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Kawa Omakase
- 37 E 1st St, New York, NY 10003

Sushi restaurant, Japanese restaurant ★5.0 (38)·$50–100

37 E 1st St, New York, NY 10003, USA

5.0
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! - Jacquelyn Price
Kawa Omakase Overview Intro Menu Detail Photos Location Reviews
$50–100 per person Reported by 38 people$30–50$50–100$100+

Kawa Omakase Introduce

Welcome to the heart of New York City's vibrant culinary scene, where a new jewel has emerged to captivate the senses of sushi lovers. Tucked away on a charming street in the East Village, Kawa Omakase is more than just a restaurant; it’s an immersive dining experience designed to transport you to the shores of Japan through a curated journey of flavor and artistry. In a city known for its endless dining options, Kawa Omakase stands out as a destination that perfectly balances tradition with modern creativity, all while offering an intimate and welcoming atmosphere. This is the kind of place where every detail is considered, from the quality of the ingredients to the warmth of the staff, ensuring that your meal is not just a transaction but a cherished memory.

For those unfamiliar with the term, "omakase" translates to "I leave it up to you," a concept that places full trust in the chef to select and prepare a sequence of the finest seasonal dishes. At Kawa Omakase, this trust is rewarded with a procession of meticulously crafted bites that showcase the chef's skill and passion. The experience here is highly personalized, making it ideal for special occasions, a memorable date night, or simply a treat for yourself after a long week. Whether you are a seasoned omakase enthusiast or curious about trying it for the first time, Kawa Omakase provides a setting that is both accessible and exceptional. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and its friendly, professional service have quickly earned it a reputation as a must-visit spot for those seeking an elevated dining experience in New York City.


Location and Accessibility

Kawa Omakase is located at 37 E 1st St, New York, NY 10003, USA, placing it in the bustling and eclectic East Village neighborhood. This prime location makes it highly accessible for New Yorkers and visitors alike. The East Village is a hub of culture, food, and nightlife, making it an ideal destination for a pre-dinner stroll or post-meal exploration. Getting to the restaurant is convenient, with several public transportation options nearby. The Second Avenue subway station, served by the F train, is just a short walk away. Additionally, the B, D, and M lines at Broadway-Lafayette Street and the 6 line at Bleecker Street are also within a comfortable walking distance, providing easy access from various parts of Manhattan and beyond.

The street itself is a charming slice of classic New York, with a mix of local shops, cafes, and other restaurants, creating a lively yet intimate atmosphere. The location feels both central and slightly tucked away, offering a sense of discovery for those who seek it out. For those arriving by car, street parking can be a challenge in this popular neighborhood, so using public transit or a rideshare service is highly recommended. The restaurant’s accessibility and its location in a vibrant part of the city make it an excellent choice for a night out, easily integrated into a full evening of activities.


Services Offered

Kawa Omakase is dedicated to providing an authentic and high-quality dining experience. Their services are centered around the core concept of omakase, ensuring a seamless and memorable meal from start to finish.

  • Dine-in: The primary service offered is a classic dine-in experience. Guests are seated at the intimate sushi bar or at a small number of tables, allowing them to witness the chef's artistry up close. The focus is on providing a comfortable and engaging atmosphere for every guest.
  • Dinner Service: The restaurant specializes in dinner service, which is when the full omakase menu is available. This is the ideal time to visit to fully appreciate the curated course progression and the freshest seasonal ingredients.
  • Table Service: The staff provides attentive and friendly table service, guiding guests through their dining journey. They are knowledgeable about the menu and beverage pairings, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.
  • Alcohol Offerings: The menu includes a selection of fine alcoholic beverages, including various types of sake, beer, and plum wine, which are perfect for pairing with the delicate flavors of the sushi.

Features and Highlights

Kawa Omakase has several standout features that make it a compelling choice for dining in New York. These elements combine to create a truly special and memorable visit for every guest.

  • High-Quality Omakase: The star of the show is the chef's omakase menu, which has been praised for its creativity and exceptional quality at a reasonable price point. The dishes are not only delicious but also beautifully presented, turning each course into a work of art. Highlights from the menu include the incredibly rich Otoro w. Kaluga Caviar, the unique Salmon Tomato, and the luxurious Miyazaki A5 wagyu beef.
  • Intimate and Cozy Atmosphere: The restaurant has a cozy and trendy vibe, perfect for a special occasion or a quiet, enjoyable meal. The small size of the venue contributes to an intimate feel, allowing for a more personal connection with the chef and staff.
  • Attentive and Friendly Staff: Customer reviews consistently highlight the incredible friendliness and accommodation of the chef and staff. They are known for making guests feel like honored guests and for being very accommodating of dietary restrictions, which is a major plus for many diners.
  • Impressive Sake Selection: Kawa Omakase offers a curated list of high-quality sake, including DASSAI 45 JUNMAI DAIGINJO and HAKKAISAN 45 JUNMAI DAIGINJO, as well as a selection of beer and plum wine. This focus on premium beverages elevates the overall dining experience.
  • Unique and Creative Menu: While offering classic Japanese ingredients, the chef's approach is both traditional and creative. Diners can expect unexpected and delightful combinations that make each dish a discovery, such as the King salmon with Truffle.

Contact Information

For reservations, questions, or more information, you can contact Kawa Omakase directly.

  • Address: 37 E 1st St, New York, NY 10003, USA
  • Phone: (347) 619-3346

What is worth choosing

When it comes to New York City’s crowded dining scene, what makes Kawa Omakase a standout choice? Simply put, it's the combination of unparalleled quality, remarkable value, and a truly personal experience. Many diners have noted that the omakase menu here offers one of the highest quality and most creative menus they have encountered, especially when considering the price point. In a city where omakase can often be prohibitively expensive, Kawa provides an accessible yet completely top-tier option.

The fact that you can have such an incredible and memorable dining experience without breaking the bank is a significant factor. It’s a place where you can celebrate a special occasion, like a birthday, and feel genuinely catered to by the warm and welcoming staff. The small, intimate setting allows for a personal connection with the chef, Tony, and the owner, Ryan, which is a rarity in many larger establishments. This connection transforms a meal into a shared experience, where you learn about the passion and craftsmanship behind each piece of sushi.

Furthermore, the restaurant's ability to accommodate dietary restrictions with grace and creativity is a testament to its commitment to guest satisfaction. This kind of flexibility and attention to detail shows that Kawa Omakase truly cares about its patrons. From the first bite of a chef's special to the last sip of a perfectly paired sake, every element of the meal is designed to delight. The cozy, trendy ambiance provides the perfect backdrop for a meal that is both sophisticated and comfortably intimate. It’s not just a place to eat; it's a place to create a wonderful memory, making Kawa Omakase a highly recommended addition to your New York dining list.

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 Picture 1Kawa Omakase Picture 2Kawa Omakase Picture 3Kawa Omakase Picture 4Kawa Omakase Picture 5Kawa Omakase Picture 6Kawa Omakase Picture 7Kawa Omakase Picture 8Kawa Omakase Picture 9Kawa Omakase Picture 10

Kawa Omakase Location

Kawa Omakase

37 E 1st St, New York, NY 10003, USA

Kawa Omakase Reviews

An average rating of ★5 from 107 user reviews.

chefpricecoursesakedinnerchatcreativeotorowagyupersonality

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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