Sakagura

Hey there, New Yorkers! Are you on the hunt for a truly authentic Japanese dining experience that feels like a cherished secret, right here in the heart of our vibrant city? Look no further than Sakagura, a "true hidden gem" tucked away in Midtown East. This exceptional Japanese restaurant is renowned for delivering an "authentic and elevated" culinary journey that's hard to find anywhere else.

Sakagura offers far more than just a meal; it's an immersion into Japanese culture and cuisine, celebrated for its "extensive sake menu" and a remarkable array of "tapas-style Japanese dishes." From the moment you "walk in," you'll be surprised by its cozy, izakaya-style ambiance, a stark contrast to the bustling city streets above. Whether you're a devoted fan of Japanese food or simply seeking an extraordinary dining adventure, Sakagura promises "five star first class all around," with fresh ingredients, stunning presentation, and service that treats you "as well as anyone could expect from a dining experience." This is a destination "worth discovering."

Sakagura is discreetly located at 211 E 43rd St B1, New York, NY 10017, USA. Its unique position "below street level in a high-rise office building in Midtown East" contributes to its "hidden gem" mystique. While it may require a keen eye to spot initially, its central address ensures excellent accessibility for New Yorkers from all over.

The restaurant's proximity to Grand Central Terminal is a significant advantage. It's just a short walk from this major transportation hub, providing seamless connections via multiple subway lines (including the 4, 5, 6, 7, and S trains) and the Metro-North Railroad. This makes Sakagura incredibly convenient for those commuting from various parts of the city, Westchester, Connecticut, and beyond. Its location within a business-dense area also makes it an ideal spot for sophisticated business lunches and after-work gatherings, allowing guests to easily transition from the urban rush to a tranquil dining haven.

• Extensive Sake Selection: Sakagura is renowned for its impressive collection of over 260 kinds of carefully selected sakes, making it a premier destination for sake connoisseurs and novices alike. The staff is highly knowledgeable and can expertly guide guests through the extensive menu.

• Authentic Izakaya-Style Dishes: The menu features a wide variety of authentic tapas-style Japanese dishes, perfect for sharing. This includes both classic dishes and inventive small plates that pair beautifully with sake.

• Fresh Sushi and Sashimi: Despite being primarily known as an izakaya and sake bar, Sakagura offers exceptionally fresh sushi and sashimi. Customers praise the presentation and quality, noting it's "amongst the best I've ever had." Lunch menus also feature sushi sets and rolls.

• Signature Dishes: Must-try items include the "incredibly fresh" seafood, the "absolute must-have" miso cod (gindara yuan yaki), and dishes featuring high-quality ingredients like A5 Wagyu beef.

• Homemade Soba Noodles: The restaurant offers a selection of soba noodle dishes, both hot and cold, with various toppings and preparations.

• Lunch and Dinner Service: Sakagura serves both lunch and dinner, with distinct menus for each. Lunch offers value-focused sets including soba, donburi, and sushi, while dinner features a more extensive izakaya and à la carte selection.

• Private Dining and Events: Sakagura offers options for private dining and events, perfect for corporate gatherings or special celebrations. Contacting them directly is recommended for private event inquiries.

• Thoughtful Customer Care: The staff goes "beyond attentive" with gestures like offering to store luggage for travelers, showcasing a commitment to a first-class dining experience.

• "True Hidden Gem" Ambiance: Tucked away below street level, Sakagura offers a unique and secluded atmosphere that transports diners away from the city's hustle, making it feel like a discovery. The "cozy izakaya-style spot" balances "relaxed and refined."

• Exceptional Food Quality: From sushi to hot dishes, the food consistently receives rave reviews for its "taste and freshness." The "seafood is incredibly fresh," and the "miso cod is an absolute must-have."

• "Instagram Worthy" Presentation: The dishes are beautifully plated, making the dining experience not just delicious but also visually stunning.

• Beyond Attentive and Friendly Staff: Customer service is a major highlight, described as "beyond attentive and extremely friendly," ensuring every diner feels "treated as well as anyone could expect." Service is also "warm, attentive, and knowledgeable without ever feeling rushed."

