Takumi Taco — Restaurant in New York

The letter “V” on their menu can mean both vegetarian and vegan. I didn’t realize until I received my plate of food and noticed the cotija crumbles on my lentil taco. The male waiter got upset because I requested food without cheese because I am a vegan. He said, you should’ve told me and got upset and said, well now I have to throw the food away and shook his head. Not a way to treat a paying customer, who’s supporting your business. As a recommendation, the restaurant needs to add another acronym to items that are vegan. Perhaps add “V” for vegan and “Veg” for vegetarian. It’s misleading when “V” is the only vegan/vegetarian acronym on the menu. Also, when a different waiter took my plate away, she immediately placed the square card reader in front of me, so I could pay my bill. I wasn’t even done dining yet nor did I ask for my bill. I totally felt rushed and unaccommodated. On the positive side of things, the guy who delivered my food the second round was nice and accommodating. He seemed like he could’ve been the owner. As far as the food, I ordered the bento box that consisted the cauliflower and lentil taco with the japanese black bean rice. The lentil taco (without the cotija cheese) was the best thing...

A fusion I didn't know I needed in my life! We came here hungry for tacos, initially looking to grab Los Tacos nearby. When I saw their line of 200+ people I figured better check out this cool looking Japanese taco place - though I was admittedly scared of how such a crossover would turn out. Well, apparently these folks have tapped into some flavor combinations more people need to experience! I'm usually more of a soft taco person, but the crunchy curry beef taco impressed me the most. The curry was very flavorful, and the hard shell helped hold it all in without getting messy. I could have easily crushed about 8 of those if I didn't know better. The other flavor I tried was the short rib taco, which was also delicious. The bento box combo also comes with some chips and a side. I picked the slaw which was tastier and a lot healthier than average cole slaw due to the edamame.

Overall, Takumi Taco is a very underrated stop within Chelsea Market. Yes there are other great places there too like of course Los Tacos, but it's good to try some new things too! And at least you don't have to wait an hour...

Japanese Curry Beef Taco – The Star of the Show!

Takumi Taco’s Japanese Curry Beef taco is a flavor bomb in the best possible way. The rich, savory curry is perfectly balanced—warm spices, tender beef, and just enough kick to keep each bite interesting. The crispy gyoza shell adds that perfect crunch, while the cotija cheese and slaw bring creamy, tangy freshness that rounds everything out. It’s comforting, inventive, and ridiculously crave-worthy. If you only try one thing here—make it this taco.

4-Star Review: Everything Else – Solid, Fresh, and Flavorful

The rest of the menu holds its own. Over the last couple of visits, we tried the Spicy Tuna taco, Chicken Adobo taco, and more—all were fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully constructed. The fusion concept comes through in every dish, with fun ingredient pairings and bright, bold flavors. That said, none quite matched the knockout punch of the Curry Beef taco. The space is busy but efficient, and service is quick. A great stop for a creative, satisfying lunch—just know that the Curry Beef might steal the spotlight from...