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Welcome to Nakaji

At Nakaji, the essence of Japanese cocktail bars meets exquisite Edomae sushi in the heart of New York's Bowery. Here, Chef Nakajima, a third-generation sushi master, curates exceptional omakase experiences that celebrate seasonal treasures from the ocean. Guests are treated to a unique ambiance that seamlessly combines sophistication with warmth, highlighted by an impressive collection of Japanese whiskey. With a focus on impeccable service, each meal unfolds as a personal narrative, marked by artistry and expertise. Whether indulging in creative appetizers or savoring a memorable sushi course, dining at Nakaji is an unforgettable culinary journey that transports you straight to Japan.

Nakaji: Reviews & Ratings

Annie G.
Annie G.

Delicious omakase with so many types of seasonal fish, ambiance was one of a kind (especially the cocktail bar with an insane collection of Japanese whiskey), and service was impeccable. Highly recommend for a special occasion! Chef was so polite and knowledgeable.

Linda D.
Linda D.

It feels more in line with my taste and is what an ideal high-end sushi restaurant should look like

Seiko I.
Seiko I.

I don't know what to start. I'm Japanese and tried many Japanese athletic Edomae sushi in Japan and Us. Nakaji is the best Edomae sushi restaurant in my experience for now. Chef Nakajima san is 3rd generation of Edomae sushi chef. He knows all about fish, sushi history. Also he is such an entertainer! You must try this place when you are NYC. But the worst things is you can't go anywhere else after this Edomae experience!!

Elaine W.
Elaine W.

One of my favorite omakases in NYC (as it should be for the price)! I especially enjoyed the seasonal special purple uni they served that evening with the higher priced menu. It was so sweet and clean tasting! The appetizers here are also super creative, although not necessarily totally to my taste. There were a lot of grilled pieces which I'm not sure if that's what I prefer; but the main courses were amazing. I also really appreciated the chef handwriting menus for everyone and taking pictures with us after the meal!

Stacy T.
Stacy T.

Always a great time here. My friends and I left after a few hours but then came back again because it was so great. We got to try a lot of new drinks. They also had a special gyudon that night at the whiskey bar which was delicious! Hope to return soon!

James W.
James W.

I've been a regular at the bar at nakaji for almost a year now and it's truly a hidden gem in the city. The bar food is tasty and the drinks are excellent. What really makes the bar are the bartenders who add great energy to the bar (I'm looking at you john) Recently I've had the opportunity to also try to omakase and it does not disappoint. Really enjoy chef's attention to detail with his seafood preparations.

Yi C.
Yi C.

Finally got a reservation at Nakaji! Both the service and the food was awesome. At the entrance, the receptionist helped us check our bags and led us to the bathroom to wash hands first, which was very thoughtful. Walking past the whiskey bar was the Omakase sushi bar which was bright and spacious, the room was really cold though - if you're going in the summer, wear a mid-sleeve & pants and/or bring a cardigan. For the Omakase menu, there are two options: $295 with one uni, and $385 with two uni and a grilled lobster. We got the first one because I am not a big fan of uni, but the lobster smelled so good and I wanted to try badly. I also ordered the yuzu shiso mocktail which was tasty. I really loved the food here, the fishes are super fresh and you can taste the natural sweetness in the fish. There's not a lot of seasoning on the fish, instead of pre-seasoning the fish, the chef brushes a stroke of sauce on top of the fish, which helps preserve the original flavor of the fish. The entire meal is on the less salty side, at first I thought that the courses are a bit under seasoned, but eventually I came to really appreciate the lightness in flavor because I can enjoy the original flavor of the fish more and I didn't have to drink a ton of water like I usually did at other sushi restaurants. The amount of rice of each course is also slightly less than elsewhere which i also liked, so that I wouldn't get too stuffed after the whole meal. At the same time the slices of fish were very generous and satisfying! My favorite courses were the ikura bowl, freshwater eel bowl, and Hokkaido uni. The ikura is very fresh and sweet and not too salty at all. The eel was very soft and super delicious accompanied by the vinegar and peppercorn. The uni was also very fresh - I usually don't like uni because it has a weird taste that can easily upset my stomach (probably because of not fresh), but I loved the uni here - it's my top two uni sushi in NYC! Overall, the experience was awesome and the food was very delicious. Highly recommended!

