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Nakaji
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Nakaji
8.6
An Edomae-style omakase built around precision and pacing—clean cuts, tight temperature control, and a progression that’s meant to be followed, not customized. It’s best for diners who want a focused, chef-led experience where the details (rice, seasoning, timing) do the heavy lifting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase nigiri progression, Seasonal otsumami (appetizers), Toro course (when offered)
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Edomae omakase with a disciplined, chef-led progression.
Who should go: Omakase loyalists and celebration diners
When to visit: Early seating for the calmest pacing
What to order: Omakase, add-ons offered, one drink pairing
Insider tip: Skip heavy snacks beforehand—pace matters here.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability and difficult after 6pm. Rideshare strongly recommended.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy; no jacket required, but this leans upscale and polished.
Noise level: Low – quiet, focused room where conversation is easy and the chef’s explanations are audible.
Weekend wait: Reservation required; walk-ins are rarely accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable – dinner-focused omakase service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: No – menu is built entirely around seafood-based omakase.
Vegan options: No – not suitable for vegan diners.
Gluten-free options: Limited – some accommodations possible with advance notice, but soy and seasoning are integral to the progression.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re both comfortable with a quiet, structured experience. It’s intimate and refined, but conversation takes a back seat to the food.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. Seats are limited and timed to the chef’s progression—book ahead or don’t expect to be seated.
Is it kid-friendly? No. This is an adult-focused omakase with long seating times and no accommodations for children.
Best For
Better for: Diners who value precision, pacing, and classic Edomae technique over theatrics or customization.
Skip if: You want flexibility, à la carte sushi, or a more relaxed, social dining pace.
Nakaji
8.8
A disciplined Edomae-style counter where the progression is the point—clean cuts, exact seasoning, and a steady tempo that’s meant to be followed. Come ready to let the chef drive and you’ll get the most out of the craft and structure here.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase, Seasonal nigiri set, Uni tasting (when offered)
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Chef-led Edomae omakase with strict pacing and temperature discipline.
Who should go: Serious sushi diners and milestone celebrators
When to visit: Earlier seating for a slower, steadier flow
What to order: Omakase, chef add-ons, one drink pairing
Insider tip: Skip customizing—this menu is built to land in sequence.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited metered street parking nearby; garages in SoHo/Tribeca are the most reliable option at night.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Jackets and polished outfits fit the room; casual jeans are fine if styled cleanly.
Noise level: Low and controlled — quiet counter setting where conversation is easy and the chef’s explanations are audible.
Weekend wait: Reservation-only omakase; walk-ins are rarely accommodated.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: No — the experience is seafood-focused and not designed for vegetarian substitutions.
Vegan options: No — not a suitable choice for vegan diners.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some courses can be adjusted, but soy-based seasonings are integral. Call ahead if highly sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if both diners are comfortable with a quiet, chef-led experience. It’s intimate and polished, but conversation takes a back seat to the progression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. Seats are tightly scheduled for omakase; plan ahead and book as soon as reservations open.
Is it kid-friendly? No. Best for adults who can sit through a long, structured omakase without distractions.
Best For
Better for: Precise Edomae technique, disciplined pacing, and diners who want to fully surrender to the chef’s intended flow.
Skip if: You want flexibility, a lively atmosphere, or accommodations for dietary restrictions — choose a more casual sushi bar instead.
Nakaji
8.7
A focused sushi counter experience with a traditional omakase flow and a calm, grown-up energy that fits couples who want conversation and craft. Go in planning to let the chef steer—this is best as a set-menu night where you lean into seasonal cuts and measured restraint.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase sushi course, Seasonal otsumami (appetizers), Toro nigiri (when available)
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A chef-led omakase that stays elegant without feeling theatrical.
Who should go: Couples who love omakase
When to visit: Later seating for a slower meal
What to order: Omakase, seasonal nigiri, toro if offered
Insider tip: Ask for a sake pairing suggestion matched to the progression.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; plan on nearby paid garages or rideshare, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished — jeans are fine, but most guests dress elevated for date night.
Noise level: Low to moderate — quiet enough for conversation, with focus on the counter experience.
Weekend wait: Reservations strongly recommended; walk-ins may wait 45–60 minutes or be turned away.
Weekday lunch: Short waits or no wait on slower days; counter seating fills first.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — possible with advance notice, but not the core focus.
Vegan options: Very limited — not recommended unless pre-arranged with the restaurant.
Gluten-free options: Generally accommodating for sushi-focused diners; notify staff about soy sauce and preparation needs.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you both enjoy sushi and calm settings — it encourages conversation without feeling awkwardly silent.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Occasionally on weeknights, but counter seats are limited; reservations are the safest play.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal — best suited for adults who can sit through a paced omakase experience.
Best For
Better for: Couples who want refined omakase without the pressure or formality of ultra-high-end counters.
Skip if: You want a loud, social sushi scene or à la carte flexibility — other spots will feel more relaxed.