Cotra

### Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers who have grown wary of overpriced and underwhelming Japanese dining experiences, Cotra in Brooklyn offers a refreshing and truly exceptional alternative. Nestled on Carroll Street in the vibrant Gowanus neighborhood, Cotra stands out as a Japanese restaurant that masterfully blends exquisite dining with surprisingly reasonable prices. It's an establishment that has genuinely "blown away" its customers, transforming skeptics into devoted fans with its unwavering commitment to quality and flavor.

Cotra is not just a place to eat; it's an experience. Reviewers consistently highlight the perfect balance of an inviting atmosphere and top-tier cuisine. Whether you're seeking a romantic "date night" ambiance or simply craving "delicious" and "high-quality" sushi, Cotra delivers. From inventive appetizers and perfectly crafted cocktails to meticulously prepared sushi rolls, every element of the meal is designed to impress. It’s the kind of hidden gem that savvy New Yorkers seek out, offering a genuine taste of Japanese culinary artistry without the exorbitant price tag often associated with fine dining in the city.

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### Location and Accessibility

Cotra is conveniently located at 451 Carroll St, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA. This address places the Japanese restaurant in the heart of Gowanus, a rapidly evolving and increasingly popular Brooklyn neighborhood known for its industrial-chic aesthetic, thriving arts scene, and burgeoning culinary landscape. Carroll Street itself is a charming artery, offering a more intimate setting compared to some of Brooklyn's busier avenues.

Accessibility to Cotra is quite straightforward for most New Yorkers. The restaurant is within reasonable walking distance of several subway stations, notably those serving the F and G lines at Carroll Street and Smith-9th Streets, respectively. These lines provide convenient connections from various parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan. Additionally, several bus routes operate in the vicinity, enhancing public transit options. While street parking in Gowanus can sometimes be found, especially on side streets, relying on public transportation is often the most stress-free way to reach Cotra, allowing diners to fully immerse themselves in the dining experience without parking concerns.

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### Services Offered

Cotra offers a range of services designed to provide a premium yet approachable Japanese dining experience for New Yorkers:

• Dine-in Service (Reservations Recommended): Experience their "mysterious and moody" interior, perfect for a "date night." Cotra accepts reservations through platforms like Resy, with a 15-minute grace period. Reservations secure your table for a two-hour period, ensuring a relaxed pace. They offer both inside and outside dining options.
• Takeout (Pickup): For those who prefer to enjoy Cotra's exquisite food from the comfort of their home, convenient pickup services are available. Orders can be placed online through their website or by phone.
• Delivery: Cotra partners with major food delivery platforms, including DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. This allows New Yorkers to have their favorite sushi, izakaya dishes, and more delivered directly to their doorstep across a wide range of Brooklyn neighborhoods.
• Diverse & High-Quality Menu: Cotra boasts an extensive menu featuring:
  • Exquisite Sushi and Sashimi: Including fresh rolls like Crispy Spicy Tuna, Salmon Ikura Cucumber Roll, Yellowtail Scallion Roll, and Salmon Roll. They also offer various Sushi Bowls (Poke, Salmon, Hokkaido, Chirashi Bento) and Sashimi Bowls.
  • Innovative Starters & Hot Appetizers: Unique dishes such as Addictive Cabbage, Goma Hamachi, Scallop with Ikura Carpaccio, Drunken Garlic Shrimp, Mochiko Karaage (fried chicken), Eringi Karaage (fried king oyster mushrooms), and Okonomi House Fried Potatoes.
  • Noodle Dishes: Featuring unique options like Cotra Mazesoba and Mentaiko Mazemen.
  • Curry Bowls: Including Vegan Curry Bowl, Chicken Karaage Curry Bowl, and Pork Katsu Curry Bowl.
  • Bento Boxes: Convenient and delicious options like Mochiko Chicken Karaage Bowl and Eringi Karaage Bowl.
  • Signature Cocktails and Japanese Beverages: Offering unique drinks like JPOP Lychee and Tokyo IPA, perfect complements to the meal.
• Private Events & Catering: Cotra specializes in catering and private events, with a chic space that can accommodate up to 50 people, including their back patio during warmer months. This makes it suitable for special gatherings.

