Sushi Kaito

- 244 W 72nd St, New York, NY 10023

In the vibrant culinary scene of New York City, finding a truly exceptional and intimate dining experience can be a treasure. Sushi Kaito on the Upper West Side offers just that—a distinguished omakase restaurant that provides an intimate and unforgettable journey into the world of high-quality sushi. Unlike larger, more bustling establishments, Sushi Kaito focuses on a personalized approach, with a small, 12-seat sushi counter that allows for a direct and engaging interaction with the chefs. This creates an atmosphere that feels both exclusive and welcoming, making every visit a special occasion.

The essence of Sushi Kaito is its commitment to the omakase tradition, which translates to "I leave it up to you." The experience is a multi-course tasting menu where the chefs curate a selection of the freshest and most seasonal fish available. This ensures that every piece of sushi is a surprise, a perfect bite crafted with the utmost care and precision. As a popular choice for dinner, the restaurant is celebrated for its high-quality fish and seafood, with many of the ingredients sourced directly from Japan. This focus on sourcing and quality is what sets the restaurant apart and elevates the entire dining experience to a new level.

Beyond the sushi, Sushi Kaito complements its menu with a thoughtful selection of beverages. The "Sake" and "Premium Sake" lists offer a variety of options, from well-known brands like Hakkaisan "Yukimuro" Ginjo to unique and refined choices like Kokuryu "Kuzuryu" Junmai. For wine lovers, the "Wine" and "Classic Wine" lists feature a curated selection of bottles, including a crisp Pascal Jolivet Sancerre and a rich Bethel Heights Estate Pinot Noir, which are chosen to pair perfectly with the delicate flavors of the sushi. The Japanese beer selection, featuring options like Nga Kogen and Gua Blanc, provides another excellent pairing choice. This attention to detail in the beverage program adds another layer of sophistication to the meal.

The dining experience at Sushi Kaito is highly praised for its quality and value. Customers consistently rave about the freshness of the fish, with some noting that the chef is able to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences. The intimate setting, where each guest often has a little name card at their spot, adds a personal touch that enhances the feeling of a bespoke meal. The staff is described as attentive, courteous, and genuinely kind, adding to the overall positive and memorable experience. It's a place where you're not just eating a meal; you're part of a culinary performance, with each course building to a satisfying crescendo.

## Location and Accessibility

Sushi Kaito is located at 244 W 72nd St, New York, NY 10023, USA, in the vibrant heart of the Upper West Side. This neighborhood is known for its blend of residential charm and bustling commercial activity, making it a prime location for a destination restaurant. The pub's location on 72nd Street, a major crosstown street, makes it very accessible. It is just a short walk from the 72nd Street subway station, which serves the 1, 2, and 3 subway lines, providing an easy way for diners from all over the city to visit. The proximity to Lincoln Center and Central Park also makes it a great spot for a special dinner before or after a show or an evening stroll.

The restaurant’s location is ideal for those who prefer to walk or use public transit. While parking can be a challenge in this densely populated area, the excellent subway access more than compensates. The restaurant's intimate, counter-seating-only design means it does not have a large footprint, but it is well-known in the neighborhood as a special and highly sought-after dining spot. While a wheelchair accessible entrance is not explicitly listed in the provided information, the restaurant’s staff can be contacted to confirm any specific accessibility needs prior to making a reservation.

## Services Offered

• Dine-in: The primary service is a dine-in omakase experience, with table service provided directly at the sushi counter. This is a ticketed, reservation-only meal.

• Reservations: Due to the limited, 12-seat capacity, reservations are highly recommended and often required. This ensures a spot at one of the nightly seatings.

• Takeout: While the omakase experience is designed for dine-in, the restaurant also offers takeout options. These include signature dishes like Kaito's Futomaki and Chef's Sashimi Special, which provide a taste of the quality at home.

• Delivery: For added convenience, certain items from the menu are available for delivery, allowing customers to enjoy the restaurant’s high-quality fish and sushi from their own homes.

## Features and Highlights

• Intimate and Cozy Atmosphere: The restaurant's small size and counter seating create an intimate and personal dining experience. This allows guests to watch the chefs work and engage in conversation, making the meal feel more like a private event.

• High-Quality Fish: A standout feature is the exceptional quality and freshness of the fish, with much of it sourced directly from Japan. This is the foundation of the omakase experience and is consistently praised by patrons.

• Omakase Experience: The menu is centered around a multi-course tasting menu, which is a key highlight. It allows guests to trust the chef's expertise and enjoy a perfectly curated meal without having to choose from a traditional menu.

• Great Beverage Selection: The curated lists of sake, wine, and Japanese beers are another highlight, providing the perfect pairing for the food and enhancing the overall experience.

• Attentive and Courteous Staff: The service is consistently described as attentive and friendly, with staff who are happy to engage with customers and make them feel welcome. This high level of hospitality adds to the memorable nature of the meal.

## Contact Information

Address: 244 W 72nd St, New York, NY 10023, USA

Phone: (212) 799-1278

Mobile Phone: +1 212-799-1278

## What is Worth Choosing?

When you choose to dine at Sushi Kaito, you are choosing more than just a meal; you are choosing a special and highly curated culinary experience. In a city where good sushi can be found on many corners, this restaurant distinguishes itself by its commitment to an authentic omakase tradition, superior quality, and an intimate atmosphere. It’s a perfect choice for a special occasion or for any sushi lover who wants to truly savor the artistry and skill of a master chef. The quality of the experience makes it a tremendous value for the price, a fact that is not lost on its loyal patrons.

The top reason to choose Sushi Kaito is to fully embrace the omakase menu. This is where the chefs' expertise truly shines. The tasting menu, often consisting of 15 courses or more, provides a journey through a variety of seasonal and fresh fish. From delicate white fish to rich, fatty tuna, each piece is a perfect bite that showcases the fish's natural flavors. The experience is enhanced by the chefs who engage with you, explaining the origin of the fish and the preparation, making the meal both delicious and educational. The a la carte options like Kaito's Chirashi Special or the Tuna Donburi Special also provide a great taste of the restaurant's quality for those who are not ready for the full omakase journey.

Beyond the food, the beverage program is a compelling reason to visit. The sake list, in particular, is well-curated and features both popular and premium selections. Choosing a refined sake like the Fukucho Biho Junmai Ginjo can beautifully complement the meal, bringing out the subtle flavors of the fish. The wine list, while concise, is also well-selected to pair with the delicate flavors of the food. Having a glass of a crisp Chateau Moreau Chablis with your sushi is a delightful combination that adds to the refined feel of the meal.

Ultimately, the reason to choose Sushi Kaito is for the overall experience. The combination of its intimate and cozy atmosphere, high-quality food, and attentive, friendly service creates a dining memory that is hard to replicate. It's a place where you feel cared for, where the food is prepared with heart, and where the focus is entirely on your enjoyment. For a sushi connoisseur or someone looking to be introduced to the omakase world in a welcoming and unpretentious setting, this Upper West Side gem is a perfect and highly recommended choice.

Sushi Kaito

244 W 72nd St, New York, NY 10023, USA