Ootoya Union Square: Authentic Japanese Home Cooking in NYC

Ootoya - Union Square Introduce

Introduction to Ootoya Union Square: A Taste of Japanese Home

Nestled near the bustling Union Square, Ootoya offers a unique and authentic dining experience that sets it apart from other Japanese restaurants in New York City. While many places focus on sushi rolls or high-end omakase, Ootoya's specialty is "teishoku," a traditional Japanese set meal that resembles the comforting, wholesome food you would find in a Japanese home. This concept, centered around a balanced meal with a main dish, rice, miso soup, and pickled vegetables, is a refreshing departure from the typical dining scene. The restaurant's dedication to this authentic style of cooking, using fresh ingredients and preparing each dish to order, is what truly makes it a standout.

Since its establishment in Japan in 1958, Ootoya has built a reputation for its commitment to quality and a "healthy body and mind" philosophy. This location on East 11th Street brings that same warm, inviting atmosphere to New York, making it a peaceful and cozy retreat from the city's fast pace. It’s a place that’s popular for both a quick lunch and a leisurely dinner, and its welcoming ambiance makes it a perfect spot for solo diners, a small group of friends, or a family outing. The menu is extensive and thoughtfully curated, appealing to a wide range of palates. From classic grilled fish sets to crispy katsu and fresh sushi bowls, Ootoya is a true gem for anyone looking to experience genuine Japanese comfort food.

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Location and Accessibility

Ootoya is conveniently located at 41 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003, USA, just a few blocks from the iconic Union Square Park. This prime spot makes it easily accessible for anyone in the Greenwich Village and surrounding neighborhoods. The restaurant is within close walking distance of the Union Square subway station, a major transportation hub that serves the 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, and W lines. This makes it a great destination no matter where you are coming from in the city. Its proximity to NYU and other academic institutions also makes it a popular choice for students and faculty.

For those with mobility concerns, Ootoya is designed to be accessible and accommodating. The entrance is wheelchair accessible, and once inside, there is ample space with wheelchair-accessible seating. While street parking can be challenging in this busy part of Manhattan, the easy access via public transportation makes it a hassle-free visit. The atmosphere inside is calm and cozy, providing a tranquil dining experience away from the street-level noise. Whether you’re stopping by for a peaceful solo meal or meeting friends, the location offers convenience and a welcoming environment.

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Services Offered

Ootoya Union Square provides a variety of services to enhance your dining experience.

Dine-in: Enjoy a comfortable meal in the restaurant's casual and cozy atmosphere. They offer both counter and table service.
Takeout: All menu items are available for takeout, allowing you to enjoy Ootoya's delicious food from the comfort of your home or office.
Delivery: For ultimate convenience, the restaurant offers no-contact delivery and standard delivery services through various platforms, ensuring your meal arrives fresh and hot.
Reservations: Ootoya accepts reservations, especially recommended for dinner, as the restaurant can get busy. This is a great way to secure a spot and avoid a wait.
Onsite Amenities: The restaurant has a full bar offering a selection of beer, wine, and hard liquor. They also provide Wi-Fi for guests and have clean restrooms.
Children's Menu: Ootoya is a family-friendly restaurant with a dedicated kids' menu and high chairs, making it a great option for dining with children.

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Features and Highlights

Ootoya is known for several key highlights that make it a standout choice for Japanese cuisine in New York.

Authentic Japanese "Teishoku": The restaurant's focus on teishoku—a balanced set meal—is a major highlight. Each set includes a main dish (like grilled fish or tonkatsu), rice, miso soup, and pickled vegetables, offering a complete and nutritious meal that is representative of home cooking in Japan.
High-Quality Ingredients: Ootoya is committed to using fresh, high-quality ingredients. They prepare dishes to order and even make their own soba noodles daily with buckwheat flour imported from Hokkaido, Japan.
Diverse Menu: Beyond teishoku, the menu is extensive and diverse, offering something for everyone. Options range from healthy dishes like the Tofu Salad and various grilled fish sets to comforting items like the Tonkatsu Curry and Beef Sukiyaki Hot Pot. The menu also features delicious sushi bowls like the Bara Chirashi Don and Salmon Ikura Don.
Great Tea Selection: The restaurant is praised for its great tea selection, which perfectly complements the meals and adds to the authentic Japanese dining experience.
Cozy and Trendy Atmosphere: The ambiance is described as peaceful, cozy, and trendy, providing a relaxing setting for a meal. It's an ideal spot for a quiet dinner or a casual get-together with friends.
Fast Service: Customers frequently praise Ootoya for its fast and attentive service. The staff is warm and friendly, ensuring a pleasant and efficient dining experience.

