SourAji West — Restaurant in New York

An omakase experience, by definition, is meant to be a curated, chef-led dining journey. The word “omakase” translates to “I’ll leave it up to you,” meaning guests trust the chef to create a thoughtful, high-quality meal using their expertise and the best seasonal ingredients. Central to this experience is the chef’s engagement—explaining each dish, its origin, and the unique qualities of the ingredients. This interactive aspect is what elevates omakase beyond just a meal, making it an intimate, educational, and memorable dining experience.

Unfortunately, our visit to this restaurant failed to meet even the basic standards of what omakase should be. We visited to celebrate a friend’s birthday, but it turned out to be disappointing in every possible way. First, although we paid the same price as other diners, we were seated by the window and received minimal attention. Meanwhile, a large group at the counter was given special treatment, including a sushi cake and a lively birthday celebration. We mentioned that it was also our friend’s birthday, but the chef completely ignored it. All we got was a candle stuck in a dessert, which felt dismissive and insincere.

On top of that, the loud celebration at the counter made it impossible for us to hear each other, ruining the atmosphere. In an omakase setting, the chef is expected to introduce and explain the dishes, but we were left guessing what we were eating the entire time. This lack of communication made the experience feel generic and unremarkable.

The quality of the food was also disappointing. For example, I ordered wagyu, but the portion was less than half the expected size, and it was poorly prepared—unevenly cooked and lacking flavor. Despite the hefty price tag, the food did not reflect the quality we expected.

We were also told there was an “unlimited refill” option, but there were hardly any fish options included in this policy, and no one explained the details clearly. Even the miso soup wasn’t refillable, which was surprising given the supposed promise of unlimited refills. From start to finish, there was a complete lack of clarity and communication, which left us feeling confused and disappointed.

For an omakase meal priced at 100 dollar per person, the entire experience was underwhelming, from the inattentive service to the subpar food quality. It felt more like an overpriced, poorly managed restaurant than a true omakase experience. I deeply regret choosing this place for my friend’s birthday, and I would not recommend...

I recently had the most enchanting and unforgettable dining experience at Mojo Omasake that I simply must share with the world! If you're a sushi lover, this hidden gem is an absolute must-visit for an exquisite culinary journey like no other.

We're from DC and have been craving good sushi for a year. I've been to Japan multiple times, so it's been just downhill from there. And yet, from the moment we stepped into the restaurant, we started to get really excited. The ambiance was simple but serene and intimate, with the restaurant all to ourselves, and we knew we were in for a treat.

The 15-course tailored omasake menu was an absolute work of art. Each dish was crafted with meticulous care, showcasing the chef's skill and passion for the art of sushi-making. What made this experience truly exceptional was our ability to converse with the talented sushi chef himself. He not only prepared every piece with precision but also took the time to explain the origin of each fish and the unique flavors we were meant to explore with every bite.

One highlight that left us in awe was when the chef customized a special piece for the birthday guest, based on her preferences throughout the meal. It was a personal touch that added an extra layer of warmth and made the celebration even more remarkable.

To complement the extraordinary dishes, we had the pleasure of sipping on delightful sake that perfectly complemented the flavors of the sushi. The attentive staff ensured our glasses were never empty, and their knowledge of sake pairings elevated the overall experience.

The attention to detail, the impeccable service, and the sheer passion for the craft made this the best sushi experience my partner and I have ever had. Mojo Omasake is a true gem that deserves recognition and a constant stream of sushi enthusiasts eager to embark on this gastronomic journey.

If you're looking for a dining experience that transcends the ordinary and transports you to a realm of flavors and culinary artistry, I wholeheartedly recommend Mojo Omasake. Treat yourself, your loved ones, or celebrate a special occasion in style. Trust me; you won't be disappointed. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, Mojo Omasake, for making our partner's birthday dinner an unforgettable memory that we'll cherish forever.

Note: Don't forget to book in advance, this place is starting to get well known!! And it's one of the only places...

SourAji offers an AYCE omakase experience that’s great for those looking to maximize quantity. For under $100, you start with a standard 12-course omakase, followed by three additional courses where you can order unlimited pieces of Akami, Tuna, and Wagyu. A notable touch is the inclusion of unlimited Sapporo and sake options, including dry, sparkling, and sweet cloudy varieties. However, there’s a catch: you can only send in one order for the unlimited pieces at the completion of the standard omakase, and any unfinished sushi will cost $10 per piece. You’re guaranteed to leave satisfied and full, though the overall experience comes with some drawbacks.

The Good: Value for money: For less than $100, it’s simply unbeatable for the sheer volume of food and drink offered. Unlimited options: If you love Wagyu and Otoro, this is a rare opportunity to enjoy unlimited portions.

The Not-So-Good: Tight seating: The restaurant seating felt fairly crowded, with customers seated shoulder-to-shoulder, and the counters that clearly were designed for two seat three. Pace of meal: The meal moved at a very fast speed, with everything (including the standard omakase and unlimited orders) finished within an hour. This pace might make it difficult for some to appreciate each piece of nigiri fully. Fish quality: The quality of the fish was standard at best, with certain items like uni being a step down from other omakase experiences. Other than a couple of items, the standard omakase offerings were fairly uninspired without many standout flavors or elements. Fish-to-rice ratio: While the fish cuts were fair in size, the rice slightly overpowered in certain bites, especially in the unlimited courses where the fish cuts were thinner and less consistent. Rice quality: On my visit, the rice felt a tad warm and mushy, though it may have just been an off day.

Overall, SourAji is an interesting concept and a great option for those looking to indulge in a large quantity of sushi at a fair price, especially if you’re a fan of Wagyu or Otoro. It definitely is unbeatable in value, though keep in mind that the experience might not meet the standards of a traditional omakase. I’m glad I gave it a shot, though I will likely explore other options for future omakase...