Kawa Omakase Introduce
In the vibrant and ever-evolving culinary scene of New York City, finding a sushi restaurant that offers a truly exceptional experience without an exorbitant price tag can feel like a quest. Nestled in the heart of the East Village, Kawa Omakase stands out as a remarkable new addition, quickly earning a reputation for its high-quality, creative menu and welcoming atmosphere. The term "omakase," which means "I leave it up to you" in Japanese, perfectly encapsulates the dining philosophy here. Diners put their trust in the skilled chefs to guide them through a meticulously curated sequence of dishes, ensuring each bite is a delightful surprise.
Kawa Omakase offers a refreshingly personal dining experience. The restaurant is known for being uncrowded, allowing guests to interact directly with the chefs and staff. Chef Tony and the team are celebrated by patrons for their friendliness, approachability, and willingness to accommodate dietary restrictions—a significant plus in the world of high-end dining. This intimate setting transforms a meal into a conversation, making every visit feel like a special occasion. Whether you're celebrating a birthday or simply seeking a sublime dinner, Kawa Omakase provides a memorable and unique experience that feels both luxurious and genuinely personal.
Kawa Omakase is perfectly situated at 37 E 1st St, New York, NY 10003, USA, placing it in one of the city's most lively and accessible neighborhoods. The East Village is a hub of culture, with a rich history and a dynamic mix of shops, bars, and restaurants. The restaurant's location is easily reachable via several subway lines and is also very convenient for those using ride-sharing services. The address is straightforward to locate, making it a simple destination for locals and visitors alike.
Being in the heart of a bustling area, Kawa Omakase is a great starting point for a night out. You can enjoy a sophisticated dinner before exploring the vibrant nightlife and unique boutiques that the East Village is famous for. The restaurant's cozy and trendy atmosphere makes it a perfect retreat from the city's hustle and bustle, providing an intimate setting to relax and savor every moment of your meal.
Dine-in Only: Kawa Omakase is exclusively focused on providing an exceptional on-site dining experience. The chefs create each dish to be enjoyed immediately, ensuring the highest quality and freshness. The intimate setting encourages guests to immerse themselves fully in the culinary journey.
Table Service: The restaurant offers full table service, with an attentive and friendly staff dedicated to making your dinner as enjoyable as possible. The chefs and front-of-house team are known for being incredibly accommodating, creating a personalized experience for every guest.
Dinner Service: The primary focus of Kawa Omakase is dinner, which is the perfect time to experience their full omakase menu. This is when the restaurant truly shines, offering a memorable evening of culinary exploration.
Alcohol Offerings: To complement your meal, Kawa Omakase provides a curated selection of alcoholic beverages. Their sake menu features premium options like DASSAI 45 JUNMAI DAIGINJO and KUBOTA JUNMAI DAIGINJO, perfect for pairing with the delicate flavors of the sushi. They also serve Sapporo Premium Beer and other beverages like Saratoga Sparkling Water.
Exceptional Omakase Menu: The heart of Kawa Omakase is its creative and high-quality menu. The chefs showcase a remarkable range of ingredients and techniques, featuring standout dishes like Otoro with Kaluga Caviar, King Salmon with Truffle, and premium Miyazaki A5 wagyu beef. The menu changes to reflect the freshest seasonal ingredients, ensuring each visit is unique.
Affordable Price Point: Customers consistently praise Kawa Omakase for providing an incredible omakase experience at a price that is more accessible than many other high-end sushi spots in the city. This makes it an excellent value for the quality of food and service you receive.
Intimate and Welcoming Atmosphere: The restaurant is described as cozy and trendy, creating a comfortable yet sophisticated environment. It is not overly crowded, which allows for a more personal and interactive experience with the chefs and staff.
Accommodating Staff: A major highlight noted by guests is the friendliness and flexibility of the staff, including Chef Tony. They are highly accommodating of dietary restrictions and preferences, making every effort to ensure all guests have a wonderful dining experience.
On-site Bar and Restroom Facilities: For added convenience, Kawa Omakase has a well-stocked on-site bar and clean, gender-neutral restroom facilities, making your dining experience comfortable and seamless.
Accepts Credit Cards: Payment is hassle-free, as the restaurant accepts all major credit cards, providing a convenient and secure way to settle your bill.
Address: 37 E 1st St, New York, NY 10003, USA
Phone: (347) 619-3346
Choosing Kawa Omakase is a decision to experience a level of culinary craftsmanship and personal service that is truly exceptional, especially considering its value. The restaurant’s greatest strength lies in its ability to deliver a top-tier omakase experience at a price point that is more approachable than its competitors. This means you can indulge in luxurious ingredients like Otoro with Kaluga Caviar and Miyazaki A5 wagyu beef without the typical high-end sticker shock. The chefs, led by the highly praised Chef Tony, are not just preparing food; they are creating art, with each course thoughtfully designed to surprise and delight your palate.
The menu is a testament to their creativity and skill. From the delicate Madai to the rich Gindara and the unique Salmon Tomato, every piece is a highlight. The sake menu is carefully selected to complement the food, offering premium choices that enhance the overall dining experience. It’s clear that every detail, from the sourcing of ingredients to the presentation of each dish, is handled with care and precision.
What truly sets Kawa Omakase apart is the personal connection you make with the staff. The intimate setting allows for engaging conversations with the chefs, making your meal more than just food—it's an interactive and educational experience. The genuine warmth and friendliness of the team, who go out of their way to accommodate guests, create a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel like an honored guest. This personal touch, combined with the outstanding quality of the food, makes Kawa Omakase a standout choice in a city full of options. It's the perfect place for a memorable birthday, a special anniversary, or simply a night out when you want to treat yourself to something truly wonderful.
