TLDR
Reliable Japanese teishoku & katsu curry spot w/ kid-friendly options. Great for lunch or a casual meal.
Details
This Japanese restaurant is a reliable choice for a home-style meal, offering a diverse menu that caters to both solo diners and families. It's particularly noted for its teishoku (set meals) and comforting dishes like katsu curry. While generally well-regarded for its quality and kid-friendly options, some reviews suggest it might be more suited for casual dining rather than special occasions, with a notable difference in quality and price compared to its Japanese counterparts.
Food Overview
This restaurant offers a variety of Japanese dishes, with a strong emphasis on teishoku (set meals) and comforting options like katsu curry. It's considered a good choice for those seeking traditional Japanese home-style cooking. While many dishes are recommended, some users suggest it's not ideal for special celebrations and that the US branches may not match the quality or price of those in Japan.
Highlights / Recommended
"Customers frequently recommend the katsu curry and the teishoku (set meals). The matcha anmitsu is also highlighted as a must-try dessert."
Customer Sentiment
Customers generally find this Japanese restaurant to be a reliable and kid-friendly option, praising its teishoku and comforting dishes. However, some feel it's more suited for casual dining than special occasions and note a price and quality difference compared to its Japanese origins.
Caveats
Some reviewers suggest that Ootoya in the US is significantly more expensive and of lower quality compared to its counterparts in Japan, and is better suited for casual dining rather than special occasions.
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About OOTOYA
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Inexpensive Lunchdinner
"Ootoya in Bryant Park is recommended for dinner."
PositiveFrom post: Authentic Japanese With 6yo
"The Ootoya location near Bryant Park is highlighted as convenient, with nearby Japanese bookstores and anime shops also mentioned."
PositiveFrom post: Authentic Japanese With 6yo
"Confirmation that Ootoya did indeed offer the cute kids' meal with the rocket ship plate during a recent visit."
PositiveFrom post: Authentic Japanese With 6yo
"Inquiry is made about whether Ootoya still offers a kids' meal with a distinctive rocket ship plate."
NeutralFrom post: Authentic Japanese With 6yo
"A positive experience at Ootoya on 18th Street off 5th Avenue is reported, though a reservation is recommended."
PositiveFrom post: Authentic Japanese With 6yo
"Ootoya is listed as a recommendation for traditional Japanese dining."
PositiveFrom post: Authentic Japanese With 6yo
"Ootoya is suggested as a good option for Japanese food that is kid-friendly."
PositiveFrom post: Need Help With Good Dinner Places
"This user recommended Ootoya for Japanese cuisine."
PositiveFrom post: Japanese Restaurant Ichibantai Vs Ootoya
"The user found Ootoya to be a bit nicer than Ichibantei but still too casual for an anniversary dinner."
NegativeFrom post: Japanese Restaurant Ichibantai Vs Ootoya
"A comment noted that Ootoya in the US is very different from its counterpart in Japan and advised avoiding the US locations."
NegativeFrom post: Japanese Restaurant Ichibantai Vs Ootoya
"The user described Ootoya as a great home-style family restaurant, particularly good with kids and for lunch, and expressed personal enjoyment."
PositiveFrom post: Japanese Restaurant Ichibantai Vs Ootoya
"The user suggested Ootoya is not fancy enough for an anniversary dinner."
NegativeFrom post: Japanese Restaurant Ichibantai Vs Ootoya
"The user found Ootoya decent for standard fare but unremarkable, better for convenience than celebration, and definitely not recommended for a special meal."
NegativeFrom post: Japanese Restaurant Ichibantai Vs Ootoya
"The user stated that Ootoya is a chain and suggested it's not suitable for a special anniversary dinner."
NegativeFrom post: Modest Downtown Manhattan Spots With Salmon
"This commenter simply mentioned 'Ootoya'."
NeutralFrom post: Any Recs For Cutweight Loss Friendly Restaurants
"Ootoya is recommended for its simple meals featuring fresh fish, vegetables, and rice, emphasizing an unadorned preparation style."
PositiveFrom post: Bryant Park Lunch Recommendations
"This user recommended Ootoya for sushi and other Japanese food."
PositiveFrom post: Japanese Restaurant Recommendations
"Ootoya is mentioned as another dining option that is conveniently located closer to Times Square."
PositiveFrom post: Japanese Restaurant Recommendations
"Ootoya is suggested as a potential restaurant choice."
PositiveFrom post: Sushi Place With Child Near Midtown
"Ootoya at Bryant Park is highly recommended for dining with children, particularly for its cute airplane bento box. While the commenter hasn't tried the sushi, they can vouch for the quality of other dishes on the menu."
Positive