Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: New York

This sushi experience blew me away. Very creative approach to omakase but not so creative that it overpowers the experience. Just compliments it perfectly. Will be returning soon to validate how amazing this actually was

Phenomenal dining experience, perfect for celebrating my husband’s birthday! From the moment we started with the kickoff cocktail and 3 starter bites, we knew it would be a fantastic evening. Each course was better than the next! I did the beverage pairing, which came with 3 sakis, 2 micro cocktails, & one beer, which all paired perfectly with the dishes. They were very accommodating to my husband’s dietary restrictions. Each course was meticulously prepared and explained for the diners. The chefs and staff were extremely personable, knowledgeable, and friendly. They really enhanced the whole experience! We absolutely will return for another dinner!

This was my first time having omakase, and it is hard to imagine a better experience all around. The ambiance is very intimate, blending traditional and modern elements seamlessly. The staff is highly attentive, and the chef personally introduces each piece, making the experience interactive and engaging. The sous chefs—true zen masters in their attentiveness—worked with incredible precision and care, elevating the artistry of each dish. We chose to stick with mocktails and matcha, and the bartender was responsive and knowledgeable, with many tempting options for alcoholic drinks available. The meal consisted of 17 courses, and each piece was like an entire meal wrapped into one bite, showcasing a perfect balance of simplicity and complexity. The diversity and blending of flavors were remarkable, with every bite thoughtfully crafted to surprise and delight the palate. The entire experience felt like a culinary journey, where every detail was executed with care and passion. The chefs’ coordination and friendly interaction added warmth to the evening, making it not just a meal but a memorable event. Highly recommended for anyone looking to experience sushi at its finest, especially for a special date or occasion.

My wife and I had the absolute pleasure of dining at Sushi by Scratch, and it was truly an unforgettable experience! The chefs, Sean and Tiston were incredibly personable and welcoming, making us feel like we were part of a special culinary family. Bartender Drew make special concoctions off menu to please every pallet. But what truly blew us away was the menu - expertly and thoughtfully crafted to offer a unique and exciting experience. Each dish was carefully designed to showcase the freshest ingredients and most innovative flavor combinations. The amount of effort and thought that goes into every piece is mind blowing! From the moment we sat down, we knew we were in for a treat. The chefs took the time to explain each dish, sharing the inspiration behind their creations and making us feel like we were part of a special culinary journey. If you're looking for a truly unique and exceptional dining experience, than this is the place. The staff, the menu, and the atmosphere all come together to create a truly unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling like you've discovered a hidden gem. Chris and Brittaney 2/21/25

Just an outstanding & very memorable experience from start to finish! We were greeted by Brian at the speakeasy type door at the base of a steel staircase below street level. He welcomed us into the darkly candlelit entry/bar space for our welcome cocktail comprised of dry sake, Japanese whisky, homemade ginger syrup & lime. Delicious. We were then given 3 amuse bouche type offerings. A Washington state sourced oyster shooter, a nori crisp with maguro and a lovely Japanese egg custard dish. We were then invited into the inner sanctum of the sushi bar staffed by 3 chefs (head chef Sean, Sam on the far end and Will in front of us) as well as Drew the barkeep. The service is only for 10 guests and is comprised of 16 sushi courses as well as a very nice dessert cube of macha ice cream covered in white chocolate with a touch of sesame. The 16 sushi courses included squid, scallop, various tunas, salmon, sea bream, uni, flash torched eel and wagyu. The last two finished with drops of molten directly from a beef bone rendered by torch. What made each course so delectable & memorable was the attention to curing, creation of their own house fermentated soy sauce, specially sourced wasabi root grated fresh and other touches like the hamachi dabbed with sweet corn pudding and a dash of sourdough breadcrumbs. The wagyu piece was finished with liquified marrow drops that Chef Sean described as “beef butter” which was not just a spot on as a description but equally true as a sensation. The surroundings are very intimate and the explanations of each course allowed to better understand the preparation and care every member of the team pours into the experience. Drew’s depth of sake knowledge is truly impressive and only matched by his genuine love of discovering & sharing fine sakes. I highly encourage taking the time to enjoy this very unique experience of a team at the top of their game!

Hands down best sushi I’ve ever had. Staff and service was unbelievably good. The knowledge and expertise of the product; unmatched. The quality and craftsmanship of ever bite; superb. It was my birthday so I was feeling extra and ordered a couple a la carte after the 17 courses… they comped it. Now THAT’S hospitality. Best sushi in New York, prove me wrong. If I could give them more stars I would.

