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Sushi Katsuei
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Sushi Katsuei
8.8
Since 2014, this compact Park Slope counter has been the neighborhood’s reference point for omakase, serving high-quality Edomae-style nigiri at prices that undercut Manhattan’s marquee sushi names. Locals use it for milestone dates and serious solo sushi sessions where the focus is squarely on fish, not décor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sushi Omakase, Sashimi & Sushi Omakase, Chef’s Toro Nigiri
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Intimate Park Slope omakase where serious Edomae-style nigiri leads the experience.
Who should go: Sushi obsessives prioritizing omakase over ambience or extras.
When to visit: Early weeknight counter reservations for calmer, more focused service.
What to order: Sushi omakase, sashimi & sushi omakase, extra toro nigiri.
Insider tip: Ask at the counter about seasonal add-on pieces after finishing omakase.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 5th Avenue and surrounding blocks is limited; expect difficulty after 6pm and allow extra time. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Smart casual; most guests lean polished. Dark jeans are fine, but many diners dress up slightly for omakase.
Noise level: Low to moderate—steady conversation is easy at the counter, with most noise coming from service movements rather than other guests.
Weekend wait: No walk-in availability; reservations are essential. Without one, expect to be turned away.
Weekday lunch: Lunch service is not offered; only dinner omakase.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—omakase is fish-forward, though the kitchen may offer a few vegetable nigiri pieces if arranged in advance.
Vegan options: Not suitable—omakase format and ingredients do not support a vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Possible with advance notice; many nigiri pieces can be prepared without soy sauce or with gluten-free tamari, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a refined, focused first date—close counter seating and attentive pacing create an intimate setting, though the quiet atmosphere suits couples comfortable with slower, food-centered conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely—Sushi Katsuei books out in advance and holds very few, if any, walk-in spots. Plan ahead or try early-week reservations for the best chance.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children—seating is tight, the omakase format is structured, and the atmosphere is quiet. Older teens who are serious sushi eaters may enjoy it.
Best For
Better for: High-quality Edomae-style nigiri at a value relative to Manhattan’s elite omakase counters, plus a more intimate, chef-focused experience than larger Brooklyn sushi spots.
Skip if: You want rolls, cooked entrees, or a lively dining room—this is a fish-first, omakase-only experience with minimal menu flexibility.
Sushi Katsuei
8.8
Park Slope’s benchmark omakase bar from chef Aung Ko Win, where Edomae-style nigiri and tightly edited omakase sets deliver some of the most serious sushi in the neighborhood. The room is compact and often loud, but locals treat it as a special-occasion counter that undercuts Manhattan’s elite spots on price.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sushi omakase, Sashimi and sushi omakase, Toro scallion hand roll
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Edomae-focused omakase from chef Aung Ko Win at still-accessible prices.
Who should go: Sushi obsessives prioritizing fish quality over roominess.
When to visit: Early weeknights for calmer service and shorter waits.
What to order: Sushi omakase, sashimi omakase, extra fatty tuna nigiri.
Insider tip: Ask about open omakase if you want to keep going piece by piece.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 6th and 7th Avenue is limited and tight during dinner hours; allow extra time or consider nearby paid garages on 5th Avenue.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished; dark denim is fine, but many diners opt for elevated date-night attire.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively; you can converse at the counter but the compact room can feel loud during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; walk-ins may face 45–75 minutes or be turned away.
Weekday lunch: N/A — Katsuei does not serve lunch at this location.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Extremely limited; omakase is seafood-focused with occasional vegetable nigiri if requested.
Vegan options: Not recommended — options are minimal and cannot replicate the core experience.
Gluten-free options: Possible with advance notice; chefs can minimize soy sauce exposure, but cross-contact is likely due to the nature of sushi prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want an elevated, intimate experience centered on the sushi counter; less ideal if you prefer a quieter or more spacious room.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Occasionally early on weeknights, but seats are limited; counter spots usually release right at opening, so arriving before doors open offers the best chance.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly; the room is compact with little space for strollers, and the omakase format suits older teens or adventurous young diners rather than small children.
