New York · Izakaya · casual
Tokidoki
Onigiri & Japanese SandwichesOnigirisandobentoJapanese cafécraft cocktailsWilliamsburg
Daytime Japanese café and nighttime cocktail bar by the Shalom Japan duo, specializing in onigiri, bento, and Japanese-inspired sandwiches.
- Price
- ¥
- Area
- Williamsburg, Brooklyn
- Since
- 2024
- Chef
- Sawako Okochi
- Owner
- Aaron Israel & Sawako Okochi
Plate № 2630
About
Tokidoki — meaning 'sometimes' in Japanese — opened in late 2024 as a creative offshoot of Williamsburg's beloved Shalom Japan, occupying the adjacent retail space at 310 S 4th Street. By day it operates as a casual Japanese café serving onigiri, onigirazu (rice sandwiches), daily bento boxes, and sandos on house rakkenji shokupan. By night the space transforms into a craft cocktail bar with Japanese-inflected drinks and serves as a private event venue for up to 20 guests. Co-chef Sawako Okochi brings her Japanese culinary heritage to every element of the menu. The tight, counter-style space has a handful of tables and some sidewalk seating.
Neighborhood & visiting
Tokidoki sits in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, one of New York's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. The house does not publish an online booking link; call ahead to secure a seat, especially on weekends. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional izakaya restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- The shokupan-based sandos crafted by Sawako Okochi of Shalom Japan are a masterclass in Japanese sandwich technique applied to seasonal ingredients.
- Onigiri and onigirazu made with careful rice seasoning and quality fillings represent a rare authentic Japanese convenience-food tradition in Brooklyn.
- The dual-use space — daytime café to nighttime cocktail bar — means Tokidoki offers a full day's experience in a single intimate setting.
- Private dining and event bookings for up to 20 guests make it one of Williamsburg's most creative and intimate private dining options.
Opened November 2024. The restaurant's opening hours evolved; as of early 2026 open Tue-Sun. Closed Monday.
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Frequently asked
About Tokidoki
- Is Tokidoki an authentic onigiri & japanese sandwiches restaurant in New York?
- Yes — Tokidoki is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for onigiri & japanese sandwiches in New York: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
- Where is Tokidoki located?
- Tokidoki is located at 310 S 4th St, Suite B, Brooklyn, NY 11211, New York, United States in the Williamsburg, Brooklyn neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Tokidoki?
- Tokidoki does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular izakaya restaurants in New York we recommend calling ahead.
- What is the price range at Tokidoki?
- Tokidoki sits in the ¥ price range — typical for onigiri & japanese sandwiches of this format in New York.
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