Restaurant Nippon

Name: Restaurant Nippon
Address: 155 East 52nd Street, New York, NY, United States, 10022
Telephone: (212) 688-5941
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.8

4.8

701 Reviews

$31 to $50

Japanese

Top Tags:

Enjoy the perfect mix of elegance and comfort at the original Nippon, New York's oldest authentic Japanese restaurant -- now in its 59th year!

Since 1963, we have been offering the best of traditional edo-mae (Tokyo) style Japanese dishes from Sukiyaki and Tempura to Sushi and multi-course Kaiseki.

A restaurant of firsts, Nippon was the first Japanese restaurant to serve Sushi in NYC, and made global headlines when founder successfully petitioned the FDA to allow fugu-blowfish to be imported to the U.S. Nippon is also the birthplace of the Beef Negimayaki and many other dishes that are now standard fare in Japanese restaurants around the world. In addition, Nippon makes its own premium quality ni-hachi soba-noodles and presses its own tofu.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Feb 5, 2023

11:30 PM

Booked 4 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(212) 688-5941

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Japanese, Sushi, Tempura
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Fri 11:45 am–2:15 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 5:30 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(212) 688-5941
Website
http://www.restaurantnippon.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Owned/operated by
Asian and Pacific Islander, Women
Executive chef
Akira Azuma
Catering
Traditional Japanese menus, including a sushi bar, can be catered in your home, office, club, or hotel, with waitstaff in traditional Japanese kimono. Please contact us at info@restaurantnippon.com
Private party facilities
Private and Semi-Private Rooms available for 2 - 25 guests. prix-fixe menu including traditional Japanese Kaiseki, and our famous Sukiyaki and Kamo-nabe (duck hot-pot) can be enjoyed in a Japanese style tatami rooms. Please contact us at info@restaurantnippon.com
Private party contact
Yasuhiro Makoshi: (212) 688-5941

Location
155 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022
Neighborhood
Midtown East
Cross street
Between Lexington and 3rd Avenues
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
6 train to 51st Street and E & M trains to Lexington Ave-53rd Street.<br />Short walk from Grand-Central terminal.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Kosher, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Popular dishes

Sushi Lunch$60.00
8 pieces of nigiri sushi and 1 roll
Sashimi Lunch$60.00
10 slices of an assortment of 4 sashimi
Chirashi Lunch$60.00
Sashimi over sushi rice
Tempura$38.00
Assortment of shrimp, fish and vegetables
Shrimp Ten-Ju$32.00
A pair of jumbo shrimp and assorted vegetable tempura over rice with sauce
Salmon Teriyaki$32.00
Una-Ju$52.00
Imported Japanese eel over rice with sauce
Beef Sukiyaki
Sliced rib eye beef, served with vegetables, homemade tofu in a special broth
- S$36.00
- L$48.00
Godzilla Curry (Beef)$29.00
Former Yankees Hideki Matsui's favorite, based on his mom's recipe
Chicken Karaage$28.00
Japanese style deep fried free range chicken with a side of our homemade tartar sauce
Chicken Teriyaki$32.00
Tonkatsu$32.00
Fried pork filet

Shokado Bento Box

First-come, first-serve to 10 clients daily

Shokado Bento Box$45.00
Assortment of shrimp, meat and vegetables, special lunchbox

Rolls

Vegetable$8.00
California$10.00
Salmon Avocado$14.00
Spicy Tuna$16.00
Spicy Salmon$14.00
Futomaki with Eel$30.00

Soba Salad

A Nippon Original, made with buckwheat grown in Canada. Additional Toppings: With Tofu (vegetarian) +$5, with Chicken +$6, with Salmon +$12, with Beef +$12

Original$21.00
served with our original tangy dressing

Homemade Ni-Hachi

We grind our buck whe at daily for our home-made, hand-cut soba

Zaru (Cold)$16.00
Sanuki (Thick) Udon$16.00
- With Kitsune Tofu Skin$22.00
- With Shrimp & Vegetable Tempura$31.00
Tan-Tan Tsukemen$30.00
cold soba noodle with spicy chili sesame broth

What 701 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Manhattan
Good for business meals