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Contact Information

For more information or to make a reservation, you can contact Ootoya Union Square directly.

Address: 41 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003, USA
Phone: (212) 473-4300

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What is Worth Choosing: Why Ootoya is an Essential NYC Dining Spot

For any New Yorker looking to experience authentic Japanese cuisine beyond the typical sushi bar, Ootoya Union Square is an essential destination. What makes it truly worth choosing is its unwavering dedication to the concept of "teishoku" or Japanese home cooking. This focus on wholesome, balanced set meals provides a unique and nourishing dining experience that is hard to find elsewhere in the city. The menu is a journey back to the roots of Japanese food, with classic dishes that are both comforting and flavorful. The quality of the food is consistently high, thanks to their commitment to using fresh ingredients and preparing each meal from scratch. The crispy, juicy Tonkatsu, the perfectly grilled Salmon Saikyo Yaki, and the vibrant sushi bowls are all testaments to the care and craftsmanship that goes into every dish.

Beyond the food, the atmosphere at Ootoya is a major draw. It offers a cozy, peaceful retreat from the energetic pace of Union Square. This is the kind of place where you feel comfortable dining solo, where the gentle buzz of conversation and the warm, inviting decor create a relaxing backdrop for your meal. The service is also a key highlight; the staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely friendly, which adds a personal touch to the experience. Whether you're a long-time fan of Japanese cuisine or just starting to explore, the staff is happy to guide you through the extensive menu and make recommendations.

The combination of authentic food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a variety of services makes Ootoya Union Square a standout choice. It’s a perfect spot for a satisfying lunch or dinner that feels both special and deeply comforting. The availability of healthy options, great cocktails, and a full kids' menu also means it can cater to any dining situation, whether it’s a quick bite after work or a full family dinner. For those who want to feel transported to a traditional Japanese home with every bite, Ootoya is not just a place to eat; it's a place to truly experience.

Ootoya - Union Square Menu

Signature Bento Box
Ootoya Gozen Bento $35.00
OOTOYA Signature All-in-One Bento Box. Clockwise from the top left: 1. Fried vegetables served with a sweet and sour vinegar sauce, 2. Grilled yellowtail served with a Teriyaki sauce over white rice, 3. Dashimaki egg and steamed marinated chicken, 4. Breaded and deep fried Herb pork loin cutlet, 5. Thinly sliced Washu beef and vegetables served with a soy-based Sukiyaki sauce, 6. Fried chicken flavored with a garlic soy sauce, 7. Hijiki seaweed and edamame over multi grain rice, 8. Grilled salted mackerel, 9. Salmon flakes over white rice. (Ingredients are subjected to change).

Appetizers
Tofu Salad
Homemade silky tofu served with tomato, broccoli, shredded cabbage, green salads, shaved bonito flakes, and a wafu vegetable dressing.
Daikon Salad
Watermelon radish, daikon radish, red radish, and kaiware radish served with an original cucumber plum dressing.
Salmon Oshizushi $16.00
Three kinds of pressed salmon sushi; raw, seared, seared basil and mayonnaise
Pork Gyoza
OOTOYA signature homemade grilled pork dumplings served with soy sauce based Koji dipping sauce.
Chili Shrimp Gyoza
OOTOYA signature homemade grilled spicy shrimp dumplings served with soy sauce based Koji dipping sauce.
Beef Potato Croquette $11.00
Breaded and deep fried mashed potato and minced beef croquette served with an original Tonkatsu sauce.
Karaage
Crispy fried chicken karaage flavored with a garlic soy sauce.
Edamame $6.00
Boiled soybeans sprinkled with salt.
Homemade Tofu $8.00
Homemade silky tofu served with shaved bonito flakes, grated ginger, and chives.
Rice & Miso Soup Set $5.00
The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.

Sushi Bowls
Bara Chirashi Don $32.00
Finely diced assorted sashimi containing tuna, yellowtail, scallop, shrimp, salmon, egg, Kanpyo, and salmon roe served on top of sushi rice.
Kaisen Don $40.00
Assorted sashimi served on top of sushi rice containing tuna, yellowtail, salmon, scallop, shrimp, egg, sea urchin, and salmon roe. (Assortment is subject to change based on seasonality and availability)
Salmon Ikura Don $32.00
Finely sliced salmon sashimi and salmon roe served on top of sushi rice.

