Restaurant Nippon Introduce
New York City is a global culinary hub, offering a diverse array of international flavors. For those seeking an authentic taste of Japan, one establishment stands out with a rich history and a reputation for excellence: Restaurant Nippon. Located in the vibrant Midtown East neighborhood, Restaurant Nippon has been a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine in the city since 1963, introducing New Yorkers to a wide range of traditional and innovative dishes.
More than just a place to eat, Restaurant Nippon offers a true culinary journey. It's not just celebrated for its exquisite Edo-mae style sushi, but also for pioneering dishes that have become staples in Japanese restaurants worldwide. From the moment you step inside, you're transported to a serene and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a casual meal, a business dinner, or a special celebration. With a focus on quality ingredients and masterful preparation, Restaurant Nippon continues to be a go-to destination for Japanese food enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Restaurant Nippon is conveniently situated at
155 E 52nd St, New York, NY 10022, USA
, placing it right in the heart of Midtown East. This prime location makes it easily accessible for both local residents and visitors exploring the city. The restaurant is nestled between Lexington and 3rd Avenue, a bustling area well-served by New York City's extensive public transportation network. Whether you're coming from work, sightseeing, or a Broadway show, reaching Restaurant Nippon is a breeze.For those utilizing the subway, several lines have stations within a short walking distance. The E and M trains stop at Lexington Avenue/53rd Street, and the 6 train is accessible at 51st Street. Numerous bus lines also operate in the vicinity, making it a convenient stop regardless of your starting point in the city. The central location also means it's a popular spot for business lunches and dinners, with many corporate offices nearby. While street parking can be challenging in Midtown, there are several parking garages in the area for those who prefer to drive.
Restaurant Nippon provides a comprehensive dining experience, offering a variety of services to cater to different preferences and occasions. Their commitment to authentic Japanese culinary traditions is evident in every offering.
Dine-in Service: Enjoy the full experience within the restaurant's inviting atmosphere, with various seating options including standard tables, private and semi-private rooms, and a dedicated sushi bar.
Sushi Bar: Experience the artistry of master sushi chefs directly at the sushi bar, where you can watch your Edo-mae style sushi being meticulously prepared.
Tempura Bar: Delight in freshly fried tempura, prepared with a perfect balance of crispy light batter and perfectly cooked ingredients, directly from the tempura bar.
Private and Semi-Private Rooms: Ideal for intimate gatherings, business meetings, or special celebrations, these rooms offer a more secluded and personalized dining experience, accommodating 2 to 24 guests.
Traditional Tatami Rooms: For a truly immersive Japanese experience, reserve one of their authentic tatami rooms, where you can enjoy your meal seated on the floor without shoes, in a traditional setting.
Catering Services: Bring the taste of Restaurant Nippon to your home, office, or event. They offer traditional Japanese menus, including a sushi bar setup, complete with waitstaff in traditional Japanese kimono for a truly unique experience.
Takeout and Delivery: For those who prefer to enjoy their Japanese favorites at home or the office, Restaurant Nippon offers convenient takeout and delivery options through various platforms.
Full Bar Service: A selection of beer, wine, and cocktails is available to complement your meal, along with traditional Japanese beverages like sake and green tea.
Vegetarian and Pescatarian Options: The menu includes a variety of dishes catering to vegetarian and pescatarian dietary preferences, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Restaurant Nippon boasts several distinctive features and highlights that set it apart as a premier Japanese dining destination in New York City:
Historical Significance: Established in 1963, Restaurant Nippon was one of the very first Japanese restaurants in New York City to serve an authentic sushi bar. It has played a significant role in introducing traditional Edo-mae style Japanese cuisine to discerning New Yorkers.
Birthplace of Beef Negimaki: Famously, Restaurant Nippon is credited with inventing the now widely-popular Beef Negimaki, a delicious appetizer featuring scallions rolled in prime beef.
Pioneering Soba: The restaurant was also instrumental in introducing authentic, hand-cut ni-hachi (80% buckwheat) soba to the New York dining scene, showcasing their commitment to traditional Japanese noodle craftsmanship.
Godzilla Curry: A unique highlight on their menu, the Godzilla Curry (Beef) is a popular dish based on a recipe from former Yankees star Hideki Matsui’s mother, offering a taste of authentic Japanese home-style curry.
Commitment to Authenticity: Despite its long history and pioneering spirit, Restaurant Nippon remains dedicated to delivering genuine Japanese flavors, using traditional preparation methods and high-quality ingredients.
