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227 Mott St.,
New York, NY 10012
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Mon-Sat, noon-11pm; Sun, closed
6 at Spring St.; N, R, W at Prince St.
$2-$11
American Express, Visa
Accepted/Not Necessary
Worth St. to 9th St., Norfolk St. to Thompson St.
This pintsized Nolita yakitori and sushi bar is named after round, bobbly Japanese wish dolls. When both doll eyes are painted black—which they are on the menus and on a wall hanging—it signifies a wish fulfilled. But the owners aren’t taking chances; they commissioned a whimsical crystal chandelier with maneki neko, those good-fortune cats with upraised paws. It’s lucky indeed that the prices are appealing here; there are 16 kinds of yakitori, grilled skewers of everything from chicken to squid, for $2 each. The rice stick is a wonderful cocoon of soft sticky rice with delectable burnt bits and sesame seeds. Another high point comes courtesy of the ground pork munchkins, little meatballs glazed in a sweet chile sauce with garlic, red onion, and jicama. There’s also an array of specialty sushi rolls—the potent namesake tops tuna, yellowtail, and avocado with salmon and a smear of spicy mayo. Most items are so small that even two people can have fun picking and choosing. Large groups won’t fit, however, as there’s only a skinny blond wood counter and three tables with white leather stools.
Recommended DishesRice stick yakitori $2, pork munchkin $4, daruma roll $11
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