29 Visits Later: Why The Loop Market is a Must-Try

Before diving into this review, I should confess: I am utterly and unapologetically obsessed with Japanese food. Cooking it, studying it, eating it—I adore every aspect. When I was touring colleges, I nearly chose one because it had a Japanese market on its Main street. Naturally, one of the first things I did after getting into Yale was search for “Japanese market New Haven” on Google Maps. Enter: The Loop by Hachiroku. I immediately added it to my must-try list, and let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint.

The Loop is part market, part dining destination, and entirely magical. The space is thoughtfully divided into two areas: a dining side with picnic tables, a bar, and an outdoor seating area, and a market side that is a treasure trove for Japanese food lovers. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by rows of colorful Japanese candies and snacks, a refrigerated section with fresh produce and seafood (they have otoro and uni), shelves stocked with an impressive variety of ramen, sauces, condiments, and frozen goodies like mochi and dumplings.

But it’s the prepared food section that steals the show. Daily offerings include cut rolls, nigiri, chirashi bowls, bento boxes, Japanese egg sandos, katsu sandos, and a rotating selection of sides. They even make fresh ramen daily. But the crown jewel, in my opinion, is their onigiris.

Onigiri: Small, Simple, Perfect

Onigiri has a special place in my heart. To me, it’s the perfect snack or light meal—compact, satisfying, and packed with umami. The Loop takes onigiri to the next level with an extensive variety of flavors: classic tuna-mayo, fried chicken with spicy mayo, yakiniku wagyu beef, and vegan options like mushrooms or Japanese plums. While I personally prefer traditional white rice, their unique purple rice adds a nutty twist to the classic.

At $3.50 each, these little triangles are an affordable, healthy snack perfect for eating on the go or stuffing in your bag for later. I recommend going with a friend (preferably someone who knows how to unwrap onigiri without tearing the seaweed!) and sampling as many flavors as you can.

Prepared Foods Worth the Splurge

If you’re a fan of raw fish, the chirashi bowl is a must-try. Featuring an assortment of sashimi over perfectly seasoned rice with a yuzu ponzu sauce, it’s a steal at $16 for the quality. The bento boxes are also tempting, with beautifully arranged portions of protein, rice, and vegetables. While I always gravitate toward sushi, the bentos offer a great alternative for those who prefer cooked dishes.

Snacks, Drinks, and Sweet Treats

For fans of Japanese convenience store TikTok, The Loop doesn’t disappoint. From iconic candies and instant ramen to rare ice creams and canned coffees, they stock the essentials and beyond. Despite its size, the market consistently surprises me with trendy and hard-to-find items.

Their drink bar is another highlight. Whether you’re craving an authentic matcha latte, a hojicha latte, or a classic coffee, this spot delivers. At around $5 a cup, it’s a delicious and affordable pick-me-up—perfect for sipping at one of the picnic tables while studying to Japanese pop music in the background.

Dining at The Loop

Beyond the market, The Loop transforms into a restaurant Thursday through Sunday evenings. The menu features higher-end Japanese cuisine with beautifully plated dishes priced between $18 and $45, optionally complemented by carefully selected wines. While I haven’t yet dined there, it’s at the top of my list, and I’m already scouting friends to join me for a meal.

Pro Tips and Final Thoughts

If you still need one more reason to visit, here it is: after 6 pm, all prepared food is 20% off. Every. Single. Day. Whether you’re picking up dinner or grabbing snacks for later, this deal makes The Loop even more irresistible.

Since arriving at Yale, I’ve visited The Loop 29 times (and counting). It’s my happy place—a slice of Japanese food heaven right here in New Haven. Trust me, you’ll fall in love, too. I’ll see you there!