(212) 387-8885
115 E 18th St (between Irving Pl and Park Ave S)

Butai is a Japanese Robata restaurant. In Japanese, the word "robata" means "cooking by the fireside," and refers to the centuries-old country style cooking of Northern Japanese fishermen. Appetizer-size portions allow you to try a variety of authentic dishes. You won't go wrong with the Zensai, a collection of pastrami-like duck, peppered tuna, and earthy-sweet Japanese yam. Also commendable is Buta-Bara Ponzu, pork belly skewered and grilled. Ask the staff for their recommendations to help you narrow down the myriad of choices.