Kinjo

For New Yorkers who appreciate sushi as an art form, combined with a flair for innovation, Kinjo in DUMBO, Brooklyn, presents an exciting and highly acclaimed dining destination. More than just a traditional sushi restaurant, Kinjo operates as an omakase and cocktail lounge, housed within a striking former torpedo factory. It’s a place where culinary precision meets inventive flavors, offering a "fancy but affordable dinner" experience that has quickly captivated discerning local palates.

Kinjo is the brainchild of locals who sought to bring exceptional sushi closer to home. At its heart, Kinjo offers an omakase experience where highly skilled chefs, including Chef Johnny Huang (formerly of Masa), craft a seasonal menu that blends traditional techniques with "inventive" and "fusion-y" touches. The atmosphere is designed to be both "serene" and stylish, set against the rich textures of an industrial past. Beyond the omakase, Kinjo also boasts a cocktail lounge with a unique spirits list and izakaya-inspired small plates, overseen by Chef Eddie Lee (previously of Momofuku). It’s a place that redefines what a high-quality Japanese dining experience can be in New York, proving that elegance and creativity can indeed be accessible.

Kinjo is elegantly situated at 11 Adams St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA, placing it firmly within the iconic and highly sought-after DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) neighborhood of Brooklyn. This area is celebrated for its stunning waterfront views of the Manhattan skyline, the majestic Brooklyn Bridge, and the Manhattan Bridge. DUMBO is a vibrant hub that seamlessly blends historic industrial architecture with a flourishing arts scene, tech companies, and a diverse array of upscale dining establishments.

The restaurant's location in a "former torpedo factory" adds a unique industrial-chic aesthetic that enhances its appeal. Accessibility for New Yorkers is excellent. DUMBO is well-served by public transportation, making Kinjo easily reachable from across the boroughs. The F train at York Street, and the A and C trains at High Street-Brooklyn Bridge, are all within comfortable walking distance. Additionally, the NYC Ferry provides a scenic route to DUMBO from various Manhattan and Brooklyn locations, docking just a short stroll away. This convenient access makes Kinjo an ideal destination for a special evening out, whether you're coming from another part of Brooklyn or Manhattan.

Kinjo offers a curated and sophisticated Japanese dining experience, primarily focused on omakase, alongside a full-service bar:

• Omakase Sushi Bar: The signature offering is an 11-course sushi omakase menu. This intimate experience typically takes place at a 14-seat dramatic walnut sushi counter, allowing diners to witness the precision of Chef Johnny Huang as he serves each piece.

• Lounge & Bar Area: Beyond the omakase counter, Kinjo features a separate lounge area. This space serves specialty cocktails crafted with Asian spirits and flavors, overseen by Chef Eddie Lee. It also offers an izakaya-inspired bar menu with small plates, including items like tuna tartare toast and snow crab dip.

• A La Carte Options: While omakase is highly recommended, Kinjo offers flexibility with an additional à la carte menu for those looking to extend their evening, revisit favorite dishes, or explore new ones after the omakase, or for diners choosing to eat only in the lounge.

• Beverage Program: Kinjo boasts "one of Brooklyn's most unique spirits lists," featuring Japanese whisky, sake, beer, and wine. They even partner with local artisan sake brewer Brooklyn Kura for a custom Junmai Ginjo namazake sake.

• Reservations: Given the intimate size of the omakase counter (13-14 seats) and its popularity, reservations are highly recommended and often essential, especially for the sushi bar omakase experience. Reservations typically open 28 days in advance.

• Event & Group Bookings: Kinjo accommodates group reservations for up to 6 people at the omakase bar. They also feature special events, such as Valentine's Day tasting menus in the cocktail lounge.

Kinjo in DUMBO stands out in New York City's competitive Japanese dining scene due to several exceptional features:

• Exceptional Omakase Experience: The 11-course sushi omakase is consistently praised for being "fantastic" and offering "excellent food." Reviews highlight the "high quality" and "inventive" nature of the sushi, with "each piece just packed layer upon layer of flavor." The "fresh seafood on pillow-like rice" is a hallmark of the experience.

• Renowned Chef Lineage: Co-Founder Chef Johnny Huang, formerly of Masa, brings a high level of expertise and precision to the sushi. Chef Eddie Lee, previously of Momofuku, oversees the izakaya-inspired bar menu, ensuring innovative and quality small plates.

