Tomi Jazz

Photo of Tomi Jazz

Located in New York, New York

Address: 239 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022, United States

Phone: +1 646-497-1254

Rating: 4.6

Services

  • Delivery
  • Takeaway
  • Dine-in
  • Fast service
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Live music
  • Live performances
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Food
  • Food at bar
  • Happy-hour drinks
  • Happy-hour food
  • Spirits
  • Wine
  • Bar on site
  • Restaurant
  • Toilets
  • Casual
  • Cosy
  • Trendy
  • Tourists
  • Usually a wait
  • Accepts reservations
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards

Categories

  • Jazz club
  • Bar
  • Bar and grill
  • Izakaya restaurant

Photos

Latest NYC Bar Directory

Comments

  • Review 1 (2024-12-29 - Rating: 4)

    I came 20 minutes earlier before open on Saturday but had waited 2.5 hours to get in. There around 30-40 seats in total with 2 hours limit per table. You may be seated in the area where staff traveling across. The music and vibe are great with no doubt and I like Japanese jazz but not sure if I will come again. The omelette rice isnt as good as I heard. The rice has some harder chunk. You shouldnt deem it as a jazz club but a restaurant with jazz performance.

  • Review 2 (2024-12-29 - Rating: 5)

    Was the wait long as hell? Yes. Were the drinks good? Also, yes. And did the jazz give what it needed to give? YES YES YES. Ugh I already miss this place, partially because I saw some fine papas eating there. Also because the vibes were chill and intimate. This was my first jazz club experience and now my bar is set pretty high. If you’re going, just know the place is a little cramped, but honestly worth it. Especially if you get lucky and see some hot people 😛

  • Review 3 (2024-12-31 - Rating: 4)

    Wonderful jazz bar, the band is absolutely amazing. Great live music, good food and such a cozy-romantic atmosphere. We did spend almost 2 hours in line, I wouldn’t say I’d go again, but it was a good experience. Make sure you go early and make at least 1-2 hours for the line!

  • Review 4 (2024-12-31 - Rating: 5)

    Amazing jazz bar and vibe. We tried the okonomiyaki and the pasta with tomato cream sauce. The past was a solid 10/10 while the okonomiyaki was an 8/10. We also tried all 6 cocktails but they were alright. HUGE alcoholic selections tho.

  • Review 5 (2024-10-28 - Rating: 5)

    I am in love with this bar! If anything, it’s my favorite jazz bar in Manhattan. The music is perfect. A great selection of drinks. The food is also delicious, and the dessert is a must-have!!! The lines are awful and the times when I’ve been able to get in without waiting too long were either at 5:40 PM or 2 AM. 😞

  • Review 6 (2024-12-03 - Rating: 5)

    Waited in line for 2 hours (on a Monday!), but it was absolutely worth it. The food was incredible - cod roe udon was unreal. The staff was super kind and somehow managed to seat all 8 of us together. Will definitely go again!

  • Review 7 (2024-08-16 - Rating: 5)

    This place never disappoints. The atmosphere, the music, the service, the food, everything is on point and they are incredibly consistent. One of my favorite things about Tomi Jazz is the absolute maximalist decor… anywhere you look there are plenty of small details to absorb.The musicians that perform are all very talented and this is hands down one of my favorite places to listen to jazz, and overall one of my favorite spots in the city period.

  • Review 8 (2024-12-02 - Rating: 5)

    It was an incredible experience and the atmosphere was on point. The only issue would be the wait time as me and my friend waited for 2+ hrs in cold weather. Aside from that, worth it! :)

  • Review 9 (2024-06-11 - Rating: 5)

    What an amazing jazz club! The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, the food is so fantastic, the drinks are fun, and the music is perfect.Now, we got in line at about 4:40pm on a Wednesday and made it in around 5:20pm (they stagger entrance when they open so the kitchen isnt overwhelmed). Getting in line any later means youll definitely be waiting for over an hour, especially on a more popular night. I found it worth it, and Ill definitely be going again (still early and on a less popular night!)

  • Review 10 (2024-12-13 - Rating: 5)

    Tomi jazz is my go to jazz bar in nyc. Their food is great i recommend the sea urchin coroquette and the cod roe udon! It’s uaually very loud inside because of the blender for the frozen cocktails + live music + people talking so I would sit far away from the stage and the bar.

  • Review 11 (2024-07-23 - Rating: 4)

    A really nice spot for a Friday night! The line is pretty long, so it’s best to arrive 15-20 mins before open time. Albeit decent, I’d say go more for the deco and jazz than the food. Okonomiyaki can be a hit or miss as described by a friend who’s a regular, and the day we went was a slight miss.

  • Review 12 (2024-06-05 - Rating: 5)

    A nice jazz bar to go to for a nice intimate evening. I had the oxtail rice and it was delicious. One of the waiters walks around filling up peoples water which is always nice. There is a $10 mandatory cover for the performances so just have to say that. The music is groovy and fits the vibes

  • Review 13 (2024-12-10 - Rating: 5)

    Nothing shy of exceptional! I was floating ok the atmosphere, style, and jazz music. The Udon Curry Soup, whisky and Sake selection are outstanding, the cucumber miso is my secret winner of the evening!

  • Review 14 (2024-09-16 - Rating: 5)

    I NEVER write reviews. This is my 1st one THATS how amazing this place was. This was the 1st jazz club I have ever been too and now they’ve sent the standard beyond the bounds of the sky. The atmosphere 10000/10 the DRINKS 1000000/10 and the food was to DIE for. I would not show up later than 4:30 on a Saturday because you do have to wait for a while but I’m telling yall it’s worth every second in line. It’s extremely intimate and space is very limited so I would definitely go here on a date or with a very small group of friends like no more than 3 tbh. But I will most definitely be going here again.

  • Review 15 (2024-07-20 - Rating: 5)

    Lovely little speakeasy! We waited quite a while to get in and it was worth every second. The atmosphere is intimate and romantic, and the music was fantastic. Drinks were also great - recommend the Singapore sling!

  • Review 16 (2024-11-05 - Rating: 5)

    Amazing ambiance, service, music and food!! Highly recommend to come earlier as it’s first come first serve and no reservations.

  • Review 17 (2024-05-20 - Rating: 5)

    This place is delightful!! Enjoyed every minute. Got there at 4:15pm to be first in line. So worth it!! The staff is so kind and accommodating. Food and drinks are super delicious. Volume level was perfect, a great relaxed atmosphere. Eclectic and a blast! I will definitely come here every time I visit New York.

  • Review 18 (2025-01-03 - Rating: 4)

    Very nice jazz club with drinks and Asian food. I had a saketini and edamame, they were good. At 7pm they had a jazz band playing and it was great.There is a minimum charge of $15 per person when they play jazz.The service is the only thing I would give 4 points to because they were not very helpful and after an hour or so they told us to leave.

  • Review 19 (2024-09-13 - Rating: 5)

    This place definitely lives up to the hype! The ambience is spectacular, it feels so cozy and a little magical. The live jazz was amazing and so was the food. The omurice was really delicious.

  • Review 20 (2024-11-24 - Rating: 5)

    I’m from LA and visit NYC quite often. This place holds a special place in my heart because of how it uniquely fulfills my love of jazz and Japanese food. It is a small quaint place with intimate seating and lighting. The live jazz is easily able to fill the room. The food is also surprisingly delicious. This place is so uniquely nyc but I wished there was a place like this in LA.

  • Review 21 (2024-04-08 - Rating: 5)

    The wait was long on a Sunday night, but the food & jazz of it all made the experience so worth it!Everything taste so right. Gotta shout out to the sea urchin croquette & Avocado pasta, both dishes taste so rich & uniquely amazing. The vibes feel eclectic, yet intimate. The jazz musicians are so into their music, actually preferred this over a show I bought tix to.I went alone around 5.40-ish, then got in around early 7 p.m., but hey, did ended up sharing drinks while waiting with a couple & joining meal with them. Definitely the perfect night in NYC.

