New York · Izakaya · a la carte
Sakagura
IzakayaSake BarIzakayaMichelin Bib GourmandMidtown East
New York's most serious sake-bar izakaya — 260 sake varieties in a subterranean Midtown East basement, open since 1996 under the TIC Restaurant Group.
- Price
- ¥¥¥
- Area
- Midtown East
- Since
- 1996
- Owner
- Bon Yagi (TIC Restaurant Group)
Plate № 130
About
Sakagura was opened in 1996 by Bon Yagi, the Japanese-born founder of TIC Restaurant Group who built a 16-restaurant empire starting with Sake Bar Decibel in 1993. Located in the basement of a Midtown office building, Sakagura holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand and stocks over 260 sakes alongside a broad Japanese menu. Yagi has been called 'the emperor of New York's Japanese East Village' for his role in introducing sake culture to American diners.
Neighborhood & visiting
Sakagura sits in Midtown East, one of New York's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Reservations are available online — for a focused izakaya counter this is strongly recommended. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional izakaya restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- Michelin Bib Gourmand — a NYC institution since 1996
- Over 260 sake varieties — one of the largest selections in the US
- Founded by Bon Yagi, pioneer of NYC's Japanese restaurant scene
- Subterranean Midtown setting, ideal for long sake-driven evenings
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Frequently asked
About Sakagura
- Is Sakagura an authentic izakaya restaurant in New York?
- Yes — Sakagura is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for izakaya in New York: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
- Where is Sakagura located?
- Sakagura is located at 211 East 43rd Street, Basement Level, New York, NY 10017, New York, USA in the Midtown East neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Sakagura?
- Sakagura accepts reservations online. For an authentic izakaya experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
- What is the price range at Sakagura?
- Sakagura sits in the ¥¥¥ price range — typical for izakaya of this format in New York.
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