• "Fancy but Affordable" Value: Kinjo is often lauded for providing a "fancy-feeling omakase experience" that is "not as expensive as most," frequently cited as being "under $100" (e.g., $95 for 11 courses). This positions it as an exceptional value for high-end sushi in NYC.

• Inventive and Creative Dishes: Beyond traditional omakase, Kinjo is known for its creative and "fusion-y" touches. Examples include a "Botan Ebi" (shrimp) nigiri reinvented with a "curry-glazed" rice, or a signature "Mushu Duck" dish that blends Peking Duck, Mu Shu, and French crepe influences, showcasing the chefs' "creative freedom."

• Stylish Industrial Ambiance: Housed in a "former torpedo factory," the "minimalistic but very put together" interior creates a "serene" and "stylish" dining atmosphere with "textured wallpaper all the way up to the former factory's ceiling."

• Unique Beverage Program: Kinjo boasts "one of Brooklyn's most unique spirits lists," offering a curated selection of Japanese whisky, sake (including a custom Brooklyn Kura sake), and craft cocktails like the "signature Yuzu Negroni" and "shiso and peach highball," which are "on point."

• Attentive Service (with caveats): While some experiences have noted service inconsistencies regarding pacing, many reviews highlight that the "staff was highly attentive" and the team prioritizes "balance and precision" and "genuine hospitality," aiming to ensure "every diner feels valued."

• Seamless Lounge Transition: After the omakase, guests can "move effortlessly into the adjoining lounge and bar," offering a relaxed space to continue the evening with drinks and conversation.

Kinjo focuses on providing exceptional value through its curated omakase experience and unique menu items, rather than frequent, broad discounts. Their primary "special offer" is the accessibility of a high-end sushi omakase at a competitive price point for New York City:

• Affordable Omakase: Kinjo's 11-course omakase is notably priced around $95 per person, which is considered an excellent value for a high-quality, chef-led sushi experience in NYC, especially given Chef Huang's background (formerly of Masa, where omakase can be significantly higher).

• Course Menu Options: Beyond the 11-course omakase bar, Kinjo Next Door (likely their lounge/table seating) offers course menus for $75, $100, and $125, providing tiered options for different budgets and preferences, including appetizers, sashimi, rolls, and nigiri.

• Special Tasting Menus: They occasionally offer special tasting menus for events like Valentine's Day in their cocktail lounge, which may feature unique dishes (sometimes without sushi) at a set price (e.g., $70 per person for a four-course tasting menu).

New York locals interested in booking should check Kinjo's official website or reservation platforms like Resy and WaitlistWizard for the most current pricing, menu details, and availability, as seating for their omakase is highly sought after.

For reservations, inquiries about their omakase, lounge menu, or any other information, New York locals can reach Kinjo using the following details:

Address: 11 Adams St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA

Phone: (917) 310-1532

Given the popularity of their omakase and limited seating, especially at the sushi bar, making reservations well in advance (typically 28 days out) is highly recommended. Their official website also provides detailed menu information and online booking options.

Kinjo in DUMBO is an exceptionally suitable destination for New York locals, offering a compelling blend of high-quality sushi, inventive culinary artistry, and a sophisticated yet accessible dining experience. Its primary appeal lies in providing a "fancy but affordable dinner," particularly with its omakase priced "under $100." For New Yorkers who appreciate the finesse of omakase but are mindful of the city's often exorbitant prices, Kinjo presents an outstanding value proposition, making a premium sushi experience attainable more frequently.

The culinary prowess of Chef Johnny Huang, an alum of the esteemed Masa, ensures that the sushi is "high quality but pretty inventive," with "each piece just packed layer upon layer of flavor." This commitment to both precision and creativity, along with unique offerings like special sake and fusion-inspired dishes, resonates with New Yorkers constantly seeking novel and elevated dining experiences. While a review noted some pacing issues with service, the overwhelming sentiment highlights the "fantastic" food and the engaging interaction with chefs who are "engaging and made everything with precision," showcasing a genuine passion for their craft.

Furthermore, the "stylish, former Dumbo factory" setting provides a "serene" and aesthetically pleasing backdrop that appeals to the city's modern sensibilities. For Brooklynites and other New Yorkers looking for a standout sushi experience that combines affordability with luxury, creativity with tradition, and a cool ambiance with exquisite food, Kinjo is a definite must-visit, solidifying its place as a true neighborhood gem for discerning locals.

Kinjo

11 Adams St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA