Had a great omakase experience at Tsubame. The fish was incredibly fresh, each piece was well-balanced, and you can tell the chef puts a lot of care into every course. I liked how the menu had a good variety without feeling too heavy, and there were a few pieces that really stood out. The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, and the staff made the whole experience enjoyable from start to finish. Definitely a spot I’d come back to when I’m craving quality sushi in NYC.
If you have friends visiting New York, or you're looking for an omakase experience during the World Cup season that's both incredibly photogenic and genuinely memorable, SUBAME remains one of my all-time favorites.
In one meal, you get to experience three different varieties of sea urchin, each with its own personality -from light and sweet, to rich and creamy, to an explosion of ocean-fresh umami. Every bite feels like you're choosing the MVP of the evening. Add in the stunning presentation and the adorable Crayon Shin-chan-inspired chawanmushi that's almost too cute to eat, and the experience delivers maximum visual and emotional satisfaction.
A fantastic omakase dining experience here at Tsubame. Great service throughout, friendly and professional. Our Chef Jay meticulously prepared all the courses; each with fine and delicious ingredients and elegant presentation. The sake choices were very good; and the value was great. We ordered 4 bottles of sake, and they all tasted remarkable. My cousin and his wife celebrated their anniversary here, and we were each treated with a nice glass of champagne. A great touch.
I highly recommend this place and would definitely be back again.
The concept of a half kaiseki half omakase was very refreshing. All the courses were delicious. I can’t say there was a single course I disliked. The staff was very accommodating for our allergies, going above and beyond most restaurants. The host and chef were friendly and not overbearing.
I’m writing this review because the volume of 5-star ratings feels genuinely misleading.
To be clear, Chef Zheng’s food was wonderful. The quality, flavors, and presentation were all excellent — no complaints whatsoever on that front.
The service, however, was another matter entirely. Our waiter, Raj, came across as either very inexperienced or simply disengaged — neither of which is acceptable at this price point and ambition level.
A few specific examples: When I ordered a glass of champagne ($27), he steered me toward a different sparkling wine without offering any explanation. I only noticed when the check arrived that I’d been downgraded to a $14 pour. Additionally, each time Raj presented a dish, he rested his hand on my partner’s chair and repeatedly kicked it with his foot — presumably out of nerves, though it was distracting and annoying regardless. Perhaps most striking: with only five guests in the restaurant, the lulls between courses left him visibly bored. He would pace the length of the small dining room, at times clapping or throwing his hands in the air.
The kitchen is clearly doing something special here, and Chef Zheng’s cooking deserves better front-of-house support. I hope management takes the service side as seriously as the food — because right now, the two are not in the same league.
The efforts are there but details are just not there
First, sake needs to be served chill, you can’t pour as if it was red wine
Second, put some effort in dessert. Went there for Valentine’s Day and got served a $6 white peach dessert you can buy from Asian grocery store
Third, ventilation needs to be better. I’ve never walked out of premium omakase place smelling like fish and oil
If you know what's good for you, you will run, not walk, to Chef Jay’s Tsubami before they get a couple of stars and double their prices!
They serve both Kaiseki (non-sushi chef’s selection courses) and traditional omakase. Both were excellent! The taste, originality, presentation, and intimate atmosphere were all exceptional! I go to many restaurants with tasting menus, and I was thinking recently that they all, while excellent, started to look and taste the same. Tsubame stood out!
The restaurant is intentionally minimalist, but no detail is overlooked! From a little coaster for your phone to the bird sounds piped into the bathroom.
And give some love to Raj, the maitre d! He’ll correctly guess your name from the reservation. Explain each dish. And he can make an intelligent conversation about everything from where to eat in New York to the future of AI!
I couldn't be more impressed with this restaurant, and I think you won't be either!
Tsubame is an absolute gem. The space is beautifully decorated—elegant yet warm—and the intimate setup makes the whole dining experience feel personal and special. The kaiseki menu was stunning from start to finish, with each course thoughtfully crafted around the season and the freshest available ingredients. Every bite felt intentional and balanced.
The pricing was very fair for the quality and care that goes into each dish, and the staff were incredibly friendly and attentive without ever feeling intrusive. Their explanations of the courses and genuine enthusiasm for the food added so much to the evening.
Overall, Tsubame delivered a perfect balance of atmosphere, flavor, and hospitality. I can’t wait to come back for another seasonal menu.
Tsubame delivers an incredible omakase experience. Every course is fresh, beautifully presented, and full of delicate, balanced flavors. The ingredients are top quality, and the attention to detail really stands out. The chefs are warm and professional, creating a calm, intimate atmosphere that lets the food shine. It’s refined, thoughtful dining done right — definitely one of the best omakase spots in the city. 🍣🔥
Tsubame, named after the Japanese word for swallow, is a reflection of Chef Jay’s roots and refined culinary vision. Starting his journey at just 12, Chef Jay now crafts kaiseki inspired omakase with unmatched attention to detail. The cozy, beautifully designed space sets the mood for a deep and personal dining experience. Every ingredient is carefully selected not just for quality, but for the BEST part of THAT quality. Let Tsubame guide you through the seasonal tasting menu sourced from around the world. Each course flows effortlessly into the next like a gentle stream from appetizer to dessert. With a constantly evolving menu based on season, Tsubame offers the best of the best with surprises and satisfaction every time.
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