CLASS on 38th

In a city renowned for its diverse and competitive culinary scene, finding a Japanese restaurant that truly elevates the dining experience to an art form is a rare and delightful discovery. For New Yorkers with a penchant for sophisticated flavors, impeccable service, and a vibrant atmosphere, CLASS on 38th lives up to its name, offering an experience that is nothing short of extraordinary. This establishment is swiftly becoming a must-visit for those who appreciate the delicate balance of authentic Japanese techniques with creative, modern influences.

CLASS on 38th is more than just a place to eat; it’s a destination where every detail, from the meticulously crafted cocktails to the perfectly balanced dishes, is designed to impress. It’s an ideal spot for a special dinner, a memorable gathering with friends, or simply an evening where you want to indulge in high-quality Japanese cuisine. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of what makes CLASS on 38th a standout choice for locals, covering its prime location, diverse and innovative menu, exceptional features, and why it's poised to become one of your new favorites.

CLASS on 38th is conveniently located at 55 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018, USA. This address places it squarely in the bustling Midtown Manhattan area, nestled within the vibrant Garment District. Its strategic location makes it incredibly accessible for a wide range of New Yorkers, whether they're working in the surrounding office buildings, enjoying the nearby attractions like Times Square and Bryant Park, or simply commuting through the city.

The restaurant's central position ensures excellent accessibility via New York City’s comprehensive public transportation network. It's just a short walk from several major subway stations, including those at Times Square–42nd Street (serving the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, S lines) and Bryant Park/42nd Street (for the B, D, F, M lines). This superb connectivity means that residents from all boroughs can effortlessly make their way to CLASS on 38th for a sophisticated lunch, an elegant dinner, or a lively evening out. The ease of access, combined with its refined yet inviting ambiance, sets the stage for a truly remarkable dining experience in the heart of Manhattan.

CLASS on 38th specializes in a modern interpretation of Japanese cuisine, offering a menu that features small plates, creative cocktails, and larger entrees designed for sharing and savoring.

• Creative Small Plates (Eats): The menu boasts an impressive array of small plates, perfect for sharing and sampling various flavors. Highlights include:
  • Oysters: Market oysters served with apple yuzu mignonette espuma, black tobiko, and micro cilantro.
  • Crudo: Featuring Hokkaido scallops sashimi, market uni sea urchin, red radish, chili, and shiso aguachil.
  • Kani Salad: A refreshing blend of Alaskan snow crab, frisee lettuce, endive, apple, Persian cucumber, pomegranate, and yuzu tobiko.
  • Hamachi Nikkei: Japanese yellowtail with pickled carrot, radish, red onion, cancha corn, and citrus carrot coulis.
  • Chawanmushi: Savory Jidori egg custard, steamed, with Alaskan snow crab ankake, ikura, kamaboko, and kinome.
  • Tebasaki Miso: Crispy heritage chicken wings with crushed black pepper miso reduction and toasted sesame.
  • Monkfish Karaage: Crispy battered monkfish with Mentaiko spiced mayo, nama shichimi, and matcha salt.
  • Truffle Chicken Dumplings: Crispy heritage chicken dumplings with black truffle, matsutake mushroom, and black garlic aioli.
  • Yaki-Tori: Grilled heritage chicken thigh skewers with ginger tare, pickled ume plum, sansho, and shiso.
  • Octopus Yaki: Grilled Spanish octopus with yuzu kosho pepper coulis, petite potatoes, and shiso tomato.
  • Wagyu Uni Toast: A highly praised signature dish combining wagyu with uni.
• Signature Entrees: Larger, more substantial dishes are available for a fuller meal, such as:
  • Hokkaido Uni Pasta: Fresh fusilli pasta with squid ink butter, uni beurre mont foam, market uni, and Pecorino Romano. This dish is a particular favorite.
  • King Ebi Furai: Wild tiger prawns u5, panko fried, served with shiso tomato, cabbage slaw, and wasabi tartar sauce.
  • Seared Hokkaido Scallop: Pan-seared Japanese scallops with prosciutto, English pea puree, snow peas, pea tendrils, and crispy rice.
  • Tori Kuwayaki: Pan-roasted Heritage chicken with cauliflower puree, oyster mushroom, broccoli rabe, and miso au jus.
  • Buta Kakuni: 4-hour braised Berkshire pork belly with shiitake mushroom okayu, onsen Jidori tamago, and crispy leeks.
  • Wagyu Strip Steak: Imperial Wagyu Reserve striploin (14oz) with cauliflower puree, broccoli rabe, black pepper demi, and shiso oil. Various wagyu options, including imported Japanese A5 Miyazaki, are available.
  • Salmon Ikura Kamameshi: Japanese Koshihikari rice with roasted Scottish salmon, marinated salmon roe, mushroom, myoga, and shiso.
  • Unagi Foie Gras Donburi: Roasted freshwater eel, Hudson Valley foie gras torchon, truffled tare, and seasoned Koshihikari rice.
• Exquisite Desserts: The dessert menu features options that are "not too sweet and very moist," offering a perfect, balanced end to the meal.
• Creative Cocktails and Spirits: The bar offers a selection of creative, balanced cocktails, described as "not heavy" and having "just the right amount of sour/sweet/liquor." They also offer sake, wines, fortified wines, vermouths, and aperitifs.
• Dine-in Service: CLASS on 38th provides an upscale and vibrant setting for an exceptional dine-in experience.
• Lunch and Dinner Service: The restaurant operates with specific hours for lunch and dinner, typically 12:15 PM - 2:30 PM for lunch and 5:15 PM - 9:00 PM for dinner (last seating).

