Sushi Katsuei Reviews

Fantastic sushi is now available in Park Slope. We went were the omakase, and we're thrilled both with the quality and creativity. Inventive yet not straying far from tradition. Fish was very fresh. Excited to return.

Had great dinner with friends here. Pure authentic sushi and sashimi. Helpful staff. You need to book. Wish there was a bit more on wine list but that won’t stop me returning!

The place looks very simple at first but actually serves high-quality food, with a wide and enticing selection on offer. Better to book a table in advance.

My wife had the omakase -- not inexpensive but very fresh. Only thing she might have wished for more was non marinated oyster (and if it had been kumamoto that would have been wonderful). I had tuna with wasabi sauce and mixed tempura -- very well done, and generous large shrimps. Excellent pickled ginger. The service was exceptional -- what one hopes for though doesn't always get in a Japanese restaurant. We could have been back in Japan. Had it not been for the oyster disappointment it would have been a clear 5.

I really can't gush enough about this place. After walking by it for several months my boyfriend and I finally made a reservation at the sushi bar this past Saturday night. In true Japanese fashion, the decor is clean and minimal and the service is attentive. We opted for the Sushi Omakase - a chef's choice tasting menu - which only has two seatings on Saturday. The place was crowded so be sure to make a reservation. I called that morning and had no problem. We started our meal with tea - the best I've ever had at a restaurant - and the gyoza and tori karaage appetizers. Portion sizes were good enough to please without making us too full. We also ordered a bottle of sake, which was brought and served prior to the sushi coming out. After our appetizers were cleared, the show began. Sitting at the sushi bar (especially in the corner where we were and had a side view of the chefs doing their thing) is like dinner theater. We watched attentively as the sushi chefs moved quickly and deliberately. They were so clean and precise in their preparation of each piece of sushi and sashimi. It was borderline mesmerizing. We were presented with each pieces as it was made, ensuring it was the perfect temperature and being consumed just as the chef intended. No need for extra soy sauce or wasabi here, everything was perfect as is. Each bite was incredible. The rice was better than any I've had in sushi and the fish just melted in your mouth. After our final piece we were served a hand roll. I left not stuffed but perfectly satisfied. This place has really raised the bar for me in terms of sushi. It'll be hard going back to the average stuff. We ended our meal with the mochi (not sure of the spelling) ice cream which was the perfect way to round out the experience. Important to note is that the omakase starts at $45. For what you get here this is pretty incredible. Who says you can't get a good deal in New York? From what I've heard, for a similar experience in Manhattan you would pay at least double. This place was worth every penny. Was this a cheap meal? No. But for all that we had and the quality of it we would be paying significantly more elsewhere. Sushi Katsuei is above and beyond any other sushi restaurants in Brooklyn and probably comparable to some of the best in Manhattan. As much as I'd like to keep it on the down low for my own benefit, I can't help but sing it's praises.

For some crazy reason they always over cook the salmon teriyaki. This makes it very difficult when wife does not eat sushi and their sushi is excellent for me. Manager could use some customer service training since she seems to get offended when you ask for extra ginger on the side. Mind you this place is $$$ priced! Back to Ten I guess for perfectly cooked salmon teriyaki. Too bad!

We dined twice here within a several-day span, and had two outstanding meals. The first night three of us had the Omakase (chef's choice) for sushi, and the chef did not disappoint. His choices were superb. The sushi was very fresh, with excellent taste and texture. We also had separate orders of uni (sea urchin), fried oysters and ume shiso, which I'd recommend without hesitation. One member of our group also had shrimp and kabocha tempura dishes, which were well executed, the batter light and delicate, comparable to the top-end tempura restaurants in which we've had the pleasure of dining in Tokyo and Osaka. The second night we ordered a la carte, and were equally pleased. The advantage of this approach is that the overall cost of the meal was less, but the downside is that you can miss some of the excellent selections that the chef would choose based on his expertise and knowledge that most customers will lack. While the meal is not cheap, it's likely in line with New York City cost standards. The staff is very friendly and helpful, and the restaurant has a congenial, neighborhood atmosphere. You will not be disappointed.

run to sushi katsuei! this is the most amazing sushi outside (and perhaps even inside) of Japan! the most fresh, delicious, mouthwatering explosions of taste and deliciousness I've ever experienced (and i've been eating sushi for over 30 years). the staff is attentive, the restaurant clean (now with outdoor seating) and the food bursts with taste, details, mountains of magnificence. go now! better than any other restaurants in brooklyn. really.

