Otoya - Authentic Japanese comfort food

A Cozy Japanese Night at Ootoya New York: Times Square Branch

If you’ve ever wandered around Times Square looking for a place to eat, you’ll know how overwhelming the options can be. Between the tourist traps and overpriced eateries, it’s hard to find a spot that feels genuinely good - not just flashy. That’s exactly why Ootoya caught our eye. Known for offering traditional Japanese home-style meals in a modern setting, Ootoya felt like a warm, familiar escape in the middle of the chaos that is Midtown Manhattan.

My boyfriend and I had dinner at the Times Square location of Ootoya, and it turned out to be a comforting, delicious, and overall satisfying experience. In this post, I’ll walk you through the dishes we tried, how the service and ambiance were, and why Ootoya might just be your next go-to spot for Japanese comfort food in NYC.

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What We Ordered

We were both craving different things, so we decided to go for a mix of signature rice bowls and classic Japanese comfort dishes to share. And honestly, the food was the star of the night.

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Shima Hokke Set (Grilled Atka Mackerel)

My boyfriend ordered the Shima Hokke, which is a grilled atka mackerel - a traditional Japanese dish often served in teishoku (set meal) style.

• Visual presentation: Beautifully grilled fillet with golden, crispy skin and juicy white meat beneath.
• Flavor: Rich, natural umami flavor with a slight smokiness. A touch of lemon really lifted the taste.
• Texture: Tender and flaky on the inside, crisp on the outside - expertly done.
• Side notes: The rice didn’t come with the dish automatically. We had to order it separately, which was a bit unexpected. But once we had the rice, miso soup, and pickled vegetables altogether, it felt like a complete, well-rounded meal.

If you enjoy classic Japanese grilled fish without unnecessary frills, this is a must-try.

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Bara Chirashi Don (Scattered Sushi Bowl)

I went for the Bara Chirashi Don, one of my all-time favorite comfort dishes from Japanese cuisine. It’s a bowl of vinegared rice topped with a colorful assortment of cubed sashimi, vegetables, and tamago (sweet egg- my favorite).

• Visuals: The bowl looked like a confetti celebration - diced salmon, tuna, yellowtail, pickled daikon, and tamago all tossed together.
• Taste: Clean and delicate. The sashimi was fresh, the rice had a pleasant vinegar tang, and the soft sweetness of the egg balanced it out beautifully.
• Portion: Generous enough to fill me up without feeling heavy.
• Highlights: The balance between acidity, sweetness, and savory elements was spot-on. Nothing overwhelmed, and each bite offered something slightly different.

While it didn’t reach the heights of luxury sushi spots, for a casual restaurant in Times Square, it was impressive and enjoyable.

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Small Udon & Futomaki Combo (Shared)

We shared two small dishes to round out the meal: a small hot udon and a futomaki roll.

🍜 Small Udon

The bowl came steaming hot with thick, chewy noodles and a soy-based dashi broth.

• Broth: Comforting, well-balanced, and rich with a gentle umami depth.
• Noodles: Springy and satisfyingly chewy, just the way I like it.
• Toppings: Minimal - just scallions, seaweed and a light dusting of seasoning - which allowed the broth to shine.

If you’re ever in need of warm comfort food on a cold NYC night, this udon will do the trick.

🍣 Futomaki Roll

The futomaki (a thick sushi roll) was packed with traditional fillings like tamago, pickled gourd, cucumber, and salmon. It served with the tsuyu sauce.

• Flavor: Slightly sweet, a bit tangy, and well-seasoned.
• Texture: The rice was fluffy yet compact, and the fillings were fresh and not overly chilled.
• Serving size: About 5-6 large pieces, great for sharing.

It was nostalgic - like something from a homemade bento, but elevated just enough for dining out.

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The Times Square location has a calm, minimalistic interior that contrasts the loud neon streets outside. Think dark wood tables, warm lighting, and neatly spaced seating.

One small hiccup was that we didn’t realize rice needed to be ordered separately with the grilled fish, which we assumed came as a set. It’s not a huge deal, but something to be aware of if you’re used to Japanese set meals.

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💵 Price Point

Ootoya isn’t cheap, but it’s not overpriced either — especially for a sit-down meal in Times Square.

• Shima Hokke: ~$24
• Bara Chirashi Don: ~$25
• Udon (small): ~$7
• Futomaki (per pieces): ~$8

Total for two people with tax and tip: Around $70–75.

Given the quality and how satisfying everything was, it felt like good value.

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A solid choice for traditional Japanese comfort food, right in the heart of the city.

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If you’re looking for an authentic Japanese experience that won’t break the bank - especially in the chaos of Times Square - Ootoya is worth checking out.