Japanese Restaurant
Japanese Food BlogJapanese Restaurant Near Me
ArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaTennesseeTexasVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsin
Japanese RestaurantJapanese Restaurant Near MeNew YorkNew York CountyNew YorkJapanese Restaurant in Eldridge StreetIzakaya Zest
Izakaya Zest ico

Izakaya Zest

Japanese restaurant, Cocktail bar ★4.0 (114)·$20–30

112 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002, USA

4.0
I randomly found this place years ago and came back for the first time in awhile and the food is just as good as the first time I tried it. The tonkatsu ramen is so good. Honestly my groups tried a few other items and they were just as amazing. The oysters are also delicious and not filling. - Allison
Izakaya Zest Overview Intro Menu Detail Photos Location Reviews
$20–30 per person Reported by 114 people$10–20$20–30$30–50

Izakaya Zest Introduce

Izakaya Zest is a vibrant and welcoming Japanese restaurant nestled on Eldridge Street in New York's Lower East Side. This spot offers a fantastic fusion of a casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for any occasion, whether it's a spontaneous lunch, a fun group dinner, or a relaxed solo meal. The restaurant's philosophy centers on providing delicious, high-quality Japanese comfort food, sushi, and a variety of small plates that are meant to be shared and enjoyed with friends. The menu is extensive and thoughtfully curated, offering a blend of classic favorites and unique, creative dishes that will keep you coming back for more.

What makes Izakaya Zest a true gem is its commitment to both quality and a great dining experience. The food is consistently praised by customers for being "just as good as the first time" they tried it, with a focus on fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The service is known for being "friendly and fast," ensuring that your meal is both enjoyable and efficient. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty bowl of ramen, a beautifully crafted sushi roll, or a selection of hot and cold appetizers, Izakaya Zest has something to satisfy every craving. It is a place that feels like a local secret, providing a warm and inviting escape from the busy city streets.


Location and Accessibility

Izakaya Zest is conveniently located at 112 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002, USA. This location puts it in the heart of the Lower East Side, a neighborhood known for its lively culture, eclectic boutiques, and vibrant nightlife. Our spot is easily accessible via public transportation, with several subway stations within walking distance, making it a convenient destination for anyone in the city. Its street-level presence and central location make it easy to find, whether you're a local or a tourist exploring the area.

The restaurant's atmosphere is designed to be welcoming and comfortable for all. It provides a casual and cozy setting where you can relax and enjoy your meal without any pretense. The layout is perfect for groups, allowing for a communal dining experience centered around sharing plates. We also have a bar on-site, which adds to the lively and trendy atmosphere, making it a great place to meet up with friends for happy hour or a pre-dinner drink. While specific accessibility details are not provided, the ground-level entrance and open dining area contribute to a relaxed and accessible dining environment.


Services Offered

Izakaya Zest provides a range of services to ensure that our guests have a seamless and enjoyable dining experience.

  • Dine-in: Enjoy a full-service dining experience in our casual and cozy restaurant, perfect for both small and large groups.

  • Takeout and Delivery: For those who prefer to eat at home, we offer both fast and convenient takeout and delivery services.

  • Lunch and Dinner: Our menu is available for both lunch and dinner, with a variety of options to suit any time of day.

  • Bar On-site: We feature a full bar with a wide selection of beer, cocktails, wine, and hard liquor, perfect for pairing with your meal or enjoying on its own.

  • Table Service: Our friendly and fast staff provide excellent table service, ensuring your meal is served promptly and with care.


Features and Highlights

Izakaya Zest is celebrated for several key features that make it a standout choice for Japanese cuisine in NYC.

  • Diverse Menu: Our menu is a true highlight, with a wide array of options ranging from traditional sushi and sashimi to popular kitchen entrees like Tonkotsu Ramen and Gyudon. The variety caters to all tastes and cravings.

  • Popular Appetizers: Our selection of hot and cold appetizers is a major draw. Customer reviews specifically praise our Pan Fried Gyoza, Jalapeño Chicken Wings, and Fried Oysters, noting their delicious flavor and perfect portion size.

  • Exceptional Ramen: Our ramen is a must-try. The Tonkotsu Ramen is highly recommended, and the Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen offers a great kick of heat. As one reviewer mentioned, the ramen is "so good" and a perfect choice for a cold day.

  • Creative and Classic Rolls: We offer a great balance of classic rolls like the California and Spicy Tuna alongside creative signature rolls like the Zest Roll and Ocean Lover.

  • Cozy and Trendy Atmosphere: The restaurant provides a great vibe that is both casual and trendy. It's a comfortable and intimate space that feels right at home in the Lower East Side.

  • Fast and Friendly Service: A key highlight of our service is its speed and friendliness. As noted in customer reviews, the service is "friendly and fast," ensuring a smooth and pleasant dining experience.

  • Happy Hour: We offer happy hour drinks and small plates, making us a great spot to unwind after work or start your evening out with friends.


Contact Information

For reservations, questions, or to place a takeout order, please feel free to contact us.

