The average person 💰55 eats 13 omakase

Lately, I’ve really felt the struggle between my growing craving for Japanese food and my limited budget 💸. After trying spots like Yoshino, Nakaji, and Noz… I’ve decided to dive into affordable omakase exploration! This is the first post in the series～ ✨ Shinzo Omakase ✨ 89 E 2nd St, New York, NY 10009 💰 Normally 13 courses for $69, but it’s $55 during their soft opening—looks like it ends on August 25th. Here are my honest thoughts: 💡 The chef is Chinese and chats in Mandarin, which feels super friendly. I have a friend who once met a Chinese chef pretending to be Japanese and refusing to speak Chinese—it left a bad taste, so this was a nice change! 💡 The vinegared rice was a pleasant surprise—I love it when the acidity is noticeable, it cuts through the richness perfectly. 💡 The sashimi is fresh, and the chef is generous with portions. Even at the regular price of $69, the value is solid. Back in 2018, I thought $55 for 12 courses at Sushi on Jones (outdoor tiny seats!) was a steal—now, with current prices? This is a bargain. They’ve got the akami-chutoro-toro trio, uni served with sweet shrimp, and even A5 wagyu. 💡 It’s fusion, not traditional omakase—there are “sacrilegious” combos like A5 wagyu/salmon + foie gras, and the blowtorch gets a lot of use～ My personal faves: 🍣 Akami was tender, paired with ponzu radish for a weirdly refreshing, crisp bite 🍣 Scallop was sweet and plump 🍣 Madai was seared, with that lovely smoky aroma 🍣 Salmon-foie gras/otoro/wagyu/eel—one bite and I swear dopamine hit ✨ (yes, I’m a basic foodie, no shame) 💡 Small bummer: they don’t have a liquor license yet. 💡 13 courses aren’t huge, but I was full even on a not-too-hungry day～ Next time I might add a hand roll. 💡 Finally: you get what you pay for. But this spot definitely beats other 网红 omakase at the same price! Hope they keep up the consistent quality and portions as they get busier. Honestly, while it can’t compare to $200+ omakase, it might even hold its own against places like Ishikawa (around $150 per person). That’s it for today’s share—if you liked it, give it a like! Follow me for more NYC life bits～ Hope everyone has a great new week 😊 #NewYorkFood #NewYorkFoodGuide #NewYorkSushi #NewYorkAffordableSushi #NewYorkOmakase #ManhattanOmakase #ManhattanSushi #NewYorkFoodReview #NewYorkValueFood #NewYorkSushi #NewYorkNewOmakase #AffordableOmakase