Ninja New York
The name explains it all. With a 15th century, feudal-Japan theme, it's a restaurant where the servers are sword-equipped ninjas and the host jumps from the ceiling to greet customers. It draws on a rich cultural history and time-honored traditions, but it also knows how to entertain its patrons and serve up some inventive dishes. You can eat in the Ninja Village, which has individual private dining rooms, or the Rock Garden area, which can seat a party of up to 32. There are very filling three- to five-course prix fixe meals priced between $40 and $90. Look for the creative "Ninja Art" dishes that include flaming clams, an edible bonsai tree and the Batto Jutsu, a grapefruit and crab salad that features a sword, dry ice and a smoke cloud.
Ninja New York
25 Hudson St.
New York, NY 10013
212-274-8500
ninjanewyork.com
Lucky Cheng's
Featuring flaming bowls of boozy punch, men dressed in 6-inch heels and fluorescent makeup, and some outrageous stage performances, Lucky Cheng's describes itself as "drag queen cabaret dinner theater." The show keeps people coming back, so be prepared for some outrageous routines that often involve pulling customers from their tables to be part of the entertainment. The food is Asian-fusion cuisine. If you want to see the show (and you do), reserve a table before you go. The menu is prix fixe starting at $32, and the drinks are quite large and meant for sharing. Bring a group and expect a memorable night.
Lucky Cheng's
24 First Ave.
New York, NY 10003
212-995-5500
planetluckychengs.com/
Kyo Ya
Hidden underneath an East Village brownstone and marked by a nondescript "Open" sign hanging from a wrought iron gate is the Japanese speakeasy Kyo Ya. Besides keeping itself a secret, Kyo Ya is adept at creating some of the best authentic Japanese cuisine in the city. Depending on the season, the menu may have fugu, the notorious blowfish that gets meticulously prepared by a licensed chef to remove the deadly natural poisons inside. You're probably familiar with sushi, but Japan has a lot more to offer than just raw fish wrapped in rice and seaweed. Try the kakuni (slow-cooked porkbelly) and the black cod (seasoned with a miso glaze). If you really want a complete experience, try the 10-course meal, but call at least two days in advance, because many of the ingredients are ordered directly from Japan.
Kyo Ya
94 E. Seventh St.
New York, NY 10009
212-982-4140
