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Part Japanese, Part Vietnamese, All Delicious: An’nam

There’s a reason that Vietnamese and Japanese cuisine are so popular with New Yorkers. Both traditions feature a harmony of flavors and classic preparations that have stood the test of time. To find two great cuisines under one roof, head to An’nam, a new oasis in the heart of the Theatre District and Times Square.

an'nam vietnamese japanese nyc

The neighborhood doesn’t boast too many spots that are friendly, low-key, affordable, and possessing of ample seating. An’nam is all four and stylish, too, as you can tell from the vibrant array of tiles that greets you on the street. The thoughtful design continues inside, with flattering lighting and attractive paneled walls done in rectangular blocks of warm color. Homey touches balance things out, like the warm wood of the tables, and the captain’s wheel in back that identifies the sushi bar.

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That bar holds a few seats with front row looks at fresh sushi and sashimi. There’s also a creative selection of “fancy rolls,” like the Spider Roll, with tempura-fried soft shell crab, and the Dynamite Roll, with crunchy spicy salmon topped with crab. From the kitchen, favorites like gyoza, shumai, and crispy calamari with sweet mango sauce get things going, followed by teriyakis, udon noodles, and Japan’s answer to KFC: the house’s addictive chicken katsu. An’nam is known for its lunch specials, and bento boxes are a great way to go, served with salad, miso soup, California rolls, rice, and options like salmon or beef teriyaki and grilled Chilean sea bass.

There are great lunch specials on the Vietnamese side as well, some three dozen all told. If you like a little kick, opt for the basil sauce, which adds heat to fresh veggies and a choice of beef, chicken, shrimp, or duck. The kitchen’s versatility shows here, too, with influences that range from China (broad chow fun noodles) to Thailand (pad Thai) to Singapore (rice vermicelli with brightly seasoned yellow curry). Don’t miss out on spring roll appetizers, which put a hearty, meaty filling into crisp golden wrappers. Soups are great, too, including the classic oxtail and noodle pho.

The deals don’t stop after lunch: come by at happy hour for $4 beer, $6 wine, $8 sangrias, and $8 well drinks from the petite full bar up front. Stop in most any time at An’nam: the restaurant is open 11:30am to 11:30pm seven days a week.

an'nam nyc vietnamese

About the Author

Ethan Wolff is the author of numerous guidebooks to New York, having covered the city for more than two decades. He has written for New York Magazine, BlackBook, and Details, among others. In addition to his work as the editor of City Guide, Ethan covers NYC’s talk and lecture scene for the website Thought Gallery. He lives with his wife and two daughters in the Windsor Terrace neighborhood of Brooklyn.

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