Serene Ambiance: The restaurant offers a tranquil and refined atmosphere, providing a peaceful escape from the bustling city outside. This serene setting enhances the dining experience, especially in their private tatami rooms.
Attentive and Friendly Staff: Numerous customer reviews consistently praise the staff for being wonderful, friendly, warm, and providing excellent service, contributing to a welcoming and enjoyable visit.
While specific daily or weekly promotions for the general public are not widely advertised, Restaurant Nippon often has seasonal specials and unique offerings tied to traditional Japanese events or ingredients. For the most current information on any promotions, it's always recommended to check their official website or call the restaurant directly. They may also have special multi-course tasting menus, such as traditional Japanese Kaiseki, and famous Sukiyaki and Kamo-nabe (duck hot-pot), which can be enjoyed in their Japanese-style tatami rooms.
Additionally, those affiliated with The Nippon Club may have access to exclusive member benefits, which can include discounts on various services and products, some of which might extend to the restaurant. It's always a good idea to inquire about any current offerings when making a reservation or placing an order.
To make a reservation, inquire about catering, or simply learn more about Restaurant Nippon, you can easily reach them using the following contact details:
Address: 155 E 52nd St, New York, NY 10022, USA
Phone: (212) 688-5941
The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner services. It's always recommended to call ahead for reservations, especially if you plan to visit during peak hours or wish to experience their unique tatami rooms, which tend to be popular.
For New Yorkers seeking a genuinely authentic and consistently excellent Japanese dining experience, Restaurant Nippon stands as an undeniable choice. This isn't just another Japanese restaurant; it's a piece of New York's culinary history, having introduced many classic dishes to the city's palate. Locals appreciate its long-standing commitment to quality and tradition, evident in every meticulously prepared dish, from the melt-in-your-mouth sushi to the comforting Godzilla Curry.
What truly makes Restaurant Nippon suitable for locals goes beyond just the food. It's the inviting atmosphere that offers a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle, whether you're enjoying a quiet meal in their main dining area or embracing the cultural immersion of a private tatami room. The consistent praise from long-time patrons highlights the friendly and warm staff, who create a welcoming environment that makes every visit feel special. Whether you're looking for a quick, delicious lunch, a memorable dinner with family and friends, or a unique private dining experience, Restaurant Nippon offers a blend of tradition, innovation, and impeccable service that resonates deeply with the discerning tastes of New York's residents. It’s a place where you can return again and again to explore the depths of Japanese cuisine, confident in the quality and authenticity of your meal.
Restaurant Nippon Menu
Lunch Menu
- Sushi Lunch US$60.00
8 pieces of nigiri sushi and 1 roll
- Sashimi Lunch US$60.00
10 slices of an assortment of 4 sashimi
- Chirashi Sushi Lunch US$60.00
Sushi rice topped with an assortment of fresh sashimi, egg and other garnishes
- Tempura Lunch US$38.00
Lightly battered and fried shrimp, whitefish and vegetables, served with a dipping sauce "tentsuyu" with grated daikon radish
- Shrimp Tenju US$32.00
Assorted shrimp and vegetable tempura dipped in lightly sweet "tentsuyu" sauce then placed over steamed rice
- Salmon Teriyaki US$32.00
Grilled salmon fillets glazed with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce
- Eel Unaju US$52.00
Tender caramelized grilled Eel (unagi) served over rice and topped with a savory sauce. Paired with a side of Japanese pickles
- Beef Sukiyaki Small US$36.00
A traditional Japanese hot pot dish, with thinly sliced premium beef and fresh vegetables, in a rich, savory-sweet broth
- Beef Sukiyaki Large US$48.00
A traditional Japanese hot pot dish, with thinly sliced premium beef and fresh vegetables, in a rich, savory-sweet broth
- Nippon Original Beef Curry US$29.00
Japanese home style curry rice: recipe compliments of former Yankees star Hideki Matsui's mom
- Chicken Karaage US$28.00
Bite-size and boneless, Japanese fried chicken thighs. serves with tartar sauce
- Tonkatsu US$32.00
Pork tenderloin coated in a light and crispy panko breadcrumb crust, deep fried until it’s crispy and golden brown
- Shokado Bento (Japanese Lunch Box) US$45.00
Combination of white rice and various side dishes: chicken karaage, fried eggplants with nanban miso,egg omlette, salmon teriyaki, fried shrimp, veggie nimono, gomaae, pickles, beef oroshi
Chef's Recommendation
- Seasonal Appetizers US$35.00
Variety of bite-sized portions together
- Grilled Black Cod with saikyo miso US$18.00
Broiled saikyo-Miso cured Black Cod as a traditional Japanese dish
- Simmered Kinmedai US$45.00
Golden Eye Snapper
- Kabutoni (Madai) US$50.00
A fish head simmered in a flavorful broth made from ingredients like soy sauce, sake, mirin, and dashi (a Japanese stock)
- Soup of the Day US$17.00
- Fresh Tofu Skin US$12.00
Smooth, silky texture and mild, creamy flavor. Made from the skin that forms on the surface of hot soy milk
- Beef Oroshi US$21.00
Sautéed thin sliced beef with grated daikon radish sauce.