  • Review 22 (2023-03-27 - Rating: 5)

    Overall rating: 5Absolutely obsessed with this place. It’s walk-in only and I arrived around 6 or so with a 10-15 min wait. Def worth going around this time. When we left at 7:30/8, there was a line of 20 people waiting to be seated.I love the intimate feeling of the restaurant and the jazz in the corner is a vibe. I’m so surprised this is in midtown east. A true hidden gem! The food was so good and the drinks were delicious!Definitely recommend & will be back for sure!

  • Review 23 (2023-10-04 - Rating: 4)

    Arrive early, as it gets busy and there is always a line! No cover charge Monday-Thursday. Delicious, flavorful food. I enjoyed the lemon drop cocktail. The cod roe spaghetti is amazing. Shrimp shumai, edamame, lobster scallion pancake, croquettes, all good as well. The place is filled with cool trinkets and beautiful mood lighting. Polite and attentive staff. I found it slightly warm inside, and we were seated on stools without backs (seating is very limited) and they only let a few people in at a time as it’s a small place. Those are my only minor complaints. I’m not a huge fan of jazz but this was a nice experience.

  • Review 24 (2023-12-23 - Rating: 5)

    Hidden away Japanese jazz speakeasy vibe of sorts. Great Japanese food and drinks. Full whisky and sake selection. Jazz starts at 6pm. Super small and cozy spot in the basement. $10 cover Thur-Sun. Be prepared to wait online for a solid hour. No reservations. They accept cards but not Amex. Definitely try it out!

  • Review 25 (2024-11-27 - Rating: 5)

    We had to wait for almost 2 hours in line to get in , but it was totally worth it. There’s a guy that works there - Rio. He’s a legend, the best waiter I’ve seen so far , he became our best friend for the night and brought us multiple free shots and is just a great person overall. Recommend this place strongly!

  • Review 26 (2024-01-03 - Rating: 5)

    The food and drinks were both amazing which most places only get one right if at all. Somehow Tomi jazz nailed it for both.Highly, HIGHLY recommend the pasta. Its on almost everyones pics and reviews for a reason and it tasted so good. I ate it with my friend before we took a pic. It was that good LOL. Also the mandarin cocktail drink was amazing. Tasted so refreshing. I tried the squid too which was so fresh. And also fries and something else. Tbh anything u order will be fresh and delicious.The music was amazing. Not sure on which bands play and the rotation bc I only went once, but im sure theyre all good. The night I went, the band was really good.Just a fair warning, there is a long af line to get in. I had to wait an hour. Once ur in though, its worth it. Make sure to bundle up if u want to go during the winter months bc u only get to stand under the heat lamps right by the stairs. Otherwise ur just waiting in the cold outside. A lot of ppl were there for the first time so it seems there are a lot of new faces. Plz go before it becomes even more well known/popular LOLAlso it was refreshing to hear Japanese spoken by the workers there. Made me feel like I was back in Japan.

  • Review 27 (2023-10-01 - Rating: 5)

    Rarely do I wait for 2 hours to get into a restaurant. This was one of those rare occasions when it was entirely worth it. We got there at 5:50 and got in at 7:40. The food, atmosphere, music and drinks were all wonderful. Prices very fair. Highly recommend the cod roe udon and curry udon soup, salmon rice balls and green tea ice cream. I also had the road runner cocktail and it was delicious. One of those gems that is worth waiting for. I will definitely be back.

  • Review 28 (2024-08-11 - Rating: 5)

    So yummy!! i was worried this was kind of just a trendy instagram kind of place that had a great atmosphere but not especially impressive food, but that wasnt the case. everything we had we LOVED, and it was all super affordable. the music was absolutely wonderful and it was a joy to watch the performers do what they love most :) we were seated in the back initially, but they moved us and another table up to the front so that we could experience the jazz up close. service is wonderful because they do try to get people in as quickly as they can! for us, it was worth the wait, but i guess good company plays into that as well. thank you for having us!

  • Review 29 (2023-06-25 - Rating: 5)

    The food and atmosphere are unparalleled. The service can be slow at times, but they are always buzzing. Waited 1.5 hours in line at 8PM on Friday. Highly recommend trying all the dishes on the menu. They have an extensive collection of drinks as well.

  • Review 30 (2021-06-20 - Rating: 5)

    Intimate jazz bar with live music and really good food! It’s first come first serve so prepare to wait in line if you come during peak hours. We waited about 40mins after arriving at 7:40pm on a Saturday. The space is very small and intimate, but with pretty decent air circulation. The live band is right beside some dining tables so the music can be quite loud in the entire establishment.The food proportions are BIG and the taste is wonderful. The Cod Roe Spaghetti is enough for a light dinner for two. It had a great creamy consistency and the cod flavour really came through with every bite. I’d get take out just for the food if I’m not feeling like sitting in. We got a cocktail called Clever that wasn’t to my taste, but my friend loved it.Would recommend for a 3rd date kind of scenario since it’s hard to talk but a great experience overall.

  • Review 31 (2023-03-09 - Rating: 5)

    I bought the hype and it delivers, which is exceedingly rare these days. You’ll have to show up at least half an hour before the opening time (preferably 45 minutes) to ensure the least waiting time. Still, you’ll have to wait after they open since they seat one party by one party. The food is good. I had the mentaiko pasta. It’s good but nor the best ever. I tried the curry from the guy next to me (yeah, you waited so long you have to make friends) and that is the best ever. People who you meet here seemed solid.

  • Review 32 (2022-06-07 - Rating: 5)

    Such a cute and intimate little place, atmosphere and live music were great. The food and drink I ordered were okay (there were probably better options on the menu but I wan’t too hungry to order the pasta or rice dishes), but still highly recommended to just come for the music.

  • Review 33 (2024-08-31 - Rating: 5)

    Food was phenomenal, atmosphere was cozy! Fun friend night for great jazz music and good eats!

  • Review 34 (2023-08-25 - Rating: 5)

    Absolutely incredible restaurant. Waited roughly an hour and fifteen minutes to get in, but when I tell you it was worth it, thats an understatement. The food was beyond delicious and the atmosphere was cozy and relaxing, while there was a live band playing near the entrance. Whether by yourself, with one other person, or have a few friends, I highly highly recommend checking this place out.

  • Review 35 (2023-08-27 - Rating: 5)

    An amazing experience. There are Japanese notes throughout the restaurant - the musicians, the decor, the alcohol, the servers. It was beautiful experiencing an authentic night.The food was delicious. I particularly enjoyed the cod roe udon and seafood noodles. In terms of drinks, the Japanese sake was incredibly smooth. Each order comes with 2 servings of drinks. I really liked the Dassai 45 Yamaguchi. The Lychee Martini was also good but too sweet for my liking.Note: the food took a long time to arrive but the live music made up for it.Overall, I would recommend coming here for the ambience and environment.

  • Review 36 (2023-07-11 - Rating: 5)

    This is the kind of experience and place you can’t believe exist in NY. I’m so happy after visiting here and I had try dishes that just blow my mind. So tasty, the place is amazing, the waiting time in the line is supremely worthy. The drinks !!!! Please try the PLUM WINE 🍷now I have a favorite drink after my visit 😊 definitely coming again to this gem from NY, NY. It’s a must to go ❤️ the live music 🎶 is just out of game, just PERFECT !

