Kawa Omakase Introduce
### Introduction / Overview
In a city overflowing with sushi options, finding a restaurant that truly stands out requires more than just fresh fish—it requires artistry, passion, and a personal touch. Kawa Omakase, a new addition to the New York City dining scene, is quickly making a name for itself by delivering an exceptional sushi experience that is both sophisticated and personal. "Omakase" is a Japanese phrase that means "I'll leave it up to you," and at Kawa, this is more than a service option; it's a philosophy. Chef Tony, the heart and soul behind the restaurant, curates a unique and unforgettable meal for each guest, showcasing his years of practice and a truly creative spirit. His expertise, honed from previous omakase establishments, is evident in every piece of sushi he crafts. The atmosphere at Kawa is intimate, cozy, and trendy, designed to create a direct connection between the chef and the diner. This is a place where you're not just eating food; you're witnessing and participating in a culinary performance. Reviews from early patrons are glowing, praising the sushi as "fresh, sophisticated, and playful." One customer noted that the experience "really an expression of his personality," highlighting the personal connection that makes Kawa Omakase so special. For those who appreciate high-quality ingredients and a chef's artistic expression, Kawa is not just a meal—it’s an event you won't soon forget.
Kawa Omakase has quickly established itself as a must-visit spot for sushi lovers in New York. The restaurant’s small, intimate setting creates a sense of exclusivity and allows for a truly personalized dining experience. Chef Tony and his team, including Ryan, are known for their accommodating nature and a genuine passion for their craft. A reviewer mentioned that the team was "incredibly accommodating of our dietary restrictions," which is a huge plus and speaks to their commitment to customer satisfaction. The menu is a journey of flavors, with each piece of sushi presented with care and precision. The balance of classic and creative items ensures that every course is a pleasant surprise. The focus on "Chef specials" and premium ingredients, such as Uni flown in from Japan, sets a high bar for quality. The restaurant’s recent opening has been met with enthusiasm, and patrons are eager to return, with one reviewer stating they would "100% come back." This word-of-mouth praise is a powerful testament to the quality of the experience. Kawa Omakase is a welcome and exciting addition to New York City's rich culinary landscape, offering a premium sushi experience at a price point that makes it a true value.
### Location and Accessibility
Kawa Omakase is conveniently located at 37 E 1st St, New York, NY 10003, USA, in the vibrant and easily accessible East Village. This neighborhood is a hub of culture, food, and nightlife, making it a perfect destination for a special dinner. The restaurant's prime location is a short walk from several major subway lines. The 2nd Avenue station on the F line is just a few minutes away, and the B, D, F, and M trains at Broadway-Lafayette Street are also within easy walking distance. This makes getting to Kawa from almost anywhere in Manhattan or the surrounding boroughs simple and stress-free. While the restaurant itself is a bit removed from the main tourist crowds, its location provides a genuine neighborhood feel. For those who prefer to drive, street parking in the East Village can be challenging, but there are multiple parking garages nearby. Most diners find that using public transportation or a ride-sharing service is the most convenient way to arrive. The intimate setting of the restaurant makes it feel like a hidden gem, and its easy accessibility ensures that this gem is within reach for all who seek it. While specific information about wheelchair accessibility for the main entrance is not provided, the atmosphere is accommodating and welcoming to all guests, and the staff is known to be attentive and helpful.
### Services Offered
Kawa Omakase is a specialized dining establishment focused on the traditional omakase experience. This means the menu is entirely up to the chef, who creates a multi-course meal from the freshest ingredients available. The provided menu highlights give a glimpse into the caliber of dishes you can expect to be served:
Menu Highlights: The experience is centered around the "Chef specials," which include exquisite pieces of nigiri and sashimi. Patrons can look forward to creations such as Salmon Tomato, Otoro w. Kaluga Caviar, and Miyazaki A5 wagyu beef. Other featured items are Madai, Gindara, Hotate, Botan Ebi, and King salmon with Truffle. These highlights showcase a commitment to using high-quality and sometimes rare ingredients.
Sake Menu: To complement the meal, Kawa Omakase offers a curated selection of sake. The list includes high-quality options like DASSAI 45 JUNMAI DAIGINJO ($35.00), KUBOTA JUNMAI DAIGINJO ($38.00), and HAKKAISAN 45 JUNMAI DAIGINJO ($42.00). They also offer other beverages such as SAPPORO PREMIUM Beer ($8.00) and SARATOGA SPARKLING Water Bottle ($5.50).
Dining Options: The restaurant operates exclusively as a Dine-in establishment. The service is a full Table service model, where guests are seated and served each course by the chef or staff. This is a dinner-focused spot, with the omakase menu as the main offering. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, with seating at a sushi bar and potentially a few tables for a more private setting, as is common with such establishments.
### Features / Highlights
What makes Kawa Omakase a standout dining choice in New York City? It's the confluence of its intimate atmosphere, creative cuisine, and a truly dedicated team. Here are some of the key highlights that define the experience:
Chef Tony's Culinary Artistry: The most significant highlight is Chef Tony himself. His "omakase practice in other establishments really shines through," and his creations are described as "sophisticated and playful." This personal touch and expertise are what elevate the meal from great to truly memorable. The "Chef’s Special Ocean’s Kiss, with Uni that arrived today from Japan," mentioned in a review, is a perfect example of his ability to source top-tier ingredients and present them beautifully.
High-Quality and Creative Menu: The food is praised as "one of the highest quality and most creative menus, especially considering the price point." The menu goes beyond standard sushi, incorporating premium items like Miyazaki A5 wagyu beef and Otoro with Kaluga Caviar, offering a luxurious experience. The willingness to accommodate dietary restrictions is also a huge plus, showing a high level of customer care.