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### Features / Highlights

Cotra has rapidly gained a reputation as a must-visit Japanese restaurant in Brooklyn due to its exceptional features and highlights:

• Exquisite Quality at Reasonable Prices: This is perhaps the most celebrated aspect. Customers are "blown away by the food" and praise it as the "perfect blend of exquisite dining at what I thought to be a reasonable price." This addresses a common frustration with NYC Japanese dining, making high-quality food accessible.
• Consistently Delicious Food: From "the drinks to the appetizers to the rolls," everything ordered is described as "amazing" and "delicious." This consistency underscores their commitment to culinary excellence.
• High-Quality Ingredients: The keyword for many diners is "quality." Cotra prioritizes fresh fish for its sushi and sashimi, and meticulously prepares all dishes with top-tier ingredients, evident in items like their "perfectly battered" tempura and "expertly cooked" Mochiko Chicken.
• Mysterious and Moody Atmosphere: The interior is described as "very mysterious and moody," particularly on a Tuesday night. This creates an intimate and sophisticated ambiance, making it "Good for a date night!"
• Attentive Service: Despite being busy, the staff is noted for being accommodating, with one reviewer mentioning they were "seated right away" even when late for a reservation, indicating strong customer service.
• Unique and Innovative Menu: Beyond traditional sushi, Cotra offers inventive izakaya-style dishes and unique twists on classics. Highlights include "Addictive Cabbage," "Drunken Garlic Shrimp," and creative sushi rolls like "Crispy Spicy Tuna" and "Crispy Anago Roll." Their "Mazesoba" (brothless ramen) and "Donburi" bowls further diversify the offerings.
• Perfectly Made Cocktails: Reviewers specifically mention that "the cocktails were made perfectly," indicating a strong beverage program that complements the food.
• Becoming a "Go-To Spot": For many, Cotra quickly becomes their "new good to spot for sushi in the area," reflecting a strong positive impression and desire for repeat visits.
• Chef-Driven Excellence: With its focus on izakaya-style dishes and high-end execution, it suggests experienced chefs are behind the menu, delivering "sprinkles of innovation and the execution of a high end French/Japanese."

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### Promotions or Special Offers

While Cotra is renowned for its inherent value – providing "exquisite dining at a reasonable price" – they also leverage various channels to offer promotions and deals to their New York clientele:

• Delivery Platform Specials: Cotra frequently features promotions on popular food delivery apps such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub. These can include:
  • **"Buy One, Get One Free" (BOGO) offers:** For instance, the "Crispy Spicy Tuna" and "Addictive Cabbage" have been seen with BOGO deals, providing significant value on popular appetizers.
  • Reduced or $0 Delivery Fees: Often available for subscribers to the platforms' loyalty programs (e.g., DoorDash DashPass, Uber One, Grubhub+).
  • First-Time User Discounts: New customers ordering from Cotra via a specific delivery app may receive a percentage off their first order.
• Happy Hour (potential): While not explicitly detailed in all recent public data, some izakaya-style restaurants of Cotra's caliber might offer happy hour pricing on drinks and select small plates, particularly during earlier evening hours or on specific weekdays. It's worth inquiring directly with the restaurant.
• Seasonal Menu Additions/Specials: As a restaurant focused on quality and innovation, Cotra likely introduces seasonal specials or limited-time menu additions that highlight fresh ingredients, providing a promotional draw for returning customers.

For the most current and specific details on any ongoing promotions or special offers, New Yorkers are encouraged to check Cotra's official website, their listings on major food delivery applications, or to call the restaurant directly. This will ensure you have the most up-to-date information to plan your next exquisite meal at Cotra.

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### Contact Information

To experience the highly-praised culinary delights and unique atmosphere of Cotra, here is their essential contact information:

• Address: 451 Carroll St, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA
• Phone: (845) 261-3480 or +1 845-261-3480

Cotra is generally open for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, 5 PM - 10 PM, and on Sunday from 5 PM - 9 PM. They also offer limited lunch hours on Wednesday-Friday from 12 PM - 1 PM. It is highly recommended to make reservations, especially for weekend evenings or if you have a specific time preference, which can be done via Resy. For catering inquiries or larger groups, it's best to contact the restaurant directly by phone.

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### Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New Yorkers, Cotra represents the ideal Japanese dining destination, perfectly tailored to the city's discerning palate and busy lifestyle. Its location in the dynamic Gowanus neighborhood, with easy access to public transportation, makes it a convenient and desirable spot for residents across Brooklyn and beyond. What truly sets Cotra apart and makes it so suitable for locals is its ability to deliver "exquisite dining at a reasonable price," a rare and highly coveted combination in the NYC food scene.

Locals will appreciate the restaurant's commitment to "quality" in every dish, from the "always fresh" sushi and "delicious" rolls to the "perfectly made cocktails" and innovative izakaya-style appetizers. The "mysterious and moody" interior creates a sophisticated yet welcoming ambiance that is ideal for a "date night" or a special outing, while the efficient service ensures that even if you're running a bit late, you'll still be well taken care of. Cotra offers the best of both worlds: a high-end culinary experience without the pretentiousness or excessive cost, making it an instant "go-to spot" for New Yorkers seeking an authentic, memorable, and value-driven Japanese meal in their own backyard.

Cotra

451 Carroll St, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA