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Wabi Nori
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Wabi Nori
8.0
Wabi Nori is a dedicated hand roll bar at Essex where sets of made-to-order temaki come out fast, with premium fillings like bluefin chutoro and miso cod. The space walks the line between sleek and casual, making it an easy stop for both quick dinners and low-key dates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bluefin Chutoro Hand Roll, Miso Cod Hand Roll, Crispy Rice Tuna
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Hand roll–only format that keeps seaweed crisp and fillings premium from first bite to last.
Who should go: Hand roll lovers craving fast, focused temaki sets
When to visit: Peak evenings for bar energy or late lunch for calm
What to order: Bluefin chutoro hand roll, miso cod, crispy rice tuna
Insider tip: Order a multi-roll set first, then add à la carte hand rolls if you’re still hungry.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around Essex Market is limited and highly competitive during evenings; nearby paid garages on Essex and Delancey are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual; most guests lean clean and modern—jeans are fine, but polished tops fit the room’s sleek-but-relaxed vibe.
Noise level: Moderate; you can comfortably talk at the counter, though peak hours bring a steady background buzz.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes for counter seats without a reservation, especially between 6:30–8:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-ins are common and smooth.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate options—cucumber, avocado, and a few cooked veggie combinations, but the format leans heavily fish-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited; seaweed and basic vegetable rolls are the only reliable choices.
Gluten-free options: Possible with modifications—most fillings are naturally gluten-free, but some sauces and crispy toppings are not; alert staff for substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the counter seating feels intimate without being formal, and the fast hand roll pacing keeps the meal engaging without long pauses.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes. The hand roll–only format leads to quick turnover, so bar seats open regularly; arriving slightly early or slightly late around dinner rush increases your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—older kids who eat sushi will be fine, but the bar-style seating and fast pacing aren’t ideal for toddlers or stroller setups.
Best For
Better for: Quick, premium hand rolls with crisp seaweed and polished pacing; ideal if you want high-quality sushi without committing to a full omakase.
Skip if: You want elaborate nigiri, long-format omakase, or a wide menu—this is strictly a hand roll bar with focused offerings.
Wabi Nori
8.5
Wabi Nori focuses almost exclusively on hand rolls, serving set menus and à la carte options at a sleek counter inside Essex Crossing. The format is built for freshly rolled, still-warm nori around high-quality fillings like toro, salmon, and crunchy tempura, making it ideal when you care more about roll texture than big platters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bluefin Toro Hand Roll, Spicy Tuna Hand Roll, Salmon Yuzu Kosho Hand Roll
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A focused hand-roll counter where every roll is built and served seconds apart.
Who should go: Roll purists who obsess over nori crunch and warm rice.
When to visit: Off-peak evenings or late lunch for shorter waits at the bar.
What to order: Toro hand roll, Spicy Tuna hand roll, chef’s set.
Insider tip: Eat each hand roll immediately as served; waiting even a minute flattens the nori and the experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Essex Crossing garage directly below the market offers paid parking; street parking on Broome/Delancey is limited and tight after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; most guests lean stylish given the sleek counter format, but jeans and a nice top are common.
Noise level: Moderate — lively but controlled; conversation at the counter is easy without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes if you walk in; counter seats turn over steadily but peak hours back up.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait or seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few cucumber/avocado and tempura vegetable rolls depending on the day.
Vegan options: Very limited — typically only basic vegetable rolls qualify, and choices rotate.
Gluten-free options: Partially — some hand rolls can be prepared gluten-free, but tempura and sauces may contain gluten; inform staff at ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the counter layout feels intimate without being too formal, and the rapid-fire hand-roll service keeps the experience engaging without long pauses.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — the bar-style seating is built for walk-ins. Arrive slightly off-peak to improve your odds of immediate seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — the counter setup, quick pacing, and premium pricing lean more adult-oriented. Teens comfortable with sushi will be fine, but younger kids may find the format limiting.
Best For
Better for: A hyper-focused hand-roll experience where temperature, texture, and nori crunch outperform broader sushi bars in the neighborhood.
Skip if: You want full sushi platters, sashimi spreads, or a long, sit-down meal with varied courses; this is designed for streamlined hand-roll dining.