  • Review 37 (2021-08-19 - Rating: 5)

    We visited Tomi Jazz randomly by searching Izakaya in the neighborhood near MoMA and didnt realize its so popular until we saw the long line when we were leaving. Its definitely a hidden gem located in the basement with a tiny sign.Their drink menu was various but the food options were limited. We had their Fried Brie Cheese, Karaage and Cod Roe Spaghetti to share with a group of two. The food was really delicious & satisfying, especially the spaghetti, which was creamy & flavorful.We are not really into alcohol but we would highly recommend people to try their drink menu. One of the best part of dining there is the live jazz music and the ambiance is lively & cozy.

  • Review 38 (2021-10-06 - Rating: 5)

    This place is like a speakeasy. Great food and drinks with live jazz music; hence, the wait can get very long. My favorite is the cod roe udon. It is creamy and a little fishy - a very unique taste imo! The lychee sorbet is also a must try 🤤 The flavor is very apparent and they also have some lychee jelly cubes if you love jelly. I like fruity cocktails and the ones I had are very fruity; I didnt really taste the alcohol.

  • Review 39 (2023-07-08 - Rating: 5)

    Be prepared to wait 2hrs to get in but so worth it!The food was amazing, I got the Omurice, wasabi octopus, salmon roe pasta!The live jazz band was right in front of me as I ate and it felt like I was in a movie!The staff were so amazing and accommodated for our needs.

  • Review 40 (2024-10-31 - Rating: 5)

    This place has great vibes and is very tight but with good music. You’ll feel like you’re in a Studio Ghibli film. The Cod roe pasta is overrated, the flavor was very minimal. I recommend the omelette over rice with Demi glace it had a ton of flavor, way more than I was expecting. I dont recommend mainly coming for the food but rather for the ambiance.

  • Review 41 (2023-01-15 - Rating: 5)

    A must go if you’re visiting NY. Food, vibes, and service are wonderful. Live Jazz (service charge applied to bill). Usually it is a long wait more than 1hr+ BUT it is worth it. My boyfriend and I always have dinner here when we visit NY. Definitely a spot to check out and try some delicious food.

  • Review 42 (2024-10-30 - Rating: 5)

    Amazing. Lives up to the hype. Get there before door opens! We arrived at 4:45pm on a Monday and there was already a line. Food is great as is ambiance.

  • Review 43 (2024-12-02 - Rating: 5)

    I cant speak on the food since I ate before coming here but this such a cozy spot that has live music and great sake I definitely need to go back and try more things and just vibe out to the jazz. Just be ready for a long wait this place is insanely popular

  • Review 44 (2023-06-20 - Rating: 4)

    Arrived at 5:30pm on a Monday and did not get seated until 6:55pm. Should have arrived when doors open at 5, but even then you wait an hour for the music to start at 6. Once inside though, it was a great experience. Lovely ambiance, drinks were fine, and the musicians were amazing. If you have the time to spend in line definitely recommend.

  • Review 45 (2024-11-01 - Rating: 5)

    Amazing experience! They combine a very calm atmosphere with live jazz, interesting decor, and good food, all with a Japanese oriental touch. Highly recommend!

  • Review 46 (2023-08-27 - Rating: 5)

    This was the random bar we stopped by yet the best place in entire NYC trip. Servers are friendly, great jazz music & atmosphere. Waited about 10 minute to get in but definitely worth it!

  • Review 47 (2023-05-09 - Rating: 5)

    Such a great atmosphere. Very cool jazz Japanese themed bar. Not only are the drinks are good but so is the food. The live jazz they have is awesome. It is a very small place so it is a LONG wait. Just make sure you’re prepared for that.

  • Review 48 (2019-07-04 - Rating: 5)

    This place is Japanese jazz bar. It locates at basement, so it was hard to find. Inside is really small and I felt a bit stuffy. However, the food is amazing. I ordered Japanese curry, cream pasta with fish roe, and maybe Potato Korokke; those food were nicer than I expected!! However, the food is not enough for even one person. You should order several dish!

  • Review 49 (2024-12-06 - Rating: 4)

    The food and drink was great. And the service was standard. The live jazz music was very nice but too many people and no space for relaxing in there (the table was too tight) and some people talk too loud bcoz they were not coming for the music.

  • Review 50 (2022-01-25 - Rating: 5)

    This is one of those reviews that you go back and forth in your head about writing because you don’t want the world to know and you want it all to yourself. Tomi Jazz is one of those places that you go to and it reminds you of why you love NYC so much. You arrive and have to ring a doorbell and an employee will come out and get you. When we arrived there was no line but we had to wait 10 minutes. While we were waiting (on a Sunday evening in the snow!) a huge line formed behind us. The place inside is small and that’s part of what makes it special. The band was great, the food was incredible (!!!), and service was on point. I’ve eaten at a lot of Japanese places especially in this area, this place after the first visit goes to the top of my list.

  • Review 51 (2024-10-10 - Rating: 4)

    Aesthetics of Waiting🤍💚🤍💚🤍💚🤍💚If you want to feel special time, it is your chance to spend precious time with loved ones. The three hours you waited to arrive at this tiny jazz bar can be your best date with friends. If you want to share stories you havent done before, I recommend Tommy jazz bar, where you can feel the beauty of waiting .Food and service is like Tommy Jazz Bar :)

  • Review 52 (2023-09-04 - Rating: 5)

    Cozy speakeasy style bar with a great atmosphere, amazing food and drinks, and live jazz music! The wait does get pretty long. We arrived at 6 and waited for a little bit over 2 hours before we got seated. One of the waiters told me that the line starts at 4:30! I do think though that it’s well worth the wait.

  • Review 53 (2021-05-05 - Rating: 5)

    The indoor experience was very intimate and cozy. When the pandemic still in effect we have the outdoor seating as well. Still nice with live jazz at specific times.Still love their okonomiyaki and tebasaki!

  • Review 54 (2023-08-09 - Rating: 4)

    It took us 90-100 minutes to get into the place but I think it was worth it. Very nice staff and atmosphere. Drinks were also good

  • Review 55 (2021-10-21 - Rating: 5)

    One of, if not the BEST place to grab casual drinks and dinner for either a date night or friends. The vibes are immaculate. The food is phenomenal. The drinks are second-to-none. PLEASE do yourself a favor and go to Tomi Jazz. Also make sure to tip the band, they’re incredible.The only thing I can knock off this place is that it’s usually a very long wait (but that’s only because of how amazing it is)

  • Review 56 (2018-06-02 - Rating: 5)

    Places like Tomi is the reason to live in NYC. A small hidden gem located in the Eastern part of Midtown, Tomi is a favorite of my wife and me. If you can get to Tomi before 7P, theres a very big discount for happy hour on booze and food. The place is quite small, so making a reservation is highly recommended. Otherwise, you may be able to get in on a time-limited seat, but most likely, youll be one of the many people standing outside on the stairs waiting to get in. The ambiance is very intimate and has an elegant chic vibe given the live jazz performance every night. Unlike most jazz clubs, the food here is to die for. Tomi serves up what I would classify as Japanese comfort food, and we have not found a place as good as Tomi despite all the places listed under the Japanese category in NYC. Our favorite things to order includes: gobo chips, any croquette, spam rice balls, avocado salad, cod roe spaghetti, gratin, doria milanese, and both versions of the omelet rice (om-rice). If youve never had om-rice, this is one of the first dishes you should try when visiting Tomi.