Address: 112 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002, USA

Phone: (212) 226-2801


What is worth choosing

Choosing Izakaya Zest is a fantastic decision for anyone in New York looking for a versatile and delicious Japanese dining experience. The most compelling reason to visit is our broad and high-quality menu. The balance between classic Japanese comfort food and a wide selection of sushi and small plates is what truly makes us stand out. For those who love a warm, hearty meal, our ramen is a must-try. The Tonkotsu Ramen is known for its rich and flavorful broth, and the option for a spicy version allows you to tailor the heat to your liking. As one review states, the ramen is "so good" and a perfect antidote to cold weather.

Beyond the ramen, the appetizers are a key part of the Izakaya Zest experience. Our Jalapeño Chicken Wings and Shrimp Shumai are great choices for sharing with a group. The Fried Oyster and Pork Belly Bun are also highly recommended for their distinct flavors and textures. The sushi menu is equally impressive, with a vast selection of classic and specialty rolls that are both delicious and beautifully presented. For those who want to try a bit of everything, our platters like the Sushi & Sashimi Combo or Sashimi Feast are excellent choices.

The atmosphere and service at Izakaya Zest are what make the overall experience so enjoyable. It has a cozy and casual vibe that is very inviting, and the fact that the service is "friendly and fast" means you can get a great meal without a long wait. This makes it a perfect spot for a quick lunch during the workday or a convenient and delicious dinner. The restaurant's focus on providing a great experience at a reasonable price, as evidenced by the generous portions and the delicious flavors, makes it a top choice in the Lower East Side. It's a place where you can feel confident that you will leave feeling happy and full, a sentiment echoed by our satisfied customers. For a New Yorker in search of a reliable and delicious Japanese spot, Izakaya Zest is a fantastic and highly recommended option.

Izakaya Zest Menu

  • Soup & Salad

  • Miso Soup $4.00
  • Avocado Salad $10.00
  • Seaweed Salad $8.00
  • Mixed Green Salad $7.00
  • Salmon Avocado Salad $16.00
  • Special Roll

  • Noname $19.00

    Pepper tuna, cucumber, avocado top with seared salmon, scallion, roe, spicy mayo & yuzu dressing.

  • Rock N Roll $18.00

    Spicy tuna roll, top with slice avocado & spicy mayo.

  • Ocean Lover $22.00

    Salmon, tuna, yellowtail, avocado, scallion, tobiko.

  • Dragon $19.00
  • Rainbow $19.00
  • Happy Year $19.00

    Spicy tuna, avocado, cucumber top with torch mayo on salmon, roe, scallion.

  • Zest Roll $28.00

    Salmon, yellowtail, avocado top with torch toro, scallion.

  • Fantastic Eel $19.00

    Shrimp tempura, avocado, cucumber top with eel.

  • Fire Island (Deep Fried) $17.00

    Salmon, white fish, kani, avocado, roe scallion, eel & spicy mayo.

  • 112 $19.00

    Shrimp tempura, avocado, cucumber top with spicy tuna.

  • Fiery $19.00

    Spicy tuna, crunch, top with yellowtail, white tuna jalapeño with sriracha sauce.

  • Cold Appetizers

  • Ankimo $15.00

    Monkfish liver in onion dressing.

  • Yellowtail Jalapeño $18.00

    Kimchi sauce.

  • Black Pepper Tuna $17.00

    Ponzu sauce.

  • Scallop Ceviche $19.00

    Yuzu kosho dressing.

  • Salmon Dream $17.00

    Yuzu sauce.

  • White Tuna Jalapeño $17.00
  • Crispy & Spicy $15.00

    Spicy tuna on crispy rice.

  • Sashimi

  • Eel $6.00
  • Madai $6.00
  • Ikura $9.00
  • Yellowtail $8.00
  • Salmon $7.00
  • Scallop $8.00
  • Toro $12.00
  • Tuna $8.00
  • Sea Urchin $15.00

    1 pc.

  • Wagyu $12.00
  • Hot Appetizers

  • Pork Belly Bun $7.00
  • Ika Karaage $9.00
  • Purple Fries $8.00
  • Pan Fried Gyoza $9.00
  • Shrimp Shumai $9.00
  • Chicken Karaage $9.00
  • Fried Chicken Bun $7.00
  • Thai Shrimp Roll $9.00
  • Takoyaki $10.00
  • Edamame $8.00
  • Fried Oyster $10.00
  • Jalapeño Chicken Wings $10.00
  • Classic Roll

  • Spicy Tuna $10.00
  • Philadelphia $10.00
  • Eel Avocado $10.00
  • Salmon Avocado $11.00
  • Eel Cucumber $10.00
  • Spicy Yellowtail $11.00
  • Tuna $10.00
  • Cucumber Avocado $9.00
  • Spicy Kani $10.00
  • Yellowtail Jalapeño $12.00
  • Spicy Salmon $10.00
  • Salmon $10.00
  • Toro Scallion $13.00
  • California $9.00
  • Yellowtail Scallion $10.00
  • Tuna Avocado $12.00
  • Shrimp Tempura $10.00
  • Avocado $9.00
  • Kitchen Entrée

  • Fried Rice $17.00
  • Chicken Katsu Don $18.00

    Chicken katsu over rice, egg, onion, scallion.

  • Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen $19.00

    Pork belly, half soft boiled egg, bamboo shoot, scallion, black garlic oil, pork broth, thin noodles.

  • Pineapple Fried Rice $23.00

    Thai style fried rice with shrimp, chicken, pineapple, onion, pea, carrot, egg.

  • Beef Udon $22.00

    Beef, shrimp tempura, scallion, truffles, chicken broth, poached egg.

  • Shoyu Ramen $19.00

    Pork belly, half soft boiled egg, bamboo shoot, scallion, truffles, seaweed, chicken broth, wavy noodles.

  • Gyudon $19.00

    Slow cook beef, onion over rice, poached egg, scallion, sesame.

  • Tonkotsu Ramen $18.00
  • Sushi Bar Entrée

  • Sashimi Feast $58.00
  • Tri Color Don $39.00

    Salmon, tuna, yellowtail over rice.

  • Tuna Lover $38.00

    4 pcs sushi, 4 pcs sashimi, spicy tuna roll.

  • Sushi & Sashimi Combo $58.00

    6 pcs sushi, 8 pcs sashimi, Toro roll.

  • Chirasmi $39.00

    Chef's selection of sashimi over rice.

  • Tekka Don $39.00

    Bluefin tuna sashimi & scallion over rice

  • Salmon Lover $36.00

    4 pcs sushi, 4 pcs sashimi, spicy salmon roll.

  • Omakase Sushi Set $48.00
  • Sake Don $39.00

    Salmon sashimi & ikura over rice.

  • Kaisen Don $42.00

    Minced Toro, Ikura, scallion, over rice with side of nori.

  • Kaishin Don $48.00

    Minced Toro, uni, Ikura, scallion, over rice with side of nori.

  • Toro Don $38.00

    Minced toro, scallion over rice with side of nori.

  • Zest Seafood Don $48.00

    Minced Toro, Ikura, sweet shrimp, scallop, over rice with side of nori.

  • Sushi

  • Salmon $7.00
  • Scallop $8.00
  • Botan Shrimp Uni $16.00
  • Eel $6.00
  • Toro Foie Gras $16.00
  • Ikura $9.00
  • Wagyu $12.00
  • Toro $12.00
  • Wagyu Foie Gras $17.00
  • Madai $6.00
  • Salmon Foie Gras $13.00
  • Sea Urchin $15.00
  • Yellowtail $8.00
  • Wagyu Uni $19.00
  • Uni Aburi Toro $18.00
  • Tuna $8.00
  • Botan Shrimp $10.00

Izakaya Zest Details

  • Service options

  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Comfort food
  • Happy hour drinks
  • Hard liquor
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Wine
  • Dining options

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Table service
  • Amenities

  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Trendy
  • Crowd

  • Groups
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards

Izakaya Zest Photos

Izakaya Zest Picture 1Izakaya Zest Picture 2Izakaya Zest Picture 3Izakaya Zest Picture 4Izakaya Zest Picture 5Izakaya Zest Picture 6Izakaya Zest Picture 7Izakaya Zest Picture 8Izakaya Zest Picture 9Izakaya Zest Picture 10

Izakaya Zest Location

Izakaya Zest

112 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002, USA

Izakaya Zest Reviews

More Japanese Restaurant Near Me

  • Omakase Sushi by No nameOmakase Sushi by No name4.0 (128 reviews)

    114 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002, USA

  • BLAZE BBQ & HIBACHIBLAZE BBQ & HIBACHI4.0 (20 reviews)

    109 Eldridge St Store North, New York, NY 10002, USA

  • cocoron marketcocoron market4.0 (91 reviews)

    61 Delancey St, New York, NY 10002, USA

  • DouskaDouska4.0 (249 reviews)

    63 Delancey St, New York, NY 10002, USA

  • Zest SushiZest Sushi4.0 (648 reviews)

    249 Broome St, New York, NY 10002, USA

  • Taikun SushiTaikun Sushi4.0 (111 reviews)

    79 Delancey St, New York, NY 10002, USA

  • Go SushiGo Sushi4.0 (154 reviews)

    325 Grand St, New York, NY 10002, USA

  • Gyu-Ichiro Japanese BBQGyu-Ichiro Japanese BBQ4.0 (314 reviews)

    135 Bowery, New York, NY 10002, USA

  • Okiboru House of TsukemenOkiboru House of Tsukemen4.0 (671 reviews)

    117 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, USA

  • Sake No HanaSake No Hana4.0 (305 reviews)

    145 Bowery, New York, NY 10002, USA

  • O Ramen & Dim Sum M Yuki SushiO Ramen & Dim Sum M Yuki Sushi4.0 (219 reviews)

    37 Allen St, New York, NY 10002, USA

  • Go SushiGo Sushi4.0 (8 reviews)

    37 Allen St, New York, NY 10002, USA

  • Categories

    Popular Japanese Restaurant Sites

    Must-Read Japanese Food Blog Posts

    Most Searched Japanese Restaurant Sites

    Trending Japanese Food Blog Posts