Akoya

- 6 Times Sq, New York, NY 10036

In the vibrant, fast-paced environment of Times Square, finding a serene and high-quality dining experience can feel like a rare discovery. Akoya, a Japanese restaurant nestled at 6 Times Sq, offers just that—a cozy and intimate escape from the city's hustle and bustle. As a new addition to the New York dining scene, Akoya has quickly established itself as a spot for those seeking a more refined and focused culinary journey, specializing in expertly crafted hand rolls and a selection of unique small plates. The restaurant's atmosphere is designed to be a calm oasis, perfect for a quiet dinner, a pre-theater meal, or a sophisticated evening with friends.

Akoya's menu is built around a concept of small, shareable plates and specialty hand rolls, encouraging a communal and interactive dining experience. This approach allows guests to sample a variety of flavors and textures, making each visit a new adventure. The focus is on fresh, high-quality ingredients, from their signature hand rolls to their creative appetizers. While some may find the menu to be a departure from traditional Japanese fare, it aims to offer a modern interpretation that is both exciting and delicious. The restaurant's dedication to creating a specific type of dining experience is evident in its carefully curated offerings and intimate setting, which separates it from the larger, more commercial establishments in the area.

The culinary journey at Akoya is meant to be a thoughtful one, where each dish is a component of a larger experience. The hand rolls, often highlighted as the restaurant's specialty, are designed to be eaten immediately upon serving to ensure the seaweed remains crispy and the ingredients are at their peak. This detail speaks to a commitment to quality and a respect for the food itself. While some early reviews have pointed out challenges, others have praised the quality of the fish and the innovative flavor combinations. The staff and management appear to be responsive to feedback, suggesting a dedication to improving and refining the dining experience as they grow. This willingness to adapt is a positive sign for any new business in a market as competitive as New York City.

Beyond the food, Akoya is also a destination for cocktail lovers. The bar onsite offers a selection of carefully crafted drinks, providing a perfect pairing for the dishes on the menu. The ambiance is another key feature; the cozy atmosphere, good music, and aesthetically pleasing design create a space that is both welcoming and stylish. This combination of a sophisticated setting and high-quality food and drink makes Akoya a compelling choice for those seeking a special night out. Its acceptance of reservations also makes planning a visit easy, ensuring you can secure a table for a quiet, enjoyable evening without the unpredictability of walk-in dining. Akoya is a place that promises a unique and memorable experience, setting itself apart as a noteworthy addition to the vibrant New York food scene.

Akoya is conveniently situated at 6 Times Sq, New York, NY 10036. This central location makes it an ideal spot for locals and tourists alike who are looking for a dining option in the heart of Manhattan's theater district. Its proximity to numerous Broadway theaters, iconic landmarks, and major transportation hubs means it is easily accessible from almost anywhere in the city. Whether you're coming from a show, a day of sightseeing, or simply meeting friends after work, the restaurant is a short walk from multiple subway stations and bus stops.

Being a part of the Times Square area, the restaurant is well-positioned for both spontaneous visits and planned dinners. While the hustle and bustle of the surrounding area is a constant, Akoya's interior provides a pleasant contrast, offering a quiet and cozy retreat. Its central location also makes it a great option for a post-work drink or dinner before an evening out. The restaurant’s strategic placement ensures it remains a viable and attractive dining choice for a wide range of customers, all looking for a moment of calm and a delicious meal in the city's most famous neighborhood.

Akoya offers a focused and elegant dining experience with a few key services to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.

• Dine-in Service: The primary service is a full-service dine-in experience with table service. The cozy atmosphere and attentive staff create a perfect setting for a relaxed meal. The restaurant's design and ambiance are carefully curated to provide an intimate dining environment.

• Reservations: Akoya accepts reservations, which is highly recommended due to its intimate size and popular location. You can make a reservation through platforms like Resy to secure a table, especially for dinner during peak hours.

• Payments: The restaurant accommodates various payment methods for customer convenience, including all major credit cards and debit cards.

Akoya is known for several key features that make it a compelling dining destination in New York City.

• Great Cocktails: The bar at Akoya is a standout feature, offering a selection of creative and well-crafted cocktails. The mixologists are capable of creating both classic drinks and unique concoctions, including custom mocktails for non-alcoholic options, as noted by a satisfied customer.

• Cozy Atmosphere: The restaurant’s ambiance is a major highlight. It is described as cozy and aesthetically pleasing, with good music and a nice vibe. This makes it an ideal spot for a date or a quiet catch-up with friends, away from the typical noise of the city.

• Specialty Hand Rolls and Small Plates: The menu's focus on hand rolls is a unique selling point. These are designed to highlight fresh ingredients, with popular choices including the Spicy Yellowfin Tuna and Lightly Cured Faroe Island Salmon. Other standout small plates like the Australian Wagyu Tataki are also highly praised.

• High-Quality Ingredients: The restaurant prides itself on using quality ingredients, with customers noting the excellent temperature and flavor of the rice and the taste of the fish. This focus on ingredients is crucial for a Japanese restaurant's reputation.

• LGBTQ+ Friendly: Akoya creates an inclusive and welcoming environment for all customers, with a crowd that is noted as being LGBTQ+ friendly.

To make a reservation or for any inquiries about the menu and services, you can reach Akoya using the following contact details:

Address: 6 Times Sq, New York, NY 10036

Phone: (917) 244-6007

Akoya is a compelling choice for anyone in New York looking for an elevated yet approachable Japanese dining experience. While the city is filled with Japanese restaurants, Akoya distinguishes itself through its specific focus on hand rolls and a tranquil, cozy atmosphere. This makes it a great option for a variety of occasions, from a romantic dinner for two to a small gathering with friends. The location in Times Square is incredibly convenient for a pre-theater meal or a dinner after a day of exploring the city, providing a calm retreat from the surrounding energy. The fact that the restaurant accepts reservations is a significant plus, allowing guests to plan their visit with ease and avoid long wait times in a busy area.

The food, though a point of discussion in some early reviews, has also received high praise from others who have enjoyed the experience. Favorites like the Australian Wagyu Tataki and the Spicy Yellowfin Tuna hand rolls are noted for their quality and flavor. The menu encourages an exploratory approach to dining with its small plates, allowing guests to try a bit of everything and find their own favorites. The desserts, such as the Bread Pudding, have also been positively reviewed, providing a satisfying end to the meal. Beyond the food, the bar onsite offers an impressive selection of cocktails and other beverages, making it a great spot for a drink as well.

Ultimately, Akoya is worth choosing for its combination of a unique culinary concept, a beautifully designed and cozy space, and its convenient location. While it may be a new establishment still working out some initial kinks, its dedication to high-quality ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere is clear. For those who appreciate a quiet, intimate setting and a menu that goes beyond the ordinary, Akoya offers a fresh perspective on Japanese cuisine in the heart of one of the world's busiest neighborhoods. It’s an exciting addition to the New York dining landscape and a place with great potential for a unique and enjoyable evening out.

Akoya

6 Times Sq, New York, NY 10036, USA