu mixes traditional Japanese dishes like chashu pork, karaage, bukkake udon, and Okinawa somen champul with Japanese-diaspora items such as kakiage and pastel de feira." - Clair Lorell
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"A Creole izakaya opening in the Broadside in Mid-City, Nikkei is a partnership between the Honns and chef Wataru Saeki (who led Carmo’s raw bar for the last 10 years) and blends traditional Japanese dishes (chashu pork, karaage, bukkake udon, Okinawa somen champul) with Japanese-diaspora fare (kakiage, pastel de feira) as well as ceviche, tiradito and other daily raw-bar specials; the menu includes helpful notes about which dishes are popular in South American countries and Japan, and continues the Honns’ practice of localizing dishes with Gulf seafood and local produce. Nikkei is expected to open the third week of November, will operate 4–10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and seats about 25 inside and 20 outside in a deliberately small footprint." - Clair Lorell
Our party of 6 had a fabulous experience here! Very fun, delicious “Nikkei” centered food. Nikkei generally refers to Japanese emigrants and their descendants who have established communities worldwide, so there are influences from Peru, Brazil, USA and more in the dishes. The owner, Dana, was charming and hospitable.
Bobby C.
Google
Eaten here half a dozen times now, and love having it in the neighborhood. To address some concerns:
1. It’s a bar that serves Japanese pub-style food, so 21+ only
2. It’s counter service, so you order at the bar. You do NOT have to add tip before you get food, as claimed in another review
Staff is awesome, cool selection of draft beer, fun cocktails 🤙
Michael B.
Google
Absolutely wonderful place. Really interesting menu, delicious foods, lots of options for small dishes and large dishes to have solo or to share. Really attentive and friendly service as well.
Zu Y.
Google
Literally the best ramen I had in New Orleans, looking forward for something more charming.
Alissa B.
Google
Incredible! Love the Japanese, Peruvian, and other Nikkei flavors. The Tiradito and Causa were excellent, like they were straight out of Lima. Super cute location at The Broadside with very friendly staff. Can’t wait to go back!
Jenny B.
Google
Loved this place. Food was delicious. Great drinks. Everyone very nice. I read some of the reviews here and it seems like people don’t understand that it is located in a bar. But there is a super cool outside area if u have kids.
Lauren J.
Google
The good:
- nice drinks
- nice staff
- nice space, both indoor and outdoor
The bad:
Every dish I've had here, while tasty, is so comedically tiny and unfilling 😆 I've been here three times and every dish myself and my companion ordered has been this way. Even the food photography they posted is hilarious to me now because they actually had to use a macro lens just to be able to find the food and zoom in on it. I had to stop by the Whole Foods hot bar on my way home and spend MORE money on food just to get full.
I'd come back here for drinks but I wouldn't order food again.
Misha M.
Google
A ceviche special on Thursdays and a taco and half roll special on Tuesdays? The vibe is great and the food is delicious.
Jay K.
Yelp
First of all..... I thought i was way too excited about the Agedashi Tofu. The menu was accurate in description but left me completely unprepared for the flavor explosion I experienced -- the tsuyu sauce.... I was floored. My original intention was to share the dish with my bestie, but I think she maybe captured 2 bites as I was suddenly disinclined to share the deliciousness.
We also had the Pastel de Feira, really good..Fresh fried pastries filled with shrimp and cheese, bestie loved them and i had a bite once I finsished the tofu. I really wish i took photos of the plating because everything was so nice.
Service was 10/10 - i hghly recommend and will go again. Plus I saw on the board they have some pretty sweet deals for happy hour so they're 100 percent getting added to that rotation, too.
Cesar R.
Yelp
Located inside of the Broadside Nikkei Izakaya offers a refreshing Japanese dining experience (that is not just sushi's and ramen) in a casual setting.
You can approach the menu as an individual or as a shared experience. My friends' and I decided to share; each picking dishes we thought we would all find interesting and complimentary to each other.
Here's what we ordered:
Broken Noodle Salad - 10/10 and great way to start dinner
Crispy Nori Tacos - I could eat 10 on my own. Light, crispy and packed with flavor.
Causa Nikkei - My new favorite way to enjoy mash potatoes.
Chicken Katsu Sandwich - Perfectly fried and the sweet pepper and onion relish make it sing!
Karaage - I love a well prepared chicken thigh and this is GOLDEN. Crispy exterior, moist interior that contrast wonderfully with the tang from the lemon and silkness of the aioli.
Chashu Pork - a simple preparation that allows for the pork belly carameliza and shine
Pabu Fries - enjoyed but could have been a bit more crispy IMO.
Food came out quickly and staff was friendly which really tied everything together.
Enjoyed it so much and was so in the moment that I didn't remember to photograph each item.
Nicole D.
Yelp
Never had anything I didn't like here. Their menu changes but they usually have similar items. I really like to get the nigiri seared and dressed. The crispy Nori tacos were also really good. I also had these other savory pastry type things but I can't remember the name of them - so good! I love the option to sit in inside or outside. And they have really good deals on Tuesdays and Wednesdays! Six dollars! It's my favorite thing to go get $6 sushi and then go to the six dollar movie on Tuesday at the theatre. Though, parking is very limited, but I just usually park a street over and walk. I also had their Ramen back in the fall and I can't wait to come try it again! The best part about this is it's delicious (obviously) and she supports local - these ingredients are fresh! 10 out of 10
Cyn Gay Y.
Yelp
Amazing food, beautifully presented, friendly staff. This place surpassed my expectations. Truly a hidden gem. Reasonably priced for such quality in a very casual atmosphere.
Dustin W.
Yelp
Great casual atmosphere, located in Broadside. All the dishes we tried were well executed with flavor balance and presentation! The chef and owner were great to chat with! Definitely a great little sneaky spot for happy hour. Bonus if there's music scheduled on the stage!