Azusa of Japan

What a gem ! The waitresses are Japanese - the food is traditional - the seating is comfortable - the rooms are quiet enough to talk with your party - the look is authentic. If you want fancy rolls this is not the place, but if you like who you are and who you are with and Japanese food, then you will like Azusa.

More like fast food sushi quality and not even close to being as fresh as it should. Sushi rice quality soft and not made correctly. Fishy taste so not made to standards.

Since I work around the corner, I decided to try the lunch special at this place. I had their Thursday special. Upon entering I saw the B grade and my gut instinct told me to leave but against my better judgments, I stayed and ordered. Pro: The staff was very friendly and courteous. My takeout order came out in under 10 minutes. The soup was hot and tasty. Con: The beef scallion teriyaki was rolled up beef with a piece of scallion and beef fat in the middle. Why exactly they wrapped a pure piece of fat is beyond me. The California roll was missing cucumbers and the avocado was not ripe or fresh which tasted like mush. The tuna roll was not fresh at all as the fish was pink and shredded and not a properly cut piece for a roll. The wasabi was surprisingly not fresh at all.

Went for lunch, crowded with business people. Bar is okay, unless the people next to you are talkative (my experience). Service is ok, but could be more attentive. Sashimi cuts aren't the best. I have yet to find a good Japanese restaurant in midtown.

I really enjoyed this restaurant. The food was good and I recommend sitting at the bar to eat. There was good conversation with friends and new people throughout the evening.

I lived in Japan for several years where I conducted business so I do have a little knowledge of this style of restaurant. First...This is not a sushi bar...It is the Japanese version of cheers. If you go for lunch you get the standard business cliental...If you go at night, the first think you will notice is that everyone is a Japanese expat who work in the area and are looking for a little bit of home. This says a lot about authenticity of the place. Try it without bringing along any sushi franchise expectations and you may find a great place to go at night to experience what Japanese business restaurants are really all about and make a few friends along the way. Plus - No 14 hour flight is necessary.

I have been coming to this restaurant for 6 years now- since I was a NYC virgin my freshman year of college. This place is, as far as I have been able to find, the only traditional Kushikatsu "fry bar" in Manhattan. I am not talking about tempura here, people. This is skewered fish, beef, pork, veggies, chicken, quail eggs, mushroom wrapped in bacon...you name it- breaded and fried in soy bean oil. Served with cabbage, carrots and three different kinds of dipping sauce. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. If you are looking for amazing sushi, this is not your best bet. However, I love all the cooked food, the soups (try the clear soup with clam) and the fried skewers. The brave should try the specially-prepared blow fish if it is in season. The staff is attentive, friendly and kind, and the atmosphere is very calming. They have private rooms for large parties if you require. There is also an upstairs dining area with a more space than the downstairs. All in all, this restaurant is one of my favorites to take guests during their stays in the city. It is unique enough to attract great reviews from newcomers, but not so exotic that they wonder if I am crazy. Visit Azusa, you won't be disappointed.