The Izakaya
Japanese restaurant · West Town ·
Japanese gastropub with burgers, sushi, ramen & cocktails
Japanese gastropub with burgers, sushi, ramen & cocktails
"Izakaya is a very dark bar in the basement of sushi spot Momotaro. Come here for cocktails and great Japanese small plates that you can't find upstairs—we like the donburi and a burger on house-made bao. It's a useful low-key option in a neighborhood that doesn’t have many." - nick allen, john ringor, adrian kane
"Boka Restaurant Group’s contemporary Japanese venue is an impressive tour de force. Whether it’s immaculate nigiri or indulgent meats cooked on the robata grill, diners can sample some of the city’s most luxurious bar snacks. On the building’s subterranean level, the Izakaya offers a more laid-back experience that echoes Japan’s bustling bar scene. The pub-inspired menu leans heavily on comfort, featuring “New Wave” Tokyo ramen with a chicken shoyu base. The restaurant is open for indoor dining and takeout or delivery via third-party services." - Naomi Waxman
"Momotaro’s subterranean lounge rings in the new year with a celebration of its own: its 10th anniversary. Admission ($125) includes two drink tickets, chef-curated food stations, decadent desserts, sparkling sake toast, and much more. Tickets are available via OpenTable." - Lisa Shames
"Nestled beneath the ever-buzzing Momotaro is this stylish and serene bolthole where reservations are a must on most nights. The scene plays up the underground lair theme with soft red lights and Japanese lanterns, plus thick curtains to lend an air of privacy. Of course, you're not just here for the look and feel—it's the likable izakaya menu that lures most.Not to outdo its more sophisticated sister upstairs, this menu offers up a few heavy hitters for sushi lovers. Begin with delicious sashimi like shima aji, akami or otoro, only to be followed up with the equally alluring uni pasta. Choose from an array of smaller bites, such as ebi katsu don, with panko breaded tiger shrimp and pickled shishito." - Michelin Inspector
"This place is in Momotaro’s basement, you can get to the entrance outside, or better yet, just take the stairs behind the first-floor bar. There you can get some more Japanese small plates (like donburi, or a burger on a housemade bao bun). Also note the lack of windows, which will help you to ignore the six inches of snow slowly accumulating outside." - adrian kane
