Kizuna

Kizuna is one of the best omakase places in NYC. highly underrated and a hidden gem in the UES! BJ and Sharon are the best- so kind, so accommodating, and there’s a reason I keep coming back. (Well I’ve only gone twice.. but the second time I was curious to see if the quality was consistent and it was just as great as the first time!). The second time included an amazing chawanwushi, melon, oyster and a few new nigiri pieces. It’s BYOB which is so nice because you can just pick up some sake nearby. Anyway, highly recommend Kizuna if you’re into omakase!!

Kizuna was a great experience. The atmosphere felt warm and inviting, and the service was excellent from the moment we sat down. Everything was timed well and the staff made the night feel easy and relaxed. My favorite courses were the bluefin toro, which was buttery and perfectly prepared, and the sea urchin wrapped in seaweed, which tasted incredibly fresh and balanced. Overall, the food was consistently high quality and I would absolutely go back.

We are new to NYC and were looking for a nice Omakase spot for dinner. I am so glad we chose Kizuna. Chef BJ served up a traditional 12 course seating combining numerous Nigiri dishes flown in from Japan with a couple amazing wagyu dishes, two soups, and an amazing Japanese cheesecake. The dishes were not covered in sauce - the fish and meats spoke for themselves. On top of the incredible food, Chef was so friendly- answering all of our questions about the restaurant and his process. We can’t wait to go back. This is an insane hidden gem. To top things off, it was BYOB, allowing us to pick our choice of wine beforehand.

A wonderful experience. We were two couples and enjoyed a fabulous omakase dinner, prepared by the chef and served by him and his lovely wife, Sharon. The fish selection was excellent, and you can truly see how important it is to the chef that guests receive an authentic omakase experience. Everything was delicious, perfectly prepared, and beautifully tender. You bring your own drinks, which were consistently and graciously served by the hosts. The chef is a true master of his craft. An authentic and memorable dining experience—highly recommended.

A must try unique omakase, tasty menu. Fish and other ingredients were cured on their own way. They have a very good wasabi here. Service was over the top. Chef was calm and knowledgeable while talking about the menu. We enjoyed our dinner here and would definitely come back.

The best omakase experience I have ever had. Each bite was absolutely incredible in flavor and texture. The fish was so fresh and special with many new types we hadn’t tried before. Also the chef and staff are both so kind and explain everything so well, it was truly one of the best eating experiences we’ve had in New York. Thank you we will be coming back!!

Great, super authentic omakase counter in the UES! Not much else to say--a little taste of Japan with serious high grade fish and rice preparation. Friendly and casual, worth a stop if you're into serious sushi!

For a delightful omakase experience come on over. The chef will personalize a delicious menu for you. He precisely ages the fish for maximum flavor. The food is fantastic. This tiny establishment is friendly and well run. You must try this place.

We did the omakase and thought the food here was fantastic. Our favorites were the lobster, octopus, and scallop. We also loved the intimate vibe and space and found the service excellent. You can really feel the care that goes into every part of the dining experience. Highly recommend if you're looking for high quality food and an intimate experience.

Omakase here is on par with high quality sushi in Japan, which makes sense since the seafood was imported from Japan. Every piece was unique and flavorful which made this experience very special. You can definitely tell the chefs put in a lot of care into their work. Kizuna was definitely worth it!

Freshest and most delicious omakase the Chef BJ flys in the most exotic fish from Japan. Classic tradition style with a twist of magic!!

It was our 4th visit since they opened in June. It is by far the best sushi experience on UES. Whilst tucked away on 76th street, they deliver a fabulous omakase experience that rivals many more expensive omakase. Always something new on the menu, but the rice is their secret weapon. Of all the fine omakase experiences, only one other establishments has good rice. Highly recommend. A few new places opened up, but this is one few UES sushi restaurant we will keep coming back to.

Spectacular experience. We have lived on the UES for years and have tried just about all the neighborhood sushi and Omakase spots. Ishikawa, Tanoshi, Naz, etc. -- all had issues. Tanoshi too much vinegar and the chef passed away a few years ago leading to a more corporate feeling. Ishikawa uses truffle and caviar and gold leaf and is quite pretentious and gets away from the core experience. Naz is overpriced. And then local sushi joints just give mediocre low quality fish. Kizuna is what omakase was meant to be. The freshest fish. Minimally seasoned. With some truly standout dishes purely based on the fish quality. I will be recommending this to my friends.

So happy we have such a fantastic Japanese restaurant on the UES. As someone who has spent a good deal of time in Japan I can say this truly is authentic. It was so good we went beyond Omakase and had more delights! The service was first rate as was the food. Bring your own sake. No liquor license yet. Enjoy!!!

My husband and I had a wonderful experience at Kizuna tonight. Our 12-course omakase dinner was outstanding. The fish was very fresh and flavorful, and each course was delicious. The sushi chef and server were very attentive and kind. We highly recommend this restaurant!

The food was excellent. Chef was knowledgable, friendly, welcoming and warm. The quality of the fish was next to none. Chef dry ages the fish which highlights the flavor. The fish was the star of the show. Each piece was better than the next. We will definitely be returning! It was an intimate setting.