Tina W.
Tina W.

Overall a very nice experience. I do see the difference between Nakaji vs other sushi restaurants. But I disagree with what people see Nakaji is not good or the way it deals with fish is bad. From my perspective, nakaji dish is good if you don't like to drink too much of water afterward. But just noted, that nakaji has a regular menu and a pricey menu. If you got the money, go ahead to order the pricy one.

Shawn H.
Shawn H.

Just as amazing as we had hoped. Our apps were a soba dish, sashimi, a snail, and shirako (cod sperm sac, which I liked more than my wife...), and I thought all of them were fantastic. That was followed with ten pieces of nigiri, an eel hand roll, tamago, and a strawberry dessert. The nigiri was among the best I've had, and definitely not your typical lineup -- the pieces here were more unique than I think you'd get in a typical NYC omakase. It also felt like the fish were made with more varied and unique textures than we've had in other places. We also did the uni tasting as three of our pieces, and all three were pretty amazing -- it's an expensive upgrade, but when in Rome... Obviously an extremely expensive meal, but incredible food, incredible service, and really an amazing overall experience.

Location

  • Nakaji
    48 Bowery, New York, NY 10013 Hotline: (646) 478-8282

Welcome to Nakaji, an exquisite cocktail bar and Japanese cuisine experience located at 48 Bowery, New York, NY 10013. Known for its upmarket setting and impeccable service, Nakaji takes pride in offering an extraordinary omakase selection that celebrates the art of Edomae sushi. The mastery of Chef Nakajima, a third-generation Edomae sushi chef, shines through each dish, combining rich heritage with innovative flair.

As you step into Nakaji, you are immediately enveloped by an ambiance that is not only welcoming but also reminiscent of a traditional Japanese dining experience. Guests can take advantage of a plethora of amenities including:

  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Full bar with an impressive collection of Japanese whiskey
  • Outdoor seating, both heated and covered
  • Private dining options for special occasions
  • Happy hour specials that make for a perfect outing with friends

The cocktail menu is a highlight in itself, featuring a range of exquisite offerings such as:

  • Sparkling Fruit Sake: Hakkaisan Clear Sparkling and Thoughts of Yuzu Kyoto, each providing a refreshing and delightful pairing with sushi
  • Shochu: A variety of choices from Kannoko Barley to KuroShiranami Sweet Potato, ideal for sipping or mixing
  • Sparking Wine and Champagne: A curated list that includes prestigious options from France, perfect for toasting a special occasion

Patrons have expressed their enthusiasm through heartwarming reviews. One guest, Annie G., raved about the "delicious omakase" and the "insane collection of Japanese whiskey," while Linda D. praised the venue, declaring it an "ideal high-end sushi restaurant." Seiko I., a discerning guest with vast experience in Edomae sushi, emphasized that Nakaji is unmatched in quality and experience, and noted how Chef Nakajima's expertise and charm enhance every meal.

As you take your culinary journey at Nakaji, expect not just exceptional sushi but creative appetizers and a personalized touch that makes dining feel special. The handwritten menus provide a charming keepsake while the chance to interact with the chef adds a layer of intimacy to your dining experience.

If you're looking for an unforgettable sushi experience in NYC, Nakaji is an essential destination. Whether you're celebrating a significant occasion or simply indulging in exquisite flavors, this establishment promises a memorable night filled with top-notch service and remarkable dishes that leave a lasting impression. Visit Nakaji and discover the artistry of authentic Edomae sushi—the experience might just redefine your sushi standards.

Contact Information:
Phone: (646) 478-8282