A New Kind of Kosher Sushi Experience
New York’s kosher sushi scene is getting a meaningful upgrade with the reopening of Fins & Scales, a unique omakase experience launched by the team behind Sushi by Bou. The newly reimagined concept officially opened in late April in Manhattan at the Chabad Loft (near NYU), bringing an exclusive culinary format and an inclusive mission.
Fins & Scales blends top-tier kosher dining with community building. The omakase-style experience is offered at an 8-seat sushi counter and features 13 elegant courses in a 75-minute timed seating. Menu highlights include Blue Fin Toro, Japanese Hamachi with Chive, Salmon with Yuzu Pepper, and Kinmedai with lightly charred skin and pickled wasabi. The fish is selected seasonally and presented in a curated tasting menu that reflects traditional Japanese omakase with a kosher twist.
A Mission-Driven Approach to Fine Kosher Dining
What sets Fins & Scales apart is its pricing model: the restaurant operates under a “Give What You Can” format. Diners are invited to experience the full menu with a suggested donation of $150 per person, but the goal is inclusivity, not exclusivity. This approach is part of a broader effort by Chabad Friends, the nonprofit organization behind the initiative.
Chabad Friends, founded by Michael Rapaport, Elizabeth Pipko, Michael Sinensky, Teddy Raskin, and Moshe Levi, was created in response to the alarming global rise in antisemitism. The organization’s mission is to foster positive engagement with Jewish culture and community through unique and accessible experiences. Proceeds from Fins & Scales will go toward supporting the group’s ongoing outreach and education efforts.
A Space for Connection and Conversation
The omakase pop-up will be open Thursday evenings to start, with potential for expansion based on demand. While seating is currently limited to eight diners per session, the intimate setting is intentional, providing guests with a personal and immersive culinary journey, while also serving as a platform for meaningful dialogue and connection.
This is not a typical dining experience. With Fins & Scales, the act of enjoying high-end kosher cuisine becomes part of a larger social and cultural initiative. The initiative is designed to bring people together over food, foster curiosity about Jewish life, and make luxury dining more accessible through a philanthropic lens.
Fins & Scales is reopening at Chabad Loft NYC, with dinners available Thursday nights and a recommended donation of $150 per guest. The restaurant is fully kosher certified by the Chabad. Seating is extremely limited, and reservations are required in advance.