A friend had heard about Katsuei and we decided to check it our for dinner. We went to the manhattan location. The shrimp dumplings were tasty and we got two orders. The salad was simple and nice. We each got the sashimi set had some good variety, a decent portion, and tasty fish for $35. I tried all three types of uni (Mexico, Cali, Japan). Enjoyed all of them. We had a few other sashimi selections afterwards but they were out of a few things. The service was mixed and after our appetizers it took forever to get our sashimi. Though the second order of sashimi came quickly.

This sushi could change your life. Seriously. I've never written a TripAdvisor review before despite having rabidly consumed the content contributed by others. This is my first testimonial and a small attempt to give back to the collective nous. I've eaten at hundreds of restaurants across the world. I've lived in London, New York, Chicago, Morocco and visited dozens of cities over many years. I've visited Tokyo and Japan several times and greatly appreciate the Japanese culinary tradition. I've eaten at many 'destination' fine dining establishments as well as humble roadside stands. I can attest without equivocation that I have an experienced, discerning palate well-honed through dedication and opportunity. I am not a 'foodie'. I just know outstanding food when I taste it. There should be no other arbiter of culinary truth. The proof is not 'in' the pudding - it is the pudding itself. So let us assume that one lives in or is visiting New York City and is overcome by a desire for exceptional - even thoughtful and thought-provoking - sushi. Yet the options one confronts are legion. The number of possibilities mock the mortal coil's limitations of time and space. How to solve this conundrum? My guide to the perplexed is simple - get thee to Sushi Katsuei. Don't stroll. Don't amble. Procrastinate at your peril. Should one live in Park Slope, one is indeed among the blessed of the earth having such quality casually and conveniently located. How can I describe this food and do justice to its calibre? I can only say that sushi and Japanese food of this quality is distinguished by its capacity to enable the eater to experience the sublime. Yes, the palate is delighted by the exquisitely prepared flavours - regardless of what is offered by the master chefs. Yes the 'taste' is of the highest quality. The chefs at Sushi Katsuei elevate those raw materials - fish, rice, wasabi, soy - into something other than just 'food'. They create art - art you can eat. And this is not food in which the artifice is forced or truly 'artificial'. This isn't just food. It is art - which is why I say that eating at Sushi Katsuei is like experiencing the sublime. The food is merely the canvas of choice in the pursuit of the transcendent. So when I say that this sushi could change your life, I mean that it puts you in contact with the transcendent. Your palate is delighted but more importantly you've made contact with true artistry that has changed ingredients into something much more than they were before. They have become art. Knowing that you can physically incorporate the sublime into your actual being - 'your' Dasein - how many meals can do that? How many chefs? How many restaurants? And how often do you experience that? If the answer is often - get thee to Sushi Katsuei. If never - get thee to Sushi Katsuei. Get thee to Sushi Katsuei. And if you live in Park Slope - you have a multifaceted jewel in your midst. I humbly request that you honour it appropriately with your custom so that it might continue its mission.

Katsuei is in a nondescript location in Park Slope, Brooklyn - walking or driving by, you might never think twice about it. But it's not the decor that makes this place; it's the food. We ordered their omakase menu, sushi and sashimi, and loved every single piece they brought us. I normally dislike mackerel, but even this was so fresh and well prepared, that I loved it. This is NOT a low-end, drown it in soy sauce sushi bar; here, you will taste beautifully crafted sushi, prepared with top ingredients, and enjoy every piece, planning your return before you are finished eating. Their sake list is deep, and worth exploring, too. The best part is that you eat top-level sushi, that in Manhattan might cost you $200 or more per omakase order, for under $100. Cannot wait to come back.

My sister and I had the sushi and sashimi omakase at the sushi bar (sitting there is a must imo). We started with a fluke appetizer served with ponzo, as recommended by the waitress. Then, we got a mixed plate of sashimi to share (see photo) followed by pieces of sushi served individually - maybe 6? Honestly I can’t remember. We also asked for a special roll at the end and each had a Kirin and shared a 6oz sake. Everything was phenomenal, but the stars were the fluke, fatty tuna, seabream, salmon, and sea scallop. Even the mackerels were delicious and I’m typically not a fan. All in we spent $325 including tip and I can say it was worth every penny. So, perhaps a splurge but not so bad considering the location and quality.

