Brandon N.
Yelp
When you think of an izakaya, you think of a comforting spot, a refreshing drink, and a warming ambience after a long day of work or night out. Okatte Tanto is by far the best izakaya I have been to in NYC in every aspect: the food, the vibes, and the service.
Now obviously, the important factor is the food. Let me just tell you I was breathing sighs of pleasure with every bite. The octopus in wasabi was so refreshing, wonderfully chewy, and palate cleansing. I highly recommend getting the beef tendon oden, which is basically a warm rich soup with juicy and delectably fatty and melty pieces of meat. Oh my god, it had my brain orgasming with each bite. The Miso Hotpot is also, unskippable. They have really perfected Japanese flavors in NYC and I can guarantee it will be very difficult to find this level of quality and culinary perfection anywhere else in the city. It looks simple and unappealing but the ingredients, from the tofu, cabbage, and intestines, were if incredibly high quality. Of highest quality to note was definitely the Miso, which literally rings through your whole body and washes over you with such a rich yet clear lightly sweet, salty, and massive umami flavor. Each spoonful was like taking a dip into a hot spring and resetting that feeling again. I was breathing through waves of pleasure and comfort throughout the entire hotpot.
I also just really want to talk about the service here. The business is super lowkey like a speakeasy and most of their patrons are Japanese. The staff primarily speaks Japanese as well but some have sufficient English to accommodate anyone. However, a huge plus if you are fluent in Japanese like I fortunately am. The staff are so welcoming, I've had delightful conversations with them, and the shop owner (Tenchou-San) keeps a watchful eye, checks in on you, and becomes a very professional friend. I came in here dining alone and I felt I walked out with the entire staff being a newfound group of friends. It's such an amazing environment for an introvert like me to have the restaurant interact with you so personally and I really really enjoyed the ambience, professionalism, and experience overall. Highly recommend, and I'm sure they'll love it if you ask about their experiences transitioning from Japan to America.
Simply amazing, a taste of Japan in the city.