Renowned Japanese chef opens his first US restaurant in New York – Yamada Chikara in Midtown East.

Brought to you by Chikara Yamada – the chef and owner of Tokyo’s restaurant Yamada Chikara – the restaurant offers omakase with lesser-known Japanese dishes. New York has been welcoming different types of Japanese cuisine lately, including Edomae-style sushi at the recently opened Sushi Noz.

Image credit: Kathryn Sheldon

The Spot:

With experience at three Michelin-starred restaurant El Bulli in Spain, chef Yamada takes a scientific approach to authentic Japanese cuisine, focusing on kushiage (fried skewers of fish, meat and vegetables). Inside the dimly lit restaurant, chefs prepare the dishes behind a wooden counter, while real gold leaves adorn the black panels on the walls.

Image credit: Kathryn Sheldon

The Food:

The omakase includes a variety of appetizers; 10 to 12 pieces of kushiage, and a chirashi-sushi box with miso soup. To start, there’s Chikara’s Spanish omelet alongside sake Martini with homemade olive, followed by skewers with inventive offerings such as fried bacon wrapped oysters and gorgonzola with apple and honey.

The Drinks:

Finish your luxe dining experience on the outdoor patio, where you can enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony with dessert.

Image credit: Kathryn Sheldon

The Damage:

The omakase menu at Yamada Chikara is $180 per person.

In a Nutshell:

While there are many great omakase restaurants in New York, most restaurants focus on dishes such as sushi, tempura, and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers). Chef Yamada brings a new wave of Japanese cuisine to the city with his playful dishes and kushiage offerings, featuring interesting combinations and seasonal ingredients.

Featured image: Yamada Chikara by Kathryn Sheldon