Our Story
About Us
昭和の心 — The Heart of Showa
昭和の心 — The Heart of Showa
The Showa era (1926–1989) was Japan's golden age of neighborhood izakayas — warm, unpretentious gathering places where the day's weariness dissolved in laughter, shared plates, and the gentle clink of sake cups. It was a time when food was made with soul, not just skill.
Showa Era Izakaya was born from a longing to recreate that feeling in New York City. In the heart of Hell's Kitchen, we've built a space that honors the traditions of those legendary Japanese neighborhood taverns while embracing the energy and diversity of Manhattan.
Every detail — from the warm wood interiors to the hand-lettered menu boards, from the carefully selected ceramics to the glow of paper lanterns — has been chosen to transport you across time and ocean to the izakayas of old Tokyo.
Like Jiro Ono's relentless pursuit of the perfect piece of sushi, our kitchen operates with a simple creed: respect the ingredient, honor the craft, serve with sincerity.
Our fish is sourced daily from the finest markets — each piece inspected, selected, and prepared by hands trained in the traditional Japanese way. Our ramen broth simmers for 18 hours. Our rice is seasoned to a precise balance of vinegar, salt, and sweetness that has taken years to perfect.
But technique alone doesn't make an izakaya. It's the warmth. The welcome. The feeling that you've found your place. Like the izakayas in Midnight Diner, we believe food tastes best when shared with good company and genuine care.
Every dish is a product of disciplined technique and artistic sensibility. We don't take shortcuts — from the 18-hour broth to the hand-pressed nigiri, excellence is in every detail.
We honor Japanese culinary tradition without compromise. Our flavors, techniques, and ingredients stay true to their origins — recognized and appreciated by Japanese diners and NYC locals alike.
An izakaya is more than a restaurant — it's a gathering place, a refuge from the city's pace. We welcome every guest as family, creating a space where conversation flows as freely as the sake.
Step inside and leave Manhattan behind. Our space is a love letter to the Showa era — warm cedar, soft lantern glow, and the kind of atmosphere that makes hours feel like minutes.
