Suzuki Shokudo

New Yorkers are constantly seeking out those special, authentic culinary experiences that truly stand out. When it comes to Japanese cuisine, the city offers a vast array of options, but sometimes, finding a genuine "diamond in the rough" can be a real treasure. In Long Island City, Suzuki Shokudo has emerged as just such a place, quietly delighting locals with its commitment to authentic flavors, generous portions, and a remarkably friendly atmosphere.

This charming Japanese restaurant has quickly become a beloved spot in the neighborhood for its diverse menu, which skillfully balances fresh sushi with comforting bowls of ramen. What truly sets Suzuki Shokudo apart, as many loyal patrons attest, is the palpable care that goes into every dish and the warm, welcoming service provided by the staff. It's the kind of place where you feel immediately at home, whether you're a sushi connoisseur or simply looking for a satisfying and flavorful Japanese meal.

Despite its modest size, Suzuki Shokudo offers an impressive depth of flavor and a surprising array of rare finds that elevate it above many other local Japanese eateries. It's a testament to the dedication of its owners and staff that such a high level of quality and authenticity can be found right here in the heart of Long Island City.

Suzuki Shokudo is conveniently located at 38-01 31st St, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA. This address places it firmly within the vibrant and easily accessible Long Island City neighborhood of Queens, a hub that continues to grow with residential and commercial spaces. While some might consider its immediate vicinity to be slightly off the main bustling strips, its accessibility makes it a true neighborhood gem.

The restaurant's location on 31st Street offers excellent connectivity for New Yorkers. It is within walking distance of several major subway lines, including the N and W trains at the 36th Avenue station, and the E, M, R trains at Queens Plaza. This makes Suzuki Shokudo remarkably easy to reach from Manhattan, other parts of Queens, and even Brooklyn, ensuring that a delicious and authentic Japanese meal is never far away. For locals, its presence means quality dining is just a short stroll or quick transit ride away, making it a convenient choice for both spontaneous meals and planned dinners.

Suzuki Shokudo is dedicated to providing a comfortable and satisfying dining experience, catering to various preferences of its New York clientele.

• Dine-in Service: Enjoy your meal in their cozy and inviting restaurant. While it isn't a huge place, seating around 30-40 people, the intimate setting contributes to a pleasant atmosphere. The service is consistently described as attentive and friendly, with staff making patrons feel welcome and ensuring water refills are regular.

• Reservations Recommended: Due to its popularity and relatively smaller size, calling ahead for a reservation, especially during peak dinner hours or on weekends, is highly recommended to minimize wait times and ensure seating.

• Takeout: For those who prefer to enjoy their authentic Japanese dishes at home, Suzuki Shokudo offers takeout services. This is a great option for locals looking for a quick and delicious meal on the go.

• Delivery: Suzuki Shokudo partners with popular food delivery platforms like Grubhub and Seamless, allowing you to have their delicious sushi, ramen, and other Japanese delights delivered right to your doorstep. This offers ultimate convenience for busy New Yorkers.

• Lunch and Dinner Service: The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner, typically from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM/9:30 PM from Monday to Saturday, making it suitable for various dining schedules. They are closed on Wednesdays.

Suzuki Shokudo has earned its reputation as a beloved local spot through several distinctive features and culinary highlights.

• Authentic Japanese Cuisine: Many patrons praise the authentic nature of the food, noting that it's a pleasant surprise to find such genuine Japanese flavors in the area. This commitment to authenticity extends across their sushi, ramen, and other dishes.

• Excellent Sushi Selection: While their rolls are noted for being "huge" and perhaps not a single-bite experience, the sushi is consistently described as good. More importantly, they offer rare and highly sought-after items like Uni (sea urchin) and Negi Toro (fatty tuna with scallion), which are difficult to find at many Japanese restaurants in New York City. The freshness of their sashimi and nigiri is highly regarded.

• Generous Ramen Portions: Their ramen bowls are highlighted for being "filled with veggies and enough noodles," offering "surprisingly good portion sizes for the price!" The broths are flavorful, and the ramen is a popular choice for a comforting meal.

• Value for Money: Customers frequently commend the "great prices in this neighborhood" for the quality and portion sizes offered. This makes Suzuki Shokudo an appealing option for those seeking excellent Japanese food without an exorbitant price tag.

• Diverse Menu with Set Options: Suzuki Shokudo offers a comprehensive menu including sushi, sashimi, various ramen types (like Tonkotsu, Miso, Shoyu, Shio, and even Oyster Ramen), and donburi bowls. They also have "sets for various menu options," allowing diners to "sample few things" and try a range of their offerings, which is great for first-time visitors or those who want variety.

• Allergy-Friendly Consideration: A significant highlight mentioned by a customer is the restaurant's attentiveness to allergies. This provides immense peace of mind for diners with dietary restrictions, demonstrating a high level of care from the staff.

• Friendly and Attentive Staff: Consistently, reviews highlight the staff as "super friendly" and attentive, enhancing the overall dining experience. This warm service contributes to the inviting atmosphere that makes patrons want to return.

• Cozy and Intimate Ambiance: Despite not being a large venue, the restaurant offers a "good, calm ambiance" and a comfortable setting for a relaxing meal, perfect for an intimate dinner or small gathering.

• Popular Appetizers: Their menu includes classic appetizers like Gyoza, Shumai, and Edamame, as well as unique offerings such as Spicy Pork Buns, Soft Shell Tempura, and Okonomiyaki, providing ample choice for starters.

While specific, ongoing promotions are not extensively advertised, Suzuki Shokudo's appeal often lies in its consistently good value for authentic Japanese cuisine in Long Island City. New Yorkers seeking deals should always keep an eye out for potential lunch specials or combo deals that many local Japanese restaurants offer.

Given their presence on delivery platforms like Grubhub and Seamless, it is always advisable to check these apps directly for any current promotions such as discounts on first orders, free delivery over a certain amount, or bundled meal deals that might be available exclusively through the platforms. Restaurants often use these channels to feature limited-time offers. For the most up-to-date information on any specials, directly contacting Suzuki Shokudo by phone or checking their official website (if available) would be the best approach. Their "sets for various menu options" already provide a type of inherent value, allowing diners to sample a range of their offerings at a good price point.

• Address: 38-01 31st St, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA

• Phone: (718) 472-3778

Suzuki Shokudo is an ideal dining destination for New Yorkers, particularly those in the Long Island City and Astoria areas, for a multitude of reasons. Its convenient location on 31st Street, easily accessible via several subway lines, ensures that a truly authentic Japanese meal is never out of reach, whether you're heading home from work or planning a relaxed evening out.

What truly makes Suzuki Shokudo a local favorite is its unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity. New Yorkers appreciate genuine culinary experiences, and the presence of rare finds like uni and negi toro, alongside consistently fresh sushi and hearty, flavorful ramen, speaks volumes about their dedication. The "surprisingly good portion sizes for the price" also resonate strongly with the city's value-conscious diners, offering excellent bang for your buck without compromising on taste.

Beyond the food, the warm, attentive service and the cozy, intimate atmosphere create a welcoming environment that encourages repeat visits. The staff's care for their patrons, even accommodating allergies, adds an extra layer of comfort and trust. Suzuki Shokudo isn't just a place to grab a meal; it's a neighborhood gem where authentic Japanese cuisine meets genuine hospitality, making it a perfect, reliable spot for locals seeking a delightful and satisfying dining experience.

Suzuki Shokudo

38-01 31st St, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA