TsuKuShi Introduce
Nestled in the heart of Midtown East, New York City, TsuKuShi stands as a beacon of authentic Japanese dining. This is not your typical neighborhood sushi spot; TsuKuShi is an Izakaya restaurant, a traditional Japanese gastropub where the focus is on small, shareable plates and a wide selection of drinks. It offers a genuine slice of Japanese culture and cuisine, making it a beloved destination for New Yorkers seeking a true taste of tradition. The moment you step inside, you're transported from the bustling streets of Manhattan to a cozy, welcoming space that feels a world away.
TsuKuShi has carved out a unique niche in the city's competitive dining scene by staying true to its roots. The atmosphere is casual and cozy, creating a perfect backdrop for a relaxed meal with friends, a quiet solo dinner, or a special evening. It's the kind of place where the focus is on the quality of the food and the warmth of the experience. The menu is a carefully curated selection of traditional Japanese dishes, each prepared with precision and care. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur of Japanese cuisine or just beginning to explore its rich flavors, TsuKuShi offers something to delight your palate.
One of the most remarkable aspects of TsuKuShi is its commitment to an authentic dining experience. This is reflected not only in the food but also in the restaurant's policies, such as a no-tipping rule that contributes to a transparent and stress-free environment for both staff and customers. The genuine warmth and expertise of the team, from the chefs to the bartenders, shine through in every interaction. Many of the patrons are locals, a testament to the restaurant's reputation for consistency, quality, and a truly authentic feel. It's a hidden gem that has been discovered and cherished by the New York community, and for good reason.
TsuKuShi is conveniently located at 357 E 50th St, New York, NY 10022, USA, in the vibrant Midtown East neighborhood. This central location makes it an accessible and ideal dining spot for a wide range of people. It's situated within walking distance of numerous corporate offices, making it a popular choice for business lunches or post-work dinners. The proximity to major residential areas means it has become a go-to spot for locals seeking a genuine dining experience without having to venture far from home.
The accessibility of TsuKuShi is a significant advantage. The restaurant is well-served by New York City's extensive public transportation system, with several subway and bus lines having stops nearby. This makes it easy for guests to arrive from various parts of Manhattan and the outer boroughs. The location on E 50th Street places it in a prime position for those exploring the city's landmarks or staying in nearby hotels. While the precise details of accessibility are not provided, its central location and the general layout of the area suggest it is reachable for most patrons. For those who enjoy a walk through a classic New York neighborhood, the journey to TsuKuShi adds to the overall experience, leading you to an authentic culinary destination.
TsuKuShi offers a range of services and options designed to accommodate various dining preferences and occasions.
- Takeout: For those times when you want to enjoy TsuKuShi's delicious food from the comfort of your own home, a takeout option is available. This is perfect for a cozy night in or a convenient meal on a busy day.
- Dine-in: The dine-in experience is a cornerstone of what makes TsuKuShi so special. The cozy and casual atmosphere invites guests to sit, relax, and savor their meal. The table service is attentive and professional, ensuring a pleasant and memorable visit.
- Accepts Reservations: Given its popularity, especially for dinner, TsuKuShi wisely accepts reservations. This is a highly recommended option for planning your visit and securing a table, particularly during peak hours, ensuring you don't miss out on the experience.
TsuKuShi is celebrated for a number of features and highlights that distinguish it in New York's competitive culinary landscape.
- Authentic Izakaya Cuisine: The menu focuses on traditional Japanese dishes, particularly small plates perfect for sharing. This style of dining allows guests to try a variety of flavors and textures, making for a fun and engaging meal.
- Omakase Menu: A notable highlight is the omakase menu. Customers have praised the traditional approach and the affordability of this chef-selected tasting menu, which is a great way to experience the best of what TsuKuShi has to offer.
- Late-Night Dining: For those seeking a late-night bite, TsuKuShi offers a special menu after 11 PM. This is a rare and valuable feature in New York, catering to a different kind of crowd and schedule.
- No-Tipping Policy: This unique policy contributes to a relaxed dining environment and provides transparency in pricing, which is a welcome change for many patrons.
- Offerings: The bar offers a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and hard liquor, to complement the food. The menu also includes healthy options, comfort food, and small plates, catering to diverse tastes.
- Popularity: TsuKuShi is a favorite for lunch, dinner, and even solo dining. Its welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for individuals who want to enjoy a peaceful and delicious meal on their own. The crowd is predominantly local, indicating its strong reputation within the community.