Fantastic service; great menu, outstanding selection; freshest product I've found. This may be a little more expensive than other Sushi restaurants in Park Slope but it's worth it. Excellent quality.

Go here now because as word gets out as to how spectacular the place is getting a seat will become a challenge. The food here is hands down the best sushi I've had in Brooklyn and compares quite favorably with any of the Manhattan sushi heavyweights. Their liquor license has come through and their selection of fine sakes, introduced by a very knowledgeable sommelier, will absolutely enhance your meal. I'm absolutely thrilled that a restaurant of this caliber has come to my neighborhood and I look forward to many wonderful meals.

We stumbled into Sushi Katsuei by chance, since we were actually headed to another restaurant. But the place looked so much like a scene out of Japan that it peaked out interest. It was a cold night and we were looking for something warm to eat, but sadly the noodles had been taken off the menu..that was our only disappointment. However, everything we ordered was delicious. We started with the mushroom soup - a broth wit a really good body, tofu piece, silky enoki mushrooms, and a mellow and earthy flavor; and the Kinoko (mushroom) starter, which was PERFECT - sautéed enoki mushrooms deliciously seasoned in butter, soy, and garlic. If you are a mushroom fan you MUST try it. For the main course, we had the salmon teriaky - which came with rice, potatoes (nothing to write home about) and broccoli. All the ingredients were good quality and the salmon was lightly sweet and medium well done, which is good if that is how you like it (we prefer it to be slightly less well done). We also ordered the sushi deluxe (10 pieces + a roll) -the fish was consistently fresh and delicious, and the roll was very good, not too much rice, or vinegar, consistent and yummy. The service was great; the server was friendly and ready to help us with any questions or requests, and he kept our tea cups filled with perfect green tea. The atmosphere should not deter you from eating here - no real decor, very bright lights, and the air conditioning was on even though it is winter...which made it seem a bit cold...but if you focus on the food you will not be disappointed.

This small restaurant is located in the nice neighborhood near Prospect Park. It was recommended to us by our Japanese friend which means a lot. Sake was perfect, fish is very fresh. Rice, honestly, so-so. Service is good. It is better to make reservation on the weekends if you are planning to come after 5 pm.

The NY Times review understated just how special Katsuei is. My first try, about two weeks ago, was a perfect Omakase, accompanied by a recommended sake. I doubt I'll do otherwise, going forward. I've spent twice the money for less in Manhattan. That's no longer necessary.

Open barely a month, the word-of-mouth about this Park Slope sushi restaurant has been nothing short of amazing. We've made four visits and leave each visit ecstatic. Sit at the sushi bar and order the omakase. Let Chef Mano guide you through a selection of nine outstanding, often innovative, pieces of sushi and conclude with a filling hand roll. Service is gracious, the setting peaceful. Why do guests leave Katsuei smiling? You'll want to experience it yourself.

This place is a gem of a find in Brooklyn's Park Slope. Such fresh and wonderful food and amazing seafood on offer. Book in advance to ensure a table.

We actually went to their Katsuei sushi bar on 357 6th Ave. NYC a few times, not the Brooklyn location. Every piece of sushi was perfection and well dressed (without need to add any soy sauce or wasabi) and services were always great.

our table did the Omakase, and everything was so very good and so very fresh. I even found myself enjoying the sea urchin (in the shell), and that was a first for me. The staff is very friendly and very customer service oriented, combine that with outstanding sushi and this place is a winner. I highly recommend the Usuzukuri appetizer, thin cut fluke with ponzu sauce, yum.

The food is very good, but definitely overpriced! The portions are not as big as we expected. We were hungry after dinner...

Called in for a late lunch on spec. Ordered the mixed sashimi and sushi plate and was very impressed. It took a little while to arrive - which is actually a good sign because the fish is cut to order and the hand rolls are made to order. There were 3 hardworking and experienced looking sushi chefs behind the bar. The fish looked and tasted fresh and there was good variety. Nothing fancy but would pass muster in Japan. Not cheap but fair value for money. Pleasant ambience. Hard to fault really.

We had a memorable evening dining on sushi and sashimi at the bar, watching the chef prepare his choices (omikase) for our meal. The fish was incredibly fresh, tender, and flavorful and the presentation was exquisite. It was my first time to taste unfiltered sake (summer snow), served ice cold and delicious. In addition to the superb meal, we enjoyed the camaraderie at the sushi bar, talking to the other patrons.

