Nakaji Introduce
Welcome to Nakaji, a true gem for Japanese cuisine lovers in the heart of New York City. Nestled in a prime location, this restaurant has quickly become a go-to destination for those seeking a remarkable and authentic dining experience. Nakaji stands out not just for its exceptional food but also for its intimate and inviting atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a special night out or a delightful solo dining adventure. The focus here is on quality, from the freshest ingredients to the friendly and attentive service that makes every guest feel like a valued part of the experience.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll find a place that feels both cozy and trendy, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated setting. It’s a place where the art of Japanese culinary tradition is honored and presented with a modern flair. The dedication to detail is evident in every aspect of the restaurant, from the meticulously prepared dishes to the beautifully arranged interior, which includes stunning and regularly refreshed flower arrangements that add a unique touch to the ambiance. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur of Japanese cuisine or looking to explore something new, Nakaji promises an unforgettable journey through flavors and hospitality.
Nakaji is conveniently located at 48 Bowery, New York, NY 10013, USA. Its central location makes it easily accessible for anyone in the New York metropolitan area. Whether you're coming from another borough or within Manhattan, getting to the restaurant is straightforward. For those with mobility needs, the establishment is well-prepared, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible restroom. This commitment to accessibility ensures that more people can enjoy the fine dining experience that Nakaji provides.
Parking in this area can be a challenge, so planning your visit using public transportation or a ride-sharing service is highly recommended. The restaurant's address on Bowery is a well-known point of interest, making it easy for drivers and navigators to find. Once you arrive, you'll be welcomed into a tranquil space that feels miles away from the city's hustle and bustle, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the culinary adventure ahead.
Nakaji offers a range of services designed to provide a complete and satisfying dining experience. The primary focus is on dine-in service, with a strong emphasis on a seated, full-service dinner experience. For those who prefer to enjoy Nakaji's offerings elsewhere, takeout and delivery options are also available, making it easy to enjoy high-quality Japanese food in the comfort of your own home.
Beyond the dining itself, Nakaji is known for its excellent bar offerings and table service, which enhance the overall experience. The service is prompt and friendly, with staff who are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to provide recommendations.
Services offered include:
- Dine-in service with table service
- Takeout options for enjoying food at home
- Delivery service for added convenience
- Dinner and dessert service
- Reservations accepted and highly recommended
Nakaji is a place of many highlights, each contributing to its reputation as a premier Japanese restaurant. One of the most talked-about features is the quality of its beverage program.
Features and highlights of Nakaji include:
Great Cocktails: The bar at Nakaji is celebrated for its excellent cocktail menu. In addition to a fantastic selection of traditional Japanese beverages, the mixologists craft unique and flavorful cocktails that perfectly complement the food. The beverage list is extensive and features an impressive variety of alcohol, including beer, hard liquor, and a thoughtfully curated wine list. The sparkling wines available are particularly noteworthy, with options like Albert Boxler 2016, Poe Sparkling "Van Der Kamp Rosé" 2015, Drappier Nv, Delamotte Nv, Henriot 2008, Nomine Renard 2012, and the high-end Krug Brut Nv.
Exceptional Sake Selection: Nakaji takes pride in its extensive and diverse sake list. The offerings range from sparkling and fruit sakes, like Hakkaisan Clear Sparkling and Thoughts Of Yuzu, to a wide variety of traditional sakes, including Suigei, Suehiro, Fukuju, and many more. This comprehensive selection allows diners to find the perfect pairing for their meal, guided by the knowledgeable staff.
High-Quality Ingredients: The food at Nakaji is a testament to the commitment to quality. The chefs use top-notch, fresh, and seasonal ingredients, which is evident in every dish. The variety of shellfish is particularly praised for its freshness and vibrant flavors.
Cozy and Trendy Atmosphere: The restaurant’s ambiance is a key part of the experience. It is described as both cozy and trendy, making it a perfect spot for an intimate meal. The tasteful decor and special touches, such as the stunning flower arrangements, add to the inviting and unique environment.
Reservation Policy: Given the restaurant's popularity and intimate size, reservations are required for dining in. This policy ensures a smooth and unhurried experience for all guests and guarantees you a spot at this highly sought-after venue. It is strongly recommended to make dinner reservations well in advance.
Flexible Payment Options: For convenience, Nakaji accepts multiple payment methods, including all major credit cards and debit cards.
For all inquiries, reservations, or to place an order, you can contact Nakaji using the following information:
Address: 48 Bowery, New York, NY 10013, USA
Phone: (646) 478-8282 or +1 646-478-8282
When considering where to have your next fine dining experience in New York, Nakaji presents a compelling case. The food is undoubtedly the main attraction, with a menu that focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients. While some dishes may have their highs and lows, the overall quality of the ingredients, such as the delicious uni, salmon roe, and bluefin tuna, consistently receives high praise. The rice and yuzu that accompany many of the dishes are also noted for their quality and a great balance of flavor. The focus on healthy options within the menu is another plus.
Beyond the food, the friendly and warm hospitality of the staff and chef makes a lasting impression. They create an environment where everyone feels special and well-cared for. This level of service, combined with the cozy and trendy atmosphere, makes Nakaji a perfect place for a memorable dinner or even a solo dining experience. The bar offers a wide range of selections, from great cocktails and wine to an extensive sake list, ensuring there is a perfect drink to complement any meal. The meticulous attention to detail, from the decor to the service, solidifies Nakaji's reputation as a top-tier destination for Japanese cuisine.
