Well since you invited me, I suppose I should post. :)
Nice to meet you btw, my name is Ken. I go out to eat a LOT here in New York, to all sorts of restaurants. It's hard to pick really good ones cause there are so many! I used to love this little Malaysian restaurant in Chinatown but it has since gone out of business. (;_;)
For Japanese food, though, the best area is down by St. Mark's Place. There is a little izakaya on the 2nd floor of a building down near 8th street. I cannot remember the name exactly but it's a great place for a cheap good time.
>There is a little izakaya on the 2nd floor of a building down near 8th street.
Are you talking about Yokocho? it is on the 2nd fl. between Panya and St Marks Book Store?
I went to Thampa the other side of Panya on 9th St. It is owned by my friend's nephew. It is very romantic and delicious Tibetan Restaurant.
One of my favorite Japanese restaurants is Jewel Bako on 5th Street in East Village. Their service is almost artistic and the humourous owner is very entertaining. He came to our table and explained each amazing ceramic they use with huge ceramic encyclopedia (spell?) in his hands. Of course their food is so good, bit pricy though.