Japonica Introduce
For New Yorkers seeking a genuine taste of Japan, finding a restaurant that consistently delivers on both quality and atmosphere can be a delightful quest. Among the city's myriad of dining options, Japonica stands out as a long-standing establishment that has served the community with authentic Japanese cuisine for years. Nestled in a vibrant part of the city, Japonica offers a culinary experience that aims to transport diners straight to the heart of Japan, right here in the Big Apple.
Japonica has earned its reputation by focusing on the traditional artistry of Japanese cooking, particularly when it comes to fresh sushi and sashimi. While the New York dining scene is ever-evolving, Japonica has maintained its commitment to classic flavors and meticulous preparation, striving to provide a reliable and enjoyable experience for its patrons. It's a place where you can savor familiar favorites or explore new dishes, all crafted with an eye for detail and a passion for Japanese culinary traditions.
Japonica is conveniently located at 90 University Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA. This address places it squarely in the bustling and charming Greenwich Village, a neighborhood renowned for its cultural vibrancy, historic streets, and diverse culinary landscape. The restaurant’s position on University Place makes it easily accessible for anyone navigating downtown Manhattan.
The Greenwich Village area is incredibly well-connected by New York City’s extensive subway system, ensuring that Japonica is just a short ride away from almost anywhere in the city. Nearby subway stations provide access to multiple lines, making it a perfect spot for a quick lunch, an intimate dinner, or a gathering with friends before exploring the neighborhood’s many attractions. Its central location makes it a convenient and desirable dining destination for locals and visitors alike.
Japonica is dedicated to providing a comprehensive Japanese dining experience, with a particular emphasis on fresh seafood and traditional preparations. Here’s a look at the services they offer:
- Dine-in Service: Enjoy your meal in an intimate and welcoming setting. The restaurant's ambiance is designed to create a comfortable and pleasant dining experience, ideal for various occasions from solo meals to small group gatherings.
- Extensive Sushi and Sashimi Menu: As a Japanese restaurant, their sushi and sashimi offerings are a cornerstone of their menu. Patrons can expect a wide selection of fresh fish prepared as traditional nigiri, rolls, and sashimi platters. While opinions on specific elements like rice can vary, the quality of the fish is generally considered decent.
- Appetizers and Small Plates: Beyond sushi, Japonica typically offers a range of traditional Japanese appetizers, providing a great start to your meal. These often include items that complement their main courses, offering diverse flavors and textures.
- Seasonal Options: Japonica often incorporates seasonal ingredients into their menu, allowing for fresh and dynamic offerings that reflect the best produce available. This ensures there's always something new and exciting to try, alongside regular favorites.
- Dessert Selection: Complete your meal with a dessert option designed to perfectly round out your Japanese dining experience.
- Beverage Service: To complement your meal, Japonica likely offers a selection of traditional Japanese beverages, such as sake, as well as non-alcoholic options.
Japonica has several features and highlights that draw in its clientele and contribute to its identity within the New York City dining scene:
- Intimate Seating: Many customers appreciate the intimate seating arrangements at Japonica. This creates a cozy and personal dining environment, making it suitable for small groups (2-6 people) or even solo diners looking for a peaceful meal. This setting enhances the overall dining experience, allowing for focused conversations and enjoyment of the food.
- Excellent Service: A consistent highlight mentioned by customers is the excellent service. Attentive and polite staff contribute significantly to a positive dining experience, ensuring that guests feel well-cared for from the moment they arrive until they leave.
- Focus on Sushi and Sashimi: As a Japanese restaurant, its primary focus on sushi and sashimi means patrons can expect a dedicated approach to these classic dishes. While the quality of individual components like sushi rice can be subjective, the freshness of the fish is a key element they aim to provide.
- Mother's Day Lunch/Dinner Suitability: As highlighted by a customer review, Japonica has proven to be a suitable venue for special occasions like Mother's Day lunches or dinners, suggesting it can accommodate celebratory meals.
- Regular Favorites and Seasonal Variety: The menu balances "regular favorites" that diners expect from a Japanese restaurant with "seasonal options." This combination ensures that there's always something familiar and comforting, along with opportunities to explore new flavors and ingredients.
