Ai Ki Ya Japanese Restaurant

Stopped by Aki Ya and had a really pleasant experience. The atmosphere is cozy and clean, making it great for both a weekday lunch or a relaxed dinner date. The lighting is warm and gives the space a nice, calm vibe. We ordered a mix of dishes including soft shell crab, sashimi don, beef tongue don, takoyaki, and calamari. Everything came out fresh and well-prepared, with balanced flavors and good portion sizes. Overall, it’s a solid spot if you’re looking for quality Japanese food in a comfortable setting. Would definitely come back.

Had such a great experience at Ai Ki Ya Japanese Restaurant! The highlight for me was definitely the cotton candy sukiyaki — not only does it look super cute and Instagram-worthy, but the flavor is amazing. Once the cotton candy melts into the broth, it creates a slightly sweet, rich taste that pairs perfectly with the thinly sliced beef and veggies. So comforting and unique! We also ordered the 10-skewer yakitori platter for $29.99, which is such a great deal. There was a nice variety of skewers, all grilled perfectly with juicy, flavorful meat and just the right amount of char. Definitely worth the price. The sushi + sashimi combo was very fresh and beautifully presented. The fish tasted clean and buttery, and the portion size was generous. Great balance between quality and value. Ov

Had an amazing dining experience at Ai Ki Ya! The highlight was definitely the Cotton Candy Sukiyaki — such a unique and fun concept. Watching the cotton candy melt into the broth was mesmerizing, and it added a subtle sweetness that perfectly balanced the savory sukiyaki flavors. The ingredients were fresh, the meat was tender, and the broth was rich and comforting. Service was friendly and attentive, making the whole experience even better. Highly recommended if you’re looking for something delicious and a little different!

A truly comforting and beautifully executed sukiyaki experience in NYC. The broth is exceptionally well balanced — rich yet clean, with deep umami from kombu, soy sauce, mirin, and just the right touch of sweetness, exactly like what you’d find in Tokyo. As the pot simmers, the flavors deepen and coat every ingredient perfectly. The beef, dipped in egg and paired with rice, is incredibly satisfying, while the tofu and vegetables absorb the broth beautifully. Even the marshmallow pairing feels thoughtful and comforting rather than gimmicky. Warm, soulful, and expertly seasoned — this is the kind of meal that instantly lifts your mood on a cold day.

The Cotton Candy Sukiyaki was the highlight — the cotton candy melts into the broth and adds a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the US Wagyu beef. The portion is generous and comes with rice and ice cream, which makes it great for sharing. Adding ramen at the end is a must — super satisfying. We also ordered Platter B (10 skewers) and everything was well grilled, especially the pork belly, beef short rib, and bacon with quail egg. Finished with the Yuzu Cheesecake, which was light, refreshing, and a great way to end the meal. Warm sake was a nice touch on a cold day. Nice atmosphere, good for friends or a casual date. Would definitely come back.