Omakase Shihou - Upper West Side (Lunch Available)

- 285 Columbus Ave 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10023

In the vibrant and dynamic New York City dining scene, finding a truly exceptional and intimate omakase experience can be a challenge. Omakase Shihou on the Upper West Side rises to the occasion, offering a serene and focused culinary journey that delights both seasoned sushi connoisseurs and newcomers alike. Located on the second floor above the well-regarded Tenzan, this hidden gem provides a tranquil escape from the bustling city streets below. Omakase Shihou is not just a place to eat; it is an experience where the art of sushi-making is celebrated and shared with every guest.

The term "omakase" translates to "I leave it up to you," and at Omakase Shihou, this philosophy is executed with a passion and expertise that is immediately apparent. The chef guides you through a curated menu of fresh, seasonal, and expertly prepared pieces of sushi, each one a testament to the chef's skill and dedication. The atmosphere is cozy and trendy, making it an ideal setting for a variety of occasions, whether it's a romantic date night or a thoughtful solo dining experience. Omakase Shihou is quickly becoming a go-to destination for New Yorkers seeking high-quality Japanese cuisine that offers incredible value without compromising on taste or artistry.

Omakase Shihou is situated at 285 Columbus Ave 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10023, USA. This location places it in the heart of the Upper West Side, a neighborhood celebrated for its cultural institutions, beautiful parks, and a sophisticated, yet laid-back, atmosphere. The restaurant's second-floor setting creates an intimate and exclusive feel, providing a quiet retreat from the street-level energy.

The neighborhood is easily accessible by public transportation, with several subway lines and bus stops located just a short walk away. For those who prefer to drive, both free and paid street parking are available, although, as with any part of New York City, finding a spot can be competitive. The address is conveniently located, making it a perfect pre-theater dinner spot or a destination for a special meal while exploring the area. The building itself is on a prominent corner, making it easy to find, and the discreet second-floor entrance adds to its sense of being a special, discovered place.

Omakase Shihou focuses on a refined and dedicated dining experience, offering a straightforward but exceptional set of services. Here’s a breakdown of what they provide:

• Service Options: The restaurant is exclusively a dine-in establishment, with a primary focus on the intimate omakase experience at their sushi counter. This dedication to in-house dining ensures that every piece of sushi is served at its peak freshness and quality, exactly as the chef intended.
• Dining Options: Omakase Shihou is open for both lunch and dinner, making its exceptional menu accessible at different times of the day. The dining options include the omakase tasting menu, as well as a dessert course. The restaurant operates with table service, and guests can also opt to sit at the sushi counter for a more interactive experience.
• Planning: Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, as the seating is intimate and sought-after. This helps the restaurant manage its capacity and provide a personalized experience for each guest. They accept reservations, and booking in advance is a key part of the planning process for a visit.
• Payments: For convenience, Omakase Shihou accepts a range of payment methods, including all major credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making the check-out process seamless.

Omakase Shihou has several standout features and highlights that set it apart from other Japanese restaurants in the city. These elements contribute to its growing reputation as a must-visit destination for sushi lovers:

• Incredible Value: One of the most frequently praised aspects of Omakase Shihou is the exceptional value it provides, particularly with its lunch special. For a price point of around $49, diners receive a multi-course experience, often including an appetizer, nine pieces of nigiri, miso soup, and dessert. This is considered an "insane" value in the context of high-end omakase dining in New York City, where similar experiences can cost significantly more.
• Expert and Passionate Chef: The chefs at Omakase Shihou are not just skilled; they are knowledgeable and passionate about their craft. Customers frequently note the chef’s willingness to share their passion and knowledge, making the dining experience not just a meal, but an educational journey. The fish is noted to be "super fresh and inventive," with a focus on quality.
• Intimate and Cozy Atmosphere: The restaurant has a cozy and trendy atmosphere that is perfect for a quiet and intimate setting. For those on a date, the tables offer a private space, while the sushi bar provides an opportunity for conversation and interaction with the chef and other diners, as noted by a reviewer who "met a nice person at the bar."
• High-Quality Offerings: The restaurant offers a curated selection of beverages, including alcohol, beer, hard liquor, and wine, which are chosen to complement the exquisite flavors of the sushi. While the menu is primarily focused on the omakase experience, the quality of every offering, from the fish to the drinks, is a top priority.

Omakase Shihou - Upper West Side is located at: 285 Columbus Ave 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10023, USA. For reservations and general inquiries, you can call them at (212) 980-1399 or +1 212-980-1399. Making a reservation in advance is strongly recommended to secure your spot at this popular and intimate venue.

What makes Omakase Shihou - Upper West Side truly worth choosing is its ability to deliver a high-end, high-quality Japanese dining experience at a remarkable value. In a city where omakase can often come with a triple-digit price tag, the lunch special is a revelation. For just $49, you get a 12-course meal that includes one appetizer, nine pieces of nigiri, miso soup, and a dessert. This is a price point that makes the art of omakase accessible without sacrificing the quality of the fish or the skill of the chef. One customer enthusiastically described the value as "insane," highlighting that the experience is on par with what you might find in Japan itself, a testament to the freshness and expertise on display.

The experience is elevated by the chef's interaction and the intimate nature of the space. Diners get to witness the precise and masterful preparation of each piece of sushi, making the meal a form of culinary theater. The fish itself is the star, praised for being "super fresh and inventive." Each bite is a journey of different textures and flavors, as the chef presents a thoughtfully composed sequence of pieces. This focus on the journey and the quality of each individual element is what makes the experience so memorable. It's an opportunity to truly trust the chef and be introduced to new and exciting flavors you might not have tried otherwise.

Beyond the food, the atmosphere is a major part of the appeal. It's a "perfect, quiet place to go for date night," as one reviewer put it, but also a great place for a solo diner to connect with the chef and the craft. The cozy and trendy setting creates a special environment that feels both sophisticated and welcoming. Omakase Shihou successfully combines an affordable price, expert craftsmanship, and a lovely ambiance, making it a standout choice for anyone in New York looking for an authentic and high-value Japanese dining experience. It's a place where you can feel the passion and dedication in every single bite.

Omakase Shihou - Upper West Side (Lunch Available)

285 Columbus Ave 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10023, USA