U Omakase

For New Yorkers with a discerning palate and a love for exquisite Japanese cuisine, there's a special kind of magic in the Omakase experience—where you place your trust entirely in the hands of the chef. In the vibrant and ever-evolving culinary scene of Brooklyn, one establishment has quickly risen to prominence for delivering just such a memorable journey: U Omakase. Tucked away in the charming Greenpoint neighborhood, U Omakase offers a unique and highly praised take on this traditional Japanese dining concept, promising an evening of delightful surprises and incredible flavors.

U Omakase isn't just about eating; it's about immersing yourself in a communal, sensory, and often surprising culinary adventure. From the moment you are seated, you're invited to leave your expectations at the door and allow the expert chefs to guide you through a meticulously crafted seasonal tasting menu. This focus on chef-led artistry and high-quality, fresh ingredients has quickly made U Omakase a beloved destination for locals celebrating special occasions or simply seeking an extraordinary meal. Let’s explore what makes U Omakase a truly remarkable addition to New York’s Japanese dining landscape.

U Omakase is perfectly situated at 173 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222, USA. This address places it in the heart of Greenpoint, a thriving and easily accessible neighborhood known for its diverse culinary offerings and charming local businesses. For New Yorkers, this means a convenient journey to an exceptional dining experience. Greenpoint Avenue is a well-trafficked street, making the restaurant simple to locate whether you're strolling through the area, utilizing public transport, or arriving by car.

The accessibility of U Omakase adds significantly to its appeal for locals. The restaurant is within a comfortable distance of various public transportation options, including subway stations and bus routes that connect Greenpoint to other parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan. This ease of access makes U Omakase an ideal choice for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or simply enjoying a unique culinary adventure without the stress of a complicated commute. Its location in a lively part of Greenpoint also means it's nestled among other local gems, making it a perfect anchor for a night out in the neighborhood.

U Omakase specializes in offering an intimate and highly curated Japanese dining experience, specifically focusing on a multi-course Omakase tasting menu. Their services are designed to immerse guests in a culinary journey:

• Omakase Tasting Menu: The primary offering is a seasonal, multi-course Omakase experience, typically featuring around 13-16 dishes. The menu changes based on the availability of the freshest ingredients, ensuring a unique experience with each visit. This includes a variety of nigiri, sashimi, and small plates with Japanese and French influences.
• Communal Dining Experience: U Omakase features a U-shaped communal dining table that seats approximately 13-16 people. This setup fosters a social and interactive atmosphere where guests can observe the chefs at work and share in the dining experience with others.
• Chef-Led Presentation: Chefs Yasu Hirashiki and Luis Durand meticulously prepare and present each dish, often explaining the ingredients, origins, and preparation methods. This personal interaction enhances the educational and sensory aspects of the meal.
• Seasonal and High-Quality Ingredients: The restaurant prides itself on sourcing the freshest and highest quality ingredients, both locally and globally (including from Japan), to create innovative and flavorful dishes.
• Beverage Program: U Omakase offers a selection of beer and sake available for purchase to complement the meal. Some reviews also mention a complimentary sake or whiskey being offered, enhancing the overall experience.
• Special Occasion Dining: Given its unique format and high quality, U Omakase is a highly recommended spot for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or other significant events, as noted by enthusiastic customer reviews.
• Online Reservations: Reservations are required and can be made conveniently through platforms like OpenTable, ensuring a smooth booking process for planning your experience.

U Omakase distinguishes itself in New York’s competitive dining scene through several key features and highlights that consistently earn rave reviews from patrons:

