This is my first ever review on Google, so you know how frustrated I was. This restaurant is not hospitable or organized.
I visited NYC for a 2-day conference and met my friend who I hadn't seen for four years. Unfortunately, my friend was late for 50 minutes for the reservation because the NYC subway was down, and he was stuck there. So we started our meal at 5:45 without him (15 minutes after the reservation). Later, the waiter asked if they could skip my friend's appetizers because the chef didn't want to delay everyone else's service. I understand, but I asked him to ask for my friend's decision when he arrived. When my friend finally made it there, the server locked the restaurant door, refused to let my friend in, and charged us a 150 cancellation fee without noticing me ahead of time, and I had to finish the rest of the meal alone. When I asked the waiter what about my friend and he said he could wait outside… I have had many omakase experiences before and have seen other chefs coping with other late-show customers. They either prepared their food anyway or served the rest of the menu and tried to make up the previous dishes if time allowed. I understand each restaurant has its policy, but sushi mumi has so many other better solutions for this situation other than locking the door. Food- and service- wise, good but not great. The order of dishes can be adjusted. Some appetizers like wagyu are greasy, and I prefer to have them at the end of the meal. I would not recommend this...
Read moreAt this moment…. The absolute BEST Omakase I’ve experienced in New York, so much so that it took second place on my “ Beli” list. Chef Marco Lin is clearly extremely dedicated to his craft, is outgoing, talks to his guests and has an amazing smile that warms your soul. He made sure to explain every dish to every guest regardless of if they heard him or not ( while he was explaining to another party). Everything is fresh, high quality & absolutely delicious. Tony….who I’m not sure how to describe him… maybe a waiter? Was extremely friendly, helpful & funny and made the experience that much better.
Chef Marco: You are an expert in your craft and it shows, from the layout of the sushiya, to the freshness of the sushi and your kindness and hospitality. We made friends with everyone around us as the space itself is small and intimate.
I was even shocked…. Originally when I made a Resy it asked if it was for any special occasion to which I marked: Birthday. I figured it was an internal way for Resy to know who visits what restaurants for what reason…. However…. My jaw dropped when at the end of the meal Tony brought out a “ Yuzu Ice cream with peppercorn” ( insanely unique & delicious combo) with candle and everyone from chef Marco to every guest…. Began to sing for the person whom I originally booked the Omakase for..
It was an unforgettable experience, unforgettable sushi & time.
Thank you Sushi Mumi, Tony &...
Read moreTLDR: Sushi Mumi is a proper omakase in the East Village where Kura used to be. Chef is a former Ginza Onodera alum so if you're missing that kinda flavor since they've closed - this is a good spot to pick.
Came to Sushi Mumi after a few folks recommended it. It occupies the former space where Kura was (RIP) and a former Ginza Onodera chef runs the counter.
The menu is on the higher tier of the sushi circuit at $250 before tax/gratuity with 5 otsumami, 10 nigiri/sushi, tamago, soup, dessert. The ostumami definitely allowed chef to show off his skills with the cooked dishes.
The the hamo or pike conger which was served with jasmine vinegar jelly was the crowed favorite. Very tender with that fragrant scent of the jasmine and the tang of the vinegar jelly. The amadai fried with the scales on was also enjoyable mixed with the hairy crab sauce. The grilled nodoguro was excellent as well.
The shari is cooked very well as you'd expect from someone of this caliber. There's a deep red hue with the nice salty tang from the vinegar. The nigiri was excellent with the stand outs for me being the shima aji and iwashi. It's a comfortable restaurant and if you're looking for a break from the budget omakases - this is a spot that a lot of sushi...
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