Thirteen Water

For New Yorkers eager to experience the artistry of omakase without the often-hefty price tag, Thirteen Water in the East Village presents a compelling and unique option. This sushi bar, located at 208 E 7th St, has quickly become a buzzing spot for those seeking a high-quality, chef-selected sushi experience that is both innovative and surprisingly affordable. It's a place where traditional sushi principles meet modern culinary creativity, all served in an intimate and efficient setting.

In a city saturated with sushi options, Thirteen Water sets itself apart by focusing on a distinct approach to omakase. Spearheaded by the Ume Hospitality Group (known for other acclaimed spots like Shinn), Thirteen Water offers a fixed-price, multi-course menu where each piece of sushi is a carefully crafted work of art. What makes it truly stand out is the emphasis on "layers" – combining fresh fish with smoked, cooked, and house-made ingredients to create innovative flavor profiles. This isn't strictly traditional omakase, but rather a creative interpretation that encourages diners to approach their meal with an open mind and a readiness for delightful surprises. Whether you're an omakase veteran or curious to try it for the first time, Thirteen Water offers an accessible entry point to premium sushi dining in New York.

Thirteen Water is conveniently situated in Manhattan's lively East Village at 208 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009, USA. Its location between Avenue B and C places it in a vibrant, easily walkable neighborhood known for its diverse culinary scene and bustling atmosphere. This prime East Village spot makes it highly accessible for residents across Manhattan and those visiting from other boroughs.

The East Village is well-served by New York City's extensive public transportation system. The nearest subway options include the L train at 1st Avenue or 3rd Avenue, providing direct access. Additionally, the F, M, J, and Z trains are accessible via a slightly longer walk to stations like Delancey Street-Essex Street or 2nd Avenue-Lower East Side. Numerous bus lines also operate in the vicinity, ensuring that reaching Thirteen Water is convenient regardless of your starting point. While street parking can be challenging in this dense urban area, the robust public transit network makes it easy to enjoy your dining experience without the concern of finding a spot. The discreet yet inviting storefront blends seamlessly into the neighborhood's charm, making it a perfect destination for a focused and exceptional sushi meal.

Thirteen Water focuses on providing a streamlined and high-quality omakase dining experience:

• Prix Fixe Omakase Menu: All guests are automatically subjected to their prix fixe omakase menu, which typically consists of 13 courses. This structured approach ensures a consistent and curated dining journey.
• Chef's Counter Dining: The restaurant features a sushi counter where guests are seated. This intimate setting allows diners to observe the sushi chefs at work, meticulously crafting each piece right in front of them.
• Quick and Efficient Service: Thirteen Water is known for its fast-paced omakase experience, with meals often completed within 60 minutes or even under 50 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a high-quality sushi experience without a lengthy time commitment.
• Add-on Pieces Available: While it's a fixed menu, guests have the option to order additional pieces of their favorite sushi after the initial 13 courses, allowing for further indulgence if desired.
• Beverage Selection: They offer a selection of sake and Japanese imported beers to complement the sushi, enhancing the overall dining experience. (Note: Whiskey is not typically available).
• Reservations: Thirteen Water operates primarily by reservation, which can be made through platforms like Resy. Given its popularity and limited seating, booking in advance is highly recommended.
• Accommodation for Dietary Needs: While an omakase experience, they have shown willingness to accommodate certain dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free diets, by providing substituted courses.

Thirteen Water offers several key features that set it apart and make it a highly desirable destination for sushi lovers in New York:

