Izakaya Mew

Address | 53 W 35th St, New York, NY

Past the doorway with a blue cloth cover hanging with the Izakaya Mew logo and down a flight of stairs is a NYC treasure for Japanese cuisine. Izakaya Mew is easily a favorite go to spot for fun, casual dates with my wife; a meet up spot for friends and family in from out of town; and of course a place where the extended Kamimura family has had countless family meals for holidays and special gatherings.

This place is always lively with music and packed with guests. From the walls posters of covers from Haruki Murakami novels hang in this industrial chic setting. While you can expect a wait, there is a bar at the front of the restaurant where you can stand and enjoy a drink before being seated. On hot summer days the frozen beers are a crowd pleaser.

The menu offers a wide selection of Japanese tapas. Some of my go to favorites include the Omu Soba (omelette- wrapped Yakisoba noodles sautéed with pork and vegetables. Topped with bonito flakes, aonori seaweed, mayo and brown sauce); the Garlic Fried rice with a soft boiled egg that is so satisfying to break into with the spoon and mix into the rice; and the Oden (vegetables and fish cakes stewed a light fish broth). Additionally, you can order a variety of sushi and sashimi and ramen. Each dish is really reasonably priced, so get adventurous and try out a few.

For dessert I stick to matcha or sesame ice creams (sometimes served with churros), or mochi.

Izakaya Mew is definitely a great spot in NYC to hang for a meal.