- Mozzarella Agedashi US$15.00
Deep fried mozzarella served in savory, slightly sweet sauce made with dashi broth
- Corn and Bay Scallop Kakiage US$16.00
Sweet corn and bay scallop kakiage tempura
- Beef Tataki US$25.00
Thinly sliced, lightly seared Prime Beef with ponzu sauce
- Fava Bean and Burdock Root Kakaiage US$14.00
- Okara Croquette US$18.00
Appetizers
- Organic Edamame US$11.00
Organic soybean pods lightly seasoned with sea salt
- Gomaae US$10.00
Boiled spinach tossed in a flavorful black sesame dressing
- Hijiki US$9.00
Hijiki seaweed simmered with ingredients like soy sauce, sugar, and mirin
- Shishito Peppers US$11.00
Fried small, mild chili peppers tossed with sea salt
- Beef Negimayaki US$20.00
Thinly sliced beef rolled with green onions and then pan-seared
- Agedashi Tofu US$15.00
Fried house-made tofu served in a savory, slightly sweet sauce made with dashi broth
- Eggplant with nanban miso US$12.00
Fried eggplant topped with sweet and tangy nanban miso sauce
Entrees
- Tempura Small US$24.00
Lightly battered and fried shrimp, whitefish and vegetables, served with a dipping sauce "tentsuyu" with grated daikon radish
- Tempura Large US$38.00
Lightly battered and fried shrimp, whitefish and vegetables, served with a dipping sauce "tentsuyu" with grated daikon radish
- Shrimp Tenju US$32.00
Assorted shrimp and vegetable tempura dipped in lightly sweet "tentsuyu" sauce then placed over steamed rice
- Salmon Teriyaki US$32.00
Grilled salmon fillets glazed with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce
- Eel Unaju US$52.00
Tender caramelized grilled Eel (unagi) served over rice and topped with a savory sauce. Paired with a side of Japanese pickles
- Beef Sukiyaki Small US$36.00
A traditional Japanese hot pot dish, with thinly sliced premium beef and fresh vegetables, in a rich, savory-sweet broth
- Beef Sukiyaki Large US$48.00
A traditional Japanese hot pot dish, with thinly sliced premium beef and fresh vegetables, in a rich, savory-sweet broth
- Nippon Original Beef Curry US$29.00
Japanese home style curry rice: recipe compliments of former Yankees star Hideki Matsui's mom
- Tonkatsu US$32.00
Pork tenderloin coated in a light and crispy panko breadcrumb crust, deep fried until it’s crispy and golden brown
- Chicken Karaage Large US$28.00
Bite-size and boneless, Japanese fried chicken thighs. serves with tartar sauce
Original Soba Salad
- Original Soba Salad US$21.00
Cold house-made soba(buckwheat) noodles served with a variety of locally-grown,organic mesclun salad and arugula,hijiki, vegetables witht tangy dressing
- Tofu Soba Salad US$26.00
With our house-made fresh tofu
- Chicken Soba Salad US$27.00
With hand-pulled, oven roasted chicken breasts
- Beef Soba Salad US$33.00
With thinly sliced and pan-seared Beef Ribeye
- Salmon Soba Salad US$33.00
With salmon sashimi
Soba & Udon
- Zaru Soba US$16.00
Cold house-made soba with dipping sauce served with wasabi and green onion
- Kake Soba US$16.00
Classic Japanese noodle dish that featuring buckwheat noodles served in a hot and savory broth
- Tenzaru Soba US$31.00
Cold house-made soba accompanied by shrimp and vegetable tempura
- Tempura Soba US$31.00
Buckwheat noodles in a hot and savory broth accompanied by shrimp and vegetable tempura
- Kamo Nanban Soba US$35.00
Soba noodles and duck breasts served in a warm, flavorful broth made from a combination of soy sauce, mirin, and dashi.
- Tantan Tsukemen US$30.00
House-made soba with a spicy and savory sesame dipping sauce *uses beyond meat
- Kake Udon US$16.00
Thick, chewy udon noodles in a hot and savory broth
- Tempura Udon US$31.00
Thick, chewy udon in hot broth with shrimp and vegetable tempura
- Nabeyaki Udon US$35.00
Thick, chewy udon noodles in a hot and savory broth with egg,shiitake mushroom, scallion and Shrimp & vegetable tempura
Salad
- House Salad US$8.00
- Seaweed Salad US$17.00
Nabe (Hot Pot)
- Kamo Nabe Set US$65.00
Sliced Long Island duck breasts, tofu, assorted vegetables and duck hotpot sauce.
- Sukiyaki US Beef Set US$55.00
Sliced prime ribeye beef, tofu, assorted vegetables and sukiyaki broth
- Sukiyaki Wagyu Beef Set US$120.00
Sliced Wagyu Beef, tofu, assorted vegetables and sukiyaki broth
- Shabu Shabu US Beef Set US$55.00
Sliced prime Ribeye Beef, tofu, assorted vegetables and 2 kinds of shabu shabu dipping sauce: ponzu & sasame sauce
- Shabu Shabu Wagyu Beef Set US$120.00
Sliced Wagyu Beef, tofu, assorted vegetables and 2 kinds of shabu shabu dipping sauce: ponzu & sesame sauce
Sushi Bar
- Sashimi Appetizer US$35.00
- Sashimi Main US$75.00
- Omakase Chirashi US$75.00
Sushi rice topped with an assortment of fresh sashimi, egg and other garnishes
- New Yorker Sushi US$75.00
Chef's choice of 8 nigiri pieces and 1 roll
- Sushi Nippon US$95.00
Chef's choice of 8 nigiri pieces and Negitoro roll
Kaiseki course
- Kaiseki US$125.00
Please call at least 24 hours in advance to reserve our course menu. The menu has been updated by the restaurant as of 07/28/25.
- Vegan kaiseki US$100.00
Please call at least 48 hours in advance to reserve our course menu.
Desserts
- Anmitsu US$15.00
Traditional Japanese dessert made with agar jelly cubes, sweet azuki (red bean) paste, and fresh fruits
- Green Tea Ice Cream US$9.00
- Lychee Sorbet US$9.00
Served with lychee and raspberry sauce
- Vanilla Ice Cream US$9.00
- Shiratama Zenzai US$11.00
Sweet red bean soup with mini mochi(shiratama)
- Mochi Ice Cream US$5.00
Matcha flavor. Soft, chewy rice cake on the outside,Rich and creamy ice cream on the inside.
Restaurant Nippon Details
From the business
- Identifies as Asian-owned
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Kerbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Organic dishes
- Small plates
- Spirits
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar on site
- Toilet
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Cosy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Paid street parking
Restaurant Nippon Photos










Restaurant Nippon Location
Restaurant Nippon
155 E 52nd St, New York, NY 10022, USA
Restaurant Nippon Reviews
When coming here I came from the knowledge that Beef Negimaki was invented in this restaurant. It was a blissful starter for my meal. After I had the Godzilla Curry as my entree and it was perfect. Just the right temperature for rice and curry with a hint of spice that just relaxed me with my green tea by my side and a water. I will come back for more with my family to try more dishes
February 09 · James HallahanrIt's an extra $10 for Tatami tables. I'm not sure why, but it was my son's first time sitting on the floor without his shoes at a restaurant, so he loved it. The staff are all wonderful and so friendly and warm. Food is delicious. Sushi was wonderful!
April 20 · Patty CIt's hard to find fault with anything at this place. It's been years... decades... since I've been here, and not a thing has changed. If I understand it, it was the first, or maybe just the longest currently existing Japanese restaurant in NYC. No surprises, just great service, tranquil atmosphere, and really superb, classic Japanese food.
June 19 · Dan PerlmanI wouldn't say this restaurant is authentic. It is beyond that. When you enter here you temporarily leave all the chaos and noise of Manhattan and get transported to Japan. They serve dishes that are uncommon here in the US, and even fugu dishes during the winter, how crazy is that!The food is delicious and the service excellent, like in Japan :)
June 03 · Leonardo EspínOrdered the beef curry on seamless. Literally no beef in the curry. Only sauce and rice for $29. Not worth it at all.Update: Restaurant replied saying the beef disintegrated into the sauce. However, if you look at other pictures of the beef curry provided by other customers, there are still CHUNKS present. It still doesn’t change the fact when you order beef curry, you expect beef to be in the curry
May 02 · Gary Ge
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