Sozai Reviews

Came for lunch on a Sunday with a reservation for 4 at 11:30. Here is everything we ordered to share: -Tako Wasa (raw octopus with wasabi) – I usually don’t like this dish because the wasabi tends to be overpowering but they didn’t put too much here, so it wasn’t bad -Hotate Carpaccio (Hokkaido scallop, ikura with mustard soy dressing) – no complaints. I always love a good raw scallop -Sake Clam Miso (steamed clams with miso broth, sesame oil, dried chili, and pea shoots) – flavorful but the clams were small -Salmon Skin Salad (salmon skin, frisee,kale, endive, cappers with wasabi dressing) – I love salmon skin and endives, so this was the perfect salad for me -Kaki Fry (Fried oysters with tartar sauce) – the oysters were good but the coating was a bit oily -Hamachi Kama (grilled hamachi collar) – this was dry and kind of fishy. Some sauce of some sort would have helped -Ton Toro Yaki (Grilled pork neck marinated in soy sauce served with pickled wasabi) – the texture was weird – almost leathery -Miso Black Cod (Grilled black cod marinated with sake lees) – you can’t go wrong with miso black cod. This dish was very flavorful and the fish was tender -Mentaiko Pasta (spaghetti with creamy spicy cod roe and bacon topped with seaweed) – this wasn’t bad but it was served more warm instead of hot, which makes creamy pasta go clumpy Overall, I think there were too many dishes to choose from. I get that it’s an izakaya but if you have too many dishes, I don’t think you can focus on making anything really good. None of the dishes we had were outstanding to me or made me think “Wow, that tastes really good!” Everything was just kind of okay and there was nothing you couldn’t find at another restaurant. Don’t think I’d come back but if you come with a group, you’ll probably find a dish for everyone – it just won’t be anything amazing.

The location is good: the street is quite in the centre of manhattan and the interior design is simple and curated. The menu offerts typical japanese dish vert well made. The waiters are nice and effective. The bill was absolutely correct and quite low considered the standards in NYC

We stopped in for lunch before planned afternoon activities. It was busy but there were quite a few seats available at the bar, where service was super attentive. Both the udon and ramen bowls were excellent and hit the spot on a winter day !

After a show at the Radio City Hall, we were lucky to stumble upon this gem of a restaurant. The staff were very friendly and welcoming despite the late arrival (11pm). The younger crowd had been and gone. There was nice music playing in the background. We had a marvellous time dinning there: the food was delicious and freshly made.

We had the spicy ramen, fried rice, and desert. Everything was delicious. The broth was flavorful yet not too salty or too oily. The restaurant was clean and thought out. Really liked the hooks in the booths to hang our coats to save space and be comfortable eating. Definitely coming back when in NY.

After watching a broadway show in the theater district and at the late hours everyone is hungry and wants to grab some comfort food to eat. We passed by Sozai and it was not quite crowded at 10pm. We walked in and immediately got a private room table which was awesome. Since we were trying to catch our train at Grand Central we quickly ordered some delicious Japanese noodles and appetizers. Wow, it’s not disappointing. The food came quickly and they were all amazing.

Nice surprise. Everything new, the tables are private, the food is very tasty the service kind. Ask for the una gui don, for those who like the oak! Vc can try 4 different types of withdrawals for $20.

Terrible service from start to finish. We were ignored when trying to order, and when they finally bothered, they rushed us to pay before we were even done. Completely unacceptable.

ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!! Everything done to perfection: the place, service and attention, incredible food!!! True Japanese! Very recommended!!

Sozai lives up to its reputation for great Japanese food. The atmosphere is wonderful and every table gets some privacy with their booth design. Our server was very patient and kind and gave us all the time in the world to order each course! We loved the edamame, shrimp tempura, crispy chicken! It your kids like trying new stuff then this place is perfect! Kids liked the crispy chicken and shrimp tempura.

We had a very good time and ate well, especially the waiter Sunny very kind! I highly recommend trying. Welcoming place!

Sake comes in all kinds of wine, if you drink it little it is difficult to describe which one you like best. That is why we took a sake tasting on advice and that was very special. Also the sushi was delicious! Because we were in NY in the summer and it was 39 degrees, we didn’t feel like Ramen but we also had the refreshing and very tasty Cold Soba Green Tea in addition to sushi!

The best ramen in midtown at the best price. Food and service are seasoned with kindness. The place is small, well furnished, comfortable and with good music.