WANO New York Introduce
Hello, New Yorkers! Are you on the lookout for a Japanese dining experience that offers something a little different, without breaking the bank? Let us introduce you to WANO New York, a fantastic Japanese restaurant nestled in the heart of Midtown East. WANO has quickly become a local favorite, known for its appealing fusion of traditional Japanese flavors with Western influences, all delivered with remarkable value.
In a city as diverse and dynamic as ours, the Japanese food scene is vibrant and vast. However, finding a spot that perfectly balances quality, innovation, and affordability can be a rare find. WANO New York stands out by offering a unique culinary perspective that caters to a wide range of tastes. Whether you're craving comforting noodles, fresh sushi, or something with a modern twist, WANO promises a satisfying and enjoyable meal. It's the kind of place you'll want to revisit, whether for a quick and satisfying lunch with colleagues or a pleasant evening meal.
---WANO New York is conveniently situated at 245 E 44th St, New York, NY 10017, USA. This prime Midtown East location makes it incredibly accessible for residents, commuters, and visitors alike. Being just two blocks from the iconic Grand Central Terminal is a major advantage, ensuring that reaching WANO is a breeze from almost anywhere in the New York metropolitan area.
With Grand Central as a major hub, accessing WANO via subway (lines 4, 5, 6, 7, S) is straightforward. Metro-North Railroad also serves Grand Central, making it a convenient destination for those coming from the northern suburbs. The area is well-served by numerous bus lines, and taxis and ride-sharing services can drop you off right at the door. Its central position in a bustling business district also makes it an excellent choice for a mid-day break or a post-work gathering.
---Fusion Japanese and Western Cuisine: WANO New York offers a unique culinary blend, combining authentic Japanese techniques and flavors with Western influences. This approach creates a diverse menu that appeals to a broad palate.
Lunch and Dinner Service: The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner, catering to various dining needs, from quick midday meals for professionals to more relaxed evening experiences.
Sit-Down Dining: WANO provides a comfortable and inviting setting perfect for a sit-down meal, whether it's a casual lunch with coworkers or a more intimate dinner.
Diverse Menu Options: While specific menu details weren't exhaustive in the provided information, customer reviews highlight popular items such as "very chewy and fresh" Udon noodles and flavorful Chirashi bowls, indicating a variety of traditional and modern Japanese dishes.
Extensive Drink Selection: WANO offers an extensive selection of wine and sake, carefully chosen to complement the diverse menu and enhance the dining experience.
Great Value for Money: A standout feature of WANO New York is its reputation for offering excellent value, particularly for lunch in Midtown. Customers consistently praise the reasonable prices for the quality and portion sizes received.
Japanese and Western Fusion: The restaurant's innovative approach to blending Japanese and Western culinary styles provides a distinctive dining experience. This fusion means there's likely something to satisfy every preference, from traditionalists to those seeking something new.
Chewy and Fresh Udon Noodles: The Udon noodles are a particular highlight, described by patrons as "very chewy and fresh," indicating a dedication to quality ingredients and preparation.
Flavorful Chirashi Bowl: The Chirashi bowl receives commendation for its well-flavored rice, which is noted as being distinct from the standard vinegar-sugar mixture, suggesting a thoughtful and elevated approach to this classic dish.
Ideal for Coworker Lunches: The interior and atmosphere are highly suitable for a comfortable and enjoyable sit-down lunch with coworkers, making it a go-to spot for the local business community.
Participation in NYC Restaurant Week: WANO has been a participant in NYC Restaurant Week, demonstrating its appeal and ability to offer a quality dining experience at a special price point, which is a significant draw for many New Yorkers.
Cozy Atmosphere: The restaurant offers a "cozy atmosphere," making it a pleasant and comfortable place to dine and enjoy drinks with friends or guests.
Experienced Team: WANO is noted to be from "the acclaimed team behind Mifune," suggesting a pedigree of culinary expertise and a strong foundation in Japanese cuisine.
WANO New York has been known to participate in city-wide dining events, such as NYC Restaurant Week. As highlighted by a customer review, their Restaurant Week offerings were highly satisfying and represented excellent value. While current or ongoing promotions may vary, their past participation suggests that WANO is keen on providing accessible opportunities for diners to experience their unique fusion cuisine. For the most up-to-date information on any seasonal specials, lunch deals, or participation in future Restaurant Week events, it's always best to check their official website or contact them directly. Given their reputation for "great value for money," particularly at lunch, locals can expect satisfying options that deliver on both quality and price.
