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Sushi by Scratch
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Sushi by Scratch
8.2
An intimate, omakase-only experience built around a tight sequence of bites where the move is to trust the chef and let the progression do the work. It’s at its best when you treat it like a single focused performance—no overthinking, just show up ready for a paced run of nigiri and hand rolls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase tasting sequence, Otoro nigiri, Botan ebi (sweet shrimp) bite
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: A compact, omakase-only sushi experience designed as a progression.
Who should go: Omakase fans who like intimate counters
When to visit: Weeknights for a smoother service flow
What to order: Omakase, toro, sweet shrimp
Insider tip: Go in with a clear palate and avoid over-ordering drinks early.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option. Rideshare or subway is recommended.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy. Jeans are fine if paired with a polished top; many guests dress up for the occasion.
Noise level: Low – quiet, intimate counter where conversation is easy.
Weekend wait: Reservation-only; no walk-in wait. Without a reservation, expect not to be seated.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable – dinner service only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited – not ideal. Omakase is fish-forward with minimal accommodation.
Vegan options: No – not recommended for vegan diners.
Gluten-free options: Yes with advance notice – soy substitutions are typically accommodated, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re both comfortable with a quiet, high-focus experience. It’s intimate and memorable, but not casual or flexible.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No. This is a reservation-only omakase counter with fixed seatings.
Is it kid-friendly? No. Best suited for adults who can sit through a long, structured tasting without interruptions.
Best For
Better for: Guests who want a tightly choreographed omakase with a sense of theater and exclusivity.
Skip if: You want menu choice, a relaxed pace, or need strong vegetarian/vegan accommodations.
Sushi by Scratch
8.3
A speakeasy-style omakase where the point is the show: fast pacing, playful flavor swings, and a tightly controlled sequence of bites. Go in expecting a modern, technique-driven set that leans bold and interactive rather than strictly traditional.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase progression, Bone marrow nigiri, Escolar with ikura
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: An interactive, non-traditional omakase built like a performance.
Who should go: Omakase fans who want something playful
When to visit: Weeknights for smoother pacing
What to order: Omakase, bone marrow bite, seasonal add-ons
Insider tip: Go easy on cocktails early—save the heavier drinks for later courses.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm; paid garages within 2–3 blocks are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy. Jackets, heels, and elevated date-night outfits fit the room; jeans are fine if styled well.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. You can hold a conversation, but the energy and music are part of the experience.
Weekend wait: Reservation-only experience; walk-ins are rarely accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Not offered.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited. The experience is fish-forward; accommodations require advance notice and may still feel constrained.
Vegan options: No. This is not a good fit for vegan diners.
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes. Many courses can be adapted, but you must flag this when booking so substitutions are planned in advance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something memorable and high-energy. The pacing and theatrics break the ice quickly, though it’s less intimate than slower, traditional omakase counters.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. Seats are tightly scheduled around the omakase progression, so booking ahead is essentially required.
Is it kid-friendly? No. The experience, pacing, and price point are designed for adults; there are no kid-specific accommodations.
Best For
Better for: Diners who want a modern, show-driven omakase with bold flavors, fast pacing, and a nightlife-adjacent feel.
Skip if: You prefer quiet, traditional Edomae sushi, flexible ordering, or need strong vegetarian/vegan accommodations.
Sushi by Scratch
8.5
A reservation-driven omakase counter built around tight pacing, high-touch service, and a progression of seafood bites that lands best when you surrender to the set menu. It’s a splurge move for diners who want the full ritual: bar seating, chef-led flow, and a clean finish without distractions.
Must-Try Dishes:
omakase progression, fatty tuna (otoro) bites, uni course (when featured)
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A chef-led omakase counter that turns seafood into a paced experience.
Who should go: Omakase lovers and celebration diners
When to visit: Earlier seating for the smoothest pacing
What to order: Omakase, add-on toro, add-on uni
Insider tip: Skip a big pre-meal—this hits best with full attention.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is limited and competitive; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Jeans are fine if polished, but many guests lean upscale.
Noise level: Low to moderate — quiet, focused counter setting where conversation is easy.
Weekend wait: Reservation-only; walk-ins are rarely accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Not typically offered — service is primarily evening seatings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: No — the experience is seafood-forward with no dedicated vegetarian progression.
Vegan options: No — not designed for vegan diners.
Gluten-free options: Limited — possible with advance notice (soy substitutions), but not guaranteed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you both enjoy sushi and intimate settings. The counter format creates easy conversation, but it’s structured and high-commitment.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. Book ahead — this is a timed, reservation-driven omakase with fixed seatings.
Is it kid-friendly? No. Best suited for adults who can commit to a full omakase pace and price point.
Best For
Better for: Diners who want a tightly choreographed omakase with polished service, clear pacing, and a celebratory feel.
Skip if: You want menu flexibility, casual sushi, or accommodations for vegetarian or kid-friendly dining.
Sushi by Scratch
8.8
A speakeasy-style omakase that leans playful without losing technical precision—best for couples who want a contained, high-intent date where the chef sets the pace. Expect inventive bites alongside traditional nigiri, with a tight room that keeps focus on the fish and the moment.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hamachi with sweet corn "pudding", Toro nigiri with house-fermented soy, Seasonal nigiri progression
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A speakeasy omakase with inventive, chef-driven nigiri pacing.
Who should go: Couples who want a scripted, high-touch sushi night
When to visit: Early seating for the calmest, most attentive flow
What to order: Omakase progression, house-fermented soy bites, seasonal toro
Insider tip: Treat it as the whole night—keep plans after minimal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; street parking is limited and difficult after 6pm. Garages available within a 2–3 block walk.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine, but this is a night to look intentional.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough to talk easily, with focus on the chef and the counter.
Weekend wait: Reservations required; walk-ins are rarely accommodated.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—dinner-only experience.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—this is a fish-forward omakase and not designed for vegetarian diners.
Vegan options: Not recommended—no structured vegan alternative.
Gluten-free options: Can be partially accommodated with advance notice; soy and certain courses may be adjusted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you both like structured experiences. The fixed pacing removes decision-making, which helps the date feel focused and intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. Book ahead and treat the reservation time as firm—this is a timed omakase, not a flexible seating room.
Is it kid-friendly? No. This is an adults-only, tasting-menu-style experience designed for quiet, attentive dining.
Best For
Better for: Scripted, high-touch omakase with a playful edge—more theatrical and contained than traditional sushi counters.
Skip if: You want à la carte sushi, flexibility, or a casual, conversation-heavy dinner.