• Affordable Premium Omakase: One of its most significant highlights is the incredible value it offers. For just $75 per person, diners receive a 13-course omakase meal, a price point that is exceptionally reasonable for the quality and experience in NYC.
• Innovative Layered Sushi: Unlike strictly traditional omakase, Thirteen Water embraces a unique approach by layering fresh fish with creative toppings and homemade ingredients (e.g., barracuda with chives and yuzu kosho, salmon with roasted tomato, otoro with caviar). This results in "distinct flavor profiles" and "unique pieces" that enhance rather than overwhelm the fish.
• High-Quality Fresh Ingredients: Despite the accessible price, the restaurant uses fresh, high-quality fish and produce. Customers consistently praise the freshness and melt-in-your-mouth quality of the nigiri.
• Efficient Pacing: The omakase experience is designed to be quick and fluid, with courses arriving promptly. This "fast omakase" style means you can enjoy a full, multi-course meal in under an hour, making it perfect for pre-show dinners or a focused culinary outing.
• Intimate Chef's Counter Experience: With limited seating around the sushi counter, guests have a direct view of the chefs crafting each piece. While interaction might be minimal, the focus is on the culinary artistry, creating a calm and serene dining atmosphere.
• Memorable Pieces: Several specific pieces frequently receive rave reviews, including the Otoro Toro Caviar, Tuna with Truffle, Hamachi, and the unique Salmon with Roasted Tomato. The Miyazaki A5 Wagyu is also a notable (and often included in the base price) highlight.
• Attentive Service: Despite the quick pace, staff and chefs are described as professional and attentive, ensuring guests are well-cared for throughout their meal.
• Sister Restaurant to Shinn: Being part of the Ume Hospitality Group, Thirteen Water shares a lineage with other well-regarded omakase spots like Shinn, suggesting a consistent standard of quality and innovation.

Thirteen Water's primary "special offer" is its consistently high-value omakase experience at a competitive price point for New York City. At $75 for a 13-course omakase, it already stands out as an exceptional deal for the quality of fish and the innovative preparations.

While they don't typically run temporary discount promotions in the traditional sense, the value is inherent in their core offering:

• Exceptional Price-to-Quality Ratio: The $75 13-course omakase is widely considered an outstanding value in the NYC sushi scene. Reviewers frequently compare it favorably to places costing $100 or more, highlighting that the quality of ingredients and craftsmanship far exceeds its price.
• Inclusion of Premium Cuts: For the set price, the omakase often includes premium fish like Otoro, Uni, and A5 Wagyu, which are typically expensive add-ons or only found in much pricier omakase menus elsewhere. For instance, the Uni toast and Wagyu pieces are often included in the base $75.
• Add-on Options: The ability to order additional pieces of favorite nigiri at reasonable individual prices after the initial 13 courses allows diners to further customize their experience without feeling pressured into a higher-priced set menu.

Because the experience is already designed to be a high-value offering, Thirteen Water focuses on delivering consistent quality rather than fleeting discounts. To stay informed about their exact menu and any potential seasonal additions, checking their official website or Resy booking page is recommended.

To experience the innovative omakase at Thirteen Water, you can reach them through the following details:

• Address: 208 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009, USA
• Phone: (718) 598-8556
• Mobile Phone: +1 718-598-8556

Thirteen Water operates with specific seating times due to its omakase format. Their typical hours are:

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday - Sunday: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for peak dining hours, and can typically be made through Resy. It's always best to check their website or call directly for the most up-to-date operating hours and reservation policies.

Thirteen Water is an ideal destination for New Yorkers who appreciate high-quality sushi and an engaging dining experience, particularly those seeking excellent value in the competitive omakase scene. Its East Village location makes it conveniently accessible for many, while its focused 13-course omakase provides a perfect solution for a special yet efficient meal. For locals who want to enjoy expertly crafted nigiri with intriguing flavor combinations without committing to a multi-hour, triple-digit price tag, Thirteen Water hits all the right notes.

The rapid pacing of the meal ensures you get a full, satisfying experience even on a tighter schedule, a definite plus in fast-paced NYC. The chefs' skill in layering flavors and their use of fresh, premium ingredients consistently impress, making each piece a delightful surprise. Whether it’s your first foray into omakase or you’re a seasoned connoisseur, Thirteen Water offers a unique and memorable journey that stands out. It's a place where quality meets affordability and innovation, securing its spot as a must-try local favorite for sushi lovers in New York.

Thirteen Water

208 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009, USA