---To experience the delightful fusion of Japanese and Western flavors at WANO New York, you can find them at:
Address: 245 E 44th St, New York, NY 10017, USA
Phone: (212) 986-2800
For reservations, especially for larger parties or during peak hours, it is advisable to call ahead or check their online reservation platforms like Resy, which they utilize. For parties of 5 or more, their reservation policy notes a $20 cancellation fee per party if canceled within 48 hours, so planning is recommended.
---WANO New York is perfectly suited for New Yorkers seeking a reliable, high-quality, and refreshingly different Japanese dining experience. Its location in Midtown East, just moments from Grand Central, makes it incredibly convenient for anyone in the metropolitan area, whether you're a local resident, a commuter, or a professional working nearby.
What truly sets WANO apart for locals is its ability to deliver "great value for money" without compromising on the quality or innovation of its dishes. This is a significant advantage in a city where dining out can often be an expensive affair. The fusion of Japanese and Western flavors ensures a diverse menu that can satisfy various cravings, from comforting Udon noodles that are "very chewy and fresh" to a Chirashi bowl with uniquely flavored rice. It’s an ideal spot for a productive and delicious coworker lunch, a casual yet refined dinner with friends, or simply to enjoy a well-crafted Japanese meal. For those who appreciate flavorful food, a cozy ambiance, and a welcoming experience without an exorbitant price tag, WANO New York is undoubtedly a local gem worth exploring and returning to.
WANO New York Photos










WANO New York Location
WANO New York Reviews
My husband and I came to WANO on a NYC restaurant week and they didn’t disappoint us at all. The food is a fusion between Japanese and western. The price is reasonable. We would definitely come back.
Jul 27, 2024 · J KitGreat value for money in midtown for lunch! The food and interior is great for a sit down lunch with coworkers. The udom noodles are very chewy and fresh. The chirashi bowl was good too and the rice is flavored unlike the normal vinegar sugar mixture. Highly recommend!
Jul 02, 2024 · EllenTLDR: Wano is an omakase experience for all but definitely will appeal to you if you're more of a traditional purist eater. Omakase is excellent and if you're going to pop in to have one singular item - don't leave without the tossaki roll. You won't find that anywhere else.I came across Wano after seeing some picture on IG of their tossaki handroll. Now this is not any ordinary hand roll, it's a signature item of Chef Sato who helped launch Wano. I was trying to eat this myself in Ginza but the fact I could now get this in New York - I knew I had to go.A random Saturday night and we found ourselves at the sushi bar. Wano is in the same space and same company behind of MIFUNE. Chef Tomomi who worked with Chef Sato in Hakkoku is now here and it truly was a treat to be served by him. Ayana and Daniel were also wonderful hosts and we stayed long after our dinner service because we had a great time.Food-wise, the omakase had a slightly different format but enjoyable nonetheless. First was the tossaki hand roll, a tuna temaki made from a cut near the neck of the tuna. Very tender, flavor-forward and the perfect accompaniment with crisp roasted nori and well-seasoned sushi rice. The sushi rice is so distinct, it almost looks dark brown from all the vinegar. Not salty as you might imagine, perfectly al dente and well balanced. This rice is dark, like Chinese takeout fried rice dark. It's so good though and like any omakase fan boy or girl knows - the most memorable thing from all great omakases is the rice!All the nigiri was excellent. The chawanmushi was especially luxurious with the piled on uni, caviar, chives, etc. The botan ebi was especially memorable, it was slightly cooked almost like a poached texture but so full of flavor. I love a good spotted prawn raw too but this was really unique. Almost reminded me of the flavor of a great langoustine.I also was fortunate to try the abalone and mushrooms which was super unique. Nice, bouncy chunks of abalone paired beautifully with the nice earthy mushrooms.I was hoping for some silver-skinned fish but chef said he had not yet found the optimal fish to source and that's why there was none. That was a very respectable answer.Everything was awesome but 100% my favorite was the hand roll. So nice, had to have it twice.I genuinely think Wano is a place you should try whether you're just your feet wet or you're a seasoned omakase diner. With the right marketing and word of mouth, I think Wano will become a destination sushi-ya. Much like Takeda on the UWS was when they first opened so many years ago.
Oct 29, 2023 · Patrick WongOne of the best no frills sushi spots in NYC. If you want excellent sushi quality/traditional style without all the Americanized bells and whistles, this your spot. My new go to spot — and if you want to upgrade your dining experience they have Sushi Amane their high end omakase downstairs.
Sep 02, 2023 · Jo WhangLunch set is valued. Fresh vegetables and fishes. But chicken katsu is a bit overcooked. One of our sashimi set has fish bones and scales tendon which surprised me a lot.
Apr 22, 2025 · Jessie Wu
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