Best For
Better for: Top-tier Edomae-style nigiri at a price point below Manhattan’s marquee omakase counters, plus a tightly curated experience that highlights fish quality.
Skip if: You want a quiet dining room, cooked Japanese dishes, or a menu with flexibility beyond the omakase format.
Sushi Katsuei
8.8
Sushi Katsuei’s Park Slope original is an omakase-focused counter where high-quality fish and tight execution outpace the modest room. With relatively accessible omakase pricing and consistently strong reviews, it’s become one of Brooklyn’s most trusted neighborhood sushi fine-dining experiences.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase sushi set, Toro and uni nigiri, Chirashi bowl
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Focused omakase sushi program delivering top-tier fish at a relatively approachable price.
Who should go: Sushi fans who prioritize fish quality over flashy decor.
When to visit: Early evening seatings for smoother pacing and shorter waits.
What to order: Omakase set, extra toro and uni, sake pairing.
Insider tip: Counter seats give you the best interaction with the chefs and pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on 7th Ave and nearby side streets; expect competition after 6 p.m. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual; elevated but not formal. Jeans are fine if paired with a nicer top or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate—quiet enough for conversation at both tables and the counter, though peak seatings can feel lively.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation; counter seats may open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, though omakase seating can fill during peak hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—can prepare vegetable-focused sushi pieces on request but no full vegetarian omakase.
Vegan options: Very limited—seaweed, cucumber, and a few vegetable bites only; not recommended for strict vegans.
Gluten-free options: Manageable—chefs can avoid soy sauce with gluten and adjust seasoning; alert them early for proper substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the calm, focused setting and omakase format create a shared experience without being overly formal. Great if your date enjoys sushi and appreciates conversation-friendly dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly—early openings or late seatings are your best bet. The counter is more likely to have last-minute spots than the tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—no dedicated kids’ menu and the omakase pacing suits teens or older children who already enjoy sushi. Young kids may find the setting restrictive.
Best For
Better for: High-quality, value-conscious omakase with skilled knife work and consistent fish sourcing—ideal when you want refined sushi without Manhattan-level prices.
Skip if: You prefer elaborate décor, cooked entrées, or a wide à la carte menu. Choose elsewhere if you need robust vegetarian or vegan options.
Sushi Katsuei
8.8
Since 2014, Sushi Katsuei has been Park Slope’s destination omakase counter, known for pristine fish, seasoned rice, and a focused, chef-led experience. The compact room, counter seating, and sake list make it a go-to for serious sushi dates willing to splurge.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sushi Omakase, Toro Scallion Cut Roll, Sushi Deluxe
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Serious omakase with top-tier fish and an intimate counter-focused room.
Who should go: Omakase lovers ready to splurge on serious Park Slope sushi
When to visit: Prime-time evening seatings, especially later in the week
What to order: Sushi omakase, toro scallion roll, sushi deluxe platter
Insider tip: Reserve counter seats and ask about that day’s premium toro or uni.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on 7th Avenue and nearby side streets, especially after 6pm; allow extra time or use nearby paid garages on 5th Avenue.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished — elevated denim is acceptable, but most guests opt for dressy-casual date-night attire.
Noise level: Moderate — the compact room stays lively but calm enough for comfortable, intimate conversation.
Weekend wait: Usually no walk-in availability; reservations are essential and walk-ins may be turned away.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service offered.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few vegetable nigiri and maki, but the experience is primarily fish-focused.
Vegan options: Very limited — not recommended for a full vegan meal.
Gluten-free options: Good accommodation — many items are naturally gluten-free; request tamari and confirm sauce adjustments with the chef.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate counter, attentive chef interaction, and quiet room create a high-impact first-date setting, especially for someone who appreciates refined sushi.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Rarely — the restaurant is small and counter seats book quickly. Walk-ins may be considered early in the evening but should not be relied upon.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — the omakase format, tight space, and quiet dining room are best suited for adults or older teens comfortable with formal sushi service.
Best For
Better for: Top-tier omakase quality, chef-led pacing, and premium fish at a comparatively approachable price point for high-end sushi.
Skip if: You want à la carte variety, group seating, or a more casual atmosphere; alternatives with broader menus may suit those needs better.