Top 5 Japanese Restaurants in Manhattan Perfect for a Romantic Date
By Cassindy Chao | Elite Matchmaker & Founder of AWM Love
When it comes to romantic dining, Japanese cuisine offers something few others do: it’s elegant but unpretentious, intimate without being overbearing, and full of sensory detail—from the whisper of fresh wasabi to the slow pour of warm sake.
Here are five Japanese restaurants in Manhattan that deliver not only exceptional food, but the kind of atmosphere that helps love (or at least attraction) bloom. These are places we actually recommend to our clients—whether it’s a first date or something worth celebrating.
1. Oiji Mi – Contemporary Korean-Japanese Elegance
📍 17 W 19th St, New York, NY
🌐 oijimi.com
While technically Korean-inspired, Oiji Mi fuses Japanese aesthetics and precision in a five-course tasting format that feels like a culinary love letter. The interiors are luxurious yet intimate, with velvet booths and glowing lanterns that make conversation feel like a secret.
Why we love it: It’s perfect for clients looking to impress—without falling into cliché. Stylish, composed, and very grown-up.
Client Tip: Try the Oiji Mi Signature Tasting Menu, which includes stunning dishes like the eggplant with fermented chili and the truffle duck confit. The cocktails here are crafted with care—start with the “Lotus Martini” for a floral twist.
2. Sushi Noz – Kyoto-Level Fine Dining, Right in NYC
📍 181 E 78th St, New York, NY
🌐 sushinoz.com
Sushi Noz is an omakase experience that feels like a portal to Japan. With its cedarwood interiors and chef’s counter imported directly from Kyoto, this Michelin-starred sanctuary offers a deeply meditative dining journey.
Why we love it: Quiet, reverent, and exquisitely paced—it’s perfect for a more serious relationship or a milestone night out.
Client Tip: Opt for the seasonal omakase and trust the chef. The Hokkaido uni and fatty tuna are exceptional. Ask your server for the best sake pairing to match the course progression.
3. Noda – Hidden Gem for Sushi Purists
📍 37 W 20th St, New York, NY
🌐 nodanyc.com
Tucked behind a nondescript door in Flatiron, Noda is a sushi-lover’s dream. It’s chef-driven, meticulously sourced, and artfully executed. This is omakase with soul, served in a moody, candlelit space that’s built for intimacy.
Why we love it: It feels exclusive without trying too hard. Perfect for low-key luxury and elevated conversation.
Client Tip: The toro flight is unforgettable. If offered, choose the aged soy for a deeper flavor. Pair it with the sparkling Junmai sake for a crisp start.
4. Sakagura – A Sake Lover’s Paradise with Izakaya Vibes
📍 211 E 43rd St, B1F, New York, NY
🌐 sakagura.com
This midtown izakaya-style restaurant is tucked into a basement, but don’t let the location fool you—it’s a longtime favorite for its unparalleled sake list and shareable small plates. It’s lively but cozy, and feels like your secret NYC find.
Why we love it: It's fun, authentic, and refreshingly unpretentious. Great for first or second dates where you want a little energy—but still want to hear each other talk.
Client Tip: Order the agedashi tofu, uni soba, and the grilled black cod. Their seasonal sake flights are educational and romantic—sip and compare with your date.
5. Shuko – Chef-Driven Omakase with Downtown Cool
📍 47 E 12th St, New York, NY
🌐 shukonyc.com
Shuko is the kind of place where chefs become artists. This Greenwich Village omakase experience is personal, precise, and served with a bit of edge. Think hip soundtrack, minimalist décor, and a devotion to craft that’s hard to beat.
Why we love it: Perfect for a downtown power couple or a sophisticated match who appreciates detail and pacing.
Client Tip: Go omakase and enjoy the chef’s balance of hot dishes and sushi. The seared wagyu with white truffle is show-stopping. For drinks, their yuzu-spiked highball is a subtle standout.
Final Thought
Japanese cuisine offers more than just a meal—it offers rhythm, restraint, and intention. And in dating, that’s exactly what we look for.
So whether you’re seeking that delicate spark of something new or celebrating a deepening connection, these restaurants offer the kind of ambiance and culinary storytelling that makes a night out unforgettable.
Ready to Find the Right Person to Share That Table?
We specialize in introducing high-character, emotionally intelligent singles who are ready for real connection—whether your taste runs omakase or espresso.
Let’s find someone who belongs across from you at the table.