- Central Greenwich Village Location: Its placement in Greenwich Village offers not just accessibility but also the benefit of being in a vibrant neighborhood, perfect for combining a meal with other activities in the area.
As with many restaurants in New York City, specific promotions or special offers at Japonica can vary over time. To get the most up-to-date information, it is always recommended to:
- Check their Official Website: Many restaurants list their current specials, lunch menus, or happy hour deals on their official online platforms.
- Follow Social Media: Restaurants often announce limited-time offers or seasonal menu additions via their social media channels.
- Call Directly: The most direct way to inquire about any ongoing promotions or special deals is to call Japonica directly at the number provided.
While specific past promotions are not publicly detailed, Japanese restaurants often offer lunch specials, pre-fixe dinner menus, or holiday-specific deals. Keeping an eye out for these can provide excellent value.
For reservations, inquiries, or to learn more about Japonica, please use the following contact details:
Address: 90 University Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA
Phone: (212) 243-7752
Mobile Phone: +1 212-243-7752
For New Yorkers, Japonica offers a compelling option for those seeking a Japanese dining experience, particularly if you're in the Greenwich Village area. Its suitability for locals stems from several key factors that align with the expectations of city dwellers.
Firstly, its accessible location on University Place in Greenwich Village makes it incredibly convenient. Whether you're heading out for a quick lunch during the workday, planning a dinner before a show, or meeting friends in the evening, Japonica is easy to get to via public transport and centrally located within a popular neighborhood. This accessibility is a major plus for anyone living or working in the city.
Secondly, the restaurant aims to provide an intimate and comfortable dining atmosphere. In a city where dining spaces can often feel crowded or impersonal, Japonica’s setting is designed to allow for a more personal and relaxed meal. This makes it an ideal spot for a quiet dinner, a casual catch-up, or even a solo meal where you can unwind.
Finally, the focus on traditional Japanese cuisine, particularly sushi and sashimi, provides a reliable choice for locals who appreciate authentic flavors. While individual preferences for elements like sushi rice can vary, the commitment to fresh fish and a menu that balances classic favorites with seasonal options means there's generally something to satisfy various palates. Coupled with attentive service, Japonica positions itself as a familiar and welcoming spot for New Yorkers to enjoy Japanese food in a pleasant setting. It's a place that caters to those looking for a dependable and enjoyable experience in the heart of the city.
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Japonica Reviews
Did this place change ownership. The renovation is beautiful, but the food, wow, so mediocre. Why is there no vinegar in the sushi? Its like they set the rice cooker to sushi mode, but forgot to mix in sushi vinegar. The rice was so hard and bland. Fortunately the fish was decent. Wegmans has better sushi in the grab and go area.
May 17, 2025 · Ricky LeeThis was our first time coming to Japonica and it was a mother's day lunch/dinner for 4. The seating was intimate, the service was excellent & the food perfect. There are seasonal options and regular favorites when you think of sushi/sashimi. This location is ideal for small groups (2-6) or if you're on your own. From appetizers to dessert, we were absolutely pleased. I look forward to returning.
May 17, 2018 · N Gaston-McDonaldFantastic uber-fresh sushi 🍣 and wonderful efficient service make this place my #1 for sushi! Excellent quality!I got here when it opened and within 35 minutes, the restaurant was completely filled. I highly recommend Japonica!
May 16, 2025 · MicheleThe sushi is really amazing here, it’s just that it’s very expensive. It’s a cute little place and I would recommend it. For lunch they have lunch specials not the cheapest lunch special you can find, but I would definitely want to go here again because everything looking beautiful and fresh. There’s some things on the menu that I’ve probably never seen before in a Japanese menu that’s what makes this place unique, and authentic.
Dec 16, 2017 · shakira sWas happy to try this place for sushi but was a bit disappointed with how small their rolls were. The California roll only came with 6 very very small rolls and is only served with crab and avocado… I had to ask to include cucumber. They tasted good.. nothing out of the ordinary in terms of great sushi.
Dec 04, 2022 · Juliana Curtis
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