A Staten Island Izakaya Where Ramen Meets Bubble Tea

Sakai sits on Richmond Avenue on Staten Island, a compact Japanese kitchen that runs ramen and izakaya plates side by side. The curry ramen and kimchi ramen anchor the menu, joined by gyudon rice bowls, katsu buns, and glossy skewers off the grill. Regulars also order the popcorn chicken and the teriyaki chicken bento, and the lychee green tea has a following of its own, alongside brown sugar milk tea and a rotating bubble tea lineup. The room stays laid-back, with fast, friendly service that works for a solo lunch, a low-key date, or a table of friends splitting plates. Hours run Wednesday through Monday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with Sunday winding down at 9:00 PM and Tuesday closed. Come hungry, pace the skewers, and end on something cold and sweet.