Gordon Y.
Yelp
Cuisine: 8
Service: 7
Decor: 7
Value: 8
Overall: 8
New Japanese donburi shop opened about a month ago. I heard that they were Japanese owned and sourced their seafood directly from Japan. Therefore I had to check it out asap. Got there around 6pm yesterday and was seated immediately. Lucky us because a long line started forming as we were dining.
They specialize in Donburi, more specifically raw seafood based rice bowls, in three sizes. A small bowl will run you only $20, mudium is $28, while a large is $60. There are 11 options on the menu, with the ability to add extra sashimi. Three small appetizers round out the menu.
We ordered two medium bowls, Katsurahama and Kataonami. Both were beautifully presented and tasted wonderful as well. Most importantly, the raw seafood was high quality and fresh. I would have appreciated a bit more vinegar in the rice, but it was not a big deal.
The Katsurahama had a great variety of seafood. I loved that they properly served all the sashimi slices of fish at room temperature, allowing it's flavors to shine, instead of taking it right out of the fridge to serve. Only small knock for me was the Botan Ebi (Spotted Prawn), which lacked that sweetness I'm accustomed to because it's previously frozen.
The Kataonami was excellent, but you don't have the variety. The Amaebi (Sweet Shrimp) on top was an addition to the bowl. I really wished that they could have given more savory Ikura (Salmon Roe) to balance the sweetness of the Zuwaigani (Snow Crab). Regardless, it was still delicious. Btw, uni was from Hokkaido.
This reasonably priced donburi shop is a welcome new addition to the overwhelming amount of Japanese omakase restaurants in NYC. The prices are reasonable for the quality, just don't add too much because that's where the prices will climb. Order a drink to wash it down, and you should be able to enjoy a very satisfying meal.