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Towa
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Towa
8.5
A reservation-led, technique-forward Japanese room where the sushi reads best as a focused omakase experience rather than a broad, à la carte crawl. The fish quality is the headline, with pacing and precision that reward letting the chef drive the meal from lean whites into richer toro-and-uni territory.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase nigiri progression, Otoro (fatty tuna) nigiri, Uni (sea urchin) hand roll
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Omakase-first sushi with a precision, quiet-luxury rhythm.
Who should go: Omakase diners planning a special night
When to visit: Weeknights for the calmest pacing
What to order: Chef’s omakase, toro, uni
Insider tip: Let the chef guide add-ons at the end instead of ordering early.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in the Flatiron area; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy. Clean jeans are fine, but this feels better with a polished look.
Noise level: Low to moderate — quiet enough for conversation, with a calm, focused dining room energy.
Weekend wait: Reservations strongly recommended; without one, waits can exceed 60 minutes or result in no availability.
Weekday lunch: Limited seating and service style; lunch availability varies and may not be offered daily.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited — the experience is fish-forward and not designed around vegetarian substitutions.
Vegan options: Not recommended — this is an omakase-driven sushi counter with minimal non-seafood options.
Gluten-free options: Generally accommodating for gluten sensitivity if communicated in advance, but not suitable for severe allergies due to shared preparation.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re aiming for an intentional, elevated first date. The quiet pacing and chef-led experience create a refined, intimate setting, though it’s better for conversation-focused chemistry than casual energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Occasionally on quieter weeknights, but it’s risky. This is a reservation-first restaurant, and walk-ins should expect limited flexibility.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. The omakase format, quiet room, and extended pacing make it best suited for adults or older teens who enjoy sushi and structured dining.
Best For
Better for: Focused omakase diners who value fish quality, technique, and a composed, chef-driven flow over menu variety.
Skip if: You want à la carte flexibility, a lively social scene, or a more budget-friendly sushi night with broad options.
Towa
8.6
A reservation-led, kaiseki-leaning Japanese room where the best meals feel like a paced sequence—seasonal starters, a tight run of sushi, and a composed finish. It rewards diners who keep the order chef-directed and let the progression build from lighter bites into richer, toro-and-uni territory.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s omakase, Futomaki, Sake kasu cheesecake
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Kaiseki-inspired pacing that keeps the meal focused and seasonal.
Who should go: Omakase diners planning a special night
When to visit: Weeknights for calmer pacing
What to order: Omakase, futomaki, dessert finish
Insider tip: Hold add-ons until the end—let the chef steer the arc first.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited street parking; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Jeans are fine if polished, but the room skews upscale.
Noise level: Low to moderate — refined, quiet energy where conversation is easy.
Weekend wait: 60+ minutes without a reservation; walk-ins are unpredictable
Weekday lunch: Not typically offered — dinner-focused restaurant
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — best accommodated with advance notice for a vegetable-forward tasting
Vegan options: Very limited — requires prior coordination and flexibility
Gluten-free options: Partial — sushi and sashimi can work, but sauces and courses may contain gluten
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a polished, intentional first impression. It’s intimate, calm, and conversation-friendly, but better for diners comfortable with a formal pace.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Occasionally at the bar early on weeknights, but reservations are strongly recommended for full tables and peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. The experience is structured, quiet, and long-form — better suited for adults and older teens comfortable with tasting menus.
Best For
Better for: Diners who value pacing, seasonal progression, and a chef-led arc rather than à la carte flexibility.
Skip if: You want a lively scene, quick meal, or broad menu control — choose a more casual sushi bar or modern Japanese spot instead.
Towa
8.1
A NoMad Japanese room that rewards a focused seafood order: pristine sashimi, cleanly executed nigiri, and a couple of hot items that don’t steal the spotlight. It’s strongest as a calm, deliberate meal where you let the fish do the talking instead of turning it into a sprawling menu tour.
Must-Try Dishes:
chef’s selection nigiri, sashimi assortment, uni (when available)
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Seafood-led Japanese cooking where the fish quality is the main event.
Who should go: Sushi regulars who order with discipline
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for a quieter room
What to order: Nigiri set, sashimi, one warm special
Insider tip: Prioritize nigiri/sashimi first—add cooked dishes only after.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in NoMad; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option in the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine, but the room reads more polished than casual.
Noise level: Low to moderate—generally calm and conversation-friendly, especially on weeknights.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation at peak times; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait if open for lunch; availability can vary, so dinner is the safer bet.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—small selection of vegetable rolls and sides, but seafood is the clear focus.
Vegan options: Very limited—possible with advance planning, but not a strength of the menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes—sashimi and select nigiri work well; ask for gluten-free soy sauce to stay clean.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—quiet, polished, and focused, which makes conversation easy without feeling stiff or overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or early evenings, but peak dinner hours and weekends favor reservations.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—better suited to adults; there’s no kids menu and the calm dining rhythm favors older diners.
Best For
Better for: Diners who want pristine fish quality in a composed, low-drama setting rather than a flashy omakase show.
Skip if: You’re looking for a high-energy sushi scene, large group dining, or a broad cooked-food menu.
Towa
8.1
A kaiseki-leaning omakase counter that prioritizes seasonal detail and clean technique over theatrics. The experience works best when you treat it like a focused chef’s narrative—minimal ordering decisions, steady pacing, and attention to the small temperature-and-texture turns that separate “good” from “dialed-in.”
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal omakase, Snow crab course, Sake cheesecake
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: A kaiseki-inspired omakase built around seasonal precision.
Who should go: Omakase regulars and quiet celebrators
When to visit: Early week for the calmest service
What to order: Omakase, seasonal add-on if offered, dessert course
Insider tip: Skip heavy cocktails beforehand—let the subtle courses land.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in NoMad; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jackets aren’t required, but the room skews polished.
Noise level: Low—quiet counter setting where conversation is easy and voices carry.
Weekend wait: Reservation-only experience; walk-ins are rarely accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Typically no lunch service; dinner reservations required.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: No—menu is seafood-forward and not designed for vegetarian substitutions.
Vegan options: No—vegan accommodations are not offered.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some courses may work, but full gluten-free accommodation isn’t guaranteed and should be discussed in advance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re comfortable with a quiet, focused experience—it’s intimate and conversation-friendly but more serious than playful.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely—this is a reservation-driven omakase counter, so booking ahead is strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? No—best suited for adults who can commit to a long, quiet tasting-menu format.
Best For
Better for: Guests who value subtle technique, seasonal detail, and a calm omakase rhythm over showmanship.
Skip if: You want a lively sushi bar, flexible ordering, or accommodations for dietary restrictions.