Grilled Fish
Shima Hokke Set $32.00
Grilled Atka mackerel served with Japanese grated radish. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Salmon Saikyo Yaki Set $31.00
Grilled salmon marinated in a special Saikyo Miso served with Japanese grated radish. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Gindara Miso Set $34.00
Grilled black cod marinated in an original blend miso served with Japanese grated radish. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Saba Set $30.00
Grilled salted mackerel served with Japanese grated radish. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.

Pork
Tonkatsu Set $29.00
Breaded and deep fried Herb pork loin cutlet served with an original Tonkatsu sauce. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.

Chicken
Chicken Katsu Set $27.00
Breaded and deep fried chicken cutlet served with an original Tonkatsu sauce. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Tori Kurozu An Set $29.00
Fried chicken and vegetables served with an original sweet and sour vinegar sauce. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.

Hot Pot
Beef Sukiyaki Nabe Set $39.00
Japanese traditional hot pot; contains thinly sliced Washugyu beef and vegetables with a soy sauce based original sweet sukiyaki sauce. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Pork Kimchee Nabe Set $30.00
Mugifuji pork belly slices, kimchee, Tofu, egg, Nira chives and vegetables with an original spicy Kimchee soup. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.

Japanese Curry
Tonkatsu Curry Set $29.00
Japanese style curry with a breaded and deep fried Herb port loin cutlet. The set comes with miso soup and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Yasai Vegetable Curry Set $25.00
Japanese style curry with steamed vegetables and multi grain rice. The set comes with miso soup and a side of Japanese vegetables.

Bowls & Noodles
Unagi Ju Set $59.00
Grilled premium eel imported from Japan; cooked with an original eel sauce served over rice. The set comes with miso soup and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Katsu Ju Set $29.00
Breaded and deep fried Herb pork loin cutlet and onion simmered in a dashi broth wrapped with a layer of half-cooked custard egg over rice. The set comes with miso soup and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Oyako Ju Set $26.00
Grilled chicken and onion simmered in a dashi broth wrapped with a layer of half-cooked custard egg over rice. The set comes with miso soup and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Katsu Don (Small) & Hot Udon Set $27.00
Breaded and deep fried Herb pork loin cutlet and onion simmered in a dashi broth wrapped with a layer of half-cooked custard egg over rice and an original hot Udon noodles served in dashi soup.
Oyako Don (Small) & Hot Udon Set $24.00
Grilled chicken and onion simmered in a dashi broth wrapped with a layer of half-cooked custard egg over rice and an original hot Udon noodles served in dashi soup.

Dessert
Warabimochi $5.00
Japanese traditional dessert. Housemade mochi made of bracken starch served with red beans and brown sugar syrup.

Beverage
Echigo Koshihikari $10.00
Oi Ocha 16.9oz $4.00
Jasmine Tea 16.9oz $4.00
Fiji Water 16.9oz $4.00
Calpico Soda (Can) 11.3oz $3.00
(T) Moshi

Sushi Bowls
Bara Chirashi Don $31.00
Finely diced assorted sashimi containing tuna, yellowtail, scallop, shrimp, salmon, egg, kanpyo, and salmon roe served on top of sushi rice.
Kaisen Don $39.00
Assorted sashimi served on top of sushi rice. (assortment is subject to change based on availability)
Salmon Ikura Don $31.00
Finely sliced salmon sashimi and salmon roe served on top of sushi rice.

Grilled Fish
Shima Hokke Set $26.00
Grilled Atka mackerel served with Japanese grated radish. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Salmon Saikyo Yaki Set $25.00
Grilled salmon marinated in a special Saikyo Miso served with Japanese grated radish. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Gindara Miso Set $28.00
Grilled black cod marinated in an original blend miso served with Japanese grated radish. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Saba Set $24.00
Grilled salted mackerel served with Japanese grated radish. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.

Pork
Tonkatsu Set $23.00
Breaded and deep fried Herb pork loin cutlet served with an original Tonkatsu sauce. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.

Chicken
Chicken Katsu Set $21.00
Breaded and deep fried chicken cutlet served with an original Tonkatsu sauce. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Tori Kurozu An Set $23.00
Fried chicken and vegetables served with an original sweet and sour vinegar sauce. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.

Hot Pot
Beef Sukiyaki Nabe Set $34.00
Japanese traditional hot pot; contains thinly sliced Washugyu beef and vegetables with a soy sauce based original sweet sukiyaki sauce. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Pork Kimchee Nabe Set $26.00
Mugifuji pork belly slices, kimchee, Tofu, egg, Nira chives and vegetables with an original spicy Kimchee soup. The set comes with Japanese premium white rice, miso soup, and a side of Japanese vegetables.

