Ikyu 一休

New Yorkers are constantly seeking out those hidden gems that offer both a delightful culinary experience and a welcoming atmosphere. On the Upper East Side, Ikyu 一休 (pronounced "ee-kyoo") stands out as a charming sushi restaurant that delivers on both fronts. It's the kind of place where the focus is on fresh ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and creating a relaxed environment, whether you're enjoying a romantic date night or a solo meal at the sushi bar. While the city boasts countless Japanese eateries, Ikyu distinguishes itself by paying attention to the "little things" that truly enhance a dining experience.

Ikyu 一休 is a Japanese restaurant located in New York City, recognized for its "warm and cozy" environment and its commitment to fresh, quality ingredients. While their sushi rolls are a highlight, described as "very enjoyable" with "fresh fish" and "properly prepped ingredients," the menu extends to a variety of other Japanese favorites, including appetizers like Kara-Age (fried chicken) and vegetable gyoza, along with heartier dishes like pork katsu. The restaurant aims to provide a relaxed yet refined dining experience, suitable for various occasions. Customers often praise the friendly and attentive staff, who contribute significantly to the overall positive impression, making Ikyu a memorable spot for Japanese cuisine on the Upper East Side.

Ikyu 一休 is conveniently situated at 1718 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA, placing it squarely in the vibrant Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan. This prime location on 2nd Avenue ensures excellent accessibility for both local residents and those venturing from other parts of New York City. The restaurant is well-served by the city's extensive public transportation system, with numerous bus lines running along 2nd Avenue. Additionally, it's within a comfortable walking distance of several subway stations (such as the Q and 6 lines), making it easy to reach from various boroughs. For those living or working in the immediate vicinity, Ikyu is a readily available option for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner, seamlessly fitting into the fast-paced New York lifestyle. Its street-level presence ensures it's easy to spot and enter, inviting diners into its warm ambiance.

Ikyu 一休 is dedicated to providing a pleasant and accommodating dining experience, offering various services to suit the needs of its New York clientele.

• Dine-In Service: Experience the "warm and cozy" atmosphere firsthand. The restaurant offers both traditional table seating and stools in front of the sushi bar, providing options for different dining preferences and allowing patrons to observe the sushi chefs at work.
• Takeout and Delivery: For those who prefer to enjoy their Japanese favorites at home or the office, Ikyu offers convenient takeout and delivery services. They are available on major delivery platforms like Grubhub, ensuring contact-free options for customers.
• Omakase Options: For a curated culinary journey, Ikyu provides Omakase experiences. These include "Oma 5" (5 pieces of chef's special selections), "Oma 8" (8 pieces), and an "Omakase Special" with 15 courses, offering a chance to savor the chef's artistry and the freshest seasonal ingredients.
• Full Bar Service: Complement your meal with a selection of beverages from their full bar, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Attentive Staff: Customers consistently highlight the "amazing staff" who are "friendly" and pay attention to "the little things," such as promptly replacing a dropped chopstick without being asked, contributing significantly to a positive experience.

Ikyu 一休 stands out for several distinct features that contribute to its appeal and positive customer experiences:

• Warm and Cozy Ambiance: The restaurant's environment is frequently described as "warm and cozy," creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. This makes it a "great spot to eat whether you’re on a date or by yourself," offering a comfortable escape from the city's hustle.
• Fresh and Well-Prepped Sushi: The sushi is a definite highlight, with customers noting that the "fish was fresh" and "ingredients were prepped properly." Rolls like the "Salmon Fizz Roll," "Shrimp Tempura Roll," and "Salmon Skin Roll" are praised for being "served well" and providing "a very enjoyable experience."
• Diverse Menu Beyond Sushi: While sushi is a core offering, Ikyu's menu extends to other Japanese delights. Their "pork katsu" is noted for being "crispy on the outside and the inside was nice and firm," and the portions are described as "very good," almost too much to finish. Appetizers like "scallop sushi" are praised for freshness and texture, even if less sweet than some expected. They offer a range of traditional a la carte items and special rolls.
• Attentive and Friendly Staff: This is a consistently high point for Ikyu. Reviewers emphasize the "amazing staff" who are "friendly," "attentive," and go the extra mile, such as asking about peanut allergies for dessert, demonstrating a high level of customer care. This attention to detail creates a welcoming and comfortable experience.
• Good for Dates and Solo Dining: The flexible seating options, including stools at the sushi bar, make it suitable for both intimate date nights and comfortable solo meals, catering to various dining scenarios.
• Unique Dessert Offerings: While subjective, the "cream cheese ice cream with honey and peanuts" is a unique dessert that, despite its initial unusual sound, "grew on" a reviewer when all components were combined, showcasing the restaurant's willingness to experiment.
• Reasonably Priced Rolls (for NYC): Although individual sushi rolls can be "slightly expensive" ranging from "$10-20," this pricing is generally competitive for fresh sushi in New York City, especially given the quality.

While explicit, widely advertised promotions might not be a constant feature, New Yorkers seeking good value at Ikyu 一休 should consider a few common practices for Japanese restaurants in the city.

• Lunch Specials: Many sushi restaurants offer special lunch menus with attractive pricing. It's advisable to inquire directly with Ikyu or check their online menu for any current lunch deals, which often include combinations of rolls, nigiri, or bento box options at a more economical price point.
• Omakase Experiences: Ikyu's tiered Omakase options (Oma 5, Oma 8, Omakase Special) can be considered a structured form of promotion, offering a curated selection of premium dishes at a set price, which often represents good value for the quality and variety provided by the chef.
• Happy Hour: Some Japanese restaurants may feature happy hour specials on drinks and select appetizers. While not explicitly mentioned in reviews, it's always worth checking with the restaurant if they have any such offerings, particularly during weekday evenings.

For the most current information on any ongoing promotions or seasonal specials, it is always best to visit Ikyu's official website or call them directly.

To experience the inviting ambiance and delicious sushi at Ikyu 一休, here's how you can get in touch:

• Address: 1718 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA
• Phone: (212) 500-8699 (This number also serves as their mobile contact: +1 212-500-8699)

For reservations, especially for groups or during peak dining hours, calling ahead is recommended to ensure a seamless visit. For takeout or delivery, their phone number is also your direct line.

For New Yorkers, Ikyu 一休 is a highly suitable and appealing choice for Japanese dining, particularly for those on the Upper East Side. Its "warm and cozy" environment immediately sets a welcoming tone, making it perfect for an intimate "date night" or a comfortable "by yourself" meal at the sushi bar. The attention to detail, exemplified by the "amazing staff" who are "friendly" and go the extra mile (like promptly replacing a dropped chopstick), elevates the overall dining experience, fostering a sense of being well-cared for.

Culinary-wise, Ikyu delivers on its promise of "fresh fish" and "properly prepped ingredients," resulting in "very enjoyable" sushi rolls. Beyond sushi, the menu offers hearty and well-executed dishes like "pork katsu," ensuring there's something to satisfy various cravings. While individual rolls might be "slightly expensive" by some standards, this is generally reflective of quality fresh sushi in NYC, and the overall "enjoyable experience" justifies the price. For locals seeking a reliable, high-quality, and intimately charming Japanese restaurant that values both its food and its patrons, Ikyu 一休 is undoubtedly a recommended destination.

Ikyu 一休

1718 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA