Hanaya Omakase — Restaurant in New York

I was going to gatekeep this new Omakase place because it was so good but decided that more New Yorkers need to try this amazing spot. The chef's skills, selection of unique pieces, and quality of ingredients made this one of the best omakase experiences I've had in the city and well worth the $ price tag. Each course showcased an incredible balance of texture, flavor, and artistry. Just remember to BYOB because they don't have a liquor license yet!

Some highlights:

Uni (Sea Urchin) -- Creamy, briny, and impossibly fresh, the uni melted like butter with a whisper of ocean sweetness.

Seared Ebi with Foie Gras -- The contrast of the warm prawn and delicate foie topping was pure indulgence -- smoky, sweet, and unforgettable.

Toro with Caviar -- Silky, luxurious, and perfectly seasoned -- the caviar added a pop of salt that elevated the buttery tuna to another level.

Shaved Truffle Toro -- Earthy truffle notes married beautifully with the tender, marbled toro -- decadence at its finest.

Seared White Fish with Wasabi -- Lightly torched with a touch of wasabi, this piece was clean, aromatic, and beautifully balanced.

Anago (Sea Eel) -- Soft, warm, and glazed with a delicate sweetness -- it was the ultimate comforting finish before dessert.

Otoro with Caviar (Final Course) -- The encore of fatty tuna crowned with glistening caviar was the perfect closing statement: rich, refined, and truly memorable.

The progression of flavors was flawless -- from the bright opening bites to the indulgent finish, everything was executed with quiet confidence. The chef and staff were warm, precise, and passionate -- you can feel the pride in every plate.

Verdict: If you even remotely like omakase, this spot belongs at the very top of your list. Every piece told its own story, and every bite reminded me why I need to go back again!

PS: If you go back often like I do and with different dates, tell them not to mention "oh welcome back" because that is the only negative as I almost got...

I recently tried their $75 omakase 13 pieces sushi experience that, while affordable for this style of dining, left quite a bit to be desired in terms of atmosphere and engagement.

The space itself was incredibly barren—essentially just a sushi counter and four walls. No decor, no music, no ambiance. It almost felt like a pop-up or a temporary setup rather than a restaurant aiming to offer a curated, sushi experience. The minimalism could have worked if it were intentional and elevated, but instead it just felt unfinished and cold.

As for the sushi chef, he offered little to no interaction. There were no explanations about the fish, the sourcing, the preparation—just a quiet, mechanical procession of nigiri. For an omakase meal, where the connection with the chef and learning about the food are often highlights, this was a letdown. It felt more like a sushi assembly line than a personalized culinary experience.

That said, the sushi itself was decent. A few pieces stood out—particularly the Ebi Foie Gras and the Chu/Otoro. For $75, the quality was fair, maybe even a little above expectations on the fish side. But without the ambiance or hospitality to match, it lacked the soul and immersion that make...

This sushi restaurant is truly an amazing dining experience! The sushi tastes fantastic, and the fish is extremely fresh — every bite shows the quality and care in preparation. Whether it’s sashimi or rolls, everything is delicate and melts in your mouth.

The restaurant itself has a clean and comfortable atmosphere. The simple yet cozy design makes it a great place to relax, whether you’re dining with friends or enjoying a meal on your own.

What impressed me the most was the service. The staff are very friendly and attentive, always smiling, refilling tea, and offering recommendations from the menu. Their warm hospitality made the whole experience even better.

Overall, this sushi restaurant offers top-notch food, a pleasant environment, and excellent service. Highly recommended to anyone who...