A modern Japanese restaurant and cocktail bar on the Upper East Side of New York City, co-founded by Shige Kabashima and Chef Takashi Igarashi. It reimagines Meiji-era port town vibes with innovative ramen, small bites, and creative cocktails.
Shige Kabashima is a renowned cocktail visionary and co-founder of several acclaimed New York City establishments, including NR and ROKC. He is celebrated for his innovative approach to mixology, crafting creative...
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JapaneseSteakhouseIndianSeafoodVegan-friendlySeafoodUpscaleBrunchDinnerLate NightCocktail Bar
Last updated: 7/2/2026, 3:07:30 AM
Key Information
NR is an intimate and modern Japanese restaurant and cocktail bar located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. It is known for its refined dining atmosphere, creative craft cocktails with Japanese elements, and a menu that features both traditional and modern Japanese dishes, particularly its highly-rated ramen.
Customers consistently praise NR for its outstanding food, especially the ramen and unique cocktails, often describing them as 'wow moments.' The service is noted as attentive and accommodating. While the atmosphere is considered refined and intimate, suitable for a date night, some reviews mention it can be lively, especially during brunch with families. Reservations are recommended, as it can get packed, but walk-ins are possible by arriving early. A common theme is the high quality and unique flavor combinations of the dishes.
Additional Details
NR is considered a pioneer in the New York Japanese dining scene. It previously had a sister restaurant, RokC, which has since closed.
Dinner is a popular time, and it gets packed, so reservations are advised. For walk-ins, arriving early is recommended. Brunch on Saturdays can be busy but might have more availability than peak dinner hours. The restaurant is open for dinner daily and for brunch on weekends.
4
Stopped in on a Saturday for brunch before heading over to the MET. Restaurant was at half capacity the entire time we were dining. Service was outstanding with servers checking in and being accommodating to requests. Food was pretty good (liked it better at sister restaurant RokC - but unfortunately they closed 😕). Overall a good solid option for brunch with good food and drinks. Note - if you're looking for a quiet / adult only establishment ... this is not it. There were couple kids crying throughout (not a issue - but heads up regarding the atmosphere and for those considering it as a intimate date spot)
Enjoyed everything about this place, from the vibes and interior to service, cocktails and all the food! Started with happy hour oysters, highly recommend. Followed by karage, tuna tartar, egg salad sando and a ramen to share. The drinks were excellent, I’d even go back to sit at the bar for cocktails and a few bites. The only thing upset me was that they didn’t have any dessert.
This Japanese restaurant and bar in New York offers a refined yet intimate dining atmosphere. Reservations can be difficult to secure, but arriving early for a walk-in worked fine for us— roughly 45 minutes for two seats at the bar.
The cocktail program is particularly thoughtful, incorporating Japanese elements such as matcha and pickled ginger in creative ways.
The curry was well balanced, and the fried rice carried a gentle, lingering heat that was very pleasant, though the large portion was a fine portion for two. The house chili paste is notably spicy, and the staff wisely recommend starting with only a small amount.
The standout dish of the evening was the eggplant. Perfectly tender while maintaining structure, it was paired with pomegranate and a well-composed sauce that felt modern and carefully executed rather than strictly traditional Japanese.
While it may not be a destination restaurant, the attentive service, inventive cocktails, and thoughtfully prepared dishes make it a comfortable place to return to and an easy recommendation.
It is because of my advanced age I no longer have frequent Wow Moments when I eat at restaurants. Of course there are still delicious ones, but that’s not a Wow. This place is a Wow.
I had the deviled eggs with uni and caviar with a prosecco. An amazing combo of flavors and the prosecco was a perfect pairing. Then I had the Wagyu and bone marrow soupless ramen. Mix them together with a little horseradish and have a Wow Moment.
The final Wow comes with the bill and the realization that the ramen was $42. The most expensive I have ever had; yet, it’s also the most delicious I’ve ever had.
Had NR on our list to go to for ages and finally snagged a reservation! Did not disappoint. Food, cocktails, service all top notch. We got a few baos and the deviled eggs to start, followed with Sapporo ramen and the Katsu special. (Was also very nice that they asked if we wanted to baos cut in half to share.) We ate early and was packed by the time we left! Will be back :)
