0 Followers
Thirteen Water
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Thirteen Water
8.3
A value-forward omakase counter that delivers a steady run of bites with modern garnishes and a casual room. The best move is to commit to the set, keep drinks simple, and treat it as an efficient tasting that hits above its price lane.
Must-Try Dishes:
13-piece omakase, Otoro course, Uni add-on
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 6.6
What makes it special: Accessible omakase that prioritizes a strong quality-to-price ratio.
Who should go: Omakase-curious diners who want value with polish
When to visit: Late afternoon or early evening for easiest seating
What to order: Omakase set, otoro, uni add-on if available
Insider tip: Skip extra apps—spend that money on one premium add-on.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability and gets difficult after 6pm. Rideshare or public transit is easier.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but lean polished for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate. You can comfortably talk with your date across the counter.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, depending on seating turns
Weekday lunch: N/A – dinner service only
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited. Possible with advance notice, but not the intended experience.
Vegan options: Very limited. Not recommended unless coordinated ahead of time.
Gluten-free options: Partial. Many nigiri work, but soy-based sauces are common—flag allergies early.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The counter seating keeps things interactive, the pacing avoids awkward lulls, and the price-to-quality ratio reduces pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes. Early seatings and weekday nights are your best shot, but reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. The omakase format, quiet pacing, and counter focus are better suited to adults.
Best For
Better for: Efficient, value-forward omakase with modern touches that feels polished without feeling precious.
Skip if: You want a long, ceremonial omakase or need extensive dietary accommodations.
Thirteen Water
8.2
An intimate omakase-style room where roll moments (especially hand rolls) work as the textural reset between richer bites. It’s a choose-this-for-the-experience spot: calm lighting, a paced counter meal, and carefully handled fish that rewards going all-in rather than piecemeal ordering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro hand roll, Uni hand roll (when available), Seasonal chef’s roll course
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A paced counter experience where hand rolls punctuate the meal.
Who should go: Splurge diners who want a guided sushi night
When to visit: Weeknight seating for calmer energy
What to order: Omakase, toro hand roll, uni hand roll if offered
Insider tip: Don’t over-snack beforehand—this meal is about pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive in the East Village, especially after 6pm. Rideshare or subway is the easiest option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jeans are fine if paired with a polished top or jacket.
Noise level: Low to moderate — calm counter setting where conversation is easy and intentional.
Weekend wait: Reservation strongly recommended; walk-ins rarely seated same night.
Weekday lunch: Limited or no lunch service; for dinner, occasional early walk-in seats on weeknights.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited — omakase can accommodate lightly with advance notice, but not ideal.
Vegan options: Not recommended — seafood-forward experience with minimal substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Possible with advance notice — sashimi-focused courses can be adjusted, but soy-based items may be limited.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something intimate and memorable — it’s quiet, paced, and conversation-friendly, but better for diners comfortable with a guided experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely on weekends. On quieter weeknights, early walk-ins may find a counter seat, but reservations are the smart move.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really — best for adults who can sit through a long, structured meal. No kids menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: A calm, immersive omakase night where hand rolls act as thoughtful resets rather than filler — more about flow and restraint than flash.
Skip if: You want à la carte flexibility, a lively group vibe, or strong vegetarian/vegan options — this is a commit-to-the-experience spot.
Thirteen Water
8.3
An “affordable omakase” room with a clean, modern feel and a set-menu rhythm that keeps a date moving without awkward pauses. It’s best for couples who care most about freshness and a satisfying progression, not a flashy scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase set, Nigiri progression, Seasonal add-ons
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A set-menu omakase that delivers strong freshness at a friendlier price point.
Who should go: Couples who want omakase without splurging
When to visit: Weeknight seating for the smoothest flow
What to order: Omakase set, nigiri progression, seasonal add-ons
Insider tip: Skip heavy snacks beforehand—the pacing is steady and filling.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability and challenging after 6pm. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy—jeans are fine, but most diners lean polished.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough to easily hear your date across the counter.
Weekend wait: Reservation strongly recommended; 30–60 min wait possible without one.
Weekday lunch: Not offered.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—can accommodate with advance notice, but expect a modified experience.
Vegan options: Very limited—advance notice required and substitutions may reduce variety.
Gluten-free options: Yes—can accommodate with soy substitutions; notify the staff when booking.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its set-menu pacing removes ordering friction and keeps the focus on conversation rather than decisions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights, but the omakase format means seats fill quickly—book ahead for weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? No—best suited for adults; the omakase format and quiet room aren’t designed for children.
Best For
Better for: Clean, no-drama omakase with steady pacing and strong freshness at a more approachable price than luxury counters.
Skip if: You want a lively scene, à la carte flexibility, or a highly theatrical chef-led experience.