"Ju-Ni keeps things simple, and that’s why we love it. While other spots in the city over-embellish with gold leaf or serve sashimi atop a ceramic fedora, this 12-seat counter in NoPa focuses on one thing: an excellent omakase that showcases the fish without any distractions. The $198 14-course dinner is dialed in from start to finish. 12 of those courses are nigiri, with rice that tastes like each grain has been sponge-bathed in vinegar. The fish (most of it is sourced from Japan) changes, but there’s always a showstopper: a mountain of frozen, shaved monkfish liver pâte that’s like the funky, umami version of Dippin’ Dots. video credit: Julia Chen photo credit: Sarah Park photo credit: Sarah Park Pause Unmute With one chef for every four guests, a meal here always feels intimate—the details of your flirtatious escapades at Dateway are limited to just a select few. If you’re after a showy sushi experience with an abundance of uni or over-the-top presentation, there are more innovative options we’d send you to first (like Omakase or Ken). But for an easy last-minute celebratory dinner or to give someone a starter-pack introduction to omakase, Ju-Ni is where to go. RESERVE A TABLE WITH RESERVE A TABLE Food Rundown Omakase For $198 per person, you get a multi-course procession of a dozen nigiri that’s torched, caviar-topped, and soy-brushed. Other small plates are included, like miso soup, chef’s choice temaki, and cucumber salad. The fish, ranging from baby barracuda and soy-cured fatty tuna to seasonal firefly squid, is as good as it gets. You can add on more pieces, but you probably won’t need to. photo credit: Sarah Park" - Julia Chen