I had read in emd's trip report about Ninja Akasaka restaurant in Tokyo (we are planning a trip to Tokyo/Kyoto). Emd also mentioned that there is a Ninja restaurant in New York City. Since we live outside of NYC, we thought it would be a fun outing and would give us a flavor of the Japanese culture we'd be seeing on our trip.

It was a fun and enjoyable evening. Unlike most theme restaurants which are more burger and steak joints, Ninja New York serves upscale Japanese cuisine (with the prices to match!). They have tasting menus with several courses for $50 (special winter menu), $70 and $100. We also tried the sake tasting of 4 varieties for $20. And we had to have the desserts - a cool banzai tree and a white cheesecake frog on a brownie lily pad.

There was a lot of showmanship involved. A masked ninja led us on a winding pathway to our private table, enclosed in a screened room. The very nice ninja waitress set a couple of items on fire, made meteorite soup by adding an 800 degree rock to pork and spinach and clam broth to cook the soup, showed us how to cook shabu shabu (beef fondue) and explained each course and gave us some of the background behind the food. A magician came by afterwards to do a few tricks.

Thanks emd! It was a wonderful experience for our 11 and 12 (almost 13) year old boys. We are ready for Japan now!

Wow, I never thought someone would actually go to the one in NYC based on my posting. It sounds somewhat like the one in Tokyo, but better actually with more showmanship. Yes, it is pricey isn't it. My son and I ate so cheaply for the rest of our meals (mostly due to having big breakfast included at our hotels, and my son's obsession w/Japanese udon and soup shops) that is was ok for a one time splurg for us. I am sure your boys are psyched now. Of course, Japan is not like Ninja Asakusa, but there is a lot of fun history and culture (and pop culture) at every turn and they should be excited about that.

Thanks for your review. I had the bonsai tree dessert too. I may have to go to the NYC one (the next time I am there on a business expense account!)

we got to know of Bandai Museum because of emd. so, thank you emd! we are going there late March & your trip report are so informative & enjoyable to read...

That makes me feel like doing another trip report after my upcoming trip. Thanks for the feedback. BTW, be sure you take note of the days that Bandai is closed mid-week. It is noted in the trip report, but if it was me I'd call or have your hotel call to make sure the days theey are open/closed....

See ... people really do read trip reports and take your suggestions to heart! Thanks again, emd.

My 14 year old son, his friend (also 14) and I took a day trip to NYC from Philadelphia. We saw a blurb about Ninja New York on an internet sight for teens and thought it sounded like fun. The best part was the entrance, walking through darkened passageways, led by the ninja/host and not knowing what to expect. It was all down hill from there as we sat in our small darkened room waiting for something to happen. It was rather a let down when we found out that the table-side magic that was advertised consisted of some lame disappearing foam ball and card shuffling tricks. Our "meals" from the a la carte menu consisted of marinated chicken on skewers at 14 bucks each for the boys and six blackened balls of pork at 22 dollars for me. The plates arrived with only the meat dishes, no garnishes, rice, vegetables etc. I understand what a la carte means, but for 22 dollars I'd hoped for at least a meal. I had one cocktail, the boys had two sodas each and we all had dessert...our bill came to an eye-popping $125.00!!! Since we had a bus to catch, I didn't scrutinize it very closely, but I feel like I got ripped off. Even if the charges were correct, the "experience" definitely was not worth the price. The food was so-so and not kid friendly enough for a place that must have a large family draw. It is nice to not have the usual burgers and chicken finger fare, but some standard dishes including rice and vegetables would be more satisfying.