Sort by

Filters

a
aaaaaa
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 19, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Great spot with quieter environment in midtown
MG
MGNYC
New York Area
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
excellent service, beautiful atmosphere, and delicious food made with high quality ingredients.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
164 reviews
vip
3.0
164 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience2
It has been a while since I last went. The curry was good, beef oroshj was good, eel don was good. However, the server recommended the fuguchiri, so we ordered. We were expecting a standard for fuguchiri = meat and the bony part. They ONLY served bones. It was quite unbelievable they would do something like that, and we spoke up they brought MORE BONES. They really should not be serving it in the first place, it’s a disgrace (use it as a zousui or something if you don’t want to put to waste). The server should not have recommend it too. After explaining, they compensated by serving the other foods above with care and professionalism and did their best to make up for it, but the whole incident was extremely disappointing. I would think that not only the server but management and the chefs who thinks it was ok to serve it, need to reevaluate service. They were serving the same dish similarly to others. It does not meet Japanese standards, and for a restaurant that prides itself being pioneers of introducing proper Japanese food, it was sad. I also hesitate on using it for business meals going forward (we/ my wife used to before)
BS
BarryS
San Francisco
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This Japanese restaurant has survived well since 1963, when I first visited it. It is still great!! I am pleased to report that it is in good shape and being well run!
AM
AmandaM
New York Area
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent, elegant old school, dignified service, delicious
N
Nick
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We really liked the food, service and ambience of the Restaurant Nippon. A special surprise was that, without my asking, the wait staff served a candlelit dessert that my guest ordered (I revealed it was a "Birthday Lunch" in the reservation) and sang her "Happy Birthday." Her dessert was complimentary as a result. This was our first visit to the restaurant. We are very pleased and we will be returning. Thank you.
JN
JamesNYC
New York Area
237 reviews
vip
5.0
237 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great authentic Japanese and good service Over priced
R
Rob4444
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on January 6, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience4
The overall dining experience was good but the food is the main problem. For instance the chicken karrage serving size was small (I requested small but this was too small even for a "small serve), and did not have the traditional Japanese mayonnaise (their house made Tartare mayonnaise), which I had to ask for. When the mayonnaise (tartare sauce) arrived it was a strange mix that did not really complement the chicken karrage well. The simmered sardine tsumire was not a great dish (too dense, not enough flavour , no textural contrasts) while the beef oroshi was actually very good. I note that the cost of the Sushi is very high but perhaps this is just a New York feature. As a contrast, the service was excellent, very attentive and prompt.
K
Keiko
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went for our daughter's birthday dinner and they made a pretty presentation for the dessert she ordered. The sushi was real authentic Japanese and people are very friendly. Reminds me of being back in Japan. I will definitely go back to Nippon.
k
koolkat
Toronto
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 29, 2022
overall3food4service4ambience3
Food was decent, but sashimi was particularly pricey. Popular joint. Attentive service.
PS
PasqualeS
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and service!
PS
PasqualeS
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service, food and drink suggestions!
JT
JordanT
Exclusive
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had the best experience at Restaurant Nippon. We were given a tatami mat room because we were with a baby, she loved being able to walk around the table. Our waiter was incredibly professional and courteous. We will definitely recommend and will be back when in NYC.
d
doteni
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Authentic Japanese cuisine. I enjoyed Edamame, Karaage, Sukiyaki, and Anmitsu.
S
Scott
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nippon is great. The sushi is very high quality, the soba is the best in NYC, the servers are very kind and the set up is quiet enough to have a really good business lunch. I love this place.
C
susieC
Phoenix
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 30, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
Sushi or rather RICE with a little bit of tuna definitely NOT spicy. Cold entree and wort sake ever
l
lilbibby
New York Area
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
A great find in Midtown. Beautiful ambiance, cheery and attentive staff, great food. Though their sushi
KI
KINYC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Here is one of the first Japanese restaurants in New York City. I visited with my American friend for a kind of farewell party, feels like I'm visiting a restaurant in Japan. All dishes were very good and sophisticated.
M
Matt
New York Area
31 reviews
4.0
31 reviews
Dined on November 8, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Food was tasty although the curry skimped on the protein. The sushi was great.
KS
KanS
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It is very good atmosphere and best quality Japanese food.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Authentic good quality unpretentious food. Able to kick back and enjoy the peace and quiet in busy noisy NYC. Will be coming back when we next visit New York.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great traditional Japanese food. Would come again.
1
11and14
New York Area
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on October 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Authentic, great food & service! Highly recommend!
A
Ansafo
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 8, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Good good and service
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a wonderful experience; incredibly friendly staff who made us feel like the only people in the restaurant. Food was superb!
OM
OldMannishBoy
New York Area
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on September 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfect quiet business lunch, as always. Consistent and welcoming
DT
DeborahT
Manitoba
107 reviews
vip
4.0
107 reviews
Dined on September 23, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Omakase was very good. Sushi plate not as much. The rice was not stuck together well and fell apart too easily. Became very messy. Amount of food was scant for a $75 plate.
LA
LauraA
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
As always, wonderful, creative Japanese food - Nippon is a regular stop every time we come to NYC!
GL
GaryL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service was exceptional, food was great
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 28, 2022
overall3food4service3ambience4
small additions could make the place go from good to great.
C
Cheunger
New York Area
240 reviews
vip
4.0
240 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Great lunch spot around the office. Clean and satisfying overall.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
8 reviews
vip
1.0
8 reviews
Dined on August 25, 2022
overall1food3service1ambience4
our waiter didn't take our order correctly. Wrong dish came out, but he insisted that he took the order right. And after one hour of our seating for the lunch, the waiters took turns to remove our plates while my guest was still eating. My guest ordered got Shrimp donburi instead of lunch special bento.
Restaurant NipponResponded on August 29, 2022My name is Naoki Kinoshita, a new CEO of Restaurant Nippon since July 1st. Thank you so much for choosing Nippon to spend your mealtime. Our team takes our service very seriously, so we are very sorry to hear about your experience and miscommunication that occurred. We also spoke with your server who took your order and are reviewing your case to make sure that this does not happen again. Hope you consider visiting us again and give us a chance to giver you a much better experience.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience3
Excellent service
RN
RolfN
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
an unmissable classic. the soba salad wins every time.
HM
HugoM
Chicago
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
We love this place, the food is delicious . Great place in NY
OT
OpenTable Diner
Houston
49 reviews
vip
5.0
49 reviews
Dined on August 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Always perfect for a quiet simple but delicious meal. Will be back
JM
JamesM
New York Area
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on August 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Consistent high quality authentic Japanese food, fresh fish and friendly staff.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We have been coming here for past four years. Never been disappointed. Excellent food and service - Always.
NY
NYCie
New York Area
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Impeccable service, delicious food. A classic spot.
JN
JamesNYC
New York Area
237 reviews
vip
5.0
237 reviews
Dined on July 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nice service, fast, good fresh fish and great sake

