Christian Nguyen
Google
Kenji Omakase: A Culinary Journey That Transcends Sushi
An Intimate, Modern Ambiance
Stepping into Kenji Omakase, it immediately struck us how the restaurant blended a private atmosphere with a modern aesthetic. The design is refined—eschewing any hint of overdone hipness or tackiness—in favor of a space that feels both intimate and sophisticated. With only a select group of diners (around 9–11 people) sharing the experience, it was clear that the focus was entirely on delivering personalized service and culinary excellence.
A Symphony of Flavors: The Omakase Experience
The omakase menu was nothing short of a culinary symphony, featuring a range of meticulously prepared dishes:
Seafood Selections: From the delicate Kusshi Oyster and Madai sashimi to the robust flavors of hamachi crudo and ishidai, each dish was a celebration of freshness and quality.
Fish Varieties: The sequence continued with shima aji, sawara, kanpachi, and kurodai, each prepared to highlight the natural taste of the fish without overwhelming them with heavy sauces or gimmicky dressings.
Standout Dishes: Particularly impressive were the Ora King salmon and toro, both of which hit all the right notes. Even the hotate (scallop), which I usually associate with a more pronounced fishy flavor, was transformed into a sublime, almost unrecognizable treat—its preparation so perfect that any hint of the usual brininess was completely absent.
The Grand Finale: A handroll featuring tuna, toro, and uni rounded off the main course, leaving an indelible mark on our palates.
Each plate was artfully dressed with just the right touch of aged soy sauce and freshly grated wasabi. This minimalist yet effective approach allowed the high-quality ingredients to truly shine. It was refreshing to experience sushi that wasn’t masked by overpowering sauces—each bite was an exploration of flavor and texture that made me appreciate what true culinary craftsmanship looks like.
Engaging, Personable Service
What set Kenji Omakase apart wasn’t just the impeccable food, but the overall experience. Unlike many omakase settings where diners feel like silent observers, here the chefs actively engaged with us. They shared insights about their training, discussed their philosophies on how sushi is evolving, and even took time to explain the rationale behind the precise dressing of each dish. This level of personalization transformed a simple dinner into an interactive culinary journey. It wasn’t merely about eating; it was about connecting with the craft and the passionate individuals behind it.
A Toast to Perfect Pairings and Sweet Surprises
Our beverage choices were as thoughtfully curated as the food. I opted for the spiced margarita—a robust, well-balanced cocktail that played delightfully against the subtle flavors of the sushi. My partner’s choice, the yuzu 75, offered a zesty, refreshing contrast that perfectly complemented her palate. Although an optional sake pairing was available for $70 per person, which we decided to share, the cocktails proved to be a delightful stand-alone experience.
As if the evening needed any further enhancement, a surprise pistachio crème beignet was presented at the end, accompanied by a warm cup of tea. This unexpected treat was the perfect conclusion to our meal—a sweet, comforting note that left us both with bright smiles and a sense of fulfillment.
A Benchmark for Future Dining Experiences
By the end of the night, it was clear that Kenji Omakase had redefined what a 5-star dining experience should be. While the exquisite food alone might have earned a solid 4 out of 5, it’s the extra mile—the warm interactions, the perfectly timed surprises, and the overall thoughtful presentation—that elevated our experience to a full 5. For those who believe that dining out is about more than just the food on the plate, Kenji Omakase offers a masterclass in how to captivate and enchant every sense.