Intimate and Welcoming Atmosphere: The restaurant is described as "cozy" and "trendy," and its small size allows for a personal interaction with the chef. The staff, including Chef Tony and Ryan, are noted as being "awesome" and "incredibly accommodating," creating a comfortable and friendly environment.
Great Value: A reviewer points out that the quality and creativity of the menu are outstanding, "especially considering the price point." This makes Kawa a top contender for those seeking a high-end omakase experience without the extreme price tag of some of the city's other options.
Bar and Amenities: The restaurant features an onsite bar with a selection of sake, beer, and other beverages. The presence of a gender-neutral restroom is a thoughtful amenity that adds to the inclusive and modern atmosphere.
### Contact Information
To reserve your spot for this special dining experience, you can contact Kawa Omakase using the following details:
Address: 37 E 1st St, New York, NY 10003, USA
Phone: (347) 619-3346
### What is worth choosing
Choosing Kawa Omakase for your next meal is a decision to invest in a truly exceptional and personal dining experience. What makes this restaurant worth choosing is its blend of expert culinary skill, high-quality ingredients, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The omakase experience, guided by the talented and personable Chef Tony, is the main draw. He doesn't just serve sushi; he tells a story with each piece, a fact that is highlighted in the reviews that describe his work as "sophisticated and playful." The focus on fresh, premium ingredients, from Uni flown in from Japan to Miyazaki A5 wagyu beef, ensures a high-end experience that justifies the visit. Furthermore, the intimate and cozy setting allows for a level of personal interaction with the chef that is rare and makes the meal feel truly special. This is the perfect place for a special occasion, a celebratory dinner, or simply a night where you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary. The positive reviews from early customers, who praise the quality, creativity, and accommodating nature of the staff, are a strong indication that Kawa Omakase is a rising star in the New York City dining scene. For anyone in New York who is a sushi connoisseur or simply curious about the omakase experience, Kawa offers a compelling and memorable option. It’s a place that promises to deliver not just a meal, but a culinary journey you’ll want to take again and again.
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 Location
Kawa Omakase Reviews
chefpricecoursesakechatcreativewagyupersonalityanniversarylearning
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Tony was awesome. The sushi was fresh, sophisticated, and playful. Really an expression of his personality! Everything was wonderfully balanced and his years of omakase practice in other establishments really shines through in his new restaurant.Had a great time and would 100% come back.Pic- Chef’s Special Ocean’s Kiss, with Uni that arrived today from Japan!
August 19 · Thomas EnglishWe 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!
April 17 · Jacquelyn PriceKawa Omakase exceeded my expectations in every way!! The Omakase menu provided a delightful course at an affordable price. The chef and boss were both incredibly friendly and accommodating, making us feel like honored guests. I had a memorable birthday there and an unforgettable dining experience :) Highly recommended!!
March 29 · Vicky CI had an exceptional dining experience at Kawa Omakase. From the moment I walked in, I was impressed by the restaurant’s calm and intimate ambiance, with its minimalist yet elegant decor.The owner, who also served us, was incredibly welcoming and attentive, making the experience even more special. He and the chef took the time to explain each course, showcasing not only his expertise but also his passion for high-quality but affordable sushi / Omakase experience.The fish was incredibly fresh, and each piece was delicately prepared and beautifully presented. Every bite literally melted in my mouth, with perfectly balanced flavors that highlighted the natural richness of the ingredients. The progression of the meal was well thought out.Overall, Kawa Omakase exceeded my expectations, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic, high-quality omakase experience with excellent service. I will definitely be returning!
March 30 · Sunnie ZMade a 6:15pm reservation at Kawa to celebrate my wife on Mother’s Day. We were greeted by Ryan (manager) & Tony (chef) as they began our omakase experience. We ordered a bottle of Dassai 45 (a Junmai-daiginjo) chilled sake. A terrific smooth sake with a melon essence. We enjoyed a 14 course omakase made just for us exclusively for us (I guess folks were cooking for their mom’s at home?) The standouts for us were the black cod with yuzu pepper sauce, the maguro (lean tuna) & wasabi, the red snapper bite was outstanding as was the sea bream.The restaurant interior is located below street level with a simple contemporary design. Black stone countertops & a brightly light white brick wall behind the chef’s sushi station make for a stark contrast and a clean, sharp looking space.Ryan and Tony were exceptionally attentive and consistently smiling. Ryan insisted on kindly pouring our sake and refilling our waters. Both gentlemen asked for feedback & seemed genuinely appreciative.We were absolutely shocked this hidden gem was all ours for the two hours we were there…I’m certain we won’t enjoy that exclusive experience at Kawa Omakase again!I highly recommend a visit & we’ll certainly be back. Oh…I failed to mention, where else will you find a well executed 14 course omakase menu for $88/pp in Manhattan? Enjoy!
May 12 · Thomas Falls
More Best Restaurants Near Me

16 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA

137 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002, USA

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

141 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002, USA

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

23 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA

147 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002, USA

95 E Houston St, New York, NY 10012, USA

29 E 2nd St, New York, NY 10003, USA

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

95 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002, USA

21 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites






Trending Bites & Banter Posts





