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Nami Nori
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Nami Nori
8.4
A creative temaki‑style sushi bar turning hand rolls into open‑face “sushi tacos,” offering fresh fish, inventive combinations, and vegan options in a casual West Village setting. Locals appreciate the variety of flavors and the relaxed vibe that’s ideal for shared meals or quick bites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna poke hand roll, Coconut shrimp hand roll with green curry, XO scallop hand roll
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Open‑style temaki served like sushi tacos by ex‑fine dining chefs.
Who should go: Casual sushi lovers seeking variety.
When to visit: Evenings or weekends for full menu.
What to order: Tuna poke, coconut shrimp hand roll, XO scallop roll.
Insider tip: Go early or book — temaki counter fills up quickly, especially Fridays.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available, but can be difficult to find after 6pm. No valet service.
Dress code: Casual - jeans and a nice shirt are fine, but it’s a trendy spot so you may want to look polished.
Noise level: Moderate - can carry on a conversation, but it gets lively during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation, especially on Fridays.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, but a reservation is still recommended during lunch hours for quicker seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple vegetarian options available including inventive hand rolls and sides.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 vegan-friendly hand rolls and starters are available.
Gluten-free options: Yes - they offer gluten-free options with a separate prep area to avoid cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - the atmosphere is relaxed but trendy, providing a great backdrop for conversation. The open-style temaki also makes for a fun and interactive dining experience, perfect for breaking the ice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? While walk-ins are welcome, it’s highly recommended to book ahead, especially during busy evenings or weekends. The temaki counter fills up quickly, and wait times can exceed an hour without a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, though it’s more suitable for older children who are comfortable with sushi. The casual vibe and easy-to-eat hand rolls make it a family-friendly spot, but it's best for kids who enjoy trying new flavors.
Best For
Better for: Nami Nori stands out for its creative sushi taco-style hand rolls and casual yet trendy setting, making it perfect for sushi lovers seeking something different from traditional sushi bars.
Skip if: If you’re looking for a traditional sushi dining experience or a more formal atmosphere, you might prefer a classic sushi restaurant with sushi platters or a quieter ambiance.
Nami Nori
8.6
Opened in 2019 by Masa alums, Nami Nori is a 100% gluten-free temaki bar where taco-style hand rolls, furikake fries, and mochurros anchor a sleek, beachy room. With thousands of reviews and regular press attention, it’s become the city’s reference point for celiac-safe sushi that still feels trendy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Coconut shrimp temaki, Tuna poke temaki, Spicy tuna dip with crispy rice chips
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: A Michelin-recognized, fully gluten-free hand-roll bar from Masa-trained chefs.
Who should go: Gluten-free sushi lovers wanting stylish, buzzed-about hand rolls.
When to visit: Early evening or lunch to avoid peak waits and lines.
What to order: Signature temaki set, coconut shrimp roll, spicy tuna dip.
Insider tip: Book counter seats; rolls land in your hand seconds from the chefs.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Hudson and surrounding blocks; expect meter scarcity after 5pm. Closest reliable option is paid garages on Leroy or Charles Street.
Dress code: Smart casual; most guests lean polished—nice denim, casual dresses, and button-downs fit the room’s trendy feel.
Noise level: Moderate buzz; conversation-friendly at lunch and early evening, slightly louder during peak dinner but still workable for dates.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for walk-ins; reservations highly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; typically seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several rolls and sides are fully vegetarian, with clear labeling.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 rolls plus sides like fries; menu is fish-forward.
Gluten-free options: Excellent—entire menu is 100% gluten-free, including soy sauce and fry oil.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The sleek room, quick pacing, and shareable hand rolls make it ideal for a stylish but low-pressure first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are possible, especially at lunch or early evening; counter seats are your best chance during peak dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids and teens who enjoy sushi; limited space and quick-service style aren’t ideal for toddlers or strollers.
Best For
Better for: Celiac-safe sushi, high-design hand-roll service, and a reliably trendy atmosphere that still moves quickly.
Skip if: You want traditional sushi platters, long lingering meals, or a quieter, spacious dining room.
Nami Nori
8.2
A bright, relaxed temaki bar offering open‑style hand rolls — a fun, casual alternative to formal omakase. Great for a low‑pressure date where the focus is on sharing creative rolls and atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon hand roll, Spicy tuna hand roll, Coconut shrimp + green curry hand roll
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Open‑style temaki counter serving creative and classic hand rolls.
Who should go: Friends or couples seeking casual sushi date.
When to visit: Early dinner or after‑work for casual hand rolls.
What to order: Salmon roll, spicy tuna roll, coconut shrimp roll.
Insider tip: Shared plates let you try more variety without overspending.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available, but limited after 6pm. Paid parking garages nearby.
Dress code: Casual, but lean slightly dressy for a date night vibe.
Noise level: Moderate - can hear your date, but lively enough to maintain a fun atmosphere.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation
Weekday lunch: No wait typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - options like avocado and veggie hand rolls.
Vegan options: Limited - a few rolls and sides, but not a fully vegan-friendly menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes - separate prep area to avoid cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, it's great for a first date. The casual, low-pressure atmosphere and fun shared dining style make it easy to talk and enjoy the meal without the formality of a sit-down dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It can be tricky, especially on weekends. For dinner, it's recommended to make a reservation to avoid a long wait, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights.
Is it kid-friendly? While not specifically designed for kids, the casual vibe and shareable plates make it a fine option for families with older children. The relaxed setting is more suited for adults and older teens.
Best For
Better for: Nami Nori offers a fun, casual sushi experience with hand rolls in a bright setting, perfect for a low-key date or casual outing.
Skip if: If you're looking for a traditional sit-down sushi experience or formal omakase, Nami Nori may not be the best choice.
Hours
Monday12pm - 9:30pm
Tuesday12pm - 9:30pm
Wednesday12pm - 9:30pm
Thursday12pm - 9:30pm
Friday12pm - 10pm
Saturday12pm - 10pm
Sunday12pm - 10pm