0 Followers
Shinzo Omakase
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Shinzo Omakase
8.0
A compact omakase experience built for diners who want a quiet, chef-forward progression rather than a loud scene. It’s strongest when you trust the sequence, keep conversation low-key, and treat it like a focused tasting where rice and temperature matter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase progression, Chu-toro nigiri, Seasonal uni course
Scores:
Value: 6.1
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: Intimate omakase built around precise pacing and temperature-driven bites.
Who should go: Quiet omakase fans who want chef-led focus
When to visit: Earlier seating for the calmest counter energy
What to order: Omakase, chu-toro, uni when offered
Insider tip: Avoid heavy perfume/cologne—small counters amplify everything.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited in the East Village and especially difficult after 6pm. Plan on rideshare or public transit.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Jeans are fine if polished, but most diners lean upscale for the omakase format.
Noise level: Low and intimate — conversation is possible, but the room favors quiet focus over social energy.
Weekend wait: Rarely available without a reservation; expect to be turned away or asked to wait until a late seating if there’s a cancellation.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; weekday dinner still strongly reservation-driven.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Not ideal — the experience is fish-forward and built around seafood progression.
Vegan options: No — this is not a vegan-friendly omakase.
Gluten-free options: Generally accommodating with advance notice, but soy-based sauces are part of the experience; confirm details when booking.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something quiet and intentional. It’s better for focused conversation and shared experience than playful or high-energy first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. This is a small counter with fixed seatings, so booking ahead is strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. The pacing, price point, and quiet atmosphere make it better suited for adults and special occasions.
Best For
Better for: A calm, chef-led omakase where rice, temperature, and pacing are the main event — ideal if you value precision over theatrics.
Skip if: You want a lively scene, lots of conversation, or flexibility to order à la carte instead of committing to a full tasting.
Shinzo Omakase
8.0
A compact omakase built for diners who want a quiet, chef-forward sequence rather than a loud scene. It rewards attention to rice temperature and pacing—best when you trust the progression and keep add-ons selective.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase set, Chutoro, Uni (when offered)
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Intimate omakase focused on pacing, temperature, and clean bites.
Who should go: Quiet omakase fans who like chef-led focus
When to visit: Earlier seating for the calmest counter energy
What to order: Omakase, chutoro, uni when offered
Insider tip: Avoid heavy perfume/cologne—small counters amplify everything.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited in the East Village. Plan for rideshare or nearby paid garages within a few blocks.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy. Jackets, button-downs, and clean minimalist outfits fit the room; jeans are fine if polished.
Noise level: Quiet and intimate — conversation is easy, with the chef’s explanations clearly audible.
Weekend wait: Reservation strongly recommended; walk-ins are rarely accommodated once seatings begin.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — dinner-focused omakase with limited seatings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Not recommended — the experience is fish-forward with no dedicated vegetarian omakase.
Vegan options: No — this is a seafood-centric tasting menu.
Gluten-free options: Mostly accommodating with advance notice; soy-based items can often be adjusted, but confirmation is essential.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something intimate and refined. It’s better for focused conversation and shared appreciation than playful or high-energy vibes.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. With limited counter seats and fixed pacing, reservations are the realistic path — last-minute cancellations are your only walk-in hope.
Is it kid-friendly? No. The quiet counter setting, long pacing, and omakase format are best suited for adults and older teens who can sit attentively.
Best For
Better for: Diners who value calm pacing, rice temperature precision, and a chef-led rhythm over flash, theatrics, or party energy.
Skip if: You want a lively scene, à la carte flexibility, or a social sushi night — louder, more animated omakase counters will suit you better.
Shinzo Omakase
8.5
A value-driven omakase counter where the best moments come from generous cuts and clear, confident flavor pairings. The room stays focused and intimate, making it an easy date pick when you want a full sushi experience without a drawn-out ordeal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Scallop nigiri, Uni, Wagyu
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: A sharp-value omakase with standout premium bites like uni and wagyu.
Who should go: Couples who want omakase on a budget
When to visit: Early seating for the most relaxed counter
What to order: Scallop, uni, wagyu
Insider tip: Ask for a sake recommendation that matches the richer bites.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking; limited street parking nearby and garages within a 5–7 minute walk. Expect street parking to be difficult after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine, but this feels better with a polished date-night look.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet counter setup where conversation stays easy and uninterrupted.
Weekend wait: Reservations strongly recommended; walk-ins may wait 45–60 minutes or not be seated at all.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; early weekday dinner seating often has availability with minimal wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—omakase is fish-focused, with only occasional vegetable courses.
Vegan options: Not suitable—no dedicated vegan omakase or substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes—many nigiri are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce and some preparations contain gluten; staff can guide you.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—intimate counter seating, predictable pacing, and a polished but relaxed vibe make it easy to focus on your date without distractions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Occasionally on early weeknights, but this is primarily a reservation spot—book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—best suited for adults and older teens who can sit through a full omakase and appreciate raw fish.
Best For
Better for: Value-forward omakase with generous premium bites in a calm, date-friendly setting.
Skip if: You want a highly theatrical chef experience, lots of customization, or a vegetarian-friendly sushi night.