Kasadela - Japanese Small Plates

On 11th Street, near the corner of Ave C., is Kasadela, a neighborhood Japanese that does not disappoint. With its subtle entrance and simple sign, its easy to walk right by.  Once inside though, you see why there is always a steady crowd.  The waiting area is centered around a small sake bar, and the dining area is made up of around twenty tables in a warm and homey brick lined room with a glass front looking out onto 11th street.

The food follows the comfortable feel of the restaurant and is comprised of Japanese home cooking meant to be shared as small plates.  Dishes range from bite sized portions of tofu, tar-tar, and salads to larger portions of fried dishes such as potato croquettes and tempura, to donburi's (meat or fish over rice), and grilled meats and fish.  My favorite dish, and the perfect combination with a nice cold beer, is the Tebasaki which are sweet and crispy grilled chicken wings.   In addition to the extensive regular menu, there is a printed special menu as well as additional specials on several chalkboards. With the wide selection of dishes, it can be difficult to judge what to order all at once, so if you have time, take the meal slowly and order one course at a time.  The restaurant encourages this and usually will leave the menu with you even if you don't ask. 

No Japanese izakaya can be complete without an extensive sake selection, and Kasadela definitely delivers on this as well.   I've yet to master selecting sakes, but the few times I went, the friendly staff was able to steer us to a good sake to match the food.

What makes it good:

- Tasty Japanese home cooking

- Comfortable and casual atmosphere

Know before you go:

- Its not a huge restaraunt and the portions are small to share, so its best to go in a small group

- For two people -  1 salad, 2 small appetizers, and 2 larger dishes (chicken wings and unagi) was more than enough food

Recommended dishes:

- Tebasaki (the best chicken wings) 

- Buta Kimchee (daily special)

- Snow crab and arugula salad (daily special)

- Miso Cod

- Potato Croquette

Kasadela 647 East 11th Street, (At Ave C), New York, NY 10009  212-777-1582