Sushi W - UWS — Restaurant in New York

Had a reservation for the Omakase sushi experience. Ordered the premium Omakase.

I have never had Omakase before, and I can't believe the quality of the sushi, especially given the price. Watching the head chef examine a large piece of fish, purposefully but carefully turning over several times, and making precision cuts - it's evident that a lot of care and effort is put into the ingredients. Pieces of sushi may be marinated and given a little extra seasoning as appropriate. I found myself wanting for nothing with this meal.

The staff is very attentive, guiding any new diners through the experience, particularly when it required folding a piece of nori and quickly eating in one fluid motion. Everyone was asked to fill out comment cards, and it's evident they're customer focused and want to provide the best experience.

The Chutoro left me speechless. I've been thinking of this sushi for three days now. I'll be planning a trip back from Baltimore to take my wife since she HAS to try this, I just need to find a show or some other event to make the train trip and lodging and transportation worth it.

I don't know if I even want to try Omakase in Baltimore or DC because I think I'll constantly compare it to Sushi W, and I don't know if it'll be as good even though I'd pay more.

I only took one quick photo of the menu for the day. They recommend eating each piece within 10 seconds as the rice is warm, to have the best flavor. And it felt wrong to try and take a picture of the chefs at work - I would rather admire the skill and attention to detail than try and capture it.

So, I have nothing to add for a picture gallery. But the place is classy given the small size and that it's next to a little pizza shop. The unisex restroom is spacious and clean. There's space for your coat and you aren't packed elbow to elbow with other guests, although there's only seating for 12. I did overhear that they can do events like a small birthday get together. There are two small tables up front for guests who are waiting, or for those who want to finish a drink after their meal. It did seem to be BYO for drinks, but I wasn't paying attention to that, to be fair.

Reservations are required. Get them early. Seating is hourly or thereabouts, and with the small counter space and popularity, they likely can't accommodate a change in reservation - this is reasonable. If you have to wait a few minutes for the previous guests to leave, please don't stress. Consider it an extra chance to anticipate a great experience, rather than a wait.

I'll...

What a great find. Sushi W is a new restaurant, and as with such are still working out the kinks. Normally I wouldn't write a review for a new place, but they exceeded my expectations, even though it wasn't perfect. At the end of the meal they handed out a little survey for the patrons fill out in regards to the quality and what, if any, things we could recommend or change. And you know what, I really only felt the only change could have been the use of real Wasabi.

Sushi W is an omakase only place. It was my first time going to such. I'm more of the "variety is the spice of life" kind of guy, and love a standard open menu with choices. But Sushi W's staff and head sushi chef did not disappoint. There are 2 options for ordering: Premium, regular. The premium gives you 3 or 4 more pieces of sushi/sashimi. I went with that.

As for the quality of the food, and presentation, it was A+ all the way. They add a little balsamic vinegar to the sushi rice, and I must say that it was pretty delicious. They do not get crazy with any seasonings or sides, and the fish really is the star of the show. The pricing was mind blowing low!

If you're craving sushi and want a nice meal with ambiance and great staff, I highly recommend Sushi W. They did not have their liquor license yet. But they will be getting it. You need to make reservations because of the way you are seated. The sushi chef serves all the people at the sushi bar at the same time, so you all have to be seated at the same time. The serving lasts 1 hour.

Until...

It was a last minute decision to dine here with some friends when we walked by and saw the sign for a lunch omakase deal, with 9 nigiri piece and 2 hand rolls for around 38$. They had 2 seating times for the lunch time, 12 pm and 1 pm. The employees were extremely nice, checking up on us occasionally while we were waiting for our turn.

The atmosphere of the dining area is nice, it’s spacious enough between seats and didn’t feel stuffy. The chef was nice, I wouldn’t recommend you come here if you wanted to have a conversation with the chef about the food, he was friendly but also gave us space so we could talk amongst ourselves, which I enjoy more. It’s perfect for introverts or people who just want to enjoy a meal.

For the price, it’s a great deal. The fish was pretty fresh, none of it tasted past due. My stomach was fine after the experience. The employees presented the menu to us and popped by occasionally to refill our water or describe the food to us.

Overall the meal costed around $45 per person (rounding up), they aren’t a tipping establishment, which is refreshing in NY.

I would come again, it’s a great deal for great service...