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Best Creative Japanese Restaurants in Morningside Heights

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17 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Nobu Fifty Seven restaurant
1. Nobu Fifty Seven
4.7
Exceptional(6074)
Price: Very Expensive
• Creative japanese • Midtown West
Booked 225 times today
Nobu Fifty Seven, located in the vibrant Midtown West, New York, is a beacon of creative Japanese cuisine. Since its opening in 2005, this establishment has not only lived up to but surpassed the lofty expectations set by its legendary chef, Nobu Matsuhisa. With a menu that features innovative dishes like Tiradito Nobu Style and the iconic Black Cod Miso, it's no wonder the restaurant has earned three stars from the New York Times. Diners consistently rave about the experience, describing it as "always top notch" and "worth every penny." The ambiance and service complement the exquisite food, making every visit memorable. As one reviewer puts it, "Nobu is Nobu for a reason. It’s delicious."
A photo of Kawabun NYC restaurant
2. Kawabun NYC
4.7
Exceptional(76)
Price: Very Expensive
• Creative japanese • Midtown East
Booked 12 times today
Kawabun NYC, nestled in the heart of Midtown East, New York, offers an exceptional Japanese dining experience that seamlessly blends 400 years of traditional Kaiseki cuisine with modern elegance. Chef Yoshitaka Ito, hailing from Nagoya, crafts dishes that transport diners straight to Japan with their authenticity and culinary precision. Patrons rave about the "unmatched authenticity and intricate flavors," with dishes like the charcoal-grilled Hitsumabushi and delicately prepared Unaju receiving high praise. The ambiance of Kawabun NYC complements its cuisine perfectly, providing a serene and inviting atmosphere. With glowing reviews highlighting the "divine flavors" and "attentive service," Kawabun NYC stands as a pinnacle of Japanese gastronomy in New York City.
A photo of Sushi of Gari - Columbus Avenue restaurant
3. Sushi of Gari - Columbus Avenue
4.7
Exceptional(1147)
Price: Very Expensive
• Creative japanese • Upper West Side
Booked 17 times today
At Sushi of Gari on Columbus Avenue in New York's Upper West Side, Japanese cuisine is transformed into an art form. Esteemed Chef Masatoshi “Gari” Sugio revolutionized the sushi scene in 1997 by introducing his signature Gari style, which enhances each piece of sushi with unique toppings and sauces, eliminating the need for traditional soy sauce. Patrons rave about the "unbelievable meal quality" and "service," affirming that every visit is a "special culinary experience." The omakase, particularly, receives glowing accolades for its freshness and creativity, making Sushi of Gari a cherished staple for both locals and visitors seeking exceptional Japanese dining.
A photo of Kawachiya NYC restaurant
4. Kawachiya NYC
5.0
Exceptional(13)
Price: Very Expensive
• Creative japanese • Murray Hill
Booked 6 times today
The Kawachiya room by Kawabun NYC is a premium dining experience featuring seasonal menus offered in a lunch format and a full tasting menu for dinner at our Chef's counter. We feature techniques and recipes spanning four hundred years with an eye towards innovating for New York. Located near Bryant Park and the Chrysler building in Murray Hill, Kawachiya is a hidden gem conveniently located close to Grand Central Terminal.Chef Ito Yoshitaka has been practicing his craft at the legendary Kawabun Ryotei in Nagoya, Japan since his youth. Hailing from a family of Washoku chefs, he applies his dedication and skills to bring a highly selective seasonal offering to New York to launch the first expansion of Kawabun since its founding in the early 1600s. For A La Carte service in Kawabun NYC, please visit: www.opentable.com/r/kawabun-nyc-new-york
A photo of Restaurant Nippon restaurant
5. Restaurant Nippon
4.8
Exceptional(776)
Price: Expensive
• Creative japanese • Midtown East
Booked 10 times today
At Restaurant Nippon in Midtown East, New York, the Tempura cuisine takes center stage with its authentic flair and exquisite preparation. Since 1963, this culinary haven has been serving up traditional Edo-mae style Tempura that patrons describe as a "standout feature" of the menu. Diners rave about the "delicious and high-quality" Tempura, highlighting the dish's light, crispy texture, which perfectly encapsulates the essence of classic Japanese cooking. As one of New York's pioneering Japanese eateries, Nippon offers an experience that feels both "incredibly cozy and authentic," making every visit a memorable journey through the finest tastes of Japan. Whether you're seated in the elegant tatami room or at the bustling tempura bar, Restaurant Nippon promises an unparalleled dining delight in the heart of the city.
