Sozai Japanese Restaurant (Izakaya Ramen) — Restaurant in New York

Welcome to the neighborhood! Sozai is a new gem in Midtown offering a delightful variety of Japanese cuisine! Having visited three times with friends, I can confidently say it's become a favorite spot.

Upon entering, I was immediately struck by the inviting decor and perfect lighting. The ambiance blends modern style with cozy Japanese wood accents, creating a comfortable setting ideal for enjoying a meal with friends.

Let's talk about the food and there's plenty to rave about! Each visit has been a culinary adventure, trying dishes like the Mentaiiko Pasta, which was incredibly flavorful and satisfying. The Wafu Mushroom dish was a hit as well. The Salmon Carpaccio was fresh and beautifully presented, a true treat.

The Ube Fried and Saba Shioyaki were simple yet incredibly tasty choices that hit the spot perfectly. Another standout was the Tuna Tartare, which was simply delicious and beautifully prepared.

Of course, no visit is complete without ordering the Mussels Dynamite — trust me when I say one order is never enough! The flavors are so addictive.

And let's not forget the Crab Croquettes with Mentaiko sauce — a perfect blend of crispy and creamy textures that left me wanting more.

While I haven’t explored the full cocktail menu yet, the Sparkling Plum Lemon I tried was incredibly refreshing. My friend loved her Sparkling Yuzu Calpico, showcasing a thoughtful selection of drinks that complement the meal perfectly.

And let’s not forget the desserts — they were the perfect ending to our meals. The Black Sesame Red Bean served with black sesame ice cream was a unique and delicious treat. The Yuzu Cheesecake paired with yuzu sorbet was a delightful blend of flavors, and the Sweet Potato Balls with hojicha ice cream were simply irresistible. Each dessert was beautifully presented and left us with a happy, satisfied feeling.

The staff is friendly, helpful, and attentive. They made us feel welcomed and were knowledgeable about the menu, offering great recommendations that enhanced our dining experience

The restroom was clean and well-designed, contributing to the overall positive experience.

I will definitely come back to Sozai to explore more of their menu and bring more friends along. The exceptional service, delicious food, and inviting atmosphere make it a must-visit in Midtown. Highly...

If I could give this place a standing ovation, I would and I rarely say that about restaurants in the city. Especially in this area with too many restaurants to choose from.

I came here expecting a good meal, but what I received was a fresh serve of flavor, ambience, and care that stayed with me long after I left. Let’s start with the fried-

We ordered the hamachi and were so floored by its delicate, buttery freshness that we had to order it again. Yes. Twice. at the end of the meal.

Unapologetically. It melted on the tongue like silk it was so clean and elegant. the touch of grated daikon in the acidic yet balanced sauce topped it off.

Then came the crab croquette & oyster croquette a surprising burst of texture and panko crisp that had me quietly closing my eyes with the first bite. It's rare for something fried to feel this sophisticated. And clean at the same time. The croquette followed suit: creamy, golden, softness. It reminded me of comfort food reimagined with finesse especially paired with the Asahi beer.

The gin highball was thoughtful and well balanced, layered but never overpowering; each one playing into the mood of the meal with grace. You could tell they weren’t just mixed, they were crafted. Saw it he stir technique for myself.

The ambience was sleek and warm. Dim but not gloomy, stylish but not trying too hard. Every detail felt intentional, from the lighting to the way the space encouraged laughter and lingering. Refill of the water in the carafe for example, made a difference in the vibe.

But what elevated the whole experience was the team. Staff were intuitive, kind, and unhurried but efficient none of that robotic service, just genuine attentiveness. And a special shoutout to Ing and the hostess, who was absolutely wonderful present, welcoming, and sharp. They made the place feel personal, like we were dining in the hands of friends who knew exactly what we needed before we did.

This place is a gem I’ll be returning to—likely for that hamachi (again). Highly recommend for a date night, a celebration, or just a moment to treat yourself and be reminded of how good food and warm hospitality can make a city...

Over the last weekend, I recently visited Sozai NYC in Midtown Manhattan, and it instantly became one of my favorite Japanese izakaya spots in the city. The moment I walked, in, I got a warm, modern vibe. There were several private seating booths as well as dining tables, and a very large open bar stocked with sake, shochu, and Japanese whiskey.

I went ahead and ordered a yuzu highball and a sake flight, consisting of four different sake ranging from nigori to Junmai daiginjo from Japan and the US. The drinks were fantastic, getting my appetite ready for the food to come.

The food was incredible. I started with their scallop and amberjack carpaccios, which had super fresh seafood with a delicious, tangy sauce. I also ordered Ankimo, which is monkfish liver in ponzu sauce, and thinly sliced beef tongue. Both of those small dishes are commonly ordered in Japanese izakaya bars, and they were delicious, going perfect with a glass of Brooklyn Kura sake.

For my mains, I ordered their tonkotsu ramen, which was rich, deeply flavorful, and had that perfect balance of umami without being too heavy. My friend ordered the mentaiko fried rice and matcha soba with salmon sashimi. The portions were huge, and the dishes were seasoned just right, making the dishes go down quick. The staff was super friendly, and the service was fast despite the restaurant being packed.

Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bowl of ramen or a full izakaya-style feast with drinks, Sozai is a must-visit. Highly recommended for Japanese...