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Restaurant Nippon does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now and Postmates. Restaurant Nippon also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (212) 688-5941.

Restaurant Nippon is rated 4.8 stars by 701 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Feb 5, 2023

11:30 PM

Booked 4 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(212) 688-5941

Other options

155 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10022

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Between Lexington and 3rd Avenues
Neighborhood
Midtown East
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Fri 11:45 am–2:15 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 5:30 pm–9:00 pm
Cuisines
Japanese, Sushi, Tempura
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
6 train to 51st Street and E & M trains to Lexington Ave-53rd Street.Short walk from Grand-Central terminal.
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa
Owned/operated by
Asian and Pacific Islander, Women
Executive chef
Akira Azuma
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Kosher, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.restaurantnippon.com/
Phone number
(212) 688-5941
Catering
Traditional Japanese menus, including a sushi bar, can be catered in your home, office, club, or hotel, with waitstaff in traditional Japanese kimono. Please contact us at info@restaurantnippon.com
Private party facilities
Private and Semi-Private Rooms available for 2 - 25 guests. prix-fixe menu including traditional Japanese Kaiseki, and our famous Sukiyaki and Kamo-nabe (duck hot-pot) can be enjoyed in a Japanese style tatami rooms. Please contact us at info@restaurantnippon.com
Private party contact
Yasuhiro Makoshi: (212) 688-5941

Restaurant Nippon

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information

Asian-Owned and -Operated Restaurants to Support in New York City

Discover the Best Sushi in New York City

Women-Owned and -Operated Restaurants to Support in NYC

Sushi Nippon

Beef Sukiyaki

Tempura

Lunch Favorites

Sushi Lunch$60.00

Sashimi Lunch$60.00

Chirashi Lunch$60.00

Tempura$38.00

Shrimp Ten-Ju$32.00

Salmon Teriyaki$32.00

Una-Ju$52.00

Beef Sukiyaki

Godzilla Curry (Beef)$29.00

Chicken Karaage$28.00

Chicken Teriyaki$32.00

Tonkatsu$32.00

Shokado Bento Box

Shokado Bento Box$45.00

Rolls

Vegetable$8.00

California$10.00

Salmon Avocado$14.00

Spicy Tuna$16.00

Spicy Salmon$14.00

Futomaki with Eel$30.00

Soba Salad

Original$21.00

Homemade Ni-Hachi

Zaru (Cold)$16.00

Sanuki (Thick) Udon$16.00

Tan-Tan Tsukemen$30.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Restaurant Nippon offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Restaurant Nippon restaurant rated?

Is Restaurant Nippon currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

Asian-Owned and -Operated Restaurants to Support in New York City

Discover the Best Sushi in New York City

Women-Owned and -Operated Restaurants to Support in NYC