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Kakurega Sushi
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Kakurega Sushi
8.7
Kakurega Sushi is a small, reservation-driven sushi bar hidden along 37th Avenue, built around intimate omakase experiences. The room is low-lit and compact, with much of the action happening inches away at the counter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s omakase tasting, Tri toro don, Chirashi bowl
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A tiny, counter-focused omakase bar where the chef leads the entire experience.
Who should go: Omakase diehards who enjoy slow, chef-led pacing
When to visit: Later evening seatings when the room feels most intimate
What to order: Full omakase, tri toro don, chirashi over rice
Insider tip: Book an early omakase slot if you want the most relaxed one-on-one time with the chef.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 37th Avenue is limited during dinner hours; nearby metered spots open up after 7 p.m. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Smart casual. Most guests lean slightly dressy due to the omakase format, but neat jeans and a button-down are perfectly acceptable.
Noise level: Low to moderate. The room is intimate and mostly counter seating, so conversations are easy without feeling overheard.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; walk-ins are rarely accommodated. Without a reservation, expect to be turned away.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — they focus on dinner seatings only; any early seating still requires a reservation.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited. A few vegetable-forward bites may be offered, but the omakase is heavily seafood-driven.
Vegan options: Not recommended. The format and ingredient set are not designed to accommodate full vegan dining.
Gluten-free options: Moderately accommodating. Many nigiri pieces are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce and marinades may contain gluten; notify the chef in advance for adjustments.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the counter seating, low lighting, and chef-led pacing create an intimate setting that feels special without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. The space is very small and primarily operates off pre-booked omakase seatings. Book ahead, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The omakase format, quiet atmosphere, and limited seating make it better suited for adults or older teens comfortable with raw seafood.
Best For
Better for: A more intimate, chef-driven omakase than many larger Flushing sushi spots; ideal for diners who want personal interaction and precise pacing.
Skip if: You prefer à la carte sushi, need broader menu flexibility, or are dining with guests who may not enjoy extended omakase formats.
Kakurega Sushi
8.4
Kakurega Sushi is a small basement-level sushi bar off 37th Avenue built around omakase and a tight à la carte menu. Regulars come for carefully handled fish, premium sake, and a room that feels tucked away from the surrounding streets.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase sushi course, Chef’s selection sashimi platter, Uni or toro specials when available
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A basement “hiding place” where omakase and sake are served in a quiet, focused setting.
Who should go: Sushi traditionalists who prefer slower, chef-led pacing
When to visit: Later evening seatings when the counter feels most intimate
What to order: Omakase, seasonal sashimi, higher-end nigiri add-ons
Insider tip: Reserve ahead and request counter seats if you want to watch each piece being assembled.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on 37th Avenue, especially after 6pm; nearby garages in One Fulton Square and along Prince Street are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Smart casual; many guests lean dressy due to the omakase format, but elevated jeans and a clean top are perfectly acceptable.
Noise level: Low to moderate; the basement setting keeps conversations private, making it easy to talk without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: Plan on no availability without a reservation; walk-ins are rarely accepted during prime omakase seatings.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable as the restaurant generally operates dinner-focused hours only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited; the focus is fish-forward omakase with only a few vegetable-based bites.
Vegan options: Not recommended; the menu structure offers minimal to no vegan options.
Gluten-free options: Possible with advance notice; many nigiri pieces are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce and marinades may need substitution.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something intimate and upscale. The quiet counter and chef interaction create a memorable, elevated experience ideal for a more serious first date rather than a casual one.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Rarely. With a small counter and set omakase seatings, reservations are highly recommended. Walk-ins may be possible late in the evening, but shouldn’t be counted on.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The pacing, quiet ambiance, and omakase structure are better suited for adults or older teens comfortable with extended tasting menus.
Best For
Better for: Intimate omakase experiences with chef interaction, premium sake pairings, and a discreet, hideaway feel compared to larger, louder Flushing sushi spots.
Skip if: You prefer à la carte variety, need kid-friendly dining, want a more casual or budget-friendly sushi night, or dislike fixed-menu pacing.
Kakurega Sushi
8.5
Kakurega Sushi is a compact omakase-style spot where the chef leans into intimate counter service and tightly edited rolls. It skews quieter and more personal than the bigger rooms nearby, with focused sushi roll flights and nigiri that make it feel like a small retreat off 37th Avenue.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s Omakase Roll Flight, Salmon Avocado Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Intimate counter-style sushi with omakase rolls in a low-key room.
Who should go: Couples or duos wanting focused, chef-driven sushi rolls.
When to visit: Weeknights for a quieter, more relaxed counter experience.
What to order: Omakase roll set, salmon avocado roll, spicy tuna roll.
Insider tip: Let the chef choose; asking for roll recommendations pays off here.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 37th Avenue can be tight after 6pm; nearby paid garages along Prince Street and 38th Avenue are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual; elevated but not formal. Jeans are fine if paired with a nicer top or jacket.