For reservations, inquiries, or takeout orders, you can reach TsuKuShi at the following contact points.
Address: 357 E 50th St, New York, NY 10022, USAPhone: (212) 599-8888Mobile Phone: +1 212-599-8888
What is truly worth choosing about TsuKuShi is the authenticity of the experience it provides. In a city filled with Japanese restaurants, TsuKuShi stands out for its unwavering commitment to traditional Izakaya culture. The food is not simply a nod to Japan; it is a genuine representation of it, prepared with a deep respect for tradition. While a customer review noted that the portions might be a bit small, this is a characteristic of traditional Izakaya dining, where the focus is on variety and tasting many different dishes rather than on large single-dish servings. The exceptional quality and preparation of each plate, as highlighted in the customer reviews, make it a worthy trade-off.
Furthermore, the value proposition at TsuKuShi is outstanding. The traditional omakase menu is described as very affordable, making an elevated dining experience accessible to a broader audience. The no-tipping policy adds to this value, providing a straightforward and honest price for the meal. The willingness of the staff and chef to accommodate special requests, such as a three-dish course for customers who have already eaten, speaks volumes about their hospitality and dedication to customer satisfaction. This kind of flexibility and kindness makes a dining experience truly special and memorable.
The cozy and casual atmosphere, combined with the fact that it's a popular spot for locals, gives TsuKuShi a feeling of a hidden treasure. It's not a flashy, tourist-heavy spot, but a genuine neighborhood establishment where you can feel at home. Whether you're in the mood for a quick, delicious meal, a full omakase experience, or a late-night bite after a show or work, TsuKuShi is a destination that promises and delivers a truly authentic and satisfying Japanese dining experience in the heart of New York City. The small wait times for dishes like soba and udon, as mentioned in a customer review, can be seen as a sign of care and careful preparation, rather than a lack of efficiency. Good things, and truly authentic food, often take time.
TsuKuShi Details
Service options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Comfort food
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
Crowd
- Locals
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
TsuKuShi Photos










TsuKuShi Location
TsuKuShi Reviews
omakasepricefishcoursetipsobasakecurrymoussejapanese family
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Traditional omakase menu, very affordable and no tipping policy. They have a late night menu as well. Both times I visited, we had already eaten earlier and didn't want to order the full omakase. Each time the bartender was kind and asked the chef if he could prepare a 3 dish course for us, and the chef kindly agreed. Each dish was excellent--traditional Japanese cuisine. Next time, I will definitely try the full menu or go after 11pm for the late night menu.
May 20 · Cliff JonesAuthentic Japanese restaurant you can enjoy legit food. The portion is little too small but it was really good.Our noodle took little too much since we waited more than 30mins for soba and Udon. 😢
July 14 · Sinclair LimThis was three years ago. It was past midnight. In the base of an ordinary Manhattan apartment building, an unmarked door and a curtain concealed an izakaya. I stepped through, and the city fell away. I was in Sapporo.Inside, it was loud—but not American loud. This was practiced loudness, rhythmic and intentional. Loud but you can still hear a needle dropping. Japanese men in loosened ties laughed from deep in their chests, slapping shoulders with the ease of repetition. Their voices collided like waves. Across the room, a woman spoke in a thread-thin voice that wove beneath theirs. I didn’t understand a word. It felt like watching someone else’s memory loop quietly in the background.The chef didn’t smile. He didn’t need to.I ordered the omakase. Dishes arrived in calm succession—chilled tofu, soft fish, a bitter broth that reminded me of a conversation I’d rather forget. The food didn’t ask to be liked. It wasn’t polished, or photogenic. It simply existed, as if made by someone who knew you were hungry, not searching.At one point, the chef looked at me. Just once. He knew I didn’t belong. I stayed anyway.When I stepped back outside, the curtain swayed shut behind me. Manhattan returned in a rush—cold, electric, indifferent.
May 07 · Yunong ShiThis place was really good. Owned and operated by one person who is Japanese. The omakase was well worth the $66 for 6 courses. While it may not fill you up, you can order curry rice, ramen, soba (hot or cold), and other dishes after if you are still hungry, I was. The sake was fantastic. I was the only person there speaking English and went at midnight. Good vibes, great food, excellent chef = great night.
February 22 · Victor Farrell$66 late night omakase Japanese family style restaurant, a good place that you don't have any idea of what to eat. You can order extra food such as curry or rice, and homemade dessert. No tip here.
February 01 · Erin Hwang
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