Food 8/10 My thoughts straight from the sushi journal in real-time: Snapper sea salt lemon juice lime: too much citrus but fish is soft Chutoro: good wasabi balance, jelly-like consistency Yellowtail shishito pepper: I like the char and the pepper pairing, a little chewier Tuna truffle: fire, surprised I did appreciate truffle being added can definitely taste it Shima aji: garlic chip most of the flavor, soft texture Salmon tomato; mushy Ikura: lemon zest. Why does this taste like boba to me Botan ebi: kinda sweet, but not the sweetest, strong wasabi Scallop: lime zest yuzu, no chew bite right through tender big scallop piece, very strong citrus again Otoro toro caviar: caviar unnecessary but I love tuna so this was great, not too fishy Eel: always solid, just a teensy bit dry Toast: uni and toro, i love uni, bread was unnecessary would prefer w rice. This is what I don’t like about innovative sushi Toro handroll: a little small idk
They are very generous with their fish pieces. The rice itself is not very distinct, light on the wasabi, little loose wish it had more vinegar, and we asked for less rice. I don’t like frills in omakase, so this was definitely not my style.
Atmosphere 3/10 Horrible ventilation bumped down the ranking significantly. The oil fumes made my head hurt. The counter is three-sided. Typical mid-tier omakase pretty good price for what you get in NYC.
Service 5/10 Nice service. Because it’s a timed omakase spot, they fed us piece after piece quite consecutively, but not...
Read moreStepping into Thirteen Water is like entering a haven of culinary artistry and sublime ambiance, a true gem amongst omakase establishments. This restaurant brings to life the rich and delicate flavors of Japanese cuisine, delivering an exquisite array of sushi and other culinary creations that are a feast for the senses.
Each dish is a masterpiece, meticulously crafted with the freshest and finest ingredients, reflecting the chef’s unwavering commitment to quality and flavor. The sushi is particularly noteworthy, featuring velvety textures and vibrant flavors that dance on the palate, leaving a lingering taste of the sea’s bounty.
Thirteen Water’s cozy environment is the epitome of elegance and intimacy, with subtle lighting and tasteful décor creating a tranquil oasis away from the bustling world outside. Every detail is considered, every element harmoniously intertwined to elevate the dining experience to new heights.
The staff’s attentive and warm service complements the heavenly culinary creations, making guests feel cherished and welcomed. They are well-versed in the nuances of the cuisine, enhancing the dining experience with their knowledge and passion.
Thirteen Water is not just a restaurant; it’s a sanctuary for the soul and the senses, a place where culinary dreams are realized, and every bite is a journey of discovery. It truly deserves the highest accolade, a shining five-star beacon in the world of gastronomy, where cozy meets delectable in a symphony of flavors...
Read moreI made a reservation for next Saturday and tried to change it to the following Sunday on Resy. There was an issue with a system and my reservation wasn't cancelled and the reservation was made for the wrong date (the next day). As soon as I woke up I saw that the reservation was made for the wrong date and emailed the restaurant to explain what happened and to ask them to change my reservation to the following Sunday. I explained what happened and shared that this was a very special reservation for my cousin's visit the following weekend. One I'd been saving for to treat her to a nice meal. They refused to change my reservation and said no matter what they would be charging me the $50/PP cancellation fee. It was very confusing because my friends had said that in the past Thirteen Water had been very flexible with their same-day changes. I emailed them all day begging, my anxiety was through the roof and I told them I was really panicking. They didn't care. At 8PM they charged my card $100 I couldn't afford to pay. Now I can't take my cousin out next weekend. I don't understand why when I wanted to eat there. UPDATE: Resy reached out to the restaurant to request they give me a refund based on issues with their system and I still haven't gotten...
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