Cotra

- 451 Carroll St, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Cotra has quickly established itself as a vibrant and essential culinary destination in the burgeoning Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn, offering New Yorkers a fresh and innovative spin on Japanese cuisine. More than just a traditional Japanese or sushi restaurant, Cotra is a sophisticated izakaya and tapas bar that masterfully blends authentic flavors with a contemporary New York flair. The restaurant comes from the same creative minds behind the popular Bed-Stuy spot, Trad Room, bringing a unique and welcoming energy to Carroll Street.

The atmosphere at Cotra perfectly sets the stage for a memorable dining experience. The decor is chic, featuring industrial notes with exposed brick and wood floors, which creates a cozy, romantic, and trendy ambiance. This setting is reminiscent of the Meiji restoration era, a time in the late 1800s when Japan first opened up to Western influences, beautifully fusing historical sophistication with modern-day Brooklyn cool. Whether you're planning an intimate date night or a fun evening out with friends, Cotra’s inviting space and energetic vibe make it an ideal choice.

The menu is where Cotra truly shines, moving beyond the expected with a mix of small, shareable plates (tapas-style) and innovative takes on classic dishes. Guests consistently praise the perfectly balanced and sophisticated flavors found in everything from the sushi rolls to the hot appetizers and specialty noodles. Cotra is known for crafting a dining experience that feels both unique and reasonably priced for the exceptional quality offered in NYC.

Cotra is conveniently nestled in the heart of Gowanus, Brooklyn, making it an accessible spot for locals and visitors alike.

The exact address is:

451 Carroll St, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA

Accessibility is a priority at Cotra, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible seating
• Wheelchair accessible restroom

For those driving in the city, the restaurant offers the rare convenience of a free parking lot and free street parking. This is a significant amenity that New York drivers will surely appreciate. While public transportation links are plentiful in the area, the parking options remove a common source of urban stress. The neighborhood of Gowanus is rapidly growing and is poised to become an even busier pedestrian area in the coming years, making Cotra’s current location a fantastic spot to watch the neighborhood transform.

Cotra functions as a multi-faceted hospitality venue, providing a comprehensive range of dining and service options to suit any occasion:

• Dine-in Service: Enjoy the full experience in their cozy, romantic, and trendy interior, which includes a bar on site.
• Outdoor Seating: While initial information indicated indoor only, other reports confirm there is a covered backyard/back patio space with a retro Japanese vibe, perfect for enjoying a meal or cocktails al fresco when the weather is nice. Note: Dogs are allowed outside in the outdoor space.
• Takeout and Delivery: Convenient options for enjoying Cotra's innovative Japanese cuisine at home or the office.
• Reservations Accepted: Dinner reservations are highly recommended, especially on busy nights, to ensure a seamless experience.
• Catering: Available for special events and gatherings.
• Private Events: The versatile space, which includes a beautiful back patio, can host a vast array of events, such as weddings, private dinners, and parties.
• Drink Specials: The venue features happy hour deals on drinks every Friday.
• Dietary Accommodations: Vegetarian, vegan, and healthy options are clearly marked on the menu, and the staff is generally accommodating of various dietary restrictions.

Cotra is celebrated by locals for several distinct features and must-try menu items that distinguish it from typical Japanese fare in the city.

• Innovative Cuisine and Izakaya Style: The menu focuses on a "non-traditional" approach, combining Japanese ingredients like yuzu and bonito with global flavors such as harissa. This results in sophisticated, well-balanced dishes that are perfect for sharing, embodying the spirit of a modern izakaya.
• Signature Appetizers: Don’t miss the legendary Addictive Cabbage (White soy, Olive Oil, Garlic, Shio Kombu, 7 Spice Pepper, $8.00), which lives up to its name, or the perfectly crispy Mochiko Karaage (Koji-Marinade Mochi-ko Karaage Chicken, $15.00) and the popular Eringi Karaage (Fried King Oyster Mushrooms, $15.00) which offers an excellent vegetarian alternative.
• Exceptional Sushi and Raw Bar: The Crispy Spicy Tuna on Crisp Rice ($13.00) is a top seller and highly recommended by patrons for its perfect combination of creamy tuna and light, golden crunch. Other standouts include the Goma Hamachi ($21.00) and the decadent Mini Hokkaido Don ($31.00).
• Noodle Specialties: The noodle section is a highlight, featuring unique "Mazemen" (broth-less) bowls. Favorites include the creamy and spicy Mentaiko Mazemen ($23.00), the bold Cotra Mazesoba ($22.00) with a rich, spicy pork sauce, and the inventive Soft Shell Crab Mazemen ($24.00).
• Craft Cocktail Program: Known for great cocktails, Cotra offers an extensive list of Japanese-inspired cocktails, Japanese liquors, beer, sake, and wine, all curated to complement the bold flavors of the food.
• Unique Shared Plates: For those seeking a larger item, the American Wagyu Steak ($38.00) is noted as a "star of the show" by guests, and the Yaki Sawara ($26.00) offers an excellent grilled fish option.
• Service and Vibe: Patrons consistently report fast, professional, and friendly service. The overall atmosphere is praised for being trendy, cozy, and great for groups or solo dining, with an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe-space crowd.

For those looking to visit or contact Cotra in Brooklyn, here is the necessary information:

Address: 451 Carroll St, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA

Phone: (845) 261-3480

Cotra stands out in the crowded New York dining scene as a top choice for a number of reasons. For the local Brooklyn user, it offers a sophisticated yet comfortable neighborhood spot that delivers on both quality and atmosphere. It's an Asian-owned establishment that prides itself on exceptional attention to detail, from the unique blend of traditional and contemporary Asian cuisine to the chic, moody interior perfect for a date night.

If you've been looking for a place where you can enjoy exquisite, flavorful Japanese small plates and sushi that feel genuinely innovative, look no further. The value proposition is strong—as one customer noted, it offers the perfect blend of exquisite dining at a "reasonable price" for the quality provided in NYC. The popularity of items like the Crispy Spicy Tuna on Crisp Rice and the rich Mentaiko Mazemen speaks for itself.

Beyond the food, the amenity package is exceptional for a Brooklyn restaurant. The presence of a full bar with great cocktails, a happy hour, and the highly desirable combination of free parking and a charming back patio make it an easy choice for any occasion, whether it’s a quick lunch, a late-night bite, or a special celebration. For a unique, high-quality, and all-around welcoming Japanese izakaya experience in the Gowanus/Park Slope area, Cotra is a definite must-visit on the New York culinary map.

Cotra

451 Carroll St, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA