Because my hubs is not a sushi sushi person, any sort of omakase-type experience where it’s all left up to the chef and the rawness is at the forefront is the sort that he’s not interested in. That’s why I pick this type of meal anytime I find myself dining alone. Sushi Katsuei has received some pretty high marks and is deemed excellent quality at a reasonable price point. We’re still talking omakase, though, so reasonable means $125-$135 for 15 pieces. Once you add on drinks, any extra pieces, and a tip, you’ll easily hit $250.
I did the sushi/sashimi combo, which is still 15 pieces, but 3 are sashimi style, in this case an oyster with ponzu, sea bream with yuzu, and I can’t remember but I think makerel as the third. Moving through the menu we had ocean trout, smoked makerel with ginger, tuna with horseradish and scallion (which tasted like a Japanese take on the high holidays), toro, fluke fin, baby shrimp, firefly squid, and more. The fluke fin was exceptional and the baby shrimp was a close second.
Normally 15 pieces would fill me up, but these came out very fast and felt particularly light so I was still hungry. I ordered a spicy scallop hand roll and a piece of botan shrimp nigiri. Both good – and I’d go so far as to call the handroll great. The chef also passed over a fried shrimp head that was very very yummy and not something I’d ever tried before.
For a place serving a real deal omakase, this was surprisingly chill. Most tables were filled with Gen Z friend groups that made me wish I was that cool in my late 20s and wonder how they get away with wearing tennis shoes to the club. Sushi Katsuei is not the kind of hidden gem where I’m going to shock you by saying the best sush is hidden behind an unmarked door next to an all gender bathroom at Laguardia Airport. But it’s also not going to be an overly stuffy, quiet omakase experience. The vibe was lively without being a party and legit without being pretentious. I still maintain that Sushi W is THE best omakase for the price, but I will certainly be recommending this place.
Peaches to Apples 