Shalom Japan

- 310 S 4th St rear, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Introduction / Overview

Shalom Japan, nestled in the vibrant and diverse neighborhood of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is an extraordinary culinary experience that you won't find anywhere else. This is a restaurant that masterfully blends two seemingly disparate culinary traditions—Jewish and Japanese—into a cohesive and truly innovative menu. It is far more than a simple fusion spot; it is a thoughtful and creative exploration of how two rich cultures can find harmony on a plate. The concept, developed by a husband-and-wife team of chefs, brings together the comforting familiarity of Jewish home cooking with the precision, flavors, and ingredients of Japanese cuisine. The result is a menu that is both surprising and deeply satisfying, offering dishes that are playful, unique, and delicious. Whether you're a local or a tourist, Shalom Japan offers a dining experience that feels both genuinely New York and globally inspired. It's a place that has garnered attention from critics and food lovers alike for its originality and its ability to deliver on such a bold concept. The atmosphere is designed to be a blend of casual, cozy, and trendy, making it an ideal setting for a variety of occasions, from a romantic dinner to a group brunch. It's a culinary journey that promises to challenge and delight your palate, proving that food can be a powerful bridge between cultures.

Beyond its unique fusion concept, Shalom Japan functions as a versatile dining destination. It is a full-service restaurant that offers a bar, a great selection of cocktails, wines, and beers, and caters to lunch, dinner, and most notably, brunch. The brunch menu, in particular, showcases some of its most iconic creations that have become a must-try for many. It's the kind of place that draws a crowd not just for its food, but for the entire experience—from the thoughtful decor to the attentive service. The restaurant's appeal extends to a variety of crowds, including families, groups, and even solo diners, making it a welcoming and inclusive space for all. Its reputation as a hidden gem, as noted by a reviewer, underscores its status as a special discovery for those in the know. With a menu that offers everything from hearty comfort food to sophisticated small plates, Shalom Japan is a culinary anchor in the neighborhood, providing a memorable and unique dining experience.

Location and Accessibility

Shalom Japan is located at 310 S 4th St rear, Brooklyn, NY 11211, USA. This address places it in the heart of Williamsburg, a neighborhood that has a reputation for being a culinary and cultural hub. Its location in a bustling area ensures that it is easily accessible for both locals and tourists. While the address includes "rear," this is typical of many hidden gems in New York City and only adds to its unique charm and sense of discovery. The area is well-served by public transportation, including the J, M, and Z trains, which are a short walk away, making it a convenient destination from other parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan. For those who prefer to drive, both free and paid street parking are available, though street parking in New York City can always be a challenge.

The restaurant is highly accommodating to a variety of needs. It offers outdoor seating, which is a significant amenity for those who prefer to dine al fresco or during warmer months. Furthermore, the restaurant is committed to accessibility, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring that it is a welcoming place for all patrons. This thoughtfulness extends to the inclusion of high chairs for children and the allowance of dogs in the outdoor seating area, making it a friendly and comfortable spot for families and pet owners. This combination of a desirable location and a commitment to accessibility makes Shalom Japan a practical and welcoming choice for a wide range of visitors.

Services Offered

Shalom Japan provides a full suite of services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable dining experience. The restaurant is flexible, catering to various preferences from a quick meal to a planned event. The services include:

• Dine-in: The restaurant offers seating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
• Outdoor seating: A great option for enjoying a meal outside when the weather permits.
• Delivery and No-contact delivery: For the ultimate convenience, the restaurant provides both standard and no-contact delivery services.
• Takeout: Customers can place an order for pickup and enjoy their food at home.
• Reservations: Reservations are accepted and recommended for brunch, lunch, and dinner, which is a key feature for a popular spot to ensure you get a table.
• Catering: The restaurant offers catering services, allowing you to bring the unique Shalom Japan experience to your own event.
• Table service: As a full-service restaurant, it provides attentive table service for a more relaxed dining experience.

Features / Highlights

Shalom Japan's unique appeal comes from a combination of its culinary concept and its thoughtful amenities. These are the elements that make it a standout destination in a city with endless dining options.

• Jewish-Japanese Fusion: The most prominent highlight is its innovative and delicious fusion cuisine, which has gained critical acclaim and a loyal following.
• Signature Dishes: Standout items like the "Jew Egg" and "Matzoh Ball Ramen" are a must-try for any first-time visitor, showcasing the creative blending of flavors.
• Great Beverage Program: The restaurant boasts a "Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Great wine list," and offers a wide variety of sake, making it a destination for drink enthusiasts.
• Diverse Menu: The menu offers more than just fusion dishes, with options for comfort food, small plates, healthy choices, and vegetarian options.
• Welcoming Atmosphere: The ambiance is described as a blend of "Casual, Cozy, Romantic, Trendy, Upscale," making it a versatile spot for any occasion.
• Accessibility: The restaurant is wheelchair accessible and offers gender-neutral restrooms, demonstrating a commitment to being an inclusive space.
• Family-Friendly: The availability of high chairs and a "Good for kids" designation makes it a viable option for families dining with children.

Contact Information

For inquiries or to make a reservation, you can contact Shalom Japan at the following:

Address: 310 S 4th St rear, Brooklyn, NY 11211, USA

Phone: (718) 388-4012

What is worth choosing

What makes Shalom Japan an absolute must-try is its genuinely unique and delicious food. As one reviewer put it, this is "fusion cuisine you didn't know you needed." The dishes are not just novelty items; they are thoughtfully crafted culinary creations. The "Summer Jew Egg," described as a "soft-boiled egg wrapped in falafel and served with tomatoes and feta," is a perfect example of a dish that is both creative and incredibly tasty. The "Matzoh Ball Ramen" is another fan favorite that "has forever changed how we see matzoh ball soup," as one reviewer noted. The fact that they offer a take-home kit for this dish is a testament to its popularity. While one review did mention issues with service and pricing, the consensus from the majority of feedback, including from professional food bloggers and press, points to the food itself as a triumph. The "Chilled Sesame Temomi Mazemen" was even called the "best dish in this restaurant" by a critical reviewer, which is high praise indeed. The creativity of chefs Aaron Israel and Sawako Okochi is consistently lauded, with critics noting their success in creating a truly harmonious blend of cultures.

Beyond the food, the atmosphere makes Shalom Japan a worthwhile choice. It's a cozy and trendy spot that feels special without being overly formal. This makes it a great place for a variety of gatherings, from a lively group brunch to a more intimate meal. The fantastic beverage program, with a great selection of cocktails, wines, and local beers, is another reason to visit. The restaurant's commitment to accessibility and its family-friendly amenities also make it a practical choice for a broad range of customers. While some dishes and drink prices may be on the higher side, the unique culinary experience and the quality of the standout items make it a place to go for a special occasion or when you are seeking a meal that is truly a departure from the ordinary. For those who want to experience a unique slice of New York's innovative dining scene, Shalom Japan offers a culinary journey that is truly worth taking.

Shalom Japan

310 S 4th St rear, Brooklyn, NY 11211, USA