Have been wanting to try this spot since I heard from my friend that it was her favorite in Seattle. Chef Shawn is engaging and knowledgeable, explaining each course. It is not traditional edomae but rather more modern with different toppings and sauces, that still let the quality fish shine. It was refreshingly creative like the yuzukosho made with poblano peppers and a sauce of fresno chili. The most unique piece was probably the bone marrow. If you get there 30 min before your reservation time you get to have a welcome cocktail in the front room with 3 small bites. Then you're shown into the intimate main room with the counter. I docked one star from atmosphere as it was quite warm but it might have been bc another guest asked them to turn off the fan which I'm sure the air circulation would have been much better with it on. But otherwise I thought the small counter room was very speakeasy chic with the menu written on the wall so you can follow along. As an extra piece Chef made us probably one of the best toro taku handrolls I've ever had, with jidori egg and uni mixed into the rice.

This experience is incredible. The staff are insanely nice and welcoming. The food was amazing from the pre-meal appetizers to the main omakase. Highly recommend the drink pairing. Can’t recommend this place enough.

Sushi by Scratch Bar is a truly exceptional dining experience, and it's easy to see why the concept has earned a Michelin star. From the moment you step in, you're treated to an elevated welcome ritual--drinks and a series of amuse-bouches that set the tone for what's to come in the first lounge. The prelude alone makes you feel like you're in for something special, and once you're ushered to the 10-seat sushi counter, the magic begins. Chef Phillip Frankland Lee and his team execute a stunning 16-course omakase, introducing you to delicacies you likely haven't encountered before--jellyfish being a personal first for me. Every piece is crafted with the utmost care, blending both tradition and a hint of modern fusion, like the unexpected touches of Balinese salt and Santa Barbara olive oil. Surprisingly, these flavors came together seamlessly, enhancing the pristine quality of the fish rather than distracting from it. What truly sets this experience apart, though, is the attention to detail from the entire team--the chef, his sous chefs, and even the bartender. Each piece is served with a narrative, educating diners about the origin of the ingredients, the preparation process, and the inspiration behind it. Chef Lee himself is incredibly personable, ensuring that the meal feels as much like a conversation as it does a meal. At one point, I commented on a song playing, and Chef Lee offered a detailed history of the Japanese composer--a personal touch that only deepened the evening's charm. If there was one minor complaint, it would be that the end felt slightly rushed, but only because the counter conversation was so engaging that I think we slowed down the process a bit. TLDR: The quality of the fish is impeccable, but it's the craftsmanship and the genuine passion from the staff that make this meal more than just another omakase. Sushi by Scratch Bar is an unmissable dining experience.

Sushi by Scratch is an omakase like you have never experienced. You are invited to arrive 30 minutes before your reservation (they do three seatings each evening -- 5, 7:15 and 9) for a welcome cocktail and some light bites. These are enjoyed in a small room by the entrance. Since there are only 10 guests per seating conversation begins there and continues as you move inside to the sushi counter. With a staff of five for 10 guests it is an intimate, yet group experience. This is not a typical Japanese sushi experience. The fish is excellent and the service is playful and fun. We had a great time and will be back.

The sushi staff lack proper training in the meticulous details of sushi making. Poor knife work, uneven cuts of fish, crappy rice that breaks apart, crappy cuts of meat. How can wagyu and Toro be chewy and veiny? You might enjoy it if you don't care about any of these things. But at $250 a pop, this place was an extreme ripoff. This place was worth $100 at most. With the price you pay, you might as well go to Ishikawa, Nakazawa, or even pay a bit more and go to Noda or Noz. This place turns the art, culture, and tradition of sushi making into a bad joke. If it wasn't for the friendly staff, this would easily be a 1 star review.

my favorite omakase of all time is finally open in NYC, and its kept up consistently with the sushi speakeasy theme throughout all of their locations. The one in NY has a unique complimentary optional 30 minute pre-dinner experience, which if you're already paying this much for the best sushi, might as well enjoy their equally impressive pre-dinner bites. We had their ginger cocktail, tessin in nori, oyster shooters, and prawn before being invited into the main seating. Chef Mike and his team were locked in, but still fun to interact with throughout the meal which is something I've always admired about Sushi by Scratch. The cucumber salad is highly addicting and the entire experience is meant to be enjoyed without chopsticks. Brandon and I did the japanese whisky pairing, and honestly felt a little buzzed by the end of the meal. As for the food, every bite was great, and some were even new to me. The hokkaido scallop is my favorite, and they are actually in season in right now, so the scallops are extra plump and buttery, truly something I didn't know could be even better. The other bite that impressed me was the big fin reef squid, it was much softer and not as chewy as other squid I've tried. The other pieces were all fantastic, the wagyu with a marble score of 12, a buttery flavorful bite, I'm sure you've noticed by now that many things were buttery in this eperience.