  • Review 57 (2024-11-17 - Rating: 5)

    We visited the very popular tomi jazz! recommended to me by so many ppl so i knew it had to be good :)we queued up 30 min before opening on a Sunday night and got in shortly before 6 and got to hear the live jazz band play their music! the vibes were so pleasant~ having a live jazz performance while you have a drink and eat dinner is such a relaxing experience. we actually ate most of our food away from the stage but once ppl left, the staff moved us to be closer to the live music which was so nice!!also the interior decor was so beautiful. it was full of small trinkets here and there and carefully placed. it reminded me of the inside of howl’s moving castle!as for the food, we ordered a mentai udon and okonomiyaki. we also wanted fries but they ran out :( for drinks, i got a frozen lychee, which was a frozen rum based drink, and a pina colada! you can never take me away from a frozen drink. they were both good! no complaints here. my friend got a drink called green eyes and i think it was their twist on a midori sour but i thought it tasted too strong so if u don’t like the taste of alcohol, don’t get itto conclude, i had a really good time! i loved the jazz performance as well as the food and drinks. aside from the long wait to get in, everything was perfect. id love to come back one day! 🎶10/10

  • Review 58 (2019-04-28 - Rating: 5)

    Mon-thurs : no coverSat-sun: cover $10I’ve been wanted to visit here, and on my 4th trial- i finally got to get inside!Came in saturday night at 11m- waited for 20 minutes without reservation. I highly recommend to make reservation in advance, unless there’s no guarantee of getting inside.Luckily, there were two tables not show up so we got lucky to get in. The servers are kind- one server took pictures for us(i did not ask him, but he was passionately taking photos for us and that was greateful. In addition to that i saw one couple behind us being quite sensative and aggressive but the gate lady dealt with them pretty well. I tried highball(japanese cocktail mix of whiskey and soda) honestly it was first time for me to try it so no idea if the drink was fantastic or not but it was okay. My boyfriend ordered house warm sake- it was really good for no doubt. We had dinner already so just ordered fried brie cheese(recommened by server) and it was yummy. I would come back to try another cocktail.

  • Review 59 (2022-10-06 - Rating: 5)

    Small hidden gem. Place is small, low lights, booths are cozy and music creates the perfect romantic atmosphere. Id say food and drinks have fairly low prices but minimum spend is 25 :)There are long lines on the weekends so be ready to wait for an hour or more . I guess best time to go is on the first days of the week or get there pretty early if you don’t want to wait long

  • Review 60 (2023-03-05 - Rating: 5)

    Arrived there around 6:20 on a Monday and waited until 7:30. But it totally worth the waiting! The music is wonderful and foods are good too! A romantic place for dates and meeting up with friends 🤓

  • Review 61 (2023-08-25 - Rating: 5)

    We came here on a Wednesday night. As expected, we waited a little over an hour to get in but the wait was worth it! We were seated in the back of the cafe so the music was the perfect volume. We ordered the avocado pasta, the mentaiko pasta, and the omurice.The avocado pasta was the most unique (although a bit of a hit or miss especially if people in your party do not like avocado). One of my friends commented that it was just like a BLT. The omurice was very tasty and comforting, and the mentaiko was pleasant with a little bit of a spicy kick. Overall, we came to Tomi Jazz for the music, but the food was a solid 10/10 with affordable prices and great decor!

  • Review 62 (2020-10-03 - Rating: 4)

    Good happy hour spot! I had the brown sugar plum wine which I thought was decent and my friend had the Clever cocktail, which he didn’t like (“there’s too much going on”). But the ambience is spot on. There was live jazz music as the night went by and that was really nice!Also loved their curry croquettes. Would definitely come back for those! We ordered the cod roe spaghetti because we saw so many reviews, but I honestly don’t think that was worth it. It didn’t have any protein or veggies apart from some alfalfa sprouts. The omurice was decent and the yaki udon as well.

  • Review 63 (2022-04-03 - Rating: 5)

    I gotta say this first, the waiting was too long, but it was worth to waiting their music and even the foods..I was here two times, and the music was perfect same as usually. You have to try demi glace omurice and okonomiyaki, they are insane..

  • Review 64 (2024-09-18 - Rating: 5)

    Excellent jazz club with lots of yummy food items and a huge sake and Japanese whiskey selection. Its a tiny dark, wood, basement venue that only helps create the intimacy. Acoustics are good too!

  • Review 65 (2024-07-21 - Rating: 5)

    The ambiance at Tomi Jazz is absolutely enchanting. As soon as you step in, youre transported to a bygone era of dimly lit rooms and a decor that perfectly complements the soulful vibes of jazz. The place offers delicious food and top-notch service, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy a night of jazz in New York City.

  • Review 66 (2023-10-06 - Rating: 5)

    Amazing experience. Waited 45mins on a weekday, and definitely worth the wait (would wait even longer) the food was incredible, the cocktails were great and the ambience was very pleasant.

  • Review 67 (2024-08-13 - Rating: 5)

    No reservations and no split checks.Tomi Jazz is just a great time. Came on a Saturday night and line wasn’t to long. The live jazz was a delight along with the drinks.

  • Review 68 (2024-09-03 - Rating: 5)

    WORTH it!!!! This place is literally jaw dropping inside. The ambiance is lit. Literally. The curry rice, is incredible. Everyone around us was eating a pasta, low key wish we went that route but regardless the curry was amazing. The servers are so kind. The bartender with the cute hat is 10/10. Will be back!

  • Review 69 (2023-01-14 - Rating: 5)

    What a dinner we had! One of the best experiences we had in town. The restaurant is located in a basement with great decoration, clearly worth it. Thank you!

  • Review 70 (2024-09-20 - Rating: 5)

    The atmosphere is exceptionally greatYou better wait before it opened

  • Review 71 (2024-08-25 - Rating: 4)

    Welp, I stood in line for exactly 2 hours and got in at 7pm. Admittedly, by the time I was at the door I regretted even getting on the line and was certain the place wouldn’t be cool enough to justify the absurd wait. I was wrong.There really are very few places in the city that accomplish what Tomi does vibe-wise. A dimly lit delight for the eyes where every nook and cranny is done up with interesting antiques and oddities. (There’s an old-timey electric train making its rounds on the ceiling) I had a seat at the corner of the bar with a clear view across the small room to the jazz band. The music was perfection. Super talented musicians and not too loud either.The food, drinks and staff are all Japanese. You may as well be sitting in some speakeasy in Tokyo. An impressive sake selection accompanies an array of Japanese beers, and the small plates I had were very decent. (Seaweed salad was huge, fried Brie, and Uni Croquettes).Would I go again? Probably not any time soon due to the awful wait, but definitely.

  • Review 72 (2024-08-27 - Rating: 5)

    Intimate yet comfortable setting. Food was all delicious, and endless spirits available as well as mocktails. You share the small space with a band, but you can still easily talk with your party. Wait staff is wonderful and went above and beyond for us.

  • Review 73 (2022-07-27 - Rating: 5)

    Always a line here but totally worth it. Expect to wait about 45 mins to 1 hour+ on Fridays and Saturdays (live jazz nights). Delicious Japanese food and cocktails, great service, and the perfect cozy ambience for date nights and drinks with friends. Im not a whiskey person but they have a huge selection of Japanese whiskeys to try if thats your thing.

  • Review 74 (2024-07-05 - Rating: 5)

    One of my favorites spots in the city right now. You may have to wait a while to enter, but well worth it. Food, drinks, and live jazz all phenomenal. Tight quarters. Unapologetically, but sadly not ADA Accessible at all. Authentic Japanese fare. Some notes of fusion, but great true-to-style-dishes.

  • Review 75 (2024-09-29 - Rating: 5)

    Excellent experience! Got there at exactly 4:23 on a (rainy) Saturday and were first in line. They had QR codes to view the menu ahead of time though, so we spent quite a while salivating over that! It seemed like it took until 6 pm for them to seat the full first round of people (they staggered the entrances a bit) so if you get here after 5 you’ll certainly wait 2 hours until the second wave starts (+more time for the line that grows fast).Once inside, the ambience is incredible and the staff are extremely kind and efficient. The food was amazing- noodle entrees were only like $16????? And we got a bunch of $6-8 small plates too because we were celebrating a birthday. Absolutely delicious and came out very fast. And the music was so good. Overall there’s nothing I’d change about the experience and we’ll definitely be back!!