• Extensive Sake Menu: With over 200 varieties, Sakagura is widely recognized as one of the top sake bars in the United States, offering an unparalleled selection for enthusiasts.

• Variety of Japanese Cuisine: Beyond sushi, the menu features a wide array of authentic Japanese dishes, including soba noodles, grilled items (like gindara yuan yaki and Mishima US Wagyu Beef Tataki), and unique appetizers, catering to diverse tastes.

• Ideal for Both Casual and Refined Dining: The ambiance strikes a perfect balance, making it suitable for a relaxed evening of small plates and sake, as well as an elevated, impressive dining experience.

• High-Quality Desserts: Patrons also praise the dessert selection, with offerings like Black Sesame Cream Brulee and Green Tea Truffles.

Sakagura offers a variety of lunch sets and daily specials that provide excellent value and an opportunity to experience their authentic Japanese cuisine:

• Lunch Set Menus (Teishoku): These are comprehensive lunch sets that include a main dish, miso soup, pickles, and a kobachi appetizer, often with a choice of hot or cold soba. Examples include:

  • Oyako Don Teishoku (Chicken, Soft-Scrambled Eggs, Sliced Onion over rice) for $26.00
  • Gyu Don Teishoku (Simmered thinly sliced beef and onion over rice) for $28.00
  • Sake Ikura Don Teishoku (Salmon and soy marinated salmon roe rice bowl) for $34.00
  • Kaisen Don Teishoku (Assorted sashimi rice bowl) for $38.00
  • Maguro Teishoku (4pcs tuna sashimi, 4pcs tuna sushi, 1 tuna roll) for $45.00
  • Salmon Sushi Teishoku (4pc salmon sashimi, 4pc salmon sushi, 1 salmon roll) for $34.00
  • Shiosaba Teishoku (Mojio salt grilled mackerel) for $20.00

• Soba Lunch Options: A range of soba dishes are available for lunch, from plain Kake Soba ($18) to Tempura Soba ($24) and unique options like Kamo Nanban Curry (duck and leek in curry dashi) for $29.

• Daily Chef Special: There may be rotating daily specials like the "Daily Chef Special Lunch" which for $24, includes Chef's Selection, Salad, Rice, Pickles, and a Half-size Soba, providing a curated experience.

While specific, time-limited promotional discounts aren't explicitly detailed in the provided information, the extensive and reasonably priced lunch sets offer fantastic value for high-quality Japanese dining in Midtown. For the most current information on their full menu, sake tasting events, or any seasonal specials, New Yorkers are highly encouraged to visit Sakagura's official website or contact them directly.

To discover this authentic Japanese hidden gem and indulge in its offerings, here’s how you can get in touch with Sakagura:

Address: 211 E 43rd St B1, New York, NY 10017, USA

Phone: (212) 953-7253

Given its popularity and intimate setting, particularly for dinner, it is highly recommended to make reservations in advance. You can book a table through Resy, as noted on their website. For any specific dietary restrictions, they advise calling ahead.

For New Yorkers, Sakagura is an outstanding choice for Japanese cuisine, blending convenience with an exceptional and authentic dining experience. Its location in Midtown East, just moments from Grand Central Terminal, makes it remarkably accessible for professionals and residents alike, offering a serene escape from the city's ceaseless energy without requiring a long journey.

What truly resonates with locals is Sakagura’s status as a "true hidden gem," providing an "authentic and elevated Japanese dining experience that’s hard to find." The "incredibly fresh" seafood, particularly the "absolute must-have" miso cod, along with the "best" sushi and "Instagram worthy" presentation, guarantees a memorable meal. Beyond the food, the "warm, attentive, and knowledgeable" service, combined with an ambiance that "strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and refined," creates an atmosphere where diners feel truly valued. Whether you're a sake aficionado eager to explore their vast selection, seeking a quiet and intimate dinner, or looking to impress with a first-class business lunch, Sakagura delivers. It's the kind of place that, once discovered, becomes a cherished favorite, prompting "many more" return visits for any New Yorker who appreciates genuine quality and a truly immersive cultural experience.

Sakagura

211 E 43rd St B1, New York, NY 10017, USA