Yes, the restaurant is called Bugs. But don't be alarmed. In fact, be excited. Why? Because it's a absolute gem of a Japanese joint in the East Village that you will love. The chef, Sho Boo, will serve you some fabulous Japanese fare in her tiny 15-seat space, that is cute as can be. I opted for a $60 tasting menu a few weeks ago and enjoyed every moment of it.

A nicely salted edamame was perfect.

A chilled tomato and tofu soup was refreshing and wonderful.

Mushroom salad with a wasabi herb dressing was delicious.

Sashimi was fabulous.

Local grilled snapper with torched sea urchin sauce was splendid.

Berkshire Pork Belly slowly simmered in soy-sauce, sake & dashi with gobo chips, shishito pepper & mashed potato was absolutely terrific.

The sushi at Bugs happens to be quite fabulous too. Fresh, unique, and ingenious. Tuna with a yuzu/ginger sauce, Yellowtail with burdock balsamic, Scallop with yuzu rock salt, Fluke with a plum tofu sauce, and Toro with yuzu pepper. Raw fish perfection!

Chef Sho Boo is cute, petite, and terrific, just like her restaurant. As she told the Local East Village NY Times, "Bugs tend to gather, especially around a bright light and this restaurant is the bright light that everyone would gather around." Lets all gather around soon.

Bugs
504 E. 12th St. (bet a and b)
New York, NY 10009

646-918-7985