Koju

- 252 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Koju is a standout destination for Japanese cuisine in the heart of Brooklyn, offering a dining experience that is both authentic and boldly innovative. Tucked inside the Ace Hotel in Boerum Hill, this restaurant is not your typical sushi spot. It is an intimate, 14-seat omakase bar where tradition, art, and music come together to create a truly singular sensory experience. The philosophy behind Koju is rooted in the Japanese concepts of Ichigo Ichie ("every meeting is a once-in-a-lifetime encounter") and Omotenashi (the heartfelt art of hospitality), and this dedication is evident from the moment you step through the door. Koju aims to deliver a distinct and deeply personal experience, crafted with sincerity for the Brooklyn community it serves. It has quickly become a remarkable dining destination for New Yorkers seeking a high-end, yet soulful, culinary journey.

The atmosphere at Koju is meticulously curated, providing a modern, forward-thinking interpretation of an omakase experience. This isn't just about the food; it's about the entire environment. The space itself features a mix of traditional Kyoto art and modern design elements, creating a hip and sophisticated vibe that perfectly aligns with the Ace Hotel's aesthetic. A unique feature that sets Koju apart is its curated Japanese-inspired vinyl music program, which is played on rare, high-end speakers. This sensory fusion of taste and sound elevates each course, making the meal an immersive event for all your senses. This unique blend of refined Japanese tradition and a buzzy, Brooklyn-centric atmosphere makes Koju a destination worth traveling for, even for those who reside in Manhattan.

Location and Accessibility

Koju is conveniently located in the vibrant neighborhood of Boerum Hill in Brooklyn, New York, at the intersection of a dynamic and ever-evolving community. Its address is 252 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217. As the restaurant is situated within the Ace Hotel Brooklyn, it is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. The location is in a central hub of Downtown Brooklyn, making it a prime spot for both local residents and visitors to the city. The phone number for Koju is (718) 305-4243, which can also be reached by the mobile number +1 718-305-4243, making reservations and inquiries straightforward. Reservations are highly recommended for this intimate, counter-seating establishment, as it is designed for a small number of guests to ensure a personal and exclusive experience.

Services Offered

• Dine-in Service: Koju offers an exceptional dine-in experience, designed to be an intimate and singular event.
• Omakase Experience: The restaurant is an omakase-only establishment, meaning the chef selects and presents the best seasonal ingredients available. The omakase menu typically includes three composed starter dishes followed by nine courses of nigiri.
• Curated Beverage Program: Koju features a robust and thoughtfully curated Japanese beverage program, including a selection of sake, as well as signature cocktails, beer, and non-alcoholic options, all designed to complement the delicate flavors of the meal.
• Special Seatings: The restaurant offers two nightly seatings to accommodate its intimate 14-seat counter.

Features and Highlights

• Omakase-Only Dining: Koju focuses on a chef's tasting menu, offering a 13-course experience that includes starter dishes, a variety of nigiri, and optional add-ons.
• Exceptional Ingredients: A core highlight of the experience is the use of high-quality ingredients, with many flown in fresh from Japan, which ensures authentic and exquisite flavors in every bite.
• Vinyl Music Program: The dining experience is enhanced by a curated vinyl soundtrack, played on top-of-the-line speakers, providing a unique auditory backdrop that sets a modern and soulful tone.
• Intimate Counter Setting: The 14-seat counter creates a personal and exclusive atmosphere, allowing guests to witness the precision and craftsmanship of the chefs up close.
• Expert Culinary Team: The restaurant is led by a talented culinary team, including Executive Chef Kevin Garrison, who brings a wealth of experience from prestigious establishments and is known for his mastery of traditional Japanese techniques blended with modern influences.
• Hospitality: Koju prides itself on a welcoming and warm atmosphere, with a focus on genuine hospitality that makes every guest feel at home from the moment they arrive.

Contact Information

• Address: 252 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA
• Phone: (718) 305-4243

What is worth choosing

For those in New York seeking a truly elevated and modern Japanese dining experience, Koju is an exceptional choice. The value proposition goes far beyond the food itself, though the quality of the ingredients and the meticulous preparation are a major draw. What makes Koju a must-visit destination is its commitment to redefining the omakase concept. The combination of seasonal, meticulously aged sushi and creative, bold flavors with a unique sonic backdrop from a vinyl music program creates a multi-sensory journey that is hard to find elsewhere. This restaurant is perfect for a special occasion or for anyone who wants to explore the next generation of sushi in a setting that is both traditional and effortlessly cool. The personal connection and heartfelt hospitality, guided by the Japanese philosophy of Ichigo Ichie, ensure that every visit feels like a once-in-a-lifetime encounter, leaving you with a lasting impression and a strong desire to return. The robust beverage program, featuring a wide selection of sake, cocktails, and other drinks, perfectly complements the culinary offerings. For residents of Brooklyn, and for those willing to venture from Manhattan, Koju represents a pinnacle of contemporary Japanese dining, blending world-class cuisine with a distinct and creative ambiance.

Koju

252 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA