Behind the Scenes | Owner Series

Behind the Scenes | Owner Series

Otani: Bringing High-Quality Sushi and Ramen to New York at a Price That Keeps Customers Coming Back

Craving top-quality sushi and ramen in New York? Otani delivers fresh, high-end sushi and flavorful ramen at unbeatable prices. Don’t miss the $58 Omakase Sushi Combo—a steal for premium sushi lovers! 🍣🍜

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Hannah Habiger

Hannah Habiger

10 de febrero de 2025

10 de febrero de 2025

Meet

Nick Zheng

,

Owner

of

Otani

What dish got you on the map?

The Omakase Sushi Combo—a premium selection of sushi that’s both high-quality and affordable.

What's one thing on your menu that you think everyone should try?

Our Tonkotsu Ramen

🍣

Sushi

📍

New York, NY

Meet

Nick Zheng

,

Owner

of

Otani

What dish got you on the map?

The Omakase Sushi Combo—a premium selection of sushi that’s both high-quality and affordable.

What's one thing on your menu that you think everyone should try?

Our Tonkotsu Ramen

🍣

Sushi

📍

New York, NY

Meet

Nick Zheng

,

Owner

of

Otani

What dish got you on the map?

The Omakase Sushi Combo—a premium selection of sushi that’s both high-quality and affordable.

What's one thing on your menu that you think everyone should try?

Our Tonkotsu Ramen

🍣

Sushi

📍

New York, NY

At Otani, the experience begins before you even take your first bite. Step through the entrance, and you’re greeted by vibrant neon lights and a glowing, oversized moon, setting the stage for a dining experience that’s as exciting as it is delicious. Once inside, the real stars of the show take center stage—high-quality sushi and steaming bowls of ramen that have already made Otani a standout in New York’s Japanese food scene.

For owner Nick Zheng, opening Otani wasn’t just about serving sushi and ramen—it was about making high-quality Japanese cuisine accessible without the high-end price tag. With a deep appreciation for food but a background outside the kitchen, Zheng saw an opportunity to invest in the restaurant business and bring something fresh to New York’s dining scene.

“I always love different kinds of cuisine, trying food from different countries,” he shares. “I don’t cook, but I wanted to invest in the restaurant business. If you love food and can also make money, that’s good, right?”

Sushi That Stands Out

At Otani, sushi is s an art form, centered around freshness and quality. The restaurant sources its fish from multiple suppliers, handpicking the best from each one to ensure that only premium ingredients make it onto the plate.

“The most important thing with sushi is keeping the fish fresh,” Zheng explains. “We use high-end quality fish—it’s not average.” This dedication is what makes the Omakase Sushi Combo one of the restaurant’s standout offerings. Priced at just $58, it delivers an authentic, chef-selected sushi experience that would typically cost at least $80 elsewhere.

Customers have quickly taken notice. Whether indulging in an assortment of sashimi or trying Otani’s signature specialty rolls, diners rave about the balance of flavors, the melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the undeniable freshness of the fish.

Ramen Done Right

On the kitchen side, Otani brings comforting, flavor-packed ramen to the table. Each bowl is crafted with care, featuring rich broths, perfectly cooked noodles, and a balance of toppings that make every bite satisfying.

While Zheng didn’t name a single favorite, ramen remains one of Otani’s most popular offerings, drawing in customers looking for a bowl of warmth and umami-rich depth. Whether you prefer a classic tonkotsu, a miso-based broth, or a spicy kick, each bowl reflects the same dedication to quality ingredients and traditional Japanese flavors.

High-Quality Food at an Unbeatable Price

One of Otani’s core philosophies is making top-tier Japanese cuisine more accessible. “Compared to the same kind of food, same amount of food, our prices are always less,” Zheng says. “We want to make customers happy.”

Balancing affordability with quality isn’t easy, especially with fluctuating food costs. “Sometimes beef prices go up, sometimes eggs. We have to adjust, sometimes sourcing from different suppliers or changing the menu slightly,” Zheng explains.

Yet, despite these challenges, Otani remains committed to its high standards and reasonable pricing, which has earned it a loyal following in just a few short months.

Stop by Otani for an unforgettable meal—and don’t forget to try the Omakase Sushi Combo for a premium sushi experience at an unbeatable price!

© 2024 Not Just Snacks, Inc.

© 2024 Not Just Snacks, Inc.

© 2024 Not Just Snacks, Inc.