• Exceptional Omakase Experience: Customers consistently praise U Omakase as "one of the best Omakase experiences" they've had. The chefs craft a thoughtful 13-course (or more, depending on the menu) meal where "every dish was bursting with flavor" and "unique."
• High-Quality and Seasonal Ingredients: A cornerstone of their success is the commitment to sourcing "highest quality ingredients" from Japan and local farms. This dedication ensures that each piece of sushi and every dish is incredibly fresh and flavorful, making the menu dynamically change with the seasons.
• Professional and Attentive Chefs/Service: Chefs Luis and others are frequently highlighted for being "very professional and attentive." The service is described as "stellar" and "personal," making diners feel "important" and "well taken care of."
• Intimate Communal Setting: The unique U-shaped dining table, seating around 13-16 people, creates an "intimate and cozy but fun" atmosphere. This communal setup encourages interaction with the chefs and other diners, making the experience more engaging and social.
• Flawlessly Executed Dishes: Diners consistently report that "food and drinks are done flawlessly." From delicate sashimi to perfectly seared Wagyu beef, each course is "beautifully crafted" with "flavors that danced on the tongue."
• Innovative and Non-Traditional Approach: While rooted in Japanese tradition, U Omakase takes a "unique take on traditional Omakase dining" with "Japanese and French influences." Dishes are described as "non-traditional Japanese cuisine," offering surprising flavor combinations without excessive use of blowtorches or truffle oil, allowing the natural taste of the fish to shine.
• Value for the Price: Despite being a high-end experience, many reviewers feel it offers "great value" for the quality, quantity, and artistry of the 13+ course meal, especially considering the included sake in some instances.
• Memorable Culinary Journey: Patrons describe their visits as an "amazing experience," "our favorite meal experience in years," and a "culinary journey" where "dining is art." The thoughtfulness in preparation and presentation leaves a lasting impression.
• BYOB Option (Historically/With Consideration): While they offer their own selection of sake and beer for purchase, some older reviews suggest a BYOB option was available, or that they graciously chilled and served brought-in beverages. It's best to confirm current policies directly with the restaurant.

U Omakase, as a dedicated Omakase restaurant, structures its offerings around comprehensive tasting menus rather than traditional à la carte dishes or daily specials. This approach, while not a "promotion" in the discount sense, offers a complete and carefully curated culinary journey that provides significant value for the quality and experience.

• Chef's Tasting Menu: The primary offering is a multi-course Chef's Tasting Menu. While prices can change and vary with seasonal ingredients, it has been noted at around $89 for a 13-15 course experience. This comprehensive meal ensures you sample a wide range of the freshest seasonal fish and innovative dishes, representing excellent value for a high-end Omakase in New York City.
• Special Event Menus: For holidays like New Year's Eve, U Omakase has offered special, extended tasting menus (e.g., a 16-course menu for $179 per person on NYE) that might include premium ingredients and curated beverage pairings (sake, wine, champagne). These are exceptional, one-time offerings for truly memorable celebrations.

Because the menu is seasonal and chef-driven, the best "offer" is the consistently high quality and unique experience provided at a set price point. We highly recommend checking their official website or OpenTable listing for the most up-to-date pricing and any special menus for upcoming dates. Given the rave reviews, the value comes from the exceptional food, intimate setting, and stellar service you receive.

For New Yorkers eager to experience the celebrated Omakase at U Omakase, here's how you can connect with them:

• Address: 173 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222, USA
• Phone: (917) 336-8479 (Please note: publicly available phone numbers vary slightly; this one appears most consistently on official and reputable listings).

Reservations are highly recommended due to the intimate seating capacity and popularity of the restaurant. You can typically book your experience through OpenTable or their official website.

For New Yorkers, U Omakase is more than just another Japanese restaurant; it's an essential culinary escape that perfectly aligns with our city's demand for high quality, unique experiences, and exceptional value. Located conveniently in Brooklyn's lively Greenpoint, it’s easily accessible from various parts of the city, making it a perfect destination for both planned celebrations and spontaneous indulgences.

What truly makes U Omakase suitable for locals is its dedication to the authentic Omakase format. In a city where time is precious, the chef-driven tasting menu removes the decision-making, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in a delightful parade of "bursting with flavor" and "unique" dishes. This is not just a meal; it's a performance, with professional and attentive chefs guiding you through each course, explaining the origins of their "highest quality ingredients" and the artistry behind their "flawlessly executed" creations. The consistent praise for the food's innovation and freshness, combined with the "intimate and cozy" communal setting, creates an experience that's both sophisticated and genuinely welcoming—a balance New Yorkers truly appreciate.

Whether you're celebrating a special birthday, as many locals have happily done, or simply seeking a sophisticated yet fun night out, U Omakase delivers an unforgettable sensory journey. It represents a fantastic value for the caliber of fine dining it offers, making it a true gem in Brooklyn's diverse culinary landscape and a must-visit for any New Yorker looking for an elevated and memorable Japanese dining adventure.

U Omakase

173 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222, USA