Ootoya Times Square

For New Yorkers with a discerning palate for authentic Japanese cuisine, finding a truly exceptional spot amidst the city's vast culinary offerings can be a delightful quest. While many Japanese restaurants focus solely on sushi, Ootoya Times Square offers a refreshingly diverse approach, specializing in "teishoku" – traditional Japanese home cooking served as a set meal. This provides a comprehensive and satisfying dining experience that extends beyond the popular raw fish dishes, though Ootoya certainly excels in that area too. Located in the bustling heart of Midtown, Ootoya Times Square has carved out a niche for itself by providing high-quality, flavorful Japanese comfort food in a pleasant and inviting atmosphere.

Ootoya is not just another sushi restaurant; it’s a destination for those who appreciate the depth and variety of Japanese culinary traditions. While sushi and sashimi are indeed on the menu, the restaurant is particularly celebrated for its grilled fish sets, crispy katsu dishes, and flavorful hot pots, all presented with the meticulous attention to detail characteristic of Japanese dining. Customer reviews frequently highlight the quality of the ingredients, the traditional flavors, and the cozy yet modern ambiance. One reviewer raved about the "great fish dishes" and the "good quality Japanese food at pretty good prices," while another specifically praised the "miso fish" as a "great choice." This focus on a broader range of authentic dishes, prepared with care, sets Ootoya Times Square apart and makes it a highly recommended spot for anyone seeking a true taste of Japan in New York City.

Ootoya Times Square boasts an exceptionally convenient and highly accessible location at 141 W 41st St, New York, NY 10036, USA. Situated just steps away from the iconic Times Square, the restaurant is a perfect pre- or post-theater dining spot. Its central Midtown Manhattan address ensures excellent connectivity to virtually every corner of the city.

Public transportation is undoubtedly the easiest way to reach Ootoya Times Square. The restaurant is within very close proximity to several major subway stations. The Times Square-42nd Street subway complex (N, Q, R, W, 1, 2, 3, 7, S lines) is just around the corner, offering unparalleled access from various parts of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. The Port Authority Bus Terminal (A, C, E lines) is also a short walk away, making it convenient for those arriving by bus from within the city or from New Jersey. Numerous local bus routes also serve the area, further enhancing its accessibility. For those who prefer to drive, while street parking is generally challenging in Midtown, there are numerous parking garages within a few blocks of the restaurant, providing options for vehicle owners, albeit usually at a premium.

The strategic location also means that Ootoya Times Square is surrounded by some of New York City's most famous landmarks and attractions. Broadway theaters are literally on its doorstep, making it an ideal choice for a dinner before catching a show. Bryant Park, a tranquil urban oasis, is also a short stroll away, perfect for a walk before or after your meal. The vibrant energy of Times Square, with its dazzling billboards and constant buzz, provides a uniquely New York backdrop for your dining experience. This prime positioning ensures that Ootoya Times Square is not just a place to eat, but an integral part of the quintessential New York City experience for both locals and visitors.

Ootoya Times Square offers a wide array of services and culinary delights that reflect its commitment to authentic Japanese home cooking. While the menu is extensive, catering to diverse preferences, here’s a general overview of what patrons can expect:

• Dine-In Service: A comfortable and inviting dining environment with a modern yet cozy atmosphere, suitable for various occasions from casual lunches to special dinners. Reviewers often note the pleasant spot and good service.
• Teishoku Sets: A signature offering of Ootoya, these traditional set meals typically include a main dish (like grilled fish, katsu, or hot pot), premium Japanese white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables. This provides a balanced and complete meal, a rarity in many New York Japanese restaurants.
• Sushi and Sashimi: Despite its focus on home-style cooking, Ootoya also offers a selection of fresh sushi and sashimi, including "Sashimi 3 Ten Mori" (assorted sashimi) and "Sashimi 6 Ten Mori," featuring a variety of fresh seafood like bluefin tuna, Scottish salmon, and amberjack.
• Grilled Fish Dishes: Highly praised by customers, the grilled fish sets are a highlight, including options like "Gindara Miso Set" (grilled black cod marinated in original blend miso), "Salmon Saikyo Yaki Set" (grilled salmon in Saikyo Miso), and "Shima Hokke Set" (grilled Atka mackerel).
• Katsu and Fried Dishes: Crispy and juicy, their katsu dishes are a favorite, such as "Tonkatsu Set" (breaded and deep-fried Herb pork loin cutlet) and "Chicken Katsu Set." They also offer "Karaage" (crispy fried chicken).
• Bowls & Noodles: A selection of delicious bowls like "Bara Chirashi Don" (diced assorted sashimi over sushi rice), "Salmon Ikura Don" (salmon sashimi and salmon roe over sushi rice), and various noodle dishes.
• Appetizers and Sides: A range of starters including "Homemade Tofu," "Pork Gyoza," "Edamame," and various salads.
• Sake and Beverage Options: A good selection of sake options and other beverages to complement the meal.
• Takeout and Delivery: Convenient options for enjoying Ootoya's cuisine at home or in the office. They offer delivery and pick-up services.
• Onigiri Counter: A unique feature at this location, Ootoya Times Square sometimes offers an onigiri window on weekdays, providing freshly made rice balls to go.

