ZipPicks Awards
Best Japanese in Midtown East
Best Late Night Restaurants in Midtown East
Master Critic Review
Tomi Jazz
8.7
Speakeasy-style Tomi Jazz packs live jazz, Japanese bar food, and serious drinks into a low-ceilinged basement just off Second Avenue. Plates like cod roe spaghetti, omurice, and fried croquettes come out of a tiny kitchen while trios play to a room of tightly packed two-tops and counter seats.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cod Roe Spaghetti, Omurice, Honey Toast
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: A snug jazz club where serious Japanese comfort food meets live nightly sets.
Who should go: Jazz lovers and couples chasing an atmospheric late-night hang
When to visit: Weeknights after 9pm for peak music and manageable waits
What to order: Cod roe spaghetti, omurice, and honey toast for dessert
Insider tip: Arrive early, put your name down, then grab a nearby drink while you wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce in Midtown East, especially after 6pm; expect to use nearby paid garages within a 2–3 block radius.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most guests lean slightly dressy for the jazz-club atmosphere.
Noise level: Loud during live sets — conversation is possible but requires leaning in.
Weekend wait: 60–90 minutes for walk-ins; the room is tiny and fills early.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — Tomi Jazz opens late afternoon with dinner service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options (e.g., omurice variations, salads, honey toast), but the menu skews seafood-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited — most dishes include butter, eggs, or dashi.
Gluten-free options: Limited — several dishes contain soy sauce or breading; staff can guide you but there’s no GF-specific prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dim lighting, tiny tables, and live jazz make it intimate and memorable. Just be aware the room gets loud during sets.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, but expect a wait. Put your name down early and they’ll text you when a spot opens; most nights see steady queues.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children — it’s a dark, cramped basement with late-night crowds. Teens who enjoy live music may fit in.
Best For
Better for: Atmospheric late-night dates, live jazz in a speakeasy setting, and Japanese comfort dishes that outperform typical bar food.
Skip if: You need quiet conversation, spacious seating, or robust vegan/gluten-free options — other Japanese spots nearby are better suited.