Jukai

I've been wanting to check this place out for awhile but unfortunately we usually don't stay in midtown. We finally came since our schedule aligned after work. There's a lot of options to order from: sushi, shabu, or just izakaya type food. We decided to try the duck shabu. I will say it's one of the most unique Japanese meals I've ever had. The duck shabu was very rich and delicious. It even comes with udon to finish off the meal. We also ordered some additional handrolls. The uni handroll was amazing. The restaurant itself is in a basement area. We sat at the bar and it was cozy. There's other tables in the back as well. Overall the food was great. The service was attentive as well. Like some have mentioned, it's a bit pricey for what it is. But I would say that it was worth a visit. I would come back again to try the other menu items.

I ordered their Beef Sukiyaki Set for Two which came with 4 appetizers and a dessert chosen for you.The flavoring of the sukiyaki was sweet and delectable. The beef provided were good but not the best thing I've ever tried. There were only 8 pieces which seemed little but everything together had me full. A good amount of veggies of mushroom, onions, greens along with udon at the end. The creme brûlée was soft and sweet. I also ordered ginger ale and I'm pretty sure it's Bruce Cost ginger ale which I was not a fan of. We sat at the bar and the staff were quite attentive. The atmosphere was dim and romantic with a cute little rose at the bar.

Food 8/10Located in midtown east, this hidden underground spot serves quite a flavorful sukiyaki. We got the duck set, which also came with a few appetizers and an absolutely phenomenal white sesame panna cotta dessert. That definitely took my breath away, especially as someone who typically doesn't enjoy panna cottas. The hotpot itself was perfect for a cloudy evening, it wasn't too much food, but it filled me up quite well. Worth checking out if you're in the area or if you've given up on waiting for Tomi Jazz. Atmosphere 7/10Because it's on the basement level, it felt a bit damp, but nothing to complain about.Service 7/10Solid service.

Should have looked all the reviews first before came to this restaurant. This place is not friendly to people who need help. It is difficult to find because it's below the street level. Walking down stairs there's a big tall threshold that's definitely a tripping hazard. They don't allow service nor emotional support animals and the manager being extremely rude to my wife and I by mocking us and the dog. There is only one tiny bathroom which is inaccessible and not ADA compliant.As said, all they care is charge you as much as they can with as little as the food. They don't care about people who need help. Wouldn't recommend to anyone who want to be fairly treated.

A friend was in town and I've always wanted to try Jukai - after reading some of the reviews after booking a reservation, I was a little weary about dining here, but everything was great! I do have to say, the prices are a bit high for what you get. But if you can get past that, the food itself is good. We ordered Sapporo beer and sake to start - they serve their beer in wine glasses! The Duck Hot Pot for two is $130. On the expensive side, I do think it would be priced better at $45-50 per person instead of $65. Although the broth becomes flavorful with the duck fat melting into it, I think they should have a ponzu or assorted sauces on the side, along with the option to add more water as it cooks so you can drink it as a soup. The four appetizers also could have been bigger in portion, especially if we are paying $130 for the hot pot. Tea being served complimentary would also be a good addition to make the price worth it. Overall, I really did enjoy the duck hot pot - I don't think I've ever come across a restaurant that does this. The only thing I can criticize is the price point, but hey, the location is in Midtown East so that's to be expected!

Review: 3.5 starsI came on a Thursday night around 8 PM with a group of four. We had made reservations beforehand but after we entered I realized it really wasn't necessary due to the restaurant being fairly empty at that time apart from our group and another one. The restaurant boasts a nice atmosphere. It is definitely a great vibe for a date. We decided to order for our table: --ASSORTED TEMPURA FOR TWO: The tempura was very nicely fried and great flavor. Love the assortment of different items. Would recommend this dish! --SHABU SHABU FOR TWO: We paid extra money to add two extra people to the meal.It first came with a few small morsels for the appetizer. There was a cauliflower soup in a spoon which tasted so bland and was cold as well. Additionally there were two very dry items that were also not very memorable. Finally, there was a slice of bread with a duck topping that was absolutely delicious. Loved that one. Afterwards, the main star came. There was some good sauces that came with it but the soup base was so bland it basically tasted like water. They gave us a huge portion of meat for four people but quality was just ok. It was also stuffed with veggies and our group was stuffed after the Shabu Shabu. Finally, the sesame panna cotta that it came with for dessert was delicious. For the cost that we were paying I was disappointed that the food was so hit and miss. Additionally, service was not good and not attentive at all. No one would stop by to see how we were doing or help us fill our waters etc. Additionally, food itself came out so slowly especially given there was barely anyone else in the restaurant. All in all, a disappointing experience especially given the vibe and cost.

I visited Jukai first time. for dinner. All meals were real high quality and fresh seafoods. Also Sake selections are Excellent!! I saw some of the reviews saying the meals are too small portions, but that is the traditional Japanese style. I definitely will come back to Jukai.

Cool vibe, great service and creative menu. Not your local American style take on Japanese food, so don't come looking for that. The clientele is mostly Japanese. I've been 6 times and loved it every time. The grilled lobster is some of the best in the city.

I don't know how it dare charges me $140 for such hotpot, tiny meat with bland soup, by the way, this is a hotpot for two. Maybe is my fault that I don't know what is the real sukiyaki, but my last dinner in the other Japanese restaurant with sukiyaki is better.If you want to eat well here, you'd better prepare your wallet and your stomach.

This is a review for sukiyaki delivery.$48 for a few slices of burnt chewy rubbery beef? Not to mention how salty the broth is! This is a totally scam! Any creatures that are tall enough to reach the counter can scramble something 10x better with ingredients from the dollar tree! Shame! I wouldn't eat it even if I were buried 6 feet under and starved for 10 days! Shame!