But that changed with the arrival of Shota Omakase in Williamsburg. Chef Shota Nakajima, a Seattle native and former contestant on “Top Chef,” brings a fresh perspective to the traditional omakase experience. His 12-seat counter offers a more casual and interactive setting compared to some of the more formal spots in Manhattan.
At Shota Omakase, diners can expect a dynamic and creative menu that combines traditional Edomae techniques with innovative twists. Chef Shota is known for his playful approach to sushi, incorporating unexpected ingredients like truffle and foie gras alongside traditional Japanese flavors.
The omakase experience at Shota Omakase starts at $200 for a 12-course menu, making it a more accessible option for those looking to indulge in high-quality sushi without breaking the bank. Diners can expect a mix of nigiri, sashimi, and small plates that highlight the season’s freshest ingredients.
One standout dish at Shota Omakase is the Japanese horse mackerel, a delicacy that showcases Chef Shota’s skill in sourcing and preparing top-quality seafood. The intimate setting and personalized attention from Chef Shota make this a must-visit spot for sushi lovers in Brooklyn.
Overall, Shota Omakase offers a unique and memorable omakase experience in the heart of Williamsburg. Whether you’re a sushi aficionado or just looking to try something new, Chef Shota’s creative menu and warm hospitality are sure to impress. Former Ito chef Cheng Lin is making waves in the New York sushi scene with his dual counter sushi bar, Shota. Opened nearly two years ago, Shota offers a steal of an omakase experience with generously sized nigiri featuring auction-level seafood priced at $195 for 18 courses. Lin’s dedication to sourcing high-quality seafood is evident, with many of his ingredients coming from the same buyer as other top sushi restaurants in the city.
Recently, Lin expanded Shota to include a smaller, more premium counter called Gentei. This 10-seat counter offers a $255 menu featuring seasonal seafood like ayu and off-season wild salmon. The omakase experience at Shota begins with six seasonal small plates, such as shark skin flounder in a housemade ponzu sauce aged for three months. This is followed by 10 pieces of nigiri, a hand roll, and two desserts. Lin’s unique approach to sushi rice, using two different blends with varying vinegars for different types of fish, sets him apart from other chefs in the city.
Another standout in the New York sushi scene is Yoshino, located in Noho. Chef Tadashi Yoshida, a highly decorated master sushi chef from Japan, opened Yoshino in 2021 to critical acclaim. His 20-course omakase menu, priced at $500, features signature bites like his sabazushi (mackerel) torched under a handheld binchotan grill. Yoshida sources his seafood directly from top markets in Tokyo and Kyushu, working with elite vendors to receive exclusive allocations not available to other restaurants abroad. The menu at Yoshino highlights traditional Edomae techniques with occasional nods to French luxury ingredients.
In Chinatown, chef Kunihide Nakajima’s Nakaji offers a deeply traditional omakase experience for $365. The 10-seat counter serves seasonal tsumami followed by nine pieces of nigiri, a hand roll, and dessert. Nakajima’s menu shifts weekly to showcase peak-season ingredients, with seafood flown in from Toyosu Market three times a week. The uni tasting, once an optional add-on, is now included for returning diners. Additionally, Bar Nakaji offers a selection of rare whiskies for guests to enjoy before or after their meal.
Mark Garcia of Hear & There in Williamsburg brings a unique twist to the omakase experience with a $150, 16-course menu featuring his signature black shari (sushi rice) seasoned with Celtic sea salt and maple syrup. Garcia’s menu includes nods to his past, such as his cult-favorite Gaijin bite, alongside pristine seafood offerings. Desserts like tomato sherbet with wasabi oil and white chocolate round out the meal at this high-energy 22-seat sushi counter.
Lastly, Jōji in Midtown channels the hidden gems of Tokyo with a minimalist, glowing 10-seat counter offering refined omakase experiences for $410 at dinner and $295 at lunch. Led by Masa alum George Ruan and Wayne Cheng, Jōji’s menu features warm plates and a sequence of 13 pristine nigiri, with 90% of the ingredients sourced directly from Japan. The beverage program highlights French wines and small production sakes to complement the exquisite offerings.
Overall, these top sushi counters in New York City are pushing the boundaries of traditional omakase experiences, offering unique menus, premium ingredients, and expert craftsmanship to delight diners seeking an unforgettable sushi dining experience. Japanese fruit is renowned for its exceptional quality and flavor, especially during peak season. One of the standout pieces of this season is the ultra-juicy musk melon, which is a favorite among fruit enthusiasts for its sweet and refreshing taste.
Musk melons are grown in Japan using meticulous cultivation techniques that result in fruit of the highest quality. The melons are carefully tended to throughout the growing process, ensuring that they reach their full potential in terms of flavor and juiciness. When ripe, musk melons have a distinct aroma and a tender, succulent flesh that melts in your mouth with each bite.
For those who are in a rush but still want to enjoy the exquisite flavors of Japanese cuisine, Joji Box is the perfect solution. Located next door to the fruit stand, Joji Box offers an elevated sushi set to-go that allows customers to savor the flavors of freshly prepared sushi on the go.
The sushi set at Joji Box features a variety of sushi rolls, sashimi, and nigiri made with the freshest ingredients and expertly crafted by skilled chefs. Each piece is a work of art, showcasing the vibrant colors and delicate textures of traditional Japanese cuisine.
Whether you’re looking to indulge in a decadent musk melon or enjoy a quick and satisfying sushi set, the combination of peak-season Japanese fruit and elevated sushi at Joji Box is sure to delight your taste buds. So why wait? Stop by today and treat yourself to a culinary experience that is truly unforgettable.