Maki Kosaka

- 55 W 19th St, New York, NY 10011

Maki Kosaka: A Destination for High-Quality Sushi in NYC

For those in New York City with a discerning taste for sushi, Maki Kosaka is a must-visit destination. This exceptional sushi restaurant is known for its commitment to high-quality ingredients and a fresh, innovative approach to classic Japanese cuisine. Unlike many sushi spots, Maki Kosaka is the more casual offshoot of the Michelin-starred omakase restaurant, Kosaka, which means you can expect the same high-caliber fish and meticulous preparation in a more relaxed and accessible setting. It’s a place where you can get a taste of fine dining without the full omakase price tag, making it a truly special find in the city.

The atmosphere at Maki Kosaka is both cozy and trendy, creating a welcoming environment that is perfect for a variety of occasions. It’s an ideal spot for a solo dining experience at the counter or for a premium dinner with friends. The restaurant also takes pride in being a women-owned business, led by entrepreneur and culinary chef Mihyun Han, who is also the owner of the Michelin-starred Kosaka. This adds a unique and inspiring dimension to the business. Reviews from real customers consistently highlight the quality of the food and the excellent service, with one patron calling the experience "SO amazing" and a place for those "looking for high quality Japanese food."

One of the most notable and celebrated features of Maki Kosaka is its unique "grab hand rolls." This is a concept where you are provided with a cup of rice and toppings along with sheets of crispy nori seaweed, allowing you to create your own hand rolls as you go. This interactive and fun dining style, along with their emphasis on fresh, premium ingredients, sets them apart from the competition. The restaurant successfully merges the traditional with the contemporary, appealing to both seasoned sushi lovers and those looking for a fresh, new culinary adventure.

Location and Accessibility

Maki Kosaka is located at 55 W 19th St, New York, NY 10011, USA. This address places it in a prime spot in the vibrant Chelsea and Flatiron District, a neighborhood known for its lively atmosphere, diverse dining scene, and beautiful architecture. The restaurant’s central location makes it easily accessible for locals and tourists alike, with plenty of public transportation options nearby. Whether you are coming from work, exploring the city, or meeting friends, its convenient location makes it a great choice.

The restaurant is committed to ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests. It features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating. For those driving, both free and paid street parking options are available in the area, although finding a spot in this part of Manhattan can sometimes be challenging. The venue's thoughtful layout and accessible amenities demonstrate a commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone.

Services Offered

• Dining Options: The restaurant is a popular spot for both lunch and dinner, offering a variety of seating options, including a bustling bar area where chefs prepare the food.
• Reservations: Maki Kosaka accepts reservations, with dinner reservations being highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity and limited seating, particularly at the counter.
• Takeout & Delivery: For those who prefer to enjoy their premium sushi at home, the restaurant offers both convenient takeout and delivery services.
• Catering: While not explicitly mentioned, the nature of the menu, particularly with the sushi roll sets, suggests they can accommodate larger orders for private events.
• Happy Hour: Public information indicates that Maki Kosaka offers happy hour drinks, including beer, sake, and wine, as well as happy hour food items like Edamame and Crab Croquettes.
• Amenities: The restaurant has an onsite bar and a restroom for guest convenience.

Features / Highlights

• High-Quality Fish: Maki Kosaka is celebrated for its use of high-quality local and Japanese fish and seafood. The team behind the restaurant has a proven track record for sourcing excellent ingredients.
• Unique "Grab Hand Rolls": The interactive and innovative "grab hand rolls" are a signature feature of the restaurant, providing a unique and fun dining experience that has garnered rave reviews from customers.
• Great Cocktails & Sake Selection: The bar offers a wide range of beverages, including cocktails, beer, hard liquor, and a particularly notable sake selection.
• Small Plates & Appetizers: Beyond the sushi, the menu features a variety of small plates and appetizers, such as the "Uni Cup" and "Ebi Shinjo," which are praised for their flavor and quality.
• Women-Owned Business: The restaurant proudly identifies as women-owned, adding to its unique and compelling story.
• Cozy & Trendy Atmosphere: The ambiance is carefully crafted to be both comfortable and chic, with minimalist decor and soft lighting that create an intimate and inviting space.
• Accessibility: The commitment to accessibility with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating is a significant highlight.

What is Worth Choosing?

For a dining experience at Maki Kosaka, there are several key items and concepts that are well worth exploring. The "grab hand rolls" are undoubtedly a must-try. Customers consistently rave about them, and the concept itself is both fun and delicious. The ability to assemble your own rolls with fresh, premium ingredients like Toro with Caviar or Seared Scallop with Scallion is a memorable part of the experience. It allows you to savor the freshness and quality of the fish in every bite.

Another highly recommended item is the "uni cup," which a customer review notes is "amazing," despite being on the pricier side. This appetizer showcases the restaurant’s commitment to using premium, high-end ingredients. For those who enjoy a variety of flavors, the sushi roll sets, such as Set B with Toro scallion, Spicy salmon, and Seared scallop, are great value options that provide a comprehensive taste of what the restaurant has to offer.

When it comes to drinks, the bar is also a highlight. The sake list is extensive, and their happy hour specials on beer, sake, and wine are a great way to enjoy a drink before your meal. The attentive and friendly service, with staff members who are knowledgeable about the menu and can handle dietary needs (like a customer's allergies), is a final reason why Maki Kosaka is worth choosing. The restaurant’s combination of high-quality, fresh food, a unique dining concept, and a welcoming atmosphere makes it a standout sushi destination in New York City. Whether you are a local sushi aficionado or a tourist looking for a premium Japanese meal, Maki Kosaka delivers a consistently excellent experience.

Maki Kosaka

55 W 19th St, New York, NY 10011, USA