Shokudo

For New Yorkers who appreciate a genuine and satisfying Japanese meal in a friendly setting, Shokudo in Hell's Kitchen stands out as a "nice little restaurant" that delivers on both taste and experience. Nestled on 9th Avenue, this charming spot offers a wide array of authentic Japanese comfort food, from comforting bowls of ramen to meticulously prepared bento boxes and savory yakitori. It’s the kind of place that, once discovered, quickly becomes a go-to for its consistent quality and welcoming atmosphere.

Shokudo has garnered praise for its "awesome food" and efficient service, making it an excellent choice whether you're grabbing a quick lunch or enjoying a leisurely dinner. The restaurant prides itself on serving dishes that are "well prepared" and flavorful, providing a true taste of Japan right in the heart of New York City. With its "calm and welcoming ambiance" and a staff that is "friendly and accommodating," Shokudo creates a dining experience that feels both familiar and special. It’s a place where you can unwind and savor delicious Japanese fare, proving to be a decision "you don't regret" for locals seeking a reliable and enjoyable meal.

Shokudo is conveniently located at 658 9th Ave, New York, NY 10036, USA. This address places it firmly within Hell's Kitchen, a vibrant and dynamic neighborhood in Midtown West. Ninth Avenue is known for its diverse culinary offerings, and Shokudo fits right in, providing an authentic Japanese option amidst a lively dining scene. Its position within this popular district makes it easily accessible for a wide range of New Yorkers.

The restaurant's location offers excellent accessibility via New York City's extensive public transportation system. It's within walking distance of several major subway lines. The A, C, E, N, Q, R, W, 1, 2, 3, and 7 trains are all accessible from the Times Square-42nd Street and Port Authority Bus Terminal stations, which are just a short stroll away. This means that whether you're coming from downtown, uptown, or from the outer boroughs, reaching Shokudo is straightforward and convenient. For those attending Broadway shows, its proximity to the Theater District makes it an ideal spot for a pre-show dinner. While street parking in Hell's Kitchen can be challenging, numerous parking garages are available throughout the neighborhood, offering options for those who prefer to drive. Shokudo's central and accessible location makes it a practical and appealing choice for any New Yorker.

Shokudo offers a comprehensive menu of Japanese dishes, primarily focusing on comforting classics, ramen, and bento boxes, alongside a variety of appetizers and other specialties.

• Extensive Ramen Selection: A core offering, Shokudo provides a variety of ramen bowls with different broth bases to cater to diverse preferences. Options include:

  • Tonkotsu Ramen: A rich and creamy pork broth, slow-boiled for 24 hours, topped with classic ingredients like chashu, bean sprouts, cabbage, bamboo shoots, scallions, kikurage mushrooms, and nori flakes.
  • Miso Ramen: A miso-based pork broth.
  • Spicy Miso Ramen: A miso-based pork broth with added spicy sauce.
  • Shio Ramen: A light, clear chicken broth seasoned with salt.
  • Shoyu Ramen: A soy sauce-based chicken broth.
  • Vegetable Miso Ramen: A miso-based vegetable dashi broth (vegetarian-friendly).
  • Kimchi Ramen: Tonkotsu ramen with chopped kimchi for a spicy, tangy kick.
  • Oyster Ramen: Features fresh oysters in a creamy pork broth.

• Bento Boxes: Known for offering some of the "best Bento boxes," Shokudo provides well-rounded meal options often combining a main dish with various sides, a popular choice for both lunch and dinner.

• Donburi (Rice Bowls): A selection of small rice bowls, including:

  • Chicken Donburi: Chicken and egg over rice with sautéed onions.
  • Pork Donburi: Slow-cooked marinated pork over rice.
  • Spicy Pork Donburi: Shredded barbecued spicy pork over rice.
  • Tofu and Mushroom Donburi: Pan-fried tofu and assorted mushrooms over rice.
  • Unagi Donburi: Roasted freshwater eel over rice.
  • Beef Donburi: Thin-sliced, marinated rib-eye steak over rice.

• Nabe Udon: Hearty udon noodle soups served in dashi broth, with options like Tempura Nabe Udon (with shrimp or vegetable tempura), Vegetable Nabe Udon, and Beef Nabe Udon.

• Assorted Japanese Appetizers: A wide range of popular Japanese starters, including Edamame, Gyoza (pork or vegetable), Shumai, Agedashi Tofu, Chicken Karaage, various steamed buns (Spicy Pork, Pork, Shrimp), Shrimp Tempura, Okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake), and Soft Shell Tempura.

• Yakitori: Skewered and grilled items like Negima (chicken breast with scallion), Tebasaki (chicken wings), Butaniku (pork), Momo (chicken thigh), Tsukune (chicken meatball), Flank (beef flank steak), Ebi (shrimp), Shiitake (mushroom), Shishito (pepper), and Galbi (beef short rib).

• Beverages: A selection of drinks, including Japanese sodas (Ramune, Calpico), standard sodas, and potentially a selection of beer or other alcoholic beverages (though specific alcohol offerings beyond a mentioned "peach cocktail" are not detailed in reviews).

• Dine-In, Takeout, and Delivery: Shokudo offers a pleasant dine-in experience in its cozy restaurant. For convenience, takeout and delivery services are also available through major platforms like Seamless and Uber Eats.