Kawa Omakase Menu
Menu Highlights
- Chef specials
- Salmon Tomato
Tender salmon with sweet tomato and a touch of umami glaze — fresh, simple, and balanced.
- Otoro w. Kaluga Caviar
Buttery otoro topped with premium Kaluga caviar — a rich, luxurious bite that melts in your mouth
- Madai
Delicate red snapper (madai) nigiri, lightly aged and hand-sliced to highlight its natural sweetness and clean finish.
- Gindara
Buttery gindara (sablefish) delicately roasted and topped with aromatic truffle. A luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth bite crafted for depth and elegance.
- Hotate
Sweet Hokkaido hotate (sea scallop) finished with a touch of fresh lime zest. Light, clean, and vibrant — a refreshing citrus-accented bite we call “lime jazz.
- Botan Ebi
Plump and naturally sweet botan ebi (spot prawn), served raw to highlight its delicate texture and clean ocean flavor. A classic omakase favorite.
- King salmon with Truffle
Rich, silky New Zealand king salmon topped with fragrant summer truffle. A luxurious pairing of ocean and earth, crafted for a smooth, umami-filled finish.
- Miyazaki A5 wagyu beef
Premium Miyazaki A5 wagyu beef, renowned for its exceptional marbling and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. A true highlight of the Kawa Omakase experience.
Sake Menu
- DASSAI 45 JUNMAI DAIGINJO $35.00
Chewy and full of body. Light honeydew aromas with the subtle sweetness of muscat grapes, complemented by an undercurrent of crisp dryness. Reminiscent of white wine in the best possible way.
- KUBOTA JUNMAI DAIGINJO $38.00
A refined sake with a clean finish. Delicate notes of pear and apple create a light, refreshing profile, perfect for subtle dishes.
- HAKKAISAN 45 JUNMAI DAIGINJO $42.00
A refined sake with a restrained and delicate aroma, offering hints of steamed rice with the barest touch of florality and earthiness. The first sip evokes a gentle rice flavor with a pristine and invigorating dry finish
- NIHON SAKARI YUZU $32.00
A vibrant yuzu-infused sake with a bright, citrusy profile. Its sweet-tart balance and refreshing finish make it an ideal aperitif or pairing for light dishes.
- HAKUTSURU JUNMAI DAI GINJO SHO-UNE PREMIUM SAKE $42.00
A supreme sake with a velvety smooth texture. Fruity aromas of white peach and pear create a deeply complex yet easy-drinking profile.
- HAKUTSURU Plum Wine $48.00
A sweet and tart plum wine with rich ume fruit flavors. Its balanced sweetness and refreshing acidity make it a delightful aperitif or dessert wine.
- SAPPORO PREMIUM Beer $8.00
A refreshing lager with a crisp, refined flavor and a clean finish, ideal for any occasion.
- SARATOGA SPARKLING Water Bottle $5.50
A premium carbonated spring water with fine bubbles, offering a crisp and refreshing taste.
Kawa Omakase Details
Service options
- Dine-in
- Delivery
- Takeout
Popular for
- Dinner
Offerings
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Trendy
Payments
- Credit cards
Kawa Omakase Photos










Kawa Omakase Location
Kawa Omakase Reviews
We had an incredible experience at Kawa. I’m a regular at omakase restaurants, and this one stands out as one of the highest quality and most creative menus, especially considering the price point. The restaurant wasn’t too crowded, which gave us ample time to chat with the chef, Tony, and Ryan about the restaurant’s opening. They were incredibly accommodating of our dietary restrictions, which was a huge plus. It was hard to pick a favorite dish because each one was simply wonderful. We wish Kawa the best of luck in their new restaurant and will definitely be returning!
April 17 · Jacquelyn PriceKawa Omakase exceeded my expectations in every way!! The Omakase menu provided a delightful course at an affordable price. The chef and boss were both incredibly friendly and accommodating, making us feel like honored guests. I had a memorable birthday there and an unforgettable dining experience :) Highly recommended!!
March 30 · Vicky CI had an exceptional dining experience at Kawa Omakase. From the moment I walked in, I was impressed by the restaurant’s calm and intimate ambiance, with its minimalist yet elegant decor.The owner, who also served us, was incredibly welcoming and attentive, making the experience even more special. He and the chef took the time to explain each course, showcasing not only his expertise but also his passion for high-quality but affordable sushi / Omakase experience.The fish was incredibly fresh, and each piece was delicately prepared and beautifully presented. Every bite literally melted in my mouth, with perfectly balanced flavors that highlighted the natural richness of the ingredients. The progression of the meal was well thought out.Overall, Kawa Omakase exceeded my expectations, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic, high-quality omakase experience with excellent service. I will definitely be returning!
March 31 · Sunnie ZI recently visited Kawa Omakase and was thoroughly impressed! The omakase experience was not only delicious but also offered at a very reasonable price. Every dish was carefully prepared, and the freshness of the ingredients truly shined through. The chef’s attention to detail was evident in every bite, and the boss greeted us with a warm, accommodating smile. Their genuine friendliness made the evening even more memorable. I highly recommend everyone to check out Kawa Omakase—you’re in for a treat!
March 30 · Kenny PanReally good omakase with premium ingredients for a reasonable price. I was a big fan of both the salmon pieces, the toro with caviar and the ikura uni bowl. Excellent service as well, highly recommend!
April 23 · Sonia M
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