Ozakaya: A Hidden Gem for Japanese Cuisine in Brooklyn, NY

Ozakaya Introduce

Welcome, New Yorkers! Are you on the hunt for an unforgettable Japanese dining experience right here in our vibrant city? Look no further than Ozakaya, a true culinary gem nestled in the heart of Brooklyn. This isn't just another restaurant; it's a destination where fresh flavors, impeccable service, and a welcoming atmosphere converge to create a truly special outing. From the moment you step inside, you'll understand why locals are raving about this spot as a must-visit for anyone craving authentic and delicious Japanese cuisine.

---

Location and Accessibility

Ozakaya boasts a prime location at 635 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, USA. Situated on Vanderbilt Avenue, it's easily accessible for Brooklyn residents and those commuting from other boroughs. Vanderbilt Avenue is a well-known thoroughfare in Brooklyn, making it simple to find whether you're traveling by public transport or driving. The area is served by several subway lines, including the 2, 3, B, Q, and C trains, with stations just a short walk away, ensuring a convenient journey for all. This central Brooklyn location means you're never too far from experiencing what Ozakaya has to offer.

---

Services Offered

Ozakaya prides itself on offering a comprehensive dining experience designed to delight every palate. Here's a glimpse of the services you can expect:

Dine-in Experience: Enjoy a lively and welcoming ambiance perfect for an intimate dinner or a lively gathering with friends and family. The restaurant provides a comfortable setting for all types of occasions.
Fresh Sushi and Sashimi: As highlighted by countless patrons, Ozakaya is renowned for its incredibly fresh fish. Whether you're a sushi aficionado or new to the world of raw fish, you'll find an extensive menu of expertly prepared sushi and sashimi options that showcase the quality of their ingredients.
Exquisite Ramen Selection: Beyond sushi, Ozakaya has made a name for itself with its exceptional ramen. The Shoyu Tonkotsu Ramen is celebrated for its creamy, delicate, and perfectly spiced broth, while the Shoyu Truffle Ramen is described as a "flavor symphony" that's simply a must-try for any ramen lover.
Craft Cocktails and Beverages: The bar at Ozakaya crafts unique and delicious drinks, such as the refreshing Ozakaya Mule and their take on the classic Old Fashioned, often served with a dramatic smoke-infused presentation. They offer a selection that perfectly complements their culinary offerings.
Attentive and Friendly Service: A consistent theme in customer feedback is the outstanding service. The staff is noted for being incredibly attentive, kind, and friendly, making diners feel like "royalty" and part of the "crew." This level of hospitality significantly enhances the overall dining experience.

---

Features / Highlights

What truly sets Ozakaya apart and makes it a standout in Brooklyn's competitive dining scene?

"Hidden Gem" Status: Many customers describe Ozakaya as a "hidden gem," indicating that while it may not be on everyone's radar yet, those who discover it are consistently impressed and eager to return. This speaks to its unique charm and quality.
Exceptional Food Quality: From "super fresh" fish for sushi to ramen that has customers "doing cartwheels," the consistent high quality of the food is a major highlight. Dishes are described as flavor symphonies, perfectly spiced, and truly memorable.
Impeccable Service: The warm, attentive, and friendly staff consistently receives rave reviews. They contribute significantly to the positive dining experience, ensuring guests feel valued and well-cared for.
Unique Drink Offerings: The creative and well-executed cocktail menu, particularly the smoke-infused Old Fashioned, adds an element of excitement and sophistication to the dining experience.
Lively Yet Comfortable Atmosphere: The restaurant maintains a lively ambiance while still allowing for a comfortable and enjoyable meal, striking a perfect balance for various dining preferences.
Culinary Versatility: While famed for sushi, Ozakaya's ability to deliver equally outstanding ramen demonstrates its versatility and commitment to excellence across different Japanese culinary traditions.

---

Promotions or Special Offers

While specific ongoing promotions are not publicly detailed, local restaurants like Ozakaya often introduce seasonal specials, happy hour deals, or loyalty programs. We recommend checking their official website or social media channels, or calling them directly at (929) 456-5956 or +1 929-456-5956 to inquire about any current promotions they might be running. Being a local establishment, they may also have special offers during holidays or local events, so it's always worth asking!

---

Contact Information

Planning your visit to Ozakaya is easy with their readily available contact details:

Address: 635 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, USA
Phone: (929) 456-5956
Mobile Phone: +1 929-456-5956

Don't hesitate to call ahead for reservations, especially during peak hours, to ensure you secure your spot at this popular Brooklyn eatery.

---

Conclusion: Why Ozakaya is Suitable for Locals

For New Yorkers, Ozakaya isn't just another restaurant; it's a neighborhood treasure that perfectly encapsulates the city's diverse and dynamic food scene. Its location in Brooklyn makes it incredibly convenient, whether you live nearby or are seeking a culinary adventure beyond your usual haunts. The consistently high praise for its "super fresh" fish and "flavor symphony" ramens means you're guaranteed a high-quality meal every time. Beyond the food, the genuinely friendly and attentive service creates an inviting atmosphere where you truly feel at home, like "part of their crew." In a city where finding truly exceptional dining can be a quest, Ozakaya stands out as a reliable and delightful option for any occasion. It's a place where you can discover new favorites, enjoy expertly crafted drinks, and experience the kind of warm hospitality that turns first-time visitors into loyal regulars. For anyone in New York looking for an authentic and satisfying Japanese culinary journey, Ozakaya is undoubtedly a top recommendation and will surely become one of your favorite local spots.

Ozakaya Photos

Ozakaya Location

Ozakaya

New York Kings County Prospect Heights Vanderbilt Avenue

635 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, USA

Ozakaya Reviews

this spot is a hidden gem if you’re craving sushi. I absolutely loved everything and the service was amazing. the fishes were super fresh. I can’t wait to come back for more!
May 20, 2025 · Cheryl Woo
**5/5 with a side of “Holy sh*t, did I just find paradise?”So, picture this: I waltz, pranced, tworked into a restaurant totally unprepared for what’s about to hit my taste buds. It’s like I stumbled upon a hidden treasure! This place knows what they’re doing, and trust me, it shows.**Service:From the moment we sat down, I felt like I was crashing a family reunion—one where everyone just happens to be super attentive and there was no family drama. The place was lively, but the waitstaff treated us like royalty, like they were still paying off their student loans and they were in debt to us. 🤣 Seriously though, no complaints here. You’ll leave feeling like you just joined their crew. Super kind, extremely friendly and oh-so-attentive!**Drinks:We kicked things off with an Ozakaya Old Fashioned and an Ozakaya Mule. The Mule was like sunshine in a glass—light, refreshing, and an absolute must on a hot summer day. Now, let’s talk about the Old Fashioned. I’m a bit of a snob when it comes to this classic, but let me tell you, it was nearly flawless! Arriving in a smoke-infused casing, when they lifted the lid, the smoke swirled out like some sexy mist. TMI? Maybe, but it was divine! Not too sweet, just the right kick of liquor, and that smoky aroma? Oh my goodness! Now, a tiny hiccup occurred when I ordered a second round. It wasn’t as balanced as the first—too much bitters and a bit too smoky for my taste. Still tasty, but it lost some of that initial magic for me.**Food:*Disclaimer: I know this spot is famous for sushi, but my partner and I were on a ramen quest, and boy did we hit the jackpot.* We went for the Shoyu Tonkotsu Ramen, and it was nothing short of a flavor symphony! Creamy, delicate, and perfectly spiced, I was blown away. But then came the Shoyu Truffle Ramen. Sweet baby Jesus! One sip, and I was ready to track down the chef and make them my bestie. I was practically doing cartwheels! This dish is a must-try. I’m not even kidding—I almost cried it was that good! A solid 10/10, definitely one of the best ramens I’ve ever had. Please go, because you’ll love it.So, once again, I’m giving this place a solid 5/5 stars! I absolutely love that I’m still discovering amazing gems in New York, and this one will be listed as one of my favorite restaurants for sure!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🥳🥳🥳
May 27, 2025 · Eddie J
Great experience! The place was packed full. Made a reservation, but still had to wait about 10 mins. Once in, the service was phenomenal. Our server would periodically rearrange our table to accommodate all that we were ordering. I wish I could've tried so much more on their menu. My only complaint is the lack of lighting in the front house. 🙈 Luckily we were seated in the back room with plenty of natural light.
May 24, 2025 · Jeffery Heppler
Amazing food, atmosphere and location! Tried their spring special menu and all the dishes were great! The wagyu on hot stone, mini omakase and sake kani roll all are great options! The presentation of all the food is amazing as well!
Apr 25, 2025 · Akshita Mehrotra
“Why did they intentionally misspells Izakaya?” was my first impression of this restaurant. But I guess that’s their own playful way paying homage to both tradition and innovation. And boy, do they nail both.Their standard for ingredients is undeniable. One glance at the marbling of their Wagyu, and grilling it on a hot stone feels almost criminal—after all, real A5 Wagyu can be eaten raw in Japan. Similarly, their Otoro and Aburi Engawa nigiris rival some of the best omakase experiences I’ve enjoyed in Tokyo and Hong Kong. That Aburi Engawa, with its rare, buttery richness, is genuinely something special in New York, making the steep price feel justified. I tell myself I’m paying the airfare for these ocean gems to travel business class straight to my table.The Kaishin Don is a knockout, both visually and in flavor. It’s generously topped with fish roe, uni, and tuna tartare. Every spoonful bursts with umami, and while they do provide seaweed sheets to roll your own, there’s a primal satisfaction in just diving straight in with a spoon.Ozakaya’s innovative spirit lies in their rolls. The Soft Shell Crab Roll (Sake Kane) is brilliantly elevated with a crunchy chili topping, deepening the savory, fried notes without losing sophistication. Yet, the star of the show has to be their Miyazaki Wagyu Roll. Beef and mushroom, already the perfect match, become transcendent here. The whole thing is an indulgent, truffle-like umami bomb hugged by fatty, luscious Wagyu.Dessert didn’t disappoint either. Their signature Oshikuro pairs smoky grilled mochi with rich matcha ice cream. Sure, Matcha Anmitsu at Ootoya might have a slight edge, but chewing on ice cream alongside fragrant, grilled rice cake elevates this dessert into an addictive textural treat.In short, Ozakaya did perfectly in balancing classic izakaya fare and inventive culinary flair. I cannot wait to revisit soon.
May 05, 2025 · Zebang Xu