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Yopparai Reviews List
Yopparai
Yopparai is an intimate Japanese sake bar and restaurant featuring a wide variety of sake along with traditional foods and snacks that pair well with sake. With high-quality ingredients selected daily by our chefs, Yopparai offers fresh sashimi, seasonal vegetables, and an assortment of fish and meats prepared on our open grill.
With only 30 seats, we aim to bring a personal sake tasting experience to each of our guests. Allow one of our sommeliers to help you select a special sake, served at the ideal temperature, in our house collection of traditional Japanese glassware. Relax in our unique and inviting space, and enjoy the warmth and tradition of Japanese sake and dining.
See more Yopparai details
With only 30 seats, we aim to bring a personal sake tasting experience to each of our guests. Allow one of our sommeliers to help you select a special sake, served at the ideal temperature, in our house collection of traditional Japanese glassware. Relax in our unique and inviting space, and enjoy the warmth and tradition of Japanese sake and dining.
55 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 55 reviews
5 stars
(33)
4 stars
(15)
3 stars
(5)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(40)
- neighborhood gem(31)
- romantic(11)
- special occasion(10)
- hot spot(7)
- notable wine list(7)
Yopparai Reviews List
Review 1 for Yopparai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I expected it to be great, but it was even better. You walk up a set of steps then have to ring a doorbell to get it- very exclusive feeling. Then you snuggle up in a booth or at the bar in such cool benches and let the very nice servers help you pick dishes. VERY interesting and authentic Japanese food. Get a suggestion from the sake sommelier for drinks. Really unique and beautiful experience! We ordered so so so much food- we thought the bill would be outrageous but it was totally affordable!"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for Yopparai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Parada obligada en NY
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Yopparai es un Sake Bar que con toda franqueza es simplemente una joya. Mi esposo y yo amamos la comida japonesa y siempre durante nuestros viajes buscamos el mejor resta japones... en Nueva York puede resultar dificilisimo escoger entre tanta oferta, pero definitivamente con Yopparai nos sacamos la loteria. La carta la cambian constantemente, es decir, el chef presenta en el menú exactamente lo que se encontró en el mercado ese día. Una recomendación? ponganse en las manos del chef! el los va a consentir y a darles lo más maravilloso que hayan jamás comido. Eso si, no vayan por rollos, sushis nigiris y demás NO HAY!!! y por supuesto NO HACEN FALTA!! si eres amante de la comida japonesa no te lo puedes perder!"
Dined on 04/05/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Yopparai
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food was okay. Unfortunately
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was okay. Unfortunately it wasn't as great as the other reviews led on. My favorites were the chawanmushi and botan ebi. With the ebi, after you eat the sashimi they grill the head and serve it back to you. I was excited about that until the grill person burnt it."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 4 for Yopparai
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I marked notable wine list
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I marked notable wine list but in reality there is no wine list but rather a remarkable Sake list with very different Sakes from all across Japan. The restaurant specializes also in food to accompany Sake and is therefore especially recommend to all who are interested in this genuine Japanese taste."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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Review 5 for Yopparai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best new sake spot in NYC!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I love love love this place!!! Great food, great sake list and great people!"
Dined on 03/25/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, hot spot
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Review 6 for Yopparai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Exceptionally authentic Japanese
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Exceptionally authentic Japanese food, creatively prepared with quality ingredients. The tsukune chicken skewers were a little bland, but that's my only quibble. Toro sashimi was excellent, as was chawanmushi. Atmosphere was little bit rowdy, but we are told that Friday/Saturday nights are like that, while mid-week is more subdued and relaxed. We'll definitely be back."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2009
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Review 7 for Yopparai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
As soon as you walk into this
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"As soon as you walk into this restaurant, you feel like you have found a piece of Japan in the middle of manhattan! They have created an amazing menu and dining experience that puts your mind and taste buds as if you have taken a plane to Tokyo! We especially love sitting in front of the grill bar window watching the chef seamlessly create these amazing delicious food as well as watch all the amazing dishes that are passing through from the kitchen. Must go! Great for a small gathering of 4 people or a romantic get away or two girl friends who want to experience a night in Japan!!!"
Dined on 03/19/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 8 for Yopparai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Loved it! Staff filled with good advice. Sake top line, food authentic & beautifully presented."
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for Yopparai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always a good time. Great
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Always a good time. Great for catching up with a few friends but better for a romantic night out."
Dined on 03/11/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 10 for Yopparai
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Had a great experience at
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had a great experience at Yopparai. The food is very authentic and the service is excellent. Great place for a date!"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 11 for Yopparai
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
what a great way to spend
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"what a great way to spend an evening. sitting in the lovely ambiance sipping sake and enjoying the delicious small plates as they come out one by one. the otoro a must-try!"
Dined on 03/06/2013
2001
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 12 for Yopparai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
one of the most exciting authentic
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"one of the most exciting authentic Japanese food in NY. excellent wine sake bar with great selection. Delicious food. a good quite place to meet and have a conversation. Highly recommended"
Dined on 02/25/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 13 for Yopparai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
High-quality food. Meticulous
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"High-quality food. Meticulous presentation. Helpful, effortless service."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for Yopparai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great restaurant!!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Fresh amd quality food, definitely coming back for more."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 15 for Yopparai
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A great Japanese gastro pub!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A great Japanese gastro pub! Superb Japanese wine list. They really care about the serving temperature and you can order four different temperature. Food is also wonderfully flavored and go well with the Japanese wine (sake). Don't miss wonderful desserts!!"
Dined on 02/11/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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Review 16 for Yopparai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent Japanese cuisine
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We sat at the bar and were able to watch the "show" of chefs preparing the food. Each dish was beautiful and delicious. We had a great dining experience and can't wait to go back."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 17 for Yopparai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Izakaya
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Three times in the last two months.
As a born Japanese, I would endorse the quality of this high grade Izakaya.
Great authentic Japanese food, good selection of Sake and attentive service.
Well cooked Oden(hot pot) and fresh sashimi with Atsukan(hot Sake) would make you feel that you are at Izakaya in the out skirt of Tokyo, where not everybody knows.
A bit pricy, but tickets to Tokyo would cost much much more."
As a born Japanese, I would endorse the quality of this high grade Izakaya.
Great authentic Japanese food, good selection of Sake and attentive service.
Well cooked Oden(hot pot) and fresh sashimi with Atsukan(hot Sake) would make you feel that you are at Izakaya in the out skirt of Tokyo, where not everybody knows.
A bit pricy, but tickets to Tokyo would cost much much more."
Dined on 02/05/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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Review 18 for Yopparai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
japan without the jet lag
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"i felt like I was in Tokyo...without a 15 hour plane ride. So Japanese, beautiful and delicious. even the jazz soundtrack was out of a Murakami novel...amazing sake list...great and unusual Japanese specialties like Oden. A very fun and unexpected experience. Staff was sweet and funny....all in a great way. a true gem! especially if you love real Japanese Japanese food."
Dined on 02/04/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 19 for Yopparai
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Worth the visit!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent authentic Japanese food. Best oden in New York. Professional service. Great selection of Japanese sake. Wonderful ambience. Noise level is quiet enough to have a nice conversation."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2003
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Yopparai
Based on the average of (36) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
1 out of 2 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate