Shinzo Omakase — Restaurant in New York

As a self proclaimed NYC omakase connoisseur — take my word when I say I’ve explored the gamut and emptied my pockets for omakase on the high and low end.

In my expedition to locate my ideal omakase that pinpoints the intersection of high quality, a lighthearted atmosphere, and a price point you don’t grimace at I have repeatedly returned to Shinzo. I had to physically restrain myself from popping the pieces in my mouth in order to take photos for this review. I failed.

This is an intimate omakase space with 9 bar spots. During my most memorable visits, we’ve engaged in lively conversation as an eclectic 9 person family in-between toasting with our bottles of sake purchased down the street.

Shinzo offers a 13 piece omakase for $69.00 — you are then able to a la carte a few of their specials at the end of the meal. Or if you happen to be celebrating, chef will prepare a small dish of minced fish for you to share (although I won’t blame you if you don’t) with your fellow diners.

I have brought several friends here for their first omakase experience and the chefs (shoutout Tom) have been excellent at accommodating all of their inquiries and preferences to avoid certain items.

My favorites include hamachi, the sablefish piece melted in your mouth, and the hotate scallop with citrus charcoal salt meticulously grated on top. Obviously I can’t part ways without mentioning the otoro — if you are bewitched by anything let it be this fatty piece of tuna that shockingly causes the incessant horn honking right outside the front door to dissipate. Make a reservation and report back if you regret it. I will not be...

Omakase delight In the city to visit NYU and my sister. She invited me to dinner for some nigiri. Being a big fan and the fact that my daughter didn't get a chance to eat sushi on her trip to Japan, I enthusiastically accepted. Bad school trip planners! But I digress. Be aware this is a tiny restaurant, a proverbial hole in the wall that sits 9 at a time, you will need a reservation. It's BYOB if you require alcohol. That said it's a wonderfully minimalist and intimate setting. There is one table with two chefs and one waiter. The menu is set with two potential flights of nigiri, decided by the chef. Omakase. A wooden plate and a set of chopsticks are set in front of you with a side of ginger. In real time, the chef prepares your food and announces the nigiri to be served. The nigiri isn't purely traditional straight fish and rice. Instead a touch of additional flavors are incorporated, such as jalapeno, wasabi, truffle salt, and foie gras. This is reminiscent of Nobu. Another twist is the use of a creme brulee torch to slightly sear the fish. I liked this technique for certain cuts of the fish, but had mixed feelings when applied to the OToro. It was good, but would have preferred it raw. As a group, we enjoyed each piece of nigiri one by one, a pure delight in flavor. I wish I could have had a little more time to savor. I was surprised by the quality of the yellow tail, probably the best I've ever had, nice and fatty. Also had sablefish aka black cod, that was a surprising delight of buttery bacon flavor that melts in the mouth. Amazing, is all I could think. A truly wonderful...

We’ve been going to Shinzo for the past two years ever since we discovered it one night and we haven’t looked back since. We live in Philadelphia and we drive 2hrs just to get a seat at Shinzo and drive back home the same night because of how AMAZING this Omakase gem is.

Not only is the location perfect, the atmosphere, the staff, the chef, the fish and everything that makes a perfect omakase perfect…is at Shinzo.

Every time we arrive, the staff quickly remembers us and treats us like family. From the moment you sit down to the end of the 1hr service, you will feel amazing. Any time we go for a special occasion they provide you with a little thank you card/small treat to celebrate!

Every bite of sushi is a masterpiece — fresh, flavorful, and melts in your mouth good. The toppings they pair with the fish go hand in hand so well, the flavors are an exact match that just melts in your mouth.

And then there’s the value — for the quality, creativity, and experience you get, the price is unbeatable.

We truly can’t recommend Shinzo Omakase enough. It’s not just a meal — it’s a memory. We will be going to Shinzo for as long as we live in this area because nobody else has the perfect omakase.

(Also ignore the recent two low star reviews, it has no reflection to Shinzo in any way, it seems its just two disgruntled customers that have nothing...