The fact that it is a popular spot for solo dining and dinner speaks volumes about its welcoming atmosphere and the quality of the experience it provides. Although a reservation is required, the planning is well worth it for the unforgettable culinary journey that awaits.
Nakaji Food & drink
Sparkling & Fruit Sake
- Hakkaisan Clear Sparkling 720ml $165.00
- Chiyomusubi-Sorah 360ml $210.00
- Thoughts Of Yuzu $12.00
Kyoto
- Kaori Aromatic Plum $10.00
Yamaguchi
Shochu
- Kannoko Barley
Kagoshima
- Hakutake Rice
Kumamoto
- Kawabe Rice
Kumamoto
- Kuro-Shiranami Sweet Potato
Kagoshima
- Tomino-Hozan Sweet Potato $102.00
Kagoshima
Sparkling Wine
- Albert Boxler 2016
Cremant d'alsace, alsace, france
- Poe Sparkling "Van Der Kamp Rosé" 2015 $120.00
Sonoma, california
- Drappier Nv $130.00
Rose nature, champagne, france
- Delamotte Nv $170.00
Blanc de blancs, champagne, france
- Henriot 2008 $195.00
Brut millesime, champagne, france
- Nomine Renard 2012 $215.00
Special club, champagne, france
- Krug Brut Nv $510.00
Grande cuvee, champagne, france
Sake
- Suigei
Tokubetsu junmai kochi
- Suehiro
Yamahai junmai fukushima
- Suijin Ohkarakuchi
Junmai iwate
- Fukuju
Junmai ginjo hyogo
- Shichida
Junmai saga
- Shiragiku
Nigori unfiltered okayama
- Tomoju
Junmai daiginjo 375ml tochigi
- Gozenshu Mimasaka
Junmai 720ml okayama
- Suigei 54
Junmai ginjo 720ml kochi
- Kuroushi Omachi
Junmai ginjo 720ml wakayama
- Chiyomusubi Tokubetsu
Junmai 720ml tottori
- Dan
Junmai ginjo 720ml yamanashi
- Harada
Junmai ginjo muroka genshu 720ml yamaguchi
- Bocho Tsuru
Junmai muroka genshu 720ml yamaguchi
- Taiten Shiragiku
Daiginjo 720ml okayama
- Mikinishiki
Junmai 720ml okayama
- Kaori Tsuru
Junmai daiginjo 720ml yamaguchi
- Hakkaisan Yukimuro
3 yr snow aged ginjo niigata
- Shichida
Junmai daiginjo 720ml saga
- Gensai
Daiginjo 720ml fukushima
- Suigei Daito
Junmai daiginjo 720ml kochi
- Asabiraki
Junmai daiginjo 720ml iwate
Nakaji Details
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great cocktails
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Wine
Dining options
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Trendy
Planning
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Nakaji Photos










Nakaji Location
Nakaji Reviews
This place offers an unforgettable dining experience. From the moment you step in, the friendly chef and his attentive staff make you feel right at home. Their warm hospitality sets the tone for the evening, ensuring everyone feels special.The quality of the ingredients is top-notch. Especially the various shellfish. Every dish showcases the freshness and vibrant flavors of the season.The decor is tastefully done, with a special emphasis on the stunning flower arrangements. A specialist visits regularly to refresh them in creative ways, making each visit slightly different and adding a unique touch to the ambiance.
June 18 · Omar ShomanWe didn’t get our first course until 25min after the reservation time, and we didn’t get our first sushi course from chef until 1.5 hours after the reservation time.Food had highs and lows. Pickled ginger was sliced unevenly by chef in large chunks. The unagi in the soup had many bones to chew through and was overcooked. Tamago was unrefined.Uni, salmon roe, and the bluefin tuna jawline were delicious, and the rice and yuzu accompanying many of the pieces were great.
October 20 · Siyuan LiuOur experience at Nakaji was worthy of five stars. The food, service, and atmosphere all met the threshold of excellence. Tucked away in the alley off the corner of Canal and Bowery, you would not be mistaken for walking past it. A sleek wood unassuming door with a subtle sign serves as the entranceway. The kind hostess greeted us in traditional beautiful Japanese garb. There was a handsome bar with a friendly and knowledgeable bartender before the room where food is served. Nakaji is an experience of refinement where three generations of sushi making inform the preparation. To dine at Nakaji is to experience a subtlety of flavors, eloquently combined in a traditional atmosphere, with gracious hospitality. Expect a 5:30pm seating to finish around 8pm and an 8pm around 10:30pm. Reservation is required.
March 17 · Jacob RheinsteinOne of the easiest 5 starts I had given. The experience as a whole is one of the best I’ve ever been. Many times you go to high level Omakase and the atmosphere could be a bit tense. At Nakaji, it feels a great combination of both high quality service and food together with warmth and easygoing feeling. A great mixture. The food was unbelievable, I was most admired by the special Otsumami. Very special dishes you don’t get to try in many places.The sushi itself was so well balanced. I loved how the cured fish were cured for perfection. Normally those arnt my go to, and in this dinner it was so good. The Anago and the Kama toro was one of the best bites I’ve ever tried. I’ll definitely recommend and will return. Value for money 10/10. Chef Nakajima is the nicest person and such a professional. And the team were both professional with a lot of knowledges and nice and funny. Thanks Leila! And chef Nakajima!
February 24 · Daniel SchiffOmakase with Chef Nakajima was incredible! The hairy crab and uni were highlights but every piece was perfect and delicious! Service was outstanding. The cocktails were excellent as well. Will definitely need to go back again!
November 24 · C J
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