Momokawa Japanese Restaurant – LOST GEM
Momokawa Japanese Restaurant – LOST GEM
157 East 28th StreetNew York, NY 10016
212 256 0403
momokawanyc.com
1466 1st Avenue
Walking through a smallish downstairs hallway and up a rickety circular staircase, we were happily surprised to find ourselves in a snug space seemingly teleported straight from Kyoto to NYC. For the last four years, Momokawa has been serving its food, just like a restaurant in Japan would, which makes sense: they also have a location in Ginza, Japan, and the chefs train in one restaurant before cooking at the other. The menu is a bit distinct from what many American diners might be used to, replacing the more obvious sushi with shabu-shabu and sukiyaki (hot broth with vegetables and meats the diner cooks themselves by dipping). The sake menu is extensive, changing seasonally to best pair with whatever fish is in season. Space is limited at Momokawa, but this adds to the charm; simple geometric designs line the white walls, soft browns and tans abound throughout, and the few booth seating areas can become mostly private by lowering bamboo curtains hanging beside them. The waiter we spoke with noted the importance of trying to make an early reservation, as later on in the night, Japanese businessmen come to “spend four or five hours, sitting, eating shabu shabu, drinking sake, and just killing time.”
