The Best NYC Izakaya: A Nostalgic Night at Izakaya Seasun in NoMad
Sometimes, you crave more than just a quick beer and a simple finger snack; you want light yet satisfying dishes paired with a warm cup of sake or a crisp shot of soju. That’s exactly why I wanted to share my latest best NYC Izakaya recommendation today. Recently, the NoMad area has been buzzing about a new spot called ‘Izakaya Seasun.’ Since I’m always scrolling through Instagram for the latest restaurant and bar openings, this Korean-style Izakaya caught my eye immediately. Knowing it’s already a massive brand in Korea made me even more curious. After visiting, I realized it’s definitely not your average Izakaya—the unique attention to detail in both the decor and the menu really sets it apart. Let`s start Manhattan Restaurant Review – Seasun
Experience a 1930s Kissaten Vibe at this Retro Izakaya Manhattan
Walking through the doors felt like stepping into a time machine. We were greeted by a massive, glowing tower made of soju bottles—a perfect introduction to the night. Beyond the tower, the interior was a photographer’s dream, featuring everything from vintage-style wallpaper to charming accent lighting. This place perfectly embodies a Retro Izakaya Manhattan should be, reimagining the 1930s Japanese ‘Kissaten’ (traditional tea house) style with a modern, trendy twist.
The lighting was spot-on—not too dark, not too bright—creating an incredibly cozy atmosphere. The deep green walls paired with retro floral patterns made me feel like I had walked right into a scene from a classic early 1900s drama. On top of the beautiful aesthetics, the staff were wonderfully friendly, and the menu was packed with trendy dishes you won’t find anywhere else.
Izakaya Seasun
- Address: 43 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
- Hours: Mon–Sun (5 PM – 2 AM; Fri & Sat until 4 AM)
- Pricing: Main dishes around $25–$30; Soju $17 per bottle.
- Pro Tip: We arrived right at opening on a weekday without a reservation and got lucky, but we were given a 90-minute time limit due to upcoming bookings.
Top New York City Eats: Premium Small Plates and Soju
As a fan of finding the best New York City Eats, I spent quite a while obsessing over the menu. There were so many unique items that I’ve never seen at other Izakayas. Every time I turned the page, I got more excited! But with only 90 minutes on the clock, I realized over-thinking was a luxury we couldn’t afford. “Quick, let’s just order everything!” we joked. We eventually settled on the Wagyu Beef Sashimi, Sea Bream Sashimi, and the Pork Jowl & Beef Knee Hot Pot. We worried it might be too much for two, but the portions weren’t overly large—three mains were just right for a full meal.
The Wagyu Beef Sashimi was glistening and beautifully marbled. The combination of nutty sesame oil and the buttery texture of the Wagyu literally melted in my mouth. To be honest, I often regret ordering raw beef dishes abroad because they usually use frozen meat that lacks flavor, but this was high-quality enough to satisfy my cravings for home. While it might not be a “must-pick” if you’ve had top-tier beef in Korea, it’s a solid choice for anyone missing those authentic flavors.
The real stars of the night, however, were the Sea Bream Sashimi and the Pork Jowl Hot Pot. Often in the city, sashimi is sliced way too thick, which ruins the delicate flavor and makes it feel a bit heavy. Here, the cut was perfect—thin, elegant, and fresh with a hint of yuzu that reminded me of a high-end Tokyo Izakaya.
And the Pork Jowl & Beef Knee Hot Pot! Absolute perfection! It’s a dish you won’t find at any other Izakaya in NYC. The broth was incredibly clean and refreshing, and the pork jowl was so tender it practically dissolved. The fresh chives were the perfect companion, balancing the richness of the pork. Sipping cold soju while sharing these dishes in such a special atmosphere was the highlight of my week.
The New Era of K-Town NYC Bars in NoMad
While most people head straight to 32nd Street when thinking of K-Town NYC Bars, the NoMad area near 27th Street offers a much more relaxed and hip alternative. While exploring the neighborhood, you’ll find various spots, but Izakaya Seasun truly stands out as a “hidden gem” with its distinct personality.
It was great to see a diverse crowd—not just Koreans, but people of all backgrounds—enjoying the food and the vibe. The concept of taking a traditional Japanese Izakaya and infusing it with trendy Korean “K-sensibility” is what makes this place so special. Our total bill for three mains and two bottles of soju came to about $150 including tip. Considering the quality and the Manhattan location, it actually felt like great value for the money.
Final Manhattan Restaurant Review and Tips
Wrapping up this Manhattan restaurant review, here are a few takeaways: if you’re looking for unforgettable Japanese fine dining, I recommend a Michelin-starred restaurant. However, if you want the best Izakaya experience, I strongly recommend this place. It has a unique atmosphere and dishes you won’t find at any typical Izakaya. Plus, this place is incredibly popular, so if you’re planning a weekend visit, reservations are a must to avoid a long wait. Dining out in New York is all about planning ahead!
If you want to try something truly unique, I’d suggest skipping the raw beef and going straight for the hot pot varieties. While the main K-Town strip is always fun, why not branch out and enjoy the chic, hip vibes of NoMad?
If you’re curious about another side of the city’s nightlife, check out my post on NYC 24-Hour Dining: An Authentic Diner 24 Review. It’ll make your New York nights even more unforgettable!