  • Review 76 (2022-12-01 - Rating: 5)

    What an amazing amazing place. We were a party of 6 and had to wait about 30 minutes, but totally worth it. Food is not only reasonably priced but absolutely delicious, cocktails were on par, and the vibe is immaculate. A new Manhattan favorite.

  • Review 77 (2024-07-06 - Rating: 5)

    Had to wait over 90 minutes to get in but there were benches to sit on. Totally worth the wait, music was phenomenal, atmosphere incredible, and food so good! Definitely try the leechee martini if you are I not fruity beverages!

  • Review 78 (2018-04-23 - Rating: 5)

    Really great food, vibes, and speakeasy-type environment. Loves the little details. Mini Oil lamps for candlelight, memoribilia on the wall, etc. Nake sure to make a reservation on their website, they run out of space fast. Even opening time on a Sunday was almost not allotted. I tried Hayashi Rice, Tanmen Ramen, sausages, and proscuito wrapped mozzarella. Nice little fused variation. The mozzarella and Hayashi Rice stood out! The ramen noodles were delicious but the broth lacked richness. Sausages were just good sausages! All in all enjoyable and not too pricey!

  • Review 79 (2023-11-11 - Rating: 5)

    What a fantastic little place to go. I visited as a tourist, but it looks like a great place for locals as well.The food was very good izakaya fare, and based off of what we ordered (2 different croquettes, 2 pastas) I would feel comfortable exploring the rest of the menu. In particular, the avocado pasta was well done.The service was solid and attentive.The atmosphere was the best part by far. I had never imagined what a Japanese Jazz bar would be like, but if I stumble upon one again, it will be compared to this place. Perfect for carrying on a conversation with our group of 3, but also good for couples or dates as well. There was a jazz trio playing during dinner service ($10 cover per person which was well worth it), but it never felt intrusive and added to the atmosphere.Overall, a fantastic little spot. One last tip is to get there 30-60 minutes before opening to ensure first seating.

  • Review 80 (2024-02-28 - Rating: 5)

    I heard people say this is the Jazz bar with the best food in NYC, and I agree! The materials are actually quite common and inexpensive, but they made great food out of them. Our favorite was the seasoned petit squid. My only complaint is the waiting time — we got there very early, but still waited for an hour to get in.

  • Review 81 (2024-08-25 - Rating: 5)

    The design, the atmosphere, the sound quality, the service, the food, everything is cool.The jazz performers I saw were very talented too.

  • Review 82 (2021-12-26 - Rating: 5)

    The entrance to Tomi Jazz is hidden and below street level, which can be easily missed. Once you enter, the ambiance is dark and intimate along with a live jazz band. Highly recommend to get there before it opens (before 5pm) since they do not take reservations. I arrived around 530pm along with three of my other friends and had to wait about an hour outside. Its first come first served! Staff were patient and attentive! When the drinks and food arrived, we devoured it all because everything was delicious. The cod roe udon and omurice is a must!

  • Review 83 (2023-12-18 - Rating: 5)

    HANG IN THERE - KEEP WAITING! The long line and wait time is worth it, trust me. Amazing amazing. My girlfriend and I went in 2021 on a whim and we were very impressed by this place. We returned in late ‘23 and we were met with a long line and wait. It took about 1.5 hours before we got seated, but it was totally worth the wait. The atmosphere, live music, food and service was all superb. We were very happy to have come back and this place is absolutely solidified as a mandatory hang whenever we are in town.Kudos to the owner and staff for making this place what it is. Don’t change a thing!

  • Review 84 (2024-05-21 - Rating: 5)

    Gem of a bar. Super cosy atmosphere with awesome vibes and smooth jazz. Lined up for 45 minutes after arriving at 7:30pm on a Sunday night - well worth the wait. Definitely order the road runner cocktail.

  • Review 85 (2023-07-02 - Rating: 5)

    We randomly went there on the late saturday night, no line, amazing food+atmosphere+drinks+service.

  • Review 86 (2023-07-31 - Rating: 5)

    Hidden Gem! Cocktails were unreal, with an extremely attentive and personable staff. Ambiance is like no other - seating is intimate, to match the environment of the space.

  • Review 87 (2024-11-05 - Rating: 4)

    This place is worth it only for the ambience and music. The vibes of the restaurant with the decoration and live jazz band is an experience to live. However food is average and servers aren’t very nice.

  • Review 88 (2022-10-28 - Rating: 5)

    Went on Monday night around 4:30pm and there were less people, amazing FOOD and the band was great too!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND

  • Review 89 (2023-12-02 - Rating: 5)

    When they say it’s worth the wait. it’s worth the wait. got there around 10:40 and was seated at 12:15. super intimate and cozy atmosphere with great music. at first i was a little bummed to be seated in the back away from the band but shortly after we were offered a table closer. drinks and appetizers were reasonable priced. only thing i would say is that we had to wave down our waiter when we needed something but otherwise was a great experience overall.

  • Review 90 (2024-09-27 - Rating: 4)

    Jazz and food were top notch! Cocktails were mid though. Worth the wait for the experience!

  • Review 91 (2023-12-15 - Rating: 5)

    Atmosphere really makes it. The jazz+ the ambiance brings it to another level, plus the food was good although the portions were small. Highly recommend the bar seating as it is some of the best I’ve been to. Very cozy. House sake was great and Ryu (sorry if that’s not how you spell your name) was an awesome bar tender, so friendly and a great and entertaining guy

  • Review 92 (2024-12-28 - Rating: 5)

    This place has amazing live jazz and food! Truly recommend it

  • Review 93 (2024-05-16 - Rating: 4)

    The best place for live jazz music. The sake and Japanese whiskey are worth to try and the server could help you choose which kind of drink you like. Omelet rice and cad roe udon is always good. Everything was perfect except the waiting time for Monday night is 2hr. So make sure to get here earlier than 5pm.

  • Review 94 (2024-06-24 - Rating: 5)

    We got here early at around 4:15pm on a Sunday to get on line early. We were probably the 5th group on line, and made it in for the first wave of folks. They seat people slowly in the beginning, with probably a few minutes wait between each group seated. When we got in, we were able to sit at the small table by the entrance, which I actually preferred as it had a great view of the jazz band.Food was fantastic, and they get food out very quickly! Even though we were seated at around 5:10 or so, the music doesnt start until exactly 6pm. By then, we were close to finishing our food and I was ready to order another round of drinks just before the music started.The staff is super friendly, and they definitely dont rush you though they do seem to pace things where they do last call for food 30 minutes before your 2 hour limit (you have a max of 2 hours from Thursdays through Sundays), and last call for drinks 15 minutes before you have to leave.They have an incredibly extensive drink menu, so will definitely want to come back to try new drinks. But this time around, I stick with Dake while my wife got a frozen lychee which she really enjoyed (it was hot out!)

  • Review 95 (2024-12-04 - Rating: 5)

    Its an amazing place. The atmosphere is very cozy and food delicious. I loved my seafood spaghetti even though I generally dont like shellfish. The service was excellent. And all that topped with live jazz. The only drawback was the wait time to get in. At 3h I found it too long. But I guess the place is so good everyone wants to be there.

  • Review 96 (2023-11-12 - Rating: 5)

    Come early; Line gets ridiculous after 4:30 PM. Each table gets to stay about 2hours max. Musicians do not play saxophone which was a bummer. Music is mediocre at best but the food and the vibe were amazing. Shrimp croquette and the cod roe pasta were the best in my opinion.

  • Review 97 (2020-03-13 - Rating: 4)

    Tomi Jazz always has this good ambience. I have been going since 2013. Staffs are very friendly and foods are always good. Only one down side is that to get into the place lol there is always wait, now they don’t take any reservation except Saturday.