A photo of Tokugawa - Madison restaurant
6. Tokugawa - Madison
4.8
Exceptional(58)
Price: Expensive
• Creative japanese • Upper East Side
Booked 10 times today
Coming Soon!
A photo of Luna Asian Bistro & Rooftop Lounge restaurant
7. Luna Asian Bistro & Rooftop Lounge
4.3
Awesome(242)
Price: Moderate
• Creative japanese • Astoria
Booked 7 times today
Luna Asian Bistro & Rooftop Lounge in Astoria offers an exceptional Creative Japanese dining experience that truly stands out in the bustling cityscape. Patrons rave about the "excellent tempura sampler, sushi 🍣 & sashimi" and the flavorful teriyaki, underscoring the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity in its cuisine. The rooftop setting enhances each dining experience, offering breathtaking views of Manhattan, making it "now my favorite Japanese restaurant in the Queens area." Guests consistently praise the inventive dishes like the 'Lady Gaga' roll and the atmosphere perfect for any occasion. Whether it's a romantic sunset or a vibrant night out, Luna Asian Bistro delivers both splendid food and enchanting views, making it a must-visit destination for lovers of Creative Japanese cuisine.
A photo of Legacy Records restaurant
8. Legacy Records
new
(0)
Price: Expensive
• Creative japanese • Hell's Kitchen
Located in Hudson Yards near the Javitts Center, Legacy Records by Chef Ryan Hardy delivers a unique fusion of Japanese-influenced Italian cuisine, celebrated for its sashimi-style crudo, handcrafted pastas, and aged meats, including the signature duck dishes. Guests enjoy an extensive curated wine list by the World’s Best Sommelier, along with a standout cocktail program crafted by master mixologists and brought to life by our talented beverage team. With its sophisticated atmosphere, Legacy Records offers an elevated dining experience ideal for memorable gatherings and high-profile events.
A photo of Nobu Downtown | Restaurant restaurant
9. Nobu Downtown | Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5097)
Price: Very Expensive
• Creative japanese • Financial District
Booked 148 times today
Nobu Downtown, nestled in Manhattan's vibrant Financial District, offers an unparalleled sushi experience that captures the essence of fine Japanese cuisine. Renowned for its exceptional quality and authenticity, Nobu stands out as a pinnacle of sushi excellence. Guests rave about the freshness of the fish and the innovative preparation techniques that bring out the unique flavors in every dish. One patron enthused, "The sushi was incredibly fresh and flavorful," highlighting the restaurant's commitment to superior ingredients. The sushi bar at Nobu provides an intimate setting for diners to enjoy traditional favorites and signature creations by Chef Nobu, making every visit a memorable culinary journey. Whether you're a sushi aficionado or a first-time guest, Nobu Downtown promises an exquisite dining experience that consistently exceeds expectations.
A photo of Rabbit House Omakase and Sake Bar restaurant
10. Rabbit House Omakase and Sake Bar
4.5
Awesome(68)
Price: Expensive
• Creative japanese • Lower East Side
Booked 2 times today
Rabbit House Omakase and Sake Bar, nestled in the vibrant Lower East Side of New York, is a treasure trove of Fusion / Eclectic cuisine that creatively marries Japanese culinary traditions with European influences. This intimate and cozy establishment offers a meticulously crafted six-course omakase that dazzles with its seasonal freshness and innovative pairings, as highlighted by reviewers who praised its "quirky alts on traditional Japanese dishes" and the seamless integration of unexpected flavors. The chef’s dedication to quality and authenticity shines through every dish, making each dining experience both unique and memorable. Coupled with an exceptional sake selection, Rabbit House ensures a personalized journey through flavors that is both adventurous and heartwarming. This gem is a must-visit for those looking to indulge in a culinary adventure that is as eclectic as it is delightful.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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