Try N.
Yelp
I wanted to keep this place a secret but it wouldn't be fair. I also want to support incredible small businesses like these in light of the crushing blow the pandemic caused in this industry.
Let's start with what an unexpected and incredible gem at a food court in Chinatown this is! This is no jab at the wonderful local businesses surrounding Domo, as I've tried them as well, but it's certainly an outlier in a most inconspicuous way.
It would be relatively easy to walk past the minimalist stand and not realize the treasure before you.
The quality of the omakase and the chef's handiwork are unparalleled. I personally feel Domo is on par with some of the high-end sushi spots, but at an incredible steal. It leans on the more inspired end with Chef Jiro's unexpected play of sushi classics, subtly dressed with fresh market flavors, and taken to the next level with the help of a good sear or wood-smoked infusion. It's creative but not heavy-handed--the flavors play off of each other to enhance, not hide, the star ingredient. It's enough to express his unique palate.
The chef is generous with premium ingredients like uni, truffles, caviar and foie gras. A little gold foil doesn't hurt. Most of the sushi are so lovely to look at that I dream of framing them, or wearing them like jewelry. Don't judge.
I wouldn't be surprised that the quality and measured creativity could be close to a Michelin star, but what do I know. But I do know that I thoroughly enjoyed it--more than most well-reviewed and popular sushi restaurants.
If I had any minor quibble, it would be that there were one or two pieces that were slightly too cold.
The matcha coconut panna cotta was such a perfectly light and almost palette cleansing end to an incredible course. It was deliciously creamy, pleasantly bitter--by way of quality matcha--and faintly sweet.
We had a wonderful time chatting with the talented, hardworking and humble Chef Jiro and his sweet wife, Sally.
The chef has had more than 40 years of experience as a sushi chef and it shows. I believe they used to own their restaurant in Tribeca but, like many others in the restaurant business, they took a hit, rent was too high, and they had to let it go during the pandemic. Although I had not tried their original restaurant(s?), you can feel the battle scars. I'm so happy for the gift of their return, and that they have been able to pivot by scaling back while they regain their bearings in the almost-post pandemic era.
And although it's at an eatery, most of the time, I found myself so focused on enjoying the quality and choice of flavors, while watching the chef do his magic, that I barely noticed. And there's a unique appeal to the incongruity of it all, that makes it such a New York experience.
Also note, there are usually only three seats available for Omakase, so reservations are probably a good idea but I was able to walk in twice. However, you can sit at the shared tables and order from the standard menu, from what I understand.
Experience this wonderful find at this incredible price point, before they run off to greener pastures!