Omakase Shihou (Shiro) - Upper West Side (Lunch Available)

For New Yorkers with a craving for an authentic and high-quality Japanese omakase experience, but perhaps without the budget for the city's most extravagant options, Omakase Shihou (Shiro) on the Upper West Side presents a truly compelling solution. Nestled on the second floor of a building on Columbus Avenue, this spot has quickly garnered a reputation for delivering exceptional value and surprisingly inventive sushi in an approachable setting. It's the kind of hidden gem that locals cherish, offering a taste of premium Japanese culinary artistry without the exorbitant price tag often associated with such experiences in Manhattan.

Omakase, meaning "I'll leave it up to you," is a dining tradition where the chef curates your meal, showcasing the freshest seasonal ingredients and their masterful techniques. At Omakase Shihou (Shiro) UWS, this philosophy is embraced with enthusiasm. While some high-end omakase spots can feel overly formal or intimidating, Shihou aims for a balance, delivering meticulous preparation and exquisite flavors in a more relaxed atmosphere. It's a place where the focus is firmly on the quality of the fish and the artistry of its presentation, making it a standout for both sushi connoisseurs and those new to the omakase journey.

What truly sets Omakase Shihou (Shiro) apart, as many New Yorkers have discovered, is the remarkable value it offers. Imagine enjoying two appetizers, ten pieces of expertly crafted nigiri, aged miso soup, and a delightful dessert, all for a price that is astonishingly reasonable for the quality and quantity provided in this city. This affordability, combined with the fresh, inventive nature of the dishes, makes it an ideal spot for a quick but luxurious lunch, or a memorable dinner that won't break the bank. It's a testament to their belief that high-quality omakase should be accessible to more people.

While the entrance might require a moment of attention (being on the second floor of what might initially appear as a "touristy-looking Japanese restaurant"), once upstairs, you step into a dedicated omakase space. The experience is designed to be seamless, with attentive chefs and staff guiding you through each course, explaining the origin and preparation of every piece. It's this combination of incredible food, attentive service, and exceptional value that has made Omakase Shihou (Shiro) a cherished addition to the Upper West Side dining scene, drawing in locals eager for their next flavorful bite.

Omakase Shihou (Shiro) - Upper West Side is strategically located at 285 Columbus Ave 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10023, USA. This address places it in the vibrant and charming Upper West Side, a neighborhood well-known for its beautiful architecture, cultural institutions, and thriving dining scene. Columbus Avenue itself is a bustling thoroughfare, making the restaurant easily identifiable amidst the array of shops and eateries.

The fact that it's situated on the "2nd Floor" is a distinctive characteristic, contributing to its slightly hidden, "gem-like" feel. While some might initially need to "double check if we arrived at the correct location," this elevation helps create a more exclusive and focused dining environment away from the street-level hustle.

For New Yorkers, accessibility to this location is excellent, thanks to the comprehensive public transportation network. The restaurant is conveniently located within walking distance of several major subway lines. The B and C trains (which run along Central Park West) have a station at 81st Street–Museum of Natural History, just a stone's throw away. Additionally, the 1 train (which runs along Broadway) has stops at 79th Street and 72nd Street, both within a comfortable walking distance. Numerous bus lines also service Columbus Avenue, ensuring that whether you're coming from another part of the Upper West Side, Midtown, or downtown, reaching Omakase Shihou (Shiro) is straightforward and efficient.

The surrounding neighborhood itself adds to the overall appeal. Being in the heart of the Upper West Side means you're just steps away from attractions like the American Museum of Natural History, Central Park, and various local boutiques, making it an ideal spot to combine with a day or evening out. The "separated" restrooms downstairs, though shared with the ground-floor establishment, are well-maintained, and the private setting upstairs provides a comfortable and air-conditioned environment, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.

• Omakase Dining Experience: Omakase Shihou (Shiro) specializes in the omakase (chef's choice) format, offering a curated multi-course meal that highlights the freshest seasonal ingredients and the chef's culinary artistry.
• Lunch Omakase: A significant highlight is their accessible lunch omakase, typically a 12-course menu for an exceptional value ($49/person, as of recent data), making premium sushi available for a midday treat. This often includes an appetizer, 9 pieces of sushi, miso soup, and dessert.
• Dinner Omakase: For evenings, they offer a more extensive dinner omakase experience, often a 14-course menu ($65/person, as of recent data), which includes two appetizers, 10 pieces of nigiri, aged miso, and dessert. A premium omakase for $155 is also noted, featuring more appetizers and 12 pieces of sushi, including A5 Wagyu.
• Chef's Counter Seating: Guests have the option to sit at the sushi counter, providing an intimate view of the chefs at work and allowing for direct interaction and explanation of each course.
• Table Seating: In addition to counter seating, the restaurant also provides table seating for those who prefer a more private dining experience.
• Aged Miso Soup: A notable inclusion in their omakase menus, providing a depth of flavor beyond standard miso.
• Dessert Course: All omakase menus conclude with a thoughtfully crafted dessert, such as matcha mochi with crispy rice accents.
• Beverage Program: A selection of sake, Japanese beers, and possibly wines are available to pair with the meal, enhancing the flavors of the sushi and overall experience.
• Reservations: The restaurant utilizes reservation platforms like Resy, making it convenient for diners to book their omakase experience in advance.

• Exceptional Value for Omakase: A standout feature is the incredibly competitive price point for their omakase menus, particularly the standard and lunch offerings (e.g., $65 for a 14-course dinner, $49 for a 12-course lunch). This is considered an "exceptional value" for the quality in NYC.
• High-Quality, Fresh Fish: Reviews consistently praise the "fantastic" and "fresh" quality of the fish, with 90% sourced directly from Toyosu Market in Japan, ensuring an authentic and superior taste.
• Inventive and Creative Preparations: The chefs at Omakase Shihou (Shiro) are known for their "inventive" approach, incorporating unique flavor accents and garnishes to enhance each piece of sushi, such as King Salmon served "aburi style" and Otoro with caviar.
• Standout Appetizers: The opening appetizers are frequently highlighted as "unbelievably delicious and beautifully presented," featuring premium ingredients like King Salmon, brown sugar marinated Ikura, and Wagyu.
• Attentive and Informative Service: The service receives high praise, with staff described as "thoughtful, attentive, pleasant," and adept at explaining the origin and preparation of each piece, enriching the dining experience.
• Unique Ingredient Combinations: The restaurant experiments with unique flavor profiles, such as Ikura marinated in brown sugar (described as tasting "practically like candy") and the potential for truffle accents, offering a distinct take on traditional omakase.
• Comfortable and Dedicated Omakase Space: Located on the second floor, the venue provides a dedicated, air-conditioned omakase dining area, offering a more intimate and focused experience away from the bustling street level.
• Aged Miso Soup: The inclusion of aged miso soup is a unique touch, providing a deeper, richer flavor profile compared to standard miso.

Omakase Shihou (Shiro) on the Upper West Side primarily offers its value through its expertly curated and surprisingly affordable Omakase Menus. These are not transient promotions but rather the core of their pricing strategy, designed to make high-quality omakase accessible to more New Yorkers.

• Exceptional Lunch Omakase: The most notable "special offer" is their lunch omakase. For just $49, diners can enjoy a 12-course meal that includes an appetizer, 9 pieces of nigiri, miso soup, and dessert. This price point for such a comprehensive and high-quality omakase experience is considered an outstanding value in New York City.
• Competitive Dinner Omakase: Their standard dinner omakase at $65 for 14 courses (including two appetizers, 10 pieces of nigiri, aged miso, and dessert) also represents a significant value proposition compared to many other omakase restaurants in the city.
• Premium Omakase Option: For those seeking an even more luxurious experience, they offer a premium omakase for $155, which typically includes more appetizers and 12 pieces of sushi, potentially featuring high-end ingredients like A5 Wagyu. While higher in price, this still aims to deliver a top-tier experience commensurate with its cost.

Beyond these consistent menu offerings, specific limited-time promotions are not widely advertised. However, the inherent structure of their pricing, especially for lunch, acts as a continuous "special offer" for diners looking for an affordable entry into the world of high-end omakase. It's always recommended to check their Resy page or official website directly for the most current menu details and pricing.

• Address: 285 Columbus Ave 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10023, USA
• Phone: (212) 980-1399

For New Yorkers, Omakase Shihou (Shiro) on the Upper West Side is exceptionally well-suited as a go-to Japanese restaurant, particularly for those seeking a premium sushi experience that balances quality, innovation, and affordability. It addresses several key desires of the local dining community, making it a true neighborhood asset.

Firstly, its most compelling feature is the unbeatable value for an omakase experience. In a city where high-end sushi can often be prohibitively expensive, Shihou's $49 lunch and $65 dinner omakase menus are a revelation. This affordability allows more New Yorkers to indulge in the curated, chef-driven dining journey that omakase offers, transforming it from a rare splurge into a more accessible and frequent treat. The inclusion of multiple appetizers, a generous number of nigiri pieces, and dessert at these price points is a significant draw, allowing locals to enjoy fantastic quality without breaking the bank.

Secondly, the consistent high quality and inventive preparations of the fish resonate deeply with the discerning palates of New Yorkers. The commitment to sourcing 90% of their fish from Toyosu Market in Japan ensures an authentic and fresh experience. Furthermore, the chefs' creative touches, such as brown sugar marinated ikura and aburi-style salmon, demonstrate a willingness to innovate while respecting tradition, providing a unique and memorable flavor profile that stands out in a crowded market. Locals who appreciate culinary artistry and novel flavors will find much to love here.

Thirdly, the convenient Upper West Side location on Columbus Avenue, easily accessible by multiple subway lines, makes it a practical choice for residents. While being on the second floor might require a moment of discovery, it also contributes to a slightly more exclusive and focused dining atmosphere away from street-level distractions. The comfortable, air-conditioned setting ensures a pleasant experience, and the attentive service, with chefs and staff explaining each dish, enhances the overall enjoyment.

Finally, the balance between formality and approachability makes Omakase Shihou (Shiro) a versatile option. While it delivers the meticulousness and artistry of a fine omakase, it doesn't carry the stuffiness or pressure of some ultra-high-end establishments. This makes it suitable for both special occasions and regular cravings for exceptional sushi. For New Yorkers looking for a fantastic, innovative, and genuinely affordable omakase experience in their own backyard, Omakase Shihou (Shiro) UWS is an absolute must-try that consistently exceeds expectations.

Omakase Shihou (Shiro) - Upper West Side (Lunch Available)

285 Columbus Ave 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10023, USA