  • Review 98 (2024-02-10 - Rating: 5)

    Incredible experience. Highly recommend. It feels like you’re living life cinematically. The ambiance is wonderful and every dish I’ve tried over my last three visits were perfect. Totally worth the wait in line.

  • Review 99 (2024-06-14 - Rating: 5)

    Must go jazz. $10 cover and great small nibbles and sake. always a line to get in but it’s worth it. stay for 2h max on a thursday through sunday. we went on a thursday and the line wasn’t too long - it moves quick. great jazz and cheap for nyc. food is great and the vibe is eccentric and immaculate. perfect date spot or for a night out with the girlies.

  • Review 100 (2024-02-02 - Rating: 5)

    Great little jazz bar tucked away on 53rd st. Cocktails and food were good and jazz was great!

  • Review 101 (2022-04-24 - Rating: 5)

    Absolutely wonderful experience, we were too late to try food but the drinks and atmosphere will definitely bring us back.

  • Review 102 (2023-06-06 - Rating: 5)

    The food is incredible and great value. The jazz music is fantastic as well.

  • Review 103 (2024-06-28 - Rating: 5)

    Such a cool vibe! Loved the bartender! Great music. Probably one of the coolest things I did while visiting New York.

  • Review 104 (2023-08-22 - Rating: 5)

    THERE IS A HUGE LINE. Be ready to spend between 0 to 3 hours in it. Yes even on a Monday. I spent 2 hours. Bring books, games, or a good conversation for it.With that disclaimer out of the way... What is on the other side is totally worth it!! The food is great, the prices are surprisingly ok, the service is quick, and the Jazz is solid! The ambiance is very intimate, so for small groups or just 2, its a very lively and charming spot.And something I must mention - the servers are very attentive! Once they noticed me peeking over to the Jazz players, when a table became ready, they offered my party to move. This was all them, I didnt ask. I really appreciated that.

  • Review 105 (2022-02-27 - Rating: 5)

    Three hour wait but it was worth it. Wonderful staff, great food and perfect jazz. Go go go!

  • Review 106 (2023-11-20 - Rating: 5)

    Hidden gem in NYC. Awesome food. Awesome jazz. Be ready for long lines.

  • Review 107 (2024-04-30 - Rating: 5)

    Came on a rainy & cold Sunday night at 10 and still waited 1.5 hr to get in. However as most of the reviewers commented, it is well worth the wait.The atmosphere is dark, intimate and whimsical. It feels like a place out of a studio Ghibli movie or Haruki Murakami’s novel. Jazz was super fun and lovely. You do need to be smart about arrival time to make the cover worth it.Tried drinks and some bites. Both are wonderful but food definitely stands out more. Croquets are flavorful and super crunchy. Cod roe spaghetti is creamy and savory, pairing nicely with pickles which cut down heaviness.Overall a very unique and memorable experience. Highly recommend!

  • Review 108 (2023-10-12 - Rating: 5)

    Went on Wednesday night for dinner and a bit of music. And we were all glad we did.Excellent menu and extensive range of drinks. Staff are brilliant and so attentive. Food is to die for!The place is small and intimate meaning you may have to queue so plan ahead.

  • Review 109 (2023-12-01 - Rating: 5)

    Expect to wait in line for 2 hours! Although the restaurant cant do online reservation and only accept get in line, their dish is super delicious and with a great vibe of live jazz music. Their dessert was the great. Its a Japanese bar under the basement. But I like their dish more than their alcohol 🍸.

  • Review 110 (2024-06-24 - Rating: 5)

    The employees were so nice and i will go back as many times as my wallet allows. cannot emphasize enough how lovely of an evening this was, music and food and service and atmosphere!!

  • Review 111 (2024-03-19 - Rating: 5)

    Loved the decor. Its very cute. Its a bit cramped but i think thats the vibe they are trying to go for. And the music is nice as well. Get the zen.

  • Review 112 (2024-10-05 - Rating: 5)

    We waited for 2 hours and it was completely worth it! Definitely lived up to the hype!

  • Review 113 (2023-09-28 - Rating: 5)

    Come prepared to wait outside, but know that it will be well worth it!*A surprising mix of Japanese + Jazz, but Tomi does an excellent job at creating a incredible atmosphere and experience.*The food is delicious. We had the seafood & avocado pastas.*The service is incredible, one of the gentleman noticed my friend and I attempting a selfie, came over and proceeded to take multiple different pictures for us.Cannot wait to come back!!

  • Review 114 (2022-05-30 - Rating: 5)

    We went on a Sunday night of a long weekend, so it was extremely busy and took about 1.5 hours to get in, but very definitely worth it! The drinks were great, and the food was actually super amazing as well! I personally really enjoyed the fried brie which was melted to perfection inside as well as the cod pasta. And of course, the vibe of this bar is the best in NYC. Would highly recommend on nights you are not in a rush!

  • Review 115 (2024-09-24 - Rating: 5)

    One of the best places in NYC

  • Review 116 (2022-03-10 - Rating: 5)

    The line to get into this place is unending, but so so worth the environment and delicious food and drinks. Tomi Jazz is such a unique environment!

  • Review 117 (2023-11-29 - Rating: 5)

    Queued for more than an hour to get into this super popular jazz bar. Perpetually long queue even on a weekday night. Nice food, great cocktails, cool jazz… that’s the attraction. 🎶

  • Review 118 (2023-12-17 - Rating: 5)

    Phenomenal spot with great ambiance, reasonable prices (especially for New York) and great music.Would recommend the cod roe pasta, the omurice (omelette rice) and the wasabi octopus. All dishes were great.Additionally, all the drinks were tasty and delicious but my favorite is the clever or the zen, as well as the brown sugar plum wine.Overall great place if you dont mind running the risk of 2 hours + waiting in line.

  • Review 119 (2024-12-29 - Rating: 5)

    Food was amazing. The waiter who seat us was a bit inpatient. It was crowded but good atmosphere.

  • Review 120 (2024-02-06 - Rating: 4)

    Food 8/10The food was a pleasant surprise. It was cheaper and yummier than I had expected. We did have to wait for an hour though, so I can’t say it was worth that wait. We got in line at around 4:20 PM, and there already were people in line. The server let us in at 5:10 PM. The mandarin slush cocktail was better than the zen, because the zen had too strong of a vodka aftertaste, despite having a great matcha flavor. The cod roe udon was my favorite, but the omurice was also quite good. I wish the egg was fluffier. The curry croquette had mashed potato, but I am not a fan of potatoes. I am potato-averse, so we also tried the crab croquette, which was bursting with cream.Atmosphere 10/10Lovely interior. Super cute and dim. We sat right next to the jazz band, so the vibes were immaculate. I really enjoyed observing the small details inside the restaurant, from the toy train and tracks on the ceiling to the mirrors and bottles of sake.Service 9/10Great service and friendly atmosphere.

  • Review 121 (2022-09-27 - Rating: 5)

    A Midtown gem without a doubt! We were waiting too long (maybe an hour or more) but it was definitely worth it. Taste the pasta and the Japanese sweet at the end of the menu. Music and ambience are great. Also prices are very reasonable for Manhattan. But you have to be patient!

  • Review 122 (2022-11-14 - Rating: 4)

    The lines can take a while, but once youre in the food and drinks are good. I especially recommend getting the toast

  • Review 123 (2024-05-14 - Rating: 5)

    Great place for a date!Small and intimate place

  • Review 124 (2022-10-24 - Rating: 5)

    We waited two hours to get in on a Sunday night… and it was 100% worth it! A friend told me this was one of his favorite spots in NYC and I can see why. The place has an amazing laid back speakeasy vibe, with live jazz and walls lined with books and knickknacks. We were sat and a cozy corner with booth seating, which was great after a long day.The menu is extensive and the food is surprisingly affordable by NYC standards. We got a few small plates and shared a larger plate of sizzling yaki soba; we loved all the food. I ordered one of their cheaper Japanese whisky options and was impressed by the quality.The service was excellent - the servers made sure our waters were always full and came by frequently. When a larger table opened next to ours, the waiter encouraged us to move to the more comfortable space which I really appreciated.

  • Review 125 (2023-06-01 - Rating: 5)

    Yes, its that good. Terrific live music, excellent casual Japanese cuisine (makes me nostalgic for Japan), and a fantastic selection of whiskies and Japanese microbrews. Dont be put off by a line outside -- youll get in and be glad you did.

  • Review 126 (2023-12-27 - Rating: 5)

    I visited this hidden gem almost in the heart of Manhattan.You have to wait in queue but trust me when i went in the ambience just blew my mind. I was seated at the bar and i guess the best spot if you are visting all alone.The small plates was an instant hit for me and few of their signature cocktails setup the mood for a lovely evening.The live music was a cgerry on top of the cake.Service was fast & one of the friendliest servers i have met in a while.Visit the place if you are in awe of small cozy pubs.🥰🥰🥰🥰

  • Review 127 (2023-03-01 - Rating: 5)

    Beautiful little restaurant that has some amazing live jazz music. You can tuck yourself into your own little corner of the restaurant and just jam to the music while you slurp up the delicious noodle dishes or some of the other unique food items they have. The cocktails are all really good as well for anyone who wants to get a good buzz! xD Highly recommend if you want to celebrate a special occasion or if you just like to have a great evening to yourself! Only thing I will warn people about is that there’s always a line so I’d recommend getting there a little early. :)

  • Review 128 (2023-08-25 - Rating: 5)

    Monster wait. Got there at 5:10, were seated at 7:15. If you can stomach that, go. Immaculate vibes, great food, incredible cocktails, extensive sake list. Highly recommend. Come hungry.

  • Review 129 (2022-10-11 - Rating: 5)

    Miku took care of us super well! lovely server and vibe. would love to come back.

  • Review 130 (2024-06-17 - Rating: 5)

    So far the best Ramen that I ever had in US. The flavor of broth is so good yet won’t be too greasy to enjoy. The atmosphere is really chill and the service is really good. The only thing is that entrance is not that obvious as others, and that makes this Ramen a secret spot! I would definitely go again

  • Review 131 (2023-11-01 - Rating: 4)

    Better come during weekdays before 5:30pm. If not, you have to wait for minimum 1-2 hours. Not good for a large party size as the place is really small. But the music is really great. As I’m just an amateur jazz listener, sometimes I don’t get music played by some jazz artists. But I feel like music played in Tomi Jazz is ‘amateur friendly’, as I enjoy listening to them. We ordered omurice, curry croquette, and avocado pasta. Their food is not amazing, but it’s ok.

  • Review 132 (2022-01-07 - Rating: 5)

    Great drinks, music, cozy setting and large portions of delicious food. The bartender was very nice and attentive when we sat at the bar. You might have to wait a bit to get inside on the weekends though. Well worth the wait!

  • Review 133 (2023-07-17 - Rating: 5)

    Loooonng line at the start (expect around an hr and a half wait if its just at the first building stoop) but wonderful atmosphere, food, and service once you’re inside. Become my and my friends’ spot after work routinely. The wait goes faster if you have buddies and are mentally prepared for it.

  • Review 134 (2023-04-08 - Rating: 5)

    Okay Im starting this off to say YES, there is a wait and there no real indication of how long...It would be nice if they had refreshments or someone to periodically check-in with people waiting but I think that ruins the mystery of whats inside which is a gorgeously intimate jazz bar with incredibly food, fantastic service and light bill!There was nothing too pricey or underwhelming - It all was pretty perfect, I roped two friends into going since they never heard of it and they stuck it out with me for the 1:47 minutes (Yes, I timed it) wait but all in all It was worth every moment and now we all have a great memory to look back on.P.S - Get the Cod Roe Spaghetti, just get it

  • Review 135 (2019-01-05 - Rating: 5)

    Great atmosphere and service. Speakeasy like vibe. Food is great too- had the Japanese curry.

  • Review 136 (2024-05-06 - Rating: 5)

    Love it, nice ume wines. Felt transported.

  • Review 137 (2020-01-09 - Rating: 5)

    Great place! Staff are friendly, food is good and the drinks are from an exotic land (Japan). Just make sure to ask the price before ordering a fancy Japanese whiskey drink. They will tell you the price is not too much then you are paying thirty dollars ($30.00) for each drink. 👎 Fortunately, they appear to be gay friendly. 👍🇯🇵

  • Review 138 (2022-12-13 - Rating: 5)

    Definitely want to go early to make sure you get in; the line was about 4 parties long but we came around 10:30pm and were in line for about 20 minutes on a really rainy Monday. Staff were all lovely; I would definitely recommend this spot to my friends and visit again :)vibes 5/5- live jazz was great; they stop playing in the last hour though, so keep this in mind if youre here only for the jazzdrinks 5/5food 5/5- fried oysters (5/5)- creamy udon with fish roe (5/5)- seafood spaghetti (too salty, nothing to write home about 3/5)- Crab Cream Croquette (5/5)

  • Review 139 (2023-11-19 - Rating: 5)

    Worth the wait, and then some. Incredible. Fantastic food, fantastic drinks, fantastic staff (one of those places where everyone on staff just happens to be GORGEOUS). This place is just the best!!

  • Review 140 (2023-10-12 - Rating: 5)

    Place with soul;Must see, must taste; must everythingWorth to wait (around 40’) but you will be completely amazed charmed / and I promise that you shall return ;)

  • Review 141 (2024-11-24 - Rating: 5)

    Took my brother for his Birthday here and we had a great time! We came early on Saturday around 4pm , they opened the doors around 5:15 and we were able to catch a seat at the bar. We got so lucky to have Ryo as our bartender , the drinks were delicious and meticulously crafted, the food was delicious, and they had so many options. Ryo gave me the best Sake recommendation , so smooth! Thank you, to the waiters and the servers for the attention and service, they had the band play the birthday song ! Needless to say , my brother had a great birthday and we will be returning . 10/10 !

  • Review 142 (2022-06-14 - Rating: 5)

    Wonderful place for yummy Japanese food and live jazz. We went around 5:30pm and got a table for 5 before 6pm. The place is a bit small, but definitely worth a try. Lots of vegetarian options and would definitely go back!

  • Review 143 (2023-11-26 - Rating: 5)

    Tomi Jazz at E 53rd St features some staple and popular Japanese dishes in a jazz bar setting. The drinks are not watered down at all. The live music is also very decent. There arent many opportunities to listen to live jazz and this location offers that. A tiny, underground setting really helps with the ambience. I would heavily recommend this place. The only downside is the wait time, but its NYC; everyone is late.

  • Review 144 (2022-04-27 - Rating: 5)

    It’s everything you would want in a New York speakeasy. Food is fantastic, they have a handful of vegan and veggie options which was unexpected but appreciated. Jazz music was awesome, staff were authentically Japanese and super friendly. Atmosphere is like a soft jazz night time dream - you feel like you stepped into a different world. There is a long wait so you MUST be on time. Otherwise, expect to wait upwards of 45mins. Worth it though. Can’t wait to come here again. Nothing short of amazing!

  • Review 145 (2023-01-01 - Rating: 5)

    Yes there is a line... Yes it may be a 1-2-3 hour wait. But let me tell you it is worth it! The Jazz band was amazing. The cocktails rival any cocktail bar in NYC and the Apps are where its at! And especially dont forget dessert..the honey toast is mind blowing!

  • Review 146 (2023-02-09 - Rating: 4)

    We arrived at 4:30pm and get seated at 5:15pm which is considered quick seeing the line after us. The bar was super cozy aka small which could fit like 30-40 ppl max. Anyway, they have outstanding food, reasonable price and attentive staffs. Yet, I expected more from the Jazz trio given no one was playing saxophone or piano. Just drum, double bass and guitar - perhaps it’s Sunday. Overall experience was great but probably won’t wait 2 hrs just for this.

  • Review 147 (2024-08-04 - Rating: 5)

    Very very cool place would definitely recommend to hang out here and definitely try this sake

  • Review 148 (2023-05-29 - Rating: 4)

    You may think “surely the wait won’t be two hours, I’ve come at a great time.”’ But it will. It will be two hours. However, I’m thrilled to say that the cocktails and food are the best I’ve had in a LONG time. (Shout out the the zen matcha cocktail and cod roe spaghetti.) I’d go back again with a portable stool.

  • Review 149 (2024-04-10 - Rating: 5)

    What a fantastic time at Tomi! Warm, sexy atmosphere, incredible jazz, delicious food and drinks. Worth the line. Can’t wait to go again.

  • Review 150 (2019-11-01 - Rating: 5)

    Great place. This is a Japanese jazz club very much under the radar, one of the best keep secrets of the busy and vibrant midtown Manhattan. Sometimes there is long wait to enter but is never crowded inside because they really care about the customer experience, once you get in, you will have a great experience. They have a happy hour and the drinks are really good. They always have great jazz bands too. The doorman and waiters are incredibly kind and accommodating. This place is out of a Murakami novel, pretty much worth it.

  • Review 151 (2024-10-04 - Rating: 5)

    I was looking for a chill Jazz place to celebrate our Friday evening. After not having been here for almost a year, I decided to make another visit to Tomi Jazz. It took us 90 minutes to be seated, which was typical for this place. Excellent food and cocktail with lovely vibes and great service as always.

  • Review 152 (2023-03-09 - Rating: 5)

    Cozy Japanese Jazz speakeasy with a vast selection of drinks and interesting entrees that—along with the live music—lead to a great early evening night. *Pro-tip there’s always a line so make sure to go a bit before it opens. $12 a drink. 5/5 stars as an evening bar.

  • Review 153 (2024-07-16 - Rating: 5)

    Perfect place for a drink with a friend or date.

  • Review 154 (2024-08-20 - Rating: 5)

    Great vibes and they have a separate vegan menu.

  • Review 155 (2023-09-21 - Rating: 4)

    Foods very simple but good, atmosphere is great! I wouldnt recommend queuing too long for it though, we started just past the second line marker and it took over 2h.

  • Review 156 (2021-06-13 - Rating: 4)

    Cute place. Im not a New Yorker so cant share much about the location and parking as I walked there from my hotel. Reminded the bars that I hang out when I was in college. Live music was performed by young talents and it was flawless, smooth jazz. If you are looking for more seasoned musicians make sure to call or check their web site (which needs a huge lift and shift by the way) before you head there. Didnt dine so no idea about their food. Our cocktails and service were good.

  • Review 157 (2024-03-12 - Rating: 4)

    The live music starts at 6. The vibes is cool and the food is good. There is always a wait because it’s a small intimate space but they are pretty organized. Will definitely be back to try the desserts and I hope the band is better. The night we went the band was just OK. Definitely worth a visit tho

  • Review 158 (2023-04-30 - Rating: 5)

    Such a satisfying treat to come here at the end of a long week. The omurice and hayashi rice were comforting and tasty, and the music was amazing. We were initially sat in a corner but were moved to the bar at the end. Really the cherry on top to be able to be in the middle of the music.Extra info:The wait was estimated to be 1.5 hours but we got in within 45 minutes. Since it was a Sunday, we needed to pay $10 extra cover for music. Overall thought the food and vibe were reasonably priced especially for NYC.

  • Review 159 (2024-09-10 - Rating: 5)

    This is one of my fave places to go to in NYC, I’ve taken all my friends who are visiting here. It’s just such a great vibe, the music is fantastic, the service is amazing. Truly lives up to the hype - the line ups are super long though, so be ready to wait or get there super early

  • Review 160 (2022-08-14 - Rating: 5)

    Came for the jazz music and was not disappointed. Come early if you want to avoid waiting in line, when we left there were at least 6 people waiting outside. The ambience was incredible, and it’s the perfect place to just nibble and chat with friends.Prices are reasonable for what it is, and the menu items are very interesting. The fried Brie was awesome, very melty. The avocado spaghetti was a very interesting fusion, like a California roll and spaghetti mixed together.I’ve heard they don’t pay their musicians so be sure to tip them!

  • Review 161 (2023-12-01 - Rating: 5)

    Visited on Saturday night and the wait was very long (1 hr+) and had few beers from nearby deli while waiting. Very small place but they manage the crowds fairly well. Cocktails are generally good and the price is reasonable. Ordered few small plates and were tasty except the fried chicken wing. Try to sit with the view of the piano. Will likely go back if there are few people in the line, otherwise it will be 1+ hours wait.

  • Review 162 (2023-12-31 - Rating: 5)

    What an amazing speakeasy bar to step into. Happened to find it as one of the few spots still open and wow did it deliver, even at 1 am. Vibe is INCREDIBLE, and drink selection is an informative list of Japanese whiskey. Come in if you’re a huge fan of discovering new spirits.

  • Review 163 (2022-06-24 - Rating: 5)

    Great food for a jazz bar and very nice vibes

  • Review 164 (2024-03-20 - Rating: 5)

    Worth the wait, super cute warm place💕 The food and drinks were amazing, and of course live jazz bands were 👌🏻👌🏻

  • Review 165 (2023-08-10 - Rating: 4)

    Me and a friend visited Tomi on a Saturday night and got in line around 6:15 we waited in line for around 40 minutes for a table- so definitely go earlier if you can. The atmosphere was amazing the music and the decor made the small space super charming— however it does get a bit loud. I ordered the vegetarian yaki udon which was pretty good and my friend got the cod egg spagetti and really enjoyed it. We were happily surprised that the serving sizes are pretty generous. I would definitely recommend Tomi for small groups going out for a weekday dinner!

  • Review 166 (2019-04-29 - Rating: 5)

    Second time here and it did not disappoint! I come for the whiskey, but the cocktails are good too. I highly recommend for tourist and locals alike. When you go, be sure to make a reservation or be ready to spend some time outside. The food here is splendid and the menu is unusually diverse (from dumplings, to fried chicken, to pasta). Then there is the music. Super cool vibe and very talented musicians.

  • Review 167 (2023-09-30 - Rating: 5)

    I love coming here. The ambience is so lovely, especially when they have live music! I always get myself a plum wine whenever I’m here. Reasonable prices for good Japanese comfort food. Service is very friendly, a must visit when in NYC! I am a recurring customer :)

  • Review 168 (2023-09-19 - Rating: 5)

    Amazing hidden gem! Had an amazing time at Tomi Jazz listening to some music and eating delcicious bites. My favorite were the omelette and the croquetes; would nor have the mozzarella with prosciutto again because it didnt stand out as much. The service was impecable and the singer was lovely. The vibes were great. Overall I thought it was pretty affordable for the high quality. Came in around 5:30 and waited for 40 min to be seated (and ir was raining so I think ir was less busy than usual). Recommend coming in early and on a weekday. Will be coming again!

  • Review 169 (2022-11-30 - Rating: 5)

    Amazing place with very nice acoustics to listen to jazz and have a nice time with friends. Food was great, authentic Japanese food. Will definitely recommend going. Come early so you don’t have to stand in line.

  • Review 170 (2024-01-26 - Rating: 5)

    Got there at 5:07 on a Tuesday. 10 people in line. In by 5:30.Music is great.Drinks are mid.