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Tsumo Omakase
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Tsumo Omakase
8.3
Tsumo Omakase delivers a casual, timed omakase in a compact Kips Bay room, focusing on high-quality nigiri at accessible price points. Expect an 11–13 course progression of bluefin-focused sushi that feels polished but relaxed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lunch omakase flight, Bluefin tuna nigiri, Toro hand roll
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Accessible, reservation-only omakase that stays relatively affordable.
Who should go: Sushi fans wanting serious omakase without white-tablecloth formality.
When to visit: Early evening seatings for the most relaxed pacing.
What to order: Standard omakase, add premium toro, finish with hand roll.
Insider tip: Weekday daytime seatings are easier to book and slightly calmer.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and metered; nearby garages are the most reliable option in the Kips Bay area.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for omakase.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for conversation, with occasional burst of chef interaction.
Weekend wait: Reservation required; walk-ins are rarely accommodated due to timed seatings.
Weekday lunch: Often no wait with a reservation; limited walk-in availability if a seating cancels.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Not ideal—menu is largely fish-focused with very limited substitutions.
Vegan options: Not recommended—no dedicated vegan omakase experience offered.
Gluten-free options: Mostly accommodating—many nigiri courses are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce and some garnishes contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's intimate without feeling stiff, with guided pacing that gives you something to talk about without overwhelming the vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually no—Tsumo runs on tightly scheduled seatings, so booking ahead is strongly advised.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is best suited for adults due to the quiet setting, pacing, and raw-fish-forward menu.
Best For
Better for: Affordable entry into true omakase with solid fish quality and a relaxed, neighborhood feel.
Skip if: You want luxury theatrics, rare seasonal imports, or a multi-hour fine-dining sushi ceremony.
Tsumo Omakase
8.3
Tsumo Omakase delivers a casual, reservation-only omakase built around accessible pricing and a tight sushi-focused menu. It’s a favorite in Kips Bay for guests who want serious nigiri in a relaxed room that feels more neighborhood than white tablecloth.
Must-Try Dishes:
11–13 course omakase set, Bluefin-focused nigiri flights, Finishing hand roll of the day
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Approachable omakase that keeps price and portions in check.
Who should go: Sushi lovers wanting omakase without full fine-dining formality.
When to visit: Early evening seatings for the most relaxed pacing.
What to order: Standard omakase, toro add-ons, closing hand roll.
Insider tip: Weekday seatings are easier to snag and feel a bit calmer than weekends.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in the evenings; garage parking within 1–2 blocks typically runs $20–$30 for a few hours.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and nice tops are common, but many guests dress slightly elevated for date nights.
Noise level: Low to moderate — quiet enough for full conversation, with gentle dining-room energy.
Weekend wait: Reservation strongly recommended; without one, waits of 45–75 minutes are common if a seat opens.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short 5–15 minute wait with walk-in availability more likely than dinner.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — can accommodate with vegetable-focused small plates and modified courses if requested in advance.
Vegan options: Very limited — possible with advance notice, but not ideal for a full vegan omakase experience.
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes — many nigiri are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce and some marinades contain gluten; staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s intimate, quiet, and focused on the food without feeling stiff, which makes conversation feel natural and unforced.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Occasionally on quieter weeknights, but most seatings are booked in advance — reservations are the safest way to avoid disappointment.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids and teens who enjoy sushi; the omakase format and quiet room aren’t ideal for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Relaxed, neighborhood-feel omakase with strong nigiri quality at a more approachable price point than many Manhattan counters.
Skip if: You want high-drama luxury omakase, heavy wagyu courses, or a party-style sushi atmosphere.
Tsumo Omakase
8.3
Tsumo Omakase is a compact Kips Bay sushi counter offering 11- and 13-course omakase menus where the chef hands each piece across the bar. The room is casual and friendly rather than formal, making it a go-to for guests who want serious fish and a chef’s counter experience without luxury pricing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal nigiri omakase progression, Hand roll finale, Daily toro preparation
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Accessible omakase at a snug chef’s counter in Kips Bay.
Who should go: Sushi fans wanting chef-led omakase without formality
When to visit: Weeknight seatings for relaxed pacing and easier reservations
What to order: 13-course omakase, toro bite, closing hand roll
Insider tip: Sit at the counter and chat with the chef about seasonal fish.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability after 6pm. Nearby paid garages within 1–2 blocks.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but lean slightly polished for dinner.
Noise level: Low to moderate — easy to hold a conversation with the chef and your companion.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, depending on seat availability
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, occasional short stagger between seatings
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Not available — omakase is seafood-focused only
Vegan options: Not supported
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes — chefs can adjust soy-based sauces upon request
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — intimate without being stiff, and the chef interaction naturally breaks the ice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on early weeknights, but reservations are strongly recommended due to limited counter seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults and older teens who enjoy sushi tasting menus; no kids menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Casual-feeling omakase with strong fish quality at a more approachable price than luxury counters.
Skip if: You want a highly theatrical or luxury-styled omakase experience with premium pairings.