18 Postcards
Tucked away in Williamsburg, this cozy 12-seat haven serves exquisite Japanese breakfasts by day and fresh, seafood-focused ramen by night.
"Okonomi has takeout and delivery available from 10:30am to 7pm every day, including things like mazemen ramen and a $19 breakfast bento box. So, instead of your sad attempt at an omelette, you can wake up with a miso marinated king mackerel breakfast bowl. Check out their menu here, and place your order online." - hannah albertine
"Tiny little Okonomi is driven by the Japanese philosophies of chi san chi sho (locally grown, locally consumed) and mottainai (no waste). The 12-seat restaurant feels like one of the millions of cramped Japanese cafes that can fit just a handful of humans. During the day, until 3 p.m., stop in for a daily-changing $20 to $35 set menu (no tipping here) that mirrors a style of breakfast common throughout Japan: rice, miso soup, a slice of roasted fish, and various veggies. During the evening, Yuji Ramen takes over with an a la carte menu dedicated to seafood ramens and mazemens (no-broth ramen). Coming back to the no-waste philosophy, the restaurant takes the bones from the fish it serves in the morning and cooks them all day for ramen that night." - Kat Odell
"At Okonomi, there's only one thing on the menu: a traditional Japanese set breakfast that consists of a bowl of rice, miso soup, a piece of fish, and a few small sides—with optional add-ons like uni and ikura. The food is simple and delicious, and, since the restaurant only fits 12 customers at a time, the experience feels special and communal. If you've never been here, make a reservation. Okonomi is slowly becoming an NYC classic, and it's a nice change of pace from your typical brunch spot." - bryan kim, carina finn koeppicus, will hartman
"If you’re currently in a fight with New York City and would like a quiet break from the crowded subway platforms and tourists who think it’s OK to not jaywalk, head to Okonomi. This Williamsburg restaurant has been around since 2014, and there’s still nothing else like it. The 12-seat space, with its open kitchen and piles of handmade ceramics, feels homey and serene, and the Japanese set breakfast (the only thing on the menu) is simple and perfect. It comes with a piece of roasted fish, a bowl of rice, miso soup, a few pickled vegetables, and a sweet, creamy cube of omelet. Add uni if you’re feeling fancy, and be sure to make a reservation." - carina finn koeppicus, bryan kim, kenny yang
"This Japanese spot has bento rice bowls topped with things bacon, egg, and spicy tuna available for delivery and takeout right now - you can order online from 11am to 7pm daily." - hannah albertine, nikko duren, bryan kim, arden shore, matt tervooren