Omakase, a Japanese term meaning “I leave it up to you,” is a unique and immersive dining experience where the chef curates a multi-course meal, highlighting the freshest and most in premium ingredients of the day. This style of dining allows guests to fully trust the chef’s expertise, enjoying a variety of delicately crafted fish & veggie dishes that showcase the essence of Japanese culinary art.
Kosher diners in the NYC area have more options than in any other city on the planet to enjoy a high-quality omakase experience.
Here’s a list of kosher restaurants offering omakase experiences, featuring locations throughout the 5 boroughs of NYC and New Jersey:
1. Akimori (Multiple Locations)
Akimori offers a refined kosher omakase experience, emphasizing Japanese minimalism and seasonal ingredients. With two locations across the city, and a sushi catering offering, since 2021, Akimori has become a go-to spot for kosher sushi enthusiasts seeking an intimate, high-quality meal.
• Brooklyn: 557 Kings Hwy (E. 5th St.), Brooklyn, NY 11223
Kashrut: JSOR
• Upper East Side: 858 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10065
Kashrut: Rabbi Avrohom Marmostein, Mehadrin Kashrus
Check out our Instagram highlights for every dish of our recent omakase experience at Akimori UES.
2. Bonito 47 (Midtown Manhattan)
114 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036
Kashrut: OU
Bonito 47 offers an elegant omakase experience in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, between the Diamond District and Times Square. Their omakase offerings are for both a traditional sushi omakase as well as a meat omakase to the delight of carnivores.
3. Otoro (Queens)
95-25 Queens Blvd, Rego Park, NY 11374
Kashrut: VHQ
Otoro is the newest omakase option on the list. Located in Queens, this spot features a chef’s choice menu that showcases fresh fish, creative presentations, and an attention to detail that sushi aficionados appreciate.
4. Koma Sushi (Brooklyn)
1618 Avenue M, Brooklyn, NY 11230
Kashrut: Vaad HaKashrus of Flatbush
Koma Sushi offers a cozy and authentic omakase experience in Brooklyn. The chefs at Koma focus on seasonal ingredients and innovative techniques, creating a memorable tasting journey for each guest. the restaurant is known for their special Tuna nights when a massive tuna is broken down in front of the diners.
5. Fins & Scales (Greenwich Village)
117 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012
Kashrut: Chabad Greenwich Village
Nestled in a Greenwich Village Chabad loft, Fins & Scales provides an exclusive Omakase experience that features a Sushi Bar with only 8 seats, where your 75-minute timed experience takes you through small plates, nigiri, and handrolls, prepared one at a time by your chef. It’s an authentic 13-course Kosher Omakase experience in a speakeasy-style setting.
6. Sen Sakana (Midtown Manhattan)
28 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
Kashrut: Dover Tov
Sen Sakana blends Japanese and Peruvian flavors in its kosher omakase offerings. The fusion of these two culinary traditions creates a unique experience, showcasing dishes that are both flavorful and visually stunning.
7. Salt Steakhouse (Long Branch, NJ)
15 Morris Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Kashrut: JSOR
Salt Steakhouse’s sushi bar features a kosher omakase menu that is both elegant and diverse. It’s a perfect spot for those looking to enjoy an upscale omakase experience in a relaxed steakhouse setting, just a short drive from NYC, and walking distance from the Jersey Shore beaches.
These kosher omakase experiences highlight the growing diversity and creativity in kosher dining, and in every one of these examples, they’ve all only arisen within the kosher scene in the last 3+ years.
From classic nigiri to fusion-inspired dishes, these spots offer an authentic taste of Japan that’s perfectly adapted for the kosher palate. Whether you’re new to omakase or a seasoned sushi enthusiast, these NYC-area locations promise a memorable and expertly crafted journey through the world of kosher sushi.
BONUS: When you leave NYC, be sure to check out Naama Sushi in Boca Raton, FL for a unique spin on the omakase experiences