CLASS on 38th truly lives up to its name with a variety of features that make it a premier dining destination:

• Exceptional Food Quality and Balance: Customers consistently rave that "everything tasted so balanced, fresh, and spot on." The "combination of each dish was just so unbelievable," highlighting the chef's mastery in creating harmonious flavors.
• Standout Signature Dishes: Highly recommended items include the "Hokkaido Uni Pasta," which is said to "bring out the pasta taste to the best highlight," and the "Wagyu Uni Toast," both praised for their unique and delicious combinations. The Crudo and Chawanmushi are also favorites.
• Creative and Balanced Cocktails: The drink menu is a significant draw, with cocktails described as "creative and tasty," offering "just the right amount of sour/sweet/liquor" without being heavy.
• Amazing Service and Attentive Staff: Diners consistently highlight the "amazing service" and "very attentive" staff, contributing to a truly pleasant and high-class dining experience.
• Vibrant and Inviting Vibe: The restaurant has a "loved the vibe" and a "sophisticated, inviting atmosphere," perfect for a memorable night out with friends or a romantic dinner.
• Premium Ingredients: Chef-Partner Alexander Lee utilizes seasonal and indigenous ingredients such as Wagyu beef (including Japanese A5 Miyazaki), Heritage Chicken, Japanese fish, and Berkshire Pork, ensuring top-tier quality in every dish. Caviar and Truffle supplements are also available.
• Thoughtful Portioning: Portions are described as "just right for every dish" and "great to share as a couple or with friends," allowing for a fulfilling meal without overindulgence.
• Elegant and Unique Decor: The interior boasts gold accents, Japanese wallpaper, exposed brick, and a giant vintage mirror. Even the plates and chinaware are vintage, some dating back to the 1950s, adding to the sophisticated and unique ambiance.

While the provided information does not detail specific, constantly running promotions like a daily Happy Hour, upscale Japanese restaurants in New York City often feature:

• Seasonal Tasting Menus: Given their focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative dishes, CLASS on 38th may offer special tasting menus that highlight the best of what's available.
• Special Event Dinners: For holidays or unique culinary events, they might host special dinners with curated menus and beverage pairings.
• Lunch Specials: While dinner is emphasized, some upscale Japanese restaurants in Midtown offer distinct lunch menus that provide an opportunity to experience their cuisine at a potentially more accessible price point.

For the most current information on any promotions, tasting menus, or special events, New Yorkers are highly encouraged to check CLASS on 38th's official website, social media channels, or contact them directly via phone. Reservations are often recommended for such establishments.

For reservations, inquiries, or to learn more about the exquisite dining experience at CLASS on 38th, you can reach them through the following details:

• Address: 55 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018, USA
• Phone: (929) 292-0691
• Mobile Phone: +1 929-292-0691
• Website: classon38th.com (Highly recommended to visit for menu, hours, and online reservations)

Given the popularity and "class" of this establishment, it is highly advisable to make reservations in advance, especially for dinner and weekend evenings, to ensure availability and a seamless dining experience.

CLASS on 38th is exceptionally suitable for New Yorkers who seek an elevated and truly memorable Japanese dining experience. For locals, the consistent praise for its "amazing" food and drinks, with everything tasting "balanced, fresh, and spot on," means a reliable destination for high-quality cuisine. The inventive dishes like Uni pasta and Wagyu Uni Toast, combined with creative and perfectly balanced cocktails, cater to a sophisticated palate looking for culinary innovation.

The restaurant's "amazing service" and "very attentive" staff ensure that every visit feels special, providing a level of hospitality that discerning New Yorkers will deeply appreciate. Its vibrant yet refined "vibe" makes it perfect for various occasions, from intimate dinners to celebratory gatherings. Moreover, its prime location in Midtown Manhattan ensures easy accessibility from across the city, making it a convenient choice for both spontaneous outings and meticulously planned evenings. In a city where dining options are abundant, CLASS on 38th stands out by delivering on its promise of an exceptional experience, truly living up to its name as a top-tier Japanese culinary destination for New Yorkers.

CLASS on 38th

55 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018, USA