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Catzuneko Shokudo | Sushi & Japanese Dining NYCA-Worth Trying

Name: Catzuneko Shokudo | Sushi & Japanese Dining NYC
Address: 518 9th Ave, New York, NY 10018, New York, United States
Rating: 4.9

518 9th Ave, New York, NY 10018 · Japanese restaurant, Asian restaurant, Katsudon restaurant · 4.9/5 Google (177 reviews)

Delivery · Takeout

Fresh, creative sushi in a cozy cat-themed spot near Times Square with attentive service and strong value, but expect a small room and occasional reservation delays at peak times.

Why it gets an A- for overall quality

Catzuneko Shokudo delivers A-grade performance through exceptional food quality anchored by impressively fresh fish and creative contemporary Japanese execution, paired with genuinely attentive service that remembers orders and explains dishes thoughtfully. Strong aesthetic appeal with playful cat motifs and striking murals elevates the compact space, though limited seating and occasional waits prevent destination-level status. Solid consistency and fair Midtown pricing position this as a reliable neighborhood gem that exceeds typical standards without reaching the distinctive mastery required for grade A territory.

Restaurant Summary

The room feels warm and cozy, splashed with playful cat motifs and a striking mural that sets an upbeat tone. Service comes off genuinely attentive—guests mention servers remembering orders and explaining fish—and plates arrive looking like miniature art pieces. One diner put it simply: "Fresh fish, caring staff, and a space that makes you smile." The culinary approach leans contemporary Japanese with creative touches: think sashimi pizza, tuna or salmon presented multiple ways, and well-balanced signature rolls. Classic comfort anchors like katsu bento, takoyaki, and udon keep the menu grounded, while a chef sushi set offers premium freshness at a fair Midtown price. Best for those who enjoy fresh fish with a modern twist rather than traditional-only fare. Families do fine here thanks to approachable staples like chicken katsu, fried rice, miso soup, and veggie udon. While there is no explicit kids menu, the listed mains ($14–19 for bentos; simple rolls and soups) are kid-friendly in flavor and format. If your crew includes picky eaters, stick to katsu, noodles, and simple rolls and skip the more adventurous specials.

At a Glance

Impressively fresh fish and polished presentation for Midtown
Creative signatures like sashimi pizza that still respect balance
Strong value on lunch sets and chef sushi set
Small room leads to waits; reservations strained at peak
Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food

What Sets It Apart

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What People Love

Fresh, clean-tasting fish that feels special
Playful cat-themed decor that charms without kitsch overload
Attentive staff who explain and remember preferences
Chef sets and lunch specials that overdeliver for price

Points of Concern

Small dining room can mean 10–25 minute waits at peak times
A cluster of reviews cite reservation seating delays on a busy night
Some cooked or baked sushi items impress less than raw selections
Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$38-58 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

Start with Edamame or Shishito Peppers ($6–10), then a mid-tier roll ($14–20), finish with Mochi Ice Cream.
For comfort-focused diners: Chicken Katsu Bento ($16–19) plus Miso Soup ($7).
Seafood-forward route: Chef Sushi Set (~$54 reported) or Salmon Maki ($25) with a light salad.

Perfect For

Pre-theater sushi dinner
Casual date night with playful vibes
Solo lunch near hotels and offices
Visiting friends who like creative Japanese dishes

Location Insights

Area: Bustling Midtown West block serving theatergoers, office workers, and tourists; lively, casual energy.

Safety: Well-trafficked with bright storefronts; typical Midtown safety with steady foot traffic.

Nearby: Near Times Square, Hudson Yards, theaters, hotels; strong pre/post-show and visitor demand.

Hell's KitchenHell's Kitchen offers a vibrant dining scene with a mix of casual eateries, trendy restaurants, and ethnic cuisine reflecting its diverse community. The area is lively, with a strong nightlife presence and easy access to Broadway theaters, attracting both locals and tourists.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:30–22:00 Tuesday11:30–22:00 Wednesday11:30–22:00 Thursday11:30–22:00 Friday11:30–23:00 Saturday12:00–23:00 Sunday12:00–22:00

Available: Delivery, Takeout

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