Naoki Sushi — Restaurant in Lawrence Township

My husband and I had Valentine’s Day dinner at Naoki and it was the most incredible omakase experience I’ve ever had. This place stands out because of its minimalist appearance. When you’re outside the restaurant looking in you see an open and brightly lit room with very little furniture. This restaurant is simple but not at all boring. There is a chef’s table that seats only eight. There is no decor to be distracted by. Your eyes are focused on the chef masterfully creating your next bite, his hands holding the sharpest knife whispering through the layers of the freshest fish you’ll ever taste, flown in from Japan. The fish melts in your mouth it’s so fresh. The wagyu that you cook on the lava stone is so tender and flavorful you don’t even need the sauces they provide (but you should definitely try them). Every time the server would ask me how I enjoyed a particular course I couldn’t even describe how much I enjoyed it so I’d just reply “really good.” But I hope they could see from my face that my “really good” really meant this is the best thing I’ve ever eaten and will probably ever eat in my life. When all was over I asked husband which one was his favorite and he couldn’t immediately answer because everything was perfection. But for me the dish that surprised me the most was the uni bowl. The first time I had uni I couldn’t believe people actually enjoyed it. This uni was so far apart from all other uni I’ve had. It was fresh, creamy and insanely delicious, even apart from the equally amazing caviar and roe. But altogether the uni bowl was my favorite part of the meal. It seems wrong to post everything I ate because the best part of omakase is being surprised by your next bite so here are some highlights of the evening. It was an honor and delight to dine here. Chef Naoki Tashiro is a master of his craft and I cannot wait to...

For our anniversary, my husband and I had our very first omakase experience at Naok Sushi, and it was nothing short of exceptional. From the refined yet welcoming atmosphere to the thoughtful service and elegant presentation, every detail reflected artistry and passion.

Our server patiently introduced each course and answered our questions with warmth, making the evening feel both personal and educational.

The food was extraordinary in its simplicity. The sushi rice was the most perfect I’ve ever tasted—each grain distinct, delicately seasoned, and holding its form beautifully. The fish was incredibly fresh, melting effortlessly on the tongue and allowing the natural flavors to shine. Even the freshly grated wasabi carried a subtle sweetness that elevated each bite. (As someone sensitive to seafood quality, I can confidently say everything was pristine and handled with care.👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻)

My personal favorites were the fatty tuna sashimi, the roasted tuna cube, all the eel dishes and the chawanmushi. Each dish celebrated the pure beauty of its ingredients rather than masking them with heavy flavors, a style I truly appreciated.

If I had one small suggestion, it would be that the Japanese vanilla ice cream with matcha at the end, which had a few tiny frozen ice crystals. Still, it was a minor detail in an otherwise flawless meal. And I truly appreciate the extra "bling" they put on our dessert to make our evening even more magical! It was an unforgettable anniversary dinner, and we’re already looking forward to...

This sushi restaurant is one of the most authentic Japanese dining experiences I've had in the United States. From the moment I stepped in, I was impressed by the interior design, it made me feel like I was traveling in Japan.

If you're curious to try their sushi but you don’t have too much budget, I highly recommend their lunch set, which is only available on Fridays and Saturdays. The lunch set includes 10 different pieces of sushi, a miso soup, and a small salad. While the quality of the fish is undoubtedly fresh and above average for the U.S., the overall impression of the sushi set was solid but not particularly surprising. Still, it was a satisfying and well-balanced meal.

One small downside I encountered was regarding the miso soup. After finishing my meal, I asked for a refill of the soup, I thought it was free (usually free in other similar fine dining). However, I wasn’t informed that there would be an extra $3 charge, which I only noticed after receiving the receipt. Fortunately, $3 isn't a big deal, but I do believe that a simple heads-up would have made the overall guest experience feel more transparent and thoughtful.

Overall, it's a beautiful place for an authentic sushi lunch, especially for those looking to enjoy a refined yet...