Noise level: Low to moderate — conversation at the counter is easy, making it suitable for intimate meals.
Weekend wait: Usually requires a reservation; walk-ins may wait 30–45 minutes due to the small counter.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though seating remains limited.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate — a few veggie rolls and appetizers, but most of the menu centers on seafood.
Vegan options: Very limited — simple cucumber or avocado rolls are the main options.
Gluten-free options: Possible with communication; soy sauce substitutions available, but cross-contact is likely given the compact prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate counter, attentive chef interaction, and quieter setting create an easy atmosphere for conversation without distractions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You can try, but walk-ins are hit-or-miss. The room is small and often fully reserved; arriving right when they open gives you the best chance.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly; the space is compact, the vibe is adult-oriented, and the menu skews omakase-focused rather than kid-friendly rolls.
Best For
Better for: Intimate, chef-led sushi roll experiences and quiet date nights where attention to detail matters.
Skip if: You want large combo platters, fast-casual pricing, or a big, lively dining room better suited for groups.
Kakurega Sushi
7.9
Kakurega is a basement-level sushi bar with a small dining room built around multi-tiered omakase sets like Sakura and Feast of Spring. The room is low-lit and compact, giving the longer tastings a quietly immersive feel compared with busier nearby spots.
Must-Try Dishes:
Feast of Spring omakase, Sakura omakase tasting, Uni tasting flight
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Omakase-focused basement sushi bar with multi-price tasting tiers.
Who should go: Diners seeking quieter, reservation-only omakase nights.
When to visit: Later seatings for a slower, more intimate counter feel.
What to order: Sakura omakase, Feast of Spring, uni tasting add-on.
Insider tip: Arrive a bit early; finding the downstairs entrance takes time.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be tight during peak dinner hours; nearby municipal garages on 37th Ave and Prince St offer the most reliable options.
Dress code: Smart casual; dressier outfits fit the ambience, though polished jeans and a nice top are acceptable.
Noise level: Low to moderate — the compact room keeps conversation easy even during peak tastings.
Weekend wait: Reservation-only; walk-ins are rarely accepted and typically not accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — omakase service is dinner-focused.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited; courses are built around fish-forward omakase with minimal vegetarian substitutions.
Vegan options: Not suitable; the format cannot accommodate vegan swaps.
Gluten-free options: Possible with advance notice; soy sauce adjustments and select course modifications can be made.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dim, intimate counter and slower pacing create a focused, conversation-friendly environment ideal for a low-key but elevated first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely; the small basement dining room books out and generally does not accept walk-ins. Always secure a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly; the quiet room, long tasting format, and lack of child-friendly menu items make it better suited for adults.
Best For
Better for: Intimate, multi-tiered omakase experiences where guests want slower pacing and a more secluded feel than louder bar-style counters nearby.
Skip if: You want a livelier omakase scene, à la carte sushi flexibility, or significant dietary accommodations beyond standard fish-focused tastings.
Kakurega Sushi
8.1
Kakurega runs its omakase as a classic chef’s bar, in a compact basement space where the counter dominates the room and courses lean seasonal and rich. Omakase-only seatings turn the focus entirely to what’s on the board that month, with uni tastings and higher-end cuts pacing out the night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Feast of Spring omakase, Uni tasting, Sashimi deluxe platter
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Basement omakase counter where the chef steers a seasonal tasting.
Who should go: Omakase regulars who prioritize fish quality over room size.
When to visit: Early omakase seatings for maximum chef focus and pacing.
What to order: Feast of Spring omakase, uni tasting, sashimi appetizer selection.
Insider tip: Request counter spots near the middle to watch plating up close.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on evenings; nearby garages on 37th Ave and Prince St usually have spots after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual with a slight upscale lean; clean denim is fine but most guests dress polished for the counter.
Noise level: Low to moderate; quiet enough for intimate conversation, with soft movement from the small room.
Weekend wait: Omakase-only seatings mean you must reserve; walk-ins are almost never accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Lunch omakase, when offered, typically has immediate availability if booked same-day.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Extremely limited; the chef may substitute a few courses but the menu is fish-driven.
Vegan options: Not recommended; there is no vegan tasting format.
Gluten-free options: Possible with advance notice; the chef can reduce soy-based sauces and adjust marinades.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a focused, intimate counter experience with minimal distractions; the quiet room and curated pacing make it feel special without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. The counter has fixed seatings and fills in advance; always book ahead, especially for weekend slots.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. The tasting format, tight counter seating, and long pacing make it best suited for adults or older teens accustomed to omakase.
Best For
Better for: A tightly curated, seasonal omakase with chef-led storytelling in an intimate, distraction-free setting.
Skip if: You prefer larger dining rooms, à la carte sushi, flexible pacing, or want a more social, high-energy atmosphere.