Nippon Nippon
155 E. 52nd St. (Third & Lexington Aves.)
New York, NY 10022
Map
Cuisine: Japanese / Sushi
The first sushi restaurant in the United States is still a temple to all things edible and Japanese.
Openings: Lunch Mon.-Fri., Dinner Mon.-Sat.

Features

Nippon, New York, NY


Nippon Restaurant Review:


In the early '60s, a time when few Americans had the opportunity to sample authentic Japanese delicacies, Nobuyoshi Kuraoka opened Nippon, the country's first sushi bar. To this day, Nippon still manages to be one of the most authentic Japanese restaurants around. For example, on a seasonal basis fugu is featured, the famed blowfish that can kill if improperly prepared. To ensure diners' safety --- and their satisfaction all the time --- Kuraoka imports the finest sushi and sashimi chefs from Japan. The split-level dining room is surrounded by several private tatami rooms where whispering waitstaff in traditional kimonos provide professional service. What they might be delivering are appetizers such as thinly sliced fluke usuzukuri sashimi carpaccio and grilled eggplant with dengaku miso sauce. The chefs grind their own imported-from-Japan buckwheat for the freshly rolled and cut soba noodles, which come with a variety of toppings, including simple tangy ponzu. Kuraoka also introduced New York to the kobachi: six small dishes to eat while drinking saké. For that, a true bravo. End the meal with homemade matcha ice cream with fresh fruit. Nippon offers a small selection of wine.