Taku Sando Greenpoint
Greenpoint, BrooklynA relaxed neighborhood spot celebrating Japan’s beloved sandwich culture, aka “sando”. Made with fresh local ingredients and fluffy shokupan milk bread baked daily in-house, the menu features modernized classics like pork katsu, chicken katsu, and tamago sando, alongside creative sides and a natural wine list.
Generous fillings, nods to classic New York sandwich culture like dill pickles and bagel paper, dynamic presentation, and playful, energetic branding reflect the local spirit, while homemade components and high-quality Japanese seasonings add distinctive depth.
“It’s my dream to share Japan’s “sando” culture with the world.”
Taku Sando Kyoto
Kyoto, JapanThe second location of Brooklyn-born Taku Sando brings classic Japanese sandwiches to the historic city of Kyoto, playfully reimagined through a New York lens. Featuring fluffy, locally made bread and a sommelier-curated selection of Japanese sake, the shop also features a casual standing-bar section—perfect for enjoying sandwiches with a drink during the day.
“Our Kyoto location is a special place where people from all over the world gather.”
Takumen
Long Island City, QueensA relaxed izakaya-style restaurant in Long Island City, artfully blending the charm of an izakaya, a ramen shop, and a neighborhood café. The approachable menu highlights a variety of ramen alongside a thoughtfully curated drink selection, including natural wines, Japanese sake and shochu, and craft beers from local breweries.
“Takumen is a place that explores what it means to create a neighborhood izakaya for New Yorkers to truly enjoy.”
Taku Parlor
Long Island City, QueensA shop-in-shop take-out window situated within Takumen, Taku Parlor serves Japanese craft soft-serve ice cream, custard pudding, sundaes, and other Japanese-inspired desserts and drinks. Its coffee bar features a skilled barista preparing a variety of espresso-based drinks using Taku Parlor’s original Parlor Coffee beans.
“Taku Parlor brings the Japanese soft serve, custard purin, and Purin à la Mode I adored as a child to New York, reimagined for a local audience.”
Midtown, Manhattan
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Larchmont, Los Angeles
Reforma, Mexico CityTonchin
Tokyo-born ramen chain Tonchin opened its first U.S. location in 2017. Now a thriving flagship, the Midtown location has been a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand winner for six consecutive years since 2019. Kiyo has shaped the menu since the restaurant’s earliest days, and in 2022 expanded his role to serve as creative director. The modern, bustling space serves Tonchin’s signature ramen alongside classic izakaya dishes, house cocktails, and seasonal specials.
In addition to the Los Angeles and Mexico City locations, Kiyo has directed the elevated restaurant in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, which expands the ramen experience with a full à la carte menu highlighting traditional Japanese flavors through a New American lens. With fresh, local ingredients and a thoughtfully curated natural wine list, it's a dining experience that reflects the brand’s commitment to creativity and cross-cultural dialogue.
“What if Japanese ramen could take center stage in a full dining experience? Tonchin was created to make that possible. From appetizers and cocktails to dessert, the entire arc of the menu is shaped around ramen as the star.”
Bar Goto & Bar Goto Niban
Lower East Side, Manhattan
Park Slope, BrooklynFounded by New York–based, internationally acclaimed bartender Kenta Goto, Bar Goto is a Japanese cocktail bar now celebrating its 10th anniversary. At the original LES location, Kiyo developed signature dishes such as miso wings, kombu celery, and okonomiyaki. The second location in Park Slope, Niban, features an all-new lineup of Japanese croquettes as its signature bar food.
“Giving American things a Japanese twist, and Japanese things an American twist. This core approach of mine is what inspired the Miso Wings—a Bar Goto signature.”