Shokudo has cultivated a loyal following among New Yorkers by excelling in several key areas, creating a distinctive and highly recommended dining experience.

• Awesome and Well-Prepared Food: Consistently praised as having "awesome food" that is "delicious and well prepared." Customers highlight the quality of their ramen, bento boxes, and a variety of other dishes, indicating a high standard across the menu.

• Efficient and Quick Service: Diners appreciate being "served pretty quick after ordering" and note the "attentive" and "friendly and accommodating" staff. This efficiency is particularly valuable in a fast-paced city like New York, making it ideal for pre-theater meals or quick lunches.

• Calm and Welcoming Ambiance: The restaurant offers a "calm and welcoming ambiance," providing a cozy and comfortable setting. Despite being a "nice little restaurant" that "can get a bit hard to move around when packed," its inviting atmosphere makes it a pleasant escape.

• Diverse Menu with Comforting Options: Shokudo's menu is comprehensive, offering not just ramen but also popular bento boxes, a variety of donburi (rice bowls), udon noodles, and an extensive list of Japanese appetizers and yakitori. This breadth ensures that there's something to satisfy every craving for Japanese comfort food.

• Accommodating Staff for Special Requests: A standout highlight is the staff's willingness to be "friendly and accommodating," even allowing a customer to order a "lunch menu at dinner... with no extra charge." This flexibility significantly enhances the customer experience.

• Consistently Positive Dining Experience: Many customers express strong satisfaction, with sentiments like "would eat here again" and "proved to be a decision that we don't regret," underscoring the restaurant's ability to deliver a reliably good experience.

Shokudo primarily offers value through its consistently well-priced menu and specific lunch-time options, making quality Japanese food accessible to New Yorkers. While major, broad promotions are not heavily advertised, customers can find value through the following:

• Lunch Menu at Dinner Flexibility: A notable, albeit informal, "promotion" highlighted by a customer review is the staff's accommodating nature, allowing them to order from the lunch menu during dinner hours "with no extra charge." While this might be a discretionary offering, it speaks to their customer-focused approach and can provide excellent value.

• Competitive Pricing for Quality: Shokudo's general menu pricing for its ramen, donburi, and bento boxes is competitive for the Hell's Kitchen area, offering a good balance of quality and affordability. This inherent value makes it an attractive regular dining spot for locals.

• Third-Party Delivery Platform Deals: Shokudo is available on popular food delivery services like Seamless and Uber Eats. These platforms frequently offer their own promotions that can apply to Shokudo orders, such as:

  • First-time user discounts.
  • Percentage-off deals for orders exceeding a certain amount.
  • Free or reduced delivery fees for platform subscribers (e.g., Seamless+, Uber One).
  These platform-specific promotions vary and are subject to change, so checking the respective apps is always recommended for the most current offers.

• Happy Hour (Potential): While not explicitly confirmed in recent reviews, many Japanese restaurants in Hell's Kitchen often have happy hour specials on drinks and select appetizers. It is always a good idea for locals to inquire directly with Shokudo about any potential happy hour offerings.

For the most up-to-date information on any special offers or promotions, New Yorkers should check Shokudo's online presence, its listings on delivery platforms, or simply call the restaurant directly.

To enjoy the authentic Japanese comfort food and welcoming atmosphere at Shokudo, or for any inquiries, you can reach them via the following contact details:

Address: 658 9th Ave, New York, NY 10036, USA

Phone: (212) 956-9415

Mobile Phone: +1 212-956-9415

Given its "nice little restaurant" size and popularity, especially during peak dining hours, it may be advisable to consider dining at off-peak times or making a reservation if available, to ensure a comfortable experience. For takeout or delivery, utilizing major food delivery platforms is a convenient way to enjoy Shokudo's offerings from your home or office.

Shokudo is an exceptionally suitable dining destination for New York locals, offering a blend of authentic Japanese cuisine, convenience, and a truly welcoming environment that resonates with the city's residents. Its prime location in Hell's Kitchen, specifically on 9th Avenue, makes it incredibly accessible from almost anywhere in Manhattan. With multiple subway lines just a short walk away, it's a practical choice for a quick, delicious lunch during a workday or a relaxed dinner before catching a Broadway show. This ease of access is a significant advantage in a city where time and convenience are highly valued.

For New Yorkers seeking genuinely "awesome food" that tastes "homemade and fresh to order," Shokudo delivers. Its extensive menu, featuring everything from rich ramen broths to satisfying bento boxes and flavorful yakitori, caters to diverse cravings for Japanese comfort food. The consistent quality and "well prepared" dishes ensure that every visit is a culinary treat. Furthermore, the restaurant offers great value for the quality provided, a crucial factor for locals navigating the city's dining scene.

Beyond the food, Shokudo's "calm and welcoming ambiance" provides a much-needed respite from the city's hustle. The "friendly and accommodating" staff, known for their attentiveness and willingness to go the extra mile (like allowing lunch menu orders at dinner), elevate the entire dining experience. This combination of delicious, authentic food, efficient service, and a cozy atmosphere makes Shokudo a true neighborhood gem. For locals looking for a reliable, enjoyable, and high-quality Japanese dining experience without unnecessary fuss, Shokudo is undoubtedly a place they will "eat here again" and recommend to friends.

Shokudo

658 9th Ave, New York, NY 10036, USA