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SakaguraAMust Try

Name: Sakagura
Address: 211 E 43rd St B1, New York, NY 10017, New York, United States
Rating: 4.5

211 E 43rd St B1, New York, NY 10017 · Japanese restaurant, Izakaya restaurant · 4.5/5 Google (1428 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery

Transportive basement izakaya with excellent sashimi and vast sake list; pricey with small plates and occasionally uneven service—great for enthusiasts who know what to order.

Why it gets an A for overall quality

Sakagura exemplifies grade A standards through exceptional sashimi quality and precise knife work paired with a transportive basement setting that rewards discovery. Deep sake expertise elevates the experience for enthusiasts, though uneven service pacing and small portions at premium prices prevent it from reaching the highest tier. A destination for serious sake and seafood lovers willing to navigate modest portions.

Restaurant Summary

Past a nondescript Midtown office lobby and down a stairwell, Sakagura opens into a warm, wood-lined izakaya that feels transportive and intimate. Reviewers gush about pristine fish and a sake list that reads like a library, with one diner noting the sashimi "melted with near-perfect texture." Service is often gracious and attentive, though a minority report pacing hiccups and brusque moments; the room can turn lively with groups. The cooking skews classic and ingredient-driven rather than flashy, a refined izakaya approach that celebrates premium seafood and handmade soba. Expect small plates and teishoku sets, where a clean, deeply savory dashi and careful knife work carry the menu. Prices reflect quality; lunch teishoku and soba offer better value than dinner grazes. Families can find safe picks like chicken cutlet, karaage, and plain udon, but the format favors adults exploring sake and seafood. Portions run modest, and some nigori or stronger flavors may challenge picky eaters; for kids, simple noodles and rice bowls are the most reliable choices.

At a Glance

Exceptional sashimi quality and precise knife work
Deep sake list with knowledgeable guidance
Small portions make dinner pricier than expected
Service can be uneven with pacing or tone issues
Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food

What Sets It Apart

hidden_basement_entry
extensive_sake_program
handmade_soba_focus
premium_sushi_and_sashimi_sets

What People Love

Transportive hidden entrance and ambiance
Melt-in-mouth toro and pristine cuts
Comforting, umami-rich soba broths
Thoughtful sake pairing help from staff

Points of Concern

Pricing is genuinely high with modest portions; budget for multiple plates
Service inconsistency: some diners report slow or impatient interactions
Menu navigation can be confusing for first-timers
Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food; CONCERN: Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$55-85 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

For value: Zaru Soba ($18) plus Tori Karaage ($7.5)
Seafood-forward set: Sashimi Teishoku ($30) or Kaisen Don ($38)
Splurge: Tokujo Sushi & Sashimi Gozen ($78) with a curated sake flight

Perfect For

Impressing a date with a hidden-find vibe
Business dinners near Grand Central
Sake enthusiasts building flights
Solo lunch with handmade soba

Location Insights

Area: Midtown East business district near Grand Central; after-work and destination diners; discreet building lobby entrance.

Safety: Well-trafficked corporate area; generally safe with good lighting and foot traffic.

Nearby: Close to Grand Central, UN, offices and hotels; convenient for commuters and visitors.

Murray HillMurray Hill offers a mix of residential and commercial spaces with a lively dining scene that caters to office workers and residents alike. The area features casual eateries, bars, and some upscale restaurants, reflecting a dynamic yet approachable social atmosphere.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:30–14:00, 17:30–22:00 Tuesday11:30–14:00, 17:30–22:00 Wednesday11:30–14:00, 17:30–22:00 Thursday11:30–14:00, 17:30–22:30 Friday11:30–14:00, 17:30–22:30 Saturday17:30–22:30 Sunday

Available: Reservations, Delivery

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