Best Japanese Restaurants in NYC: World Cup 2026 Guide

Japan at the 2026 World Cup is one of the teams nobody wants to play. In Qatar 2022 they beat Germany and Spain in the group stage, two of the most technically accomplished teams in the tournament history, using a disciplined defensive system and devastating counter-attacks. They are organized, well-coached, and capable of upsets that look impossible on paper. In New York, the Japanese dining scene is extraordinary -- one of the best outside Japan itself -- and the East Village around St. Marks Place has enough ramen shops, izakayas, and casual Japanese spots to sustain a full tournament of watching and eating.

The Best Japanese Restaurants in NYC

Ippudo NY -- 65 Fourth Ave, East Village

The NYC outpost of the legendary Hakata ramen chain from Fukuoka. Ippudo's tonkotsu broth -- made from pork bones simmered for hours until the liquid turns milky white -- is the richest, most deeply flavored ramen available in the city. The Shiromaru Classic (original pork broth) and the Akamaru Modern (with garlic paste and pork fat) are both essential. Lines are common at peak times; the East Village location is usually more manageable than the Midtown branch. Go for lunch on a weekday for the shortest wait.

Jeepney -- 201 First Ave, East Village

(Filipino-inflected, worth knowing as part of the East Village Asian food corridor)

Yakitori Tora -- East Village

Yakitori -- grilled chicken skewers over charcoal -- is one of Japan's great culinary traditions, and the East Village has several serious yakitori establishments. The format is ideal for World Cup watching: order multiple skewers over time, drink cold Sapporo or sake, and stay as long as you like. Chicken thigh (momo), chicken skin (kawa), and chicken meatball (tsukune) are the essential orders at any yakitori restaurant.

Ivan Ramen -- 25 Clinton St, Lower East Side

The flagship of Ivan Orkin -- the American who went to Tokyo, learned to make ramen properly, became famous, and brought it back to New York. His shio (salt-based) ramen is delicate and complex in a way that the richer tonkotsu ramen isn't. For people who find tonkotsu too heavy, Ivan Ramen is the alternative. The pastrami ramen special, when available, is one of the most New York things you can eat.

Sugarfish -- Multiple Locations (Hudson Yards, Flatiron)

The LA-originated omakase-style sushi restaurant that democratized the tasting format. Sugarfish serves set menus at fixed prices -- the "Trust Me" menu is the definitive order -- with exceptional quality sushi in a relaxed, no-fuss setting. For a World Cup visit where you want excellent sushi without the anxiety of an ultra-high-end omakase reservation, Sugarfish is the right answer. The Hudson Yards location is convenient for anyone staying on the West Side.

Izakaya at the Japan Society -- 333 E 47th St, Midtown East

The Japan Society near the UN hosts cultural programming, film screenings, and occasionally special events during major Japanese national moments -- World Cup matches have been known to bring the community together here. Check their events calendar for any organized World Cup watch programming. The building itself is a serene example of Japanese design principles applied to a New York institution.

Essential Japanese Dishes

• Tonkotsu Ramen -- Rich pork bone broth, wavy noodles, chashu pork belly, soft-boiled egg, bamboo shoots. The heavyweight of Japanese noodle dishes. Order it in cold weather or when you need comfort.
• Yakitori -- Chicken skewers grilled over charcoal, seasoned with salt (shio) or sweet soy glaze (tare). Order the thigh, the skin, the meatball, and the liver if you're adventurous.
• Omakase Sushi -- Chef's choice tasting menu. The format varies from casual (Sugarfish) to ultra-high-end (Masa, where a meal costs $1,000+). For a World Cup treat, the mid-range omakase options deliver extraordinary value.
• Karaage -- Japanese fried chicken, marinated in soy and ginger, fried twice for an impossibly crispy exterior. Better than most fried chicken in the world and available at almost every izakaya.
• Takoyaki -- Octopus balls: small round dumplings filled with octopus and topped with bonito flakes, mayonnaise, and takoyaki sauce. A classic Osaka street food available at Japanese snack spots in the East Village.
• Sake -- Japanese rice wine, best served cold (cold sake reveals complexity; hot sake is comfort). Ask for junmai daiginjo for premium, or just junmai for everyday drinking.

Japan's World Cup -- Why They're Dangerous

Japan in Group F with the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia. On paper, the Netherlands (van Dijk, Gakpo, de Jong) are the group favorites. But Japan beat Germany and Spain in 2022. Netherlands fans in NYC should be wary before celebrating a group stage walkover. Japan's defensive discipline, their pressing intensity in the final third, and their ability to counter-attack at pace make them an extremely difficult opponent for any team that tries to control the ball against them. The East Village will be watching every match closely.