Osaka
Tall bamboo stems greet you at the door of this cozy Japanese spot. Osaka offers regular seating as well as a table in the front window where patrons can take off their shoes and sit on the floor — but otherwise, it's not especially traditional. "The sushi chef is Chinese, the owners are Chinese and Israeli, and the menu is full of goofy names like Viagra and American Dream rolls. The Elvis is a delectable combination of soft-shell crab, asparagus, eel and fish roe wrapped in cucumber skin... Sleek little Osaka isn’t the most authentic Japanese dining experience in New York City, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t terrific," Time Out New York says.
Chowhound sgwood415 adds, "Osaka's strength is their prepared hot dishes. Go for the appetizers and entress and you'll see why they are a Michellin Recommended restaurant. (The sushi isn't bad, but it's not the best and a little too Americanized in portion size.)" New York magazine has a higher opinion of Osaka's sushi and recommends their combination box: "For a reasonable price, you get to choose two entrées—among them sushi (among the best in Brooklyn), vegetable tempura, and chicken teriyaki—plus a California roll, white rice, and soup or a rather pedestrian salad." What do you think about this place?
Reviews (8)
spnder wrote a review on October 20, 2008 12:23 PM
Osaka has gone way down hill. When I first moved to the hood 5 years ago it was the go-to sushi place. No longer. I've heard that the sushi chef that made the place great left and now runs Ki on Smith. I would say Ki, Hibino and Cube 63 are all superior at this point, but I haven't been to Osaka in a couple years now.
newsouthsloper wrote a review on October 20, 2008 12:50 PM
I havent been over there in about 8 to 10 months, however when I lived nearby, and even after I moved, I would frequent the place as much as possible. They offered the most generous sized sushi pieces and it was consistantly the freshest around and not over priced. I loved their Wild Salmon and Fresh Uni specials they would occassionally have.
Of course, I have not been there lately so if things have gone down hill - that would be important to note. My review is based on my last experience which was exceptional.
Kara wrote a review on October 20, 2008 2:12 PM
That's interesting that the old Osaka chef now runs Ki -- thanks for the tip, spnder. We'll have to check that place out soon. I'm still pretty into Osaka's black pepper roll (even though it's very American-ized) and they have a decent lunch special -- a bunch of lunch box options for under $10, or two specialty half-rolls, miso soup, and a salad for $9.
Susan Elkins wrote a review on October 20, 2008 6:11 PM
Went there for lunch today. It was a great deal and the noodle soup was very good. I like Cube 63 too.
Carol Gardens wrote a review on October 20, 2008 7:33 PM
I really like the sushi here but never go on weekend or at peak hours because it can be super crowded. Some of the funny name rolls ar equite delicious. The lunch special is a deal and that is when the atmosphere is most pleasant. Ki is better but a longer walk (for me). I only ate at Cube 63 once and didn't see what the big deal was.
kbrown0804 wrote a review on October 21, 2008 12:51 PM
Went to Osaka a couple of years ago when we moved in and it was very good. However, on a recent trip the service was terrible, the fish didn't seem as fresh and it just didn't taste as good. With a great option like Ki or Hana in the neighborhood, I won't be going back.
kbrown0804 wrote a review on October 21, 2008 12:51 PM
Went to Osaka a couple of years ago when we moved in and it was very good. However, on a recent trip the service was terrible, the fish didn't seem as fresh and it just didn't taste as good. With a great options like Ki or Hana in the neighborhood, why bother?
Cbassnyerface wrote a review on October 22, 2008 3:58 PM
I enjoy Osaka as well as Cube. Recently tried Ten, 5th ave and 17th in Bk, and it was delicious with some unique rolls.
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