Most people know Mimi and Coco from all of the New York City street fairs in which they participate, but did you know they actually have a restaurant?

Located at 92 Rivington Street between Ludlow and Orchard, Mimi and Coco NY is a tiny space with only four tables. The small kitchen is in plain view, making you feel as if you’re hanging out in your friend’s kitchen while she prepares your favorite comfort food, which is what Mimi and Coco do best.

The duo serves their signature teriyaki balls, a Western take on traditional takoyaki, the quintessential Japanese street food made of grilled octopus stuffed in seasoned dough. Using the same principles of making takoyaki, Mimi and Coco fill their teriyaki balls with country sausage, shrimp, and organic potato instead of octopus. The sauce and toppings also appeal to the Western palate: Sliced almonds, crunchy tempura flakes, teriyaki sauce, and a light mayo. The finished product looks just like the genuine article without the fishy taste that may turn some people away.


Luckily for us, Mimi and Coco also serve traditional takoyaki at their restaurant, as well as katsu don and even three styles of ramen.


The Tokyo Syo-yu ramen is surprisingly tasty for a place that isn’t a ramen specialty shop. The broth has a nice trace of black pepper, filled with curly ramen noodles. The char siu is thick and flavorful; you can tell just by looking at it that it wasn’t previously frozen. Add a bubble tea to the mix, and you can have a filling meal of your favorite Japanese comfort foods with friendly customer service.


