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"Dedicated to edomae—the Edo style of sushimaking that emphasizes marinating, curing, and aging—Shota Omakase coaxes more intense flavors than you might expect: the uni is richer and the hamachi just a touch sweeter, literally eye-opening. The decadent 18-course tasting menu ($195 per person) stretches time in the best way, starting with four otsumami, then miso soup, an array of seasonal nigiri, a hand roll, and tamago, while chef-owner Cheng Lin eagerly shares the story of each Toyosu-sourced ingredient and plops Ghibli-worthy pieces into your hands. Rather than just focusing on the culinary work, he invites guests on a sensory journey." - Emily Adler, Megan Spurrell