Cafe 49

I really like the katsu don but I don’t know if I trust this place.
They heat up a lot of the to-​go food in plastic containers. I’m pretty sure they are not microwave safe and plastic is leaching into the food. The funny thing about it is that they do it right in front of you.

Nice lunch spot tucked away in Midtown with great Japanese udons, sushis and rice bowls which is the way to go. If you go ½ hour before closing, you can buy it for ½ price. It’s also the only place in NYC where you can find all-​natural GMO-​free Koji beverages, a healthy rice drink that’s been around for thousands of years and a super healthy alternative to artificially or GMO sweetened juices and drinks.

A nice little joint with very limited seating (like 5 stools), so most people are doing take-​out. But it’s nice to sit at the window and people-​watch, or on a bench in the mini-​plaza outside. Quick and easy: Grab a bento box from the refrigerated display case and they will heat it up in a microwave for you.

Maybe 3.5 stars.
Grabbed a quick lunch here, the katsu-​don was not the best in the world but it’s decent for lunch around the area. Other selections include curry rice, udon, some bento box. One of the better places in the area given its price ranging from $ 6 to $ 8 for most lunch items.
I got my order in around 5 minutes after placing it at the cash register.

This place is right downstairs from where I work and great for lunch
I go for the Beef Bowl (Bowl of Rice with sliced beef & garlic on top) for $ 5.75+tax which doesn’t sound like much but it really is quite filling and for a great price especially in this area. They also do similarly priced beef udon and curry+rice bowls. They’re all made in the kitchen of the adjoining restaurant.
I’m told that their sushi is also really good, but that’s not my cup of tea
Cash Only is the worst part

I came here today because it was cold and raining and I didn’t really want to leave my office building (the café is in the building). The prices here are relatively inexpensive. I got the beef udon and it was average. The noodles were the right consistency, but the broth wasn’t very good. It was a little too salty and had way too much onion in it for my taste. I also got a seaweed salad, which was good. They also have prepackaged sushi rolls, priced around $ 5 – 6. They’re tempting, but I don’t know if I trust them, especially since someone already wrote a review about how they got food poisoning.

Often this is the best sushi takeout option in the area. I have had bad fish here though, so be forewarned — inspect your sushi before you purchase. My colleague did also get food poisoning from the fish here too, and one time I witnessed a food inspection where the inspector warned that the fridge was not cooled overnight and posed a health hazard should the fish be stored there (the owner claimed it wasn’t).
That said, its a great JV between shinbashi and ceci-​cela — heavyweights for sushi and pastry alike, so normally its a great bet. The only other warning is the employees are often very stingy and obnoxious — in addition to charging $ 1.00 for a puny side of spicy mayo and refusing to give you more than 3 soy sauce packets, there is also one particularly rude heavy-​set woman who rolls her eyes at you and gives you a hard time when you pay even money with change. Very weird.
Also, cash only — which sucks.

One star being held back until they extend hours and add hot coco!
Other then that, this is my fave new place. It’s near my job at Saks and surprisingly affordable for the area. It’s super arty, has fresh samiches for 3.50 and miso soup, sushi and coffee (no espresso, tho)
All the staff is super nice, and the space is cute. Worth checking out!

««
This is a top Japanese take away in Midtown. I recently discovered it and make my way there regularly now to get my midday raw fish fix.
The taste here is more flavorful and unique than you typically find in the area’s take away deli style sushi, replete with an impressive array of choices. Love how clean, organized and less frenzied it is here (ummm. did aliens transported me out of Midtown as I walked through the door???)
I enjoy the multi-​roll combo pack (with tuna, cali, and salmon) and shumai, but the rest looks good too. A few minor cons means that it just missed a perfect rating.
Cons:
— Bring those Jacksons (it is cash only)
— Generally fair prices, but a few imported items are surprisingly pricey so be warned
Pros:
* Fresh, good quality
* Very authentic
* Unusual selection of Japanese apps, handrolls and beverages
Bonus: Friendly (and super cute) cashier.