Ootoya Times Square stands out for several key features and highlights that contribute to its appeal among New Yorkers:

• Authentic Home-Style Japanese Cuisine: Unlike many Japanese restaurants that primarily focus on sushi, Ootoya excels in providing "teishoku" or traditional set meals, offering a taste of authentic Japanese home cooking that is often harder to find in NYC. This allows diners to experience a more comprehensive and balanced Japanese meal.
• High-Quality Ingredients: Customer reviews consistently commend the freshness and quality of ingredients, particularly the fish dishes and the homemade silky tofu. This commitment to quality elevates the dining experience.
• Diverse Menu: While known for its teishoku, Ootoya Times Square offers a broad menu that includes highly-rated grilled fish (like the Gindara Miso), crispy katsu, flavorful hot pots, and even sushi bowls, catering to a wide range of preferences. The "tons of different menus make it a bit confusing but that means more choices," as one customer noted.
• Pleasant Ambiance: The restaurant features a modern yet cozy atmosphere, creating a pleasant and comfortable dining environment. It’s described as a "pleasant spot," suitable for both casual dining and special occasions.
• Convenient Location: Its proximity to Times Square and the theater district makes it an ideal choice for a pre-show dinner. Accessibility via numerous subway lines and major transportation hubs is a significant advantage for New Yorkers.
• Good Sake Options: For those who appreciate traditional Japanese beverages, Ootoya offers a good selection of sake to pair with their dishes, enhancing the overall authentic experience.
• Consistent Quality and Service: Many customers, including those who have visited other Ootoya branches, note the consistent good quality food and service, making it a reliable choice for Japanese cuisine.

While specific, ongoing promotions and special offers for Ootoya Times Square are not consistently advertised on widely accessible public platforms, it is always recommended for New Yorkers to check directly with the restaurant. Patrons can inquire about any current deals by calling them at the provided phone numbers or visiting their official website. Many restaurants in the Times Square area, especially those catering to the pre-theater crowd, might offer special lunch deals, happy hour promotions on drinks and appetizers, or prix-fixe dinner menus. Additionally, it's worth checking third-party delivery platforms where they might sometimes offer discounts on online orders. Past mentions suggest they have had an "Onigiri Outside Counter" open on weekdays with special pricing, so keeping an eye on their social media channels or calling ahead could reveal seasonal or limited-time offers.

For reservations, inquiries, or takeout orders, here is the direct contact information for Ootoya Times Square:

Address: 141 W 41st St, New York, NY 10036, USA

Phone: (212) 704-0833

Mobile Phone: +1 212-704-0833

The restaurant's hours are generally 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM for lunch and 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM for dinner, though it's always advisable to confirm these times, especially for holidays or special events.

Ootoya Times Square is perfectly suited for New Yorkers for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, its prime location in the vibrant Times Square area makes it incredibly convenient, whether you're working in Midtown, catching a Broadway show, or exploring the heart of Manhattan. The ease of access via multiple subway lines ensures that it’s a hassle-free dining destination for residents from all boroughs.

Secondly, Ootoya offers a unique and authentic Japanese dining experience that goes beyond the typical sushi-centric restaurants often found in the city. Its specialization in "teishoku" – traditional Japanese set meals – provides a comprehensive and satisfying culinary journey, appealing to those seeking genuine Japanese comfort food. As one local noted, it’s a "good choice for pre-show dinner if looking for good Japanese food." The diverse menu, with its array of grilled fish, crispy katsu, and various hot and cold dishes, means there’s something to satisfy every craving, ensuring repeat visits for locals looking to explore the breadth of Japanese cuisine.

Finally, the consistent quality of food, pleasant ambiance, and good service, as highlighted by numerous customer reviews, contribute to a reliable and enjoyable dining experience. New Yorkers appreciate establishments that deliver on their promises, and Ootoya Times Square consistently provides high-quality, flavorful dishes in an inviting setting. Whether it’s for a quick, high-quality lunch, a relaxed dinner with friends and family, or a pre-theater meal, Ootoya Times Square stands out as an excellent choice for locals seeking authentic and delightful Japanese fare in the heart of their city.

Ootoya Times Square

141 W 41st St, New York, NY 10036, USA