YopparaiMuch is said about this place.Much is said about this place. Small, authentic homemade Japanese food, with a lot of seasonal delights. You can judge by the menu that not a lot is being carried elsewhere. Downside is that it REALLY is salty - from BBQs to pickles - and portions are very small, by the standards of many Japanese places in NYC. That said, it's typical izakaya food well suited for sake drinking. Location is kinda off, but it is worth a visit if you are tired of the typical east village/midtown east scene.6/12/2013 12:00:00 AMSpecial placeThis is a special dining experience, with a unique feel.6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMUnusual food experiencea narrow restaurant located in the lower east side. The service is caring and excellent. sit at the bar on very comfortable seats or at small tables. The food is unusual in taste and texture. if you are craving a food adventure then try this place .pickled vegetables too salty. delicious creamy soufflé egg in a broth served in a cup. Lots of soy sauce based broths. sashimi was good. oden (street food in japan)very unusual. Japanese yam and white fish made into a smooth light airy concoction . Tasty and strange as were the other oden dishes. Crispy grilled rice cake very good. I enjoyed the experience in a taste texture adventure but delicious? No. Unusual and tasty? Yes.6/6/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Food Unusual FormatEat for three hours
Lots of small courses to share
Great variety and usual menu choices
Love the tapa style presentation
Only works in small groups
Unusual speak easy atmosphere
Will go again
Knowledge of various sakis was exceptional6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat foodAmazing food - chawamushi and satdine sheets definitely hit the high note. Service was a bit all over the place - 2 sometimes 3 waiters served us sometimes brining 3-4 dishes out of time and sometimes 1 in 20 min. Place is expensive5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful!I expected it to be great, but it was even better. You walk up a set of steps then have to ring a doorbell to get it- very exclusive feeling. Then you snuggle up in a booth or at the bar in such cool benches and let the very nice servers help you pick dishes. VERY interesting and authentic Japanese food. Get a suggestion from the sake sommelier for drinks. Really unique and beautiful experience! We ordered so so so much food- we thought the bill would be outrageous but it was totally affordable!5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMI marked notable wine listI marked notable wine list but in reality there is no wine list but rather a remarkable Sake list with very different Sakes from all across Japan. The restaurant specializes also in food to accompany Sake and is therefore especially recommend to all who are interested in this genuine Japanese taste.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMParada obligada en NYYopparai es un Sake Bar que con toda franqueza es simplemente una joya. Mi esposo y yo amamos la comida japonesa y siempre durante nuestros viajes buscamos el mejor resta japones... en Nueva York puede resultar dificilisimo escoger entre tanta oferta, pero definitivamente con Yopparai nos sacamos la loteria. La carta la cambian constantemente, es decir, el chef presenta en el menú exactamente lo que se encontró en el mercado ese día. Una recomendación? ponganse en las manos del chef! el los va a consentir y a darles lo más maravilloso que hayan jamás comido. Eso si, no vayan por rollos, sushis nigiris y demás NO HAY!!! y por supuesto NO HACEN FALTA!! si eres amante de la comida japonesa no te lo puedes perder!4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMBest new sake spot in NYC!I love love love this place!!! Great food, great sake list and great people!3/25/2013 12:00:00 AMExceptionally authentic JapaneseExceptionally authentic Japanese food, creatively prepared with quality ingredients. The tsukune chicken skewers were a little bland, but that's my only quibble. Toro sashimi was excellent, as was chawanmushi. Atmosphere was little bit rowdy, but we are told that Friday/Saturday nights are like that, while mid-week is more subdued and relaxed. We'll definitely be back.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMAs soon as you walk into thisAs soon as you walk into this restaurant, you feel like you have found a piece of Japan in the middle of manhattan! They have created an amazing menu and dining experience that puts your mind and taste buds as if you have taken a plane to Tokyo! We especially love sitting in front of the grill bar window watching the chef seamlessly create these amazing delicious food as well as watch all the amazing dishes that are passing through from the kitchen. Must go! Great for a small gathering of 4 people or a romantic get away or two girl friends who want to experience a night in Japan!!!3/19/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways a good time. GreatAlways a good time. Great for catching up with a few friends but better for a romantic night out.3/11/2013 12:00:00 AMLoved it! Staff filled withLoved it! Staff filled with good advice. Sake top line, food authentic & beautifully presented.1/1/0001 4:00:00 PM