Japanese Curry
Tonkatsu Curry Set $26.00
Japanese style curry with a breaded and deep fried Herb port loin cutlet. The set comes with miso soup and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Yasai Vegetable Curry Set $22.00
Japanese style curry with steamed vegetables and multi grain rice. The set comes with miso soup and a side of Japanese vegetables.

Bowls & Noodles
Unagi Ju Set $50.00
Grilled premium eel imported from Japan; cooked with an original eel sauce served over rice. The set comes with miso soup and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Katsu Ju Set $25.00
Breaded and deep fried Herb pork loin cutlet and onion simmered in a dashi broth wrapped with a layer of half-cooked custard egg over rice. The set comes with miso soup and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Oyako Ju Set $22.00
Grilled chicken and onion simmered in a dashi broth wrapped with a layer of half-cooked custard egg over rice. The set comes with miso soup and a side of Japanese vegetables.
Katsu Don (Small) & Hot Udon Set $25.00
Breaded and deep fried Herb pork loin cutlet and onion simmered in a dashi broth wrapped with a layer of half-cooked custard egg over rice and an original hot Udon noodles served in dashi soup.
Oyako Don (Small) & Hot Udon Set $22.00
Grilled chicken and onion simmered in a dashi broth wrapped with a layer of half-cooked custard egg over rice and an original hot Udon noodles served in dashi soup.

Ootoya - Union Square Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great tea selection

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible seating
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Comfort food
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Small plates
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
Tourists

Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Parking

Ootoya - Union Square Photos

Ootoya - Union Square Location

Ootoya - Union Square

New York New York County New York East 11th Street

41 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

Ootoya - Union Square Reviews

An average rating of ★4.2 from 677 user reviews.

tippingsukiyakiatmospheresobaingredientskatsuthe menucomfort foodegg custardchirashi

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Ootoya at Union Square is a solid spot for comforting Japanese food. The menu has a great variety, and the dishes are well-prepared with fresh ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it a nice place to relax over a meal. Service was attentive, though the wait times were a little longer than expected. Overall, delicious food and a pleasant dining experience — worth a visit if you’re in the area.
August 30 · Bo
I love Japanese food so much. What a great find! It was restaurant week so we got to try more! The menu is extensive and the food is great. My hubby has more photos on his phone, but all the flavors just take me back to Japan. Definitely try it!
September 01 · Michelle Nguyen
Ootoya in Union Square is a hidden gem that delivers an authentic taste of Japan right in the heart of NYC. Their new Matcha Parfait that lured us in is definitely a must try! This rich, smooth, and refreshing dessert is like taking a little trip to Japan with each and every bite. The food here is fresh, beautifully prepared, and absolutely delicious. Ootoya’s staffs are warm and friendly making you feel right at home. Their fast service ensures you never have to wait long to enjoy your meal in this cozy and inviting place. Whether you’re here for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, Ootoya is a spot you’ll want to come back to again and again.—
August 10 · itzelenaho
It might be because we were there in the middle of the week for lunch, but it was nice coming to a restaurant that was pretty quiet! Very much Japanese style sets where it’s more for one person rather than sharing. The portion size was great ! We both got the regular size but I’m sure if we had gotten the small, it would have been just as filling.The only complaint I have was that the rice we had for the salmon oshizushi was a little too warm and too much — fish to salmon ratio was a little off but the salmon itself was delicious.The toro melted in your mouth 🤤I would have given 5 stars if it wasn’t for the warm rice
April 06 · Rudylee Jyssica Goco
I’m not the kind of person who usually writes reviews, but this experience was really disappointing. After eating their so-called 和牛beef bowl, I had an upset stomach for the rest of the day. The dish cost $45, and while Japanese cuisine is usually known for its freshness and natural flavors, their Wagyu beef was heavily salted—probably to cover up the poor quality or even spoiled meat.Aside from the food, the overall environment and other dishes were far below the standard of other Japanese restaurants. It wasn’t even busy that day, but we still waited quite a while for our food.Worst of all, the service was terrible. I didn’t catch the name of the waitress, but she was a woman with a sour attitude. After a long wait, she brought us the wrong order. When I kindly pointed it out, she looked at me suspiciously and took the dish away without even a simple apology.I won’t be going back. I hope my review helps others. This place is expensive, but it’s nowhere near worth the price.
July 20 · Bo Na