Uzuki

Sandwiched between a shuttered bar and a design studio, Uzuki occupies the cozy mid-section of a warehouse in Greenpoint’s Japanese microneighborhood (also home to Acre and Dashi Okume). Here, you might sit next to someone who staged at Noma and can describe their fermentation projects in microscopic detail. In other words, it’s catnip for food nerds—specifically noodleheads, who’ll enjoy Uzuki’s focus on pure buckwheat soba noodles. 

photo credit: Sonal Shah

The attention to detail (all the ceramic serving ware is made by the chef) doesn’t always extend to the service, so sit at the counter for a more hospitable solo dinner or date. The menu’s splashier soba bowls include one that's topped with a boatload of sashimi ($72)—it's nice, but unless you really need a pricey pile of raw fish without the ceremony of omakase, stick to the more affordable options.