Mikado — Restaurant in New York

My latest visit to Mikado, a charming sushi spot nestled in the heart of Chelsea, NYC, was a delightful dive into the world of Japanese cuisine. From the moment we stepped inside, the ambiance at Mikado set a welcoming tone, blending modern aesthetics with a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

We started our meal with the Miso Soup, which was a soothing beginning, offering a warm, rich broth that was subtly seasoned and perfectly balanced. It was comforting without being overly salty, and the tofu and seaweed were fresh and flavorful.

The highlight of our dining experience was the Maki Roll set we ordered, consisting of spicy salmon, spicy tuna, spicy yellowtail, and shrimp tempura rolls. Each roll was a testament to the chef's expertise in balancing spice and flavor. The spicy salmon roll was particularly impressive; the fish was fresh, and the spice level was just right—not overpowering but with enough kick to keep it interesting.

The spicy tuna followed suit with an excellent texture and a clean, crisp taste, complemented by a spicy mayo that tingled the taste buds without diminishing the tuna's natural flavor. The spicy yellowtail was equally delightful, with a buttery richness that melded beautifully with the heat of the spices.

The shrimp tempura roll was a crunchy, delightful contrast to the spicy rolls. The shrimp was encased in a light, airy batter that remained crisp and wasn’t oily, which is a common pitfall with tempura.

Service at Mikado was attentive and efficient. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu, giving recommendations that enhanced our experience. The sushi chefs at the bar were also a pleasure to watch, showcasing their meticulous skill and passion for sushi making.

Overall, Mikado delivers a sushi experience that’s both authentic and inventive. It’s a perfect spot for anyone in Chelsea looking to satisfy their sushi cravings with a spicy twist. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Mikado’s blend of traditional techniques and innovative flavors is sure to leave a...

Let’s get one thing straight: Mikado is my favorite sushi spot of all time—a true hidden gem that balances quality, price, and good vibes like a seasoned sushi chef balances a razor-sharp knife. It’s the kind of place you stumble into once, then quietly build your entire dining rotation around.

The happy hour prices are reason enough to go (think: real food, not just “snack” sushi), but even outside happy hour, the menu is full of flavorful, well-portioned dishes that don’t play games with your wallet. It’s rare to find a sushi place where the food is excellent and you still have money left over for dessert—or more sake.

Speaking of food: the dons are the unsung heroes here. I had the sweet and spicy chicken don, which came out as a beautifully stacked bowl of tender meat, rice, and a perfectly oozing egg like a glossy crown on top. Not only was it delicious—it was also massive. Like, had-to-pause-halfway massive. No skimping, no filler, just the good stuff.

And can we talk about the decor? They didn’t cut corners there either. It’s stylish but cozy, the kind of ambiance that works equally well for a girls’ night out, a chill date, or solo sushi therapy. You feel good being there—which is rare in a spot that’s also this affordable.

The service seals the deal. Warm, patient, and genuinely attentive—even when we got a little indecisive (okay, a lot indecisive), they rolled with the changes and made sure we felt good about our picks. No side-eyes, no rush, just good energy all around.

In short: Mikado is that perfect trifecta of amazing food, affordable drinks, and great vibes. It’s the kind of place you want to keep to yourself—but you know you have to share the love. And honestly? It deserves...

Another service failure from what may have been a promising restaurant. My boyfriend and I had an 8:30 reservation at a restaraunt that was new to us. I’ve lived in the area for 4 years now, and we had never been. We were looking forward to a great Friday night out in New York City. And one was had! Just not here.

After we were sat at our table, a man, without speaking or otherwise acknowledging our presence, set water down on the table. Now, this alone would not have been a strange occurrence. But turns out that man was our waiter. He returned to the table, again, not greeting us or otherwise introducing himself, to take our drink order. Just lifted his notepad and looked at us. Though familiar with the routine of ordering at a restaurant, this impersonal approach was rude at best. After bringing us our drinks, he provided us with recommendations, and didn’t return for over 30 minutes. When he finally returned to ask if we wanted any dinner, he seemed surprised that we asked for the check. It was a mistake on our part to ask him for the check, because they held us hostage for another 10-15 minutes to give us the check for our iced tea and sake order, which was shuffled among three restaraunt employees. We finally left in a mad dash, 45 minutes after being initially seated, with only an iced tea and sake order to show for it. And not for lack of trying. Fortunately, we were able to make new plans on short notice and we had a great night at one of my favorite sushi spots close by - Momoya, which is where the rest of our evening was pleasantly spent. For what it’s worth though, the honey green tea beverage was tasty. Not good enough for me to return, but good...