The sushi here is so fresh. The staff are quite attentive. The sushi is delicious. It's on the pricey side, but it's worth every penny.

Exquisite sushi...the best I ever had! Presented Beautifully. Attentive, knowledgeable, friendly staff. Tremendous sake selection. Totally unpretentious but VERY expensive. Was it worth the hefty price tag? Probably...but this is one place that will be reserved only for special occasions!

So we walked by this place a few times and it always looks pretty empty. The price was right though, $60 for 9 piece omakase and a hand roll. We decided to finally give it a whirl, how bad could it be? So I have to say I'm not disappointed. This place is pretty legit. It's not your fancy high end sushi spot but it's also better than your average neighborhood sushi. We did the sushi omakase of course and the fish was very fresh and delicious. The rice was warm, and the portions are generous. They even served hakkaido uni. And that had my favorite Shira ebi available! For the price of one person at a normal omakase, you can get two here. I'm highly recommending you'd West village gem. My only comments was that the waiter service was okay and the sushi was a bit sloppy in appearance. This didn't take away from the deliciousness of the experience.

The open omekase was great. But the second you ask how much the “open omekase” is you’re in for a racket. No clear answer on the price and no clear receipt resulted in $141 over charge. This was intentional and not a mistake. Even the sushi chef mentioned how the waiter was known for up pricing the check. Its a shame I left with a bad taste in my mouth since the fish was so wonderful.

You just can't find a better spot for Sushi. especially if you want Omakasi. and the price is just right for the quality that they serve. Very few places have this high quality fish at this price. Even items like a side salad have a higher quality of dressing then you're one of the mill sushi place. And they have many types of fish that you can't get anywhere else flown in from Japan and creative appetizers as well.

The sushi omakase was perhaps the best meal I have ever eaten. How can I say more? Not cheap, but perfect. And the staff were all solicitous and pleasant. I was staying in a hotel in the neighborhood and popped in for dinner. (Better to make a reservation.) I didn’t anticipate what was to happen. Wow.

Perfect is the most apt word for the sushi. Everything is presented with care, traditionally. For the most part it is classic/traditional sushi, with small touches of modern tastes--for example, the tiniest touch of yuzu relish on, IIRC, striped beak fish nigiri, or the briefest of searing on fatty salmon. As one would expect of Japanese, service is traditional: very attentive, incredibly efficient, detached appropriately (e.g. table busing), and connected with consideration (e.g. explaining what each fish is). Quality of fish is impeccable, served as expected for the style and price: hand-warmed rice and room temperature fish, with the subtleties of soy and wasabi already applied. Cannot fault the food in any way. One slight critique would be that our waiter informed us of prices a little more clearly; we were happy to eat more and were given suggestions without indicating cost; to be fair, we weren't bothered in the end, thought I could see it being a surprise for the cost-conscience. Overall, highly recommended and will be returning.

After spending the day together in Park Slope, my mom and I were hungry, but didn't have a specific place in mind for dinner. I did a quick search and settled on Sushi Katsuei, which had a decent rating and was close by. Upon entering the establishment, I asked the hostess for a table for 2. She asked if we had reservations, I told her we did not. She picked up a menu and insisted that we look at it. I responded saying that we didn't need to look at the menu before being seated. She continued insisting and added "I am not sure if we serve what you are looking for. We serve sushi here, we don't have things like fried rice." It took me a minute to realize what she was actually saying. Essentially, since my mom and I are Black, she couldn't fathom that we would knowingly choose a Japanese restaurant that served Omakase, sushi and sashimi. She ignorantly thought we would step into a Japanese restaurant wanting Asian food like fried rice. Long story short, do not eat here if you are Black or consider yourself an ally.

Katsuei is a delightful sushi restuarant in Park Slope. The sushi is the freshest I have ever had in Brooklyn and compares favorable with upscale sushi restautants in Manhattan, but what truly distinguishes Katsuei is the attention to detail and the quality of service which is exemplary for this neighborhood. I sat at the sushi bar on a Friday night with my 7 year old and my husband. We ordered miso soup, the black cod starter and gyoza. All of these offerings were well prepared and delicious. Of course, the sushi that followed was the real standout and not a single piece lacked in flavor, texture and quality. A thoroughly delightful experience and surprising given the terrible suchi options in Brooklyn. What really made my husband and I agree to keep comijng back, however, was the warm and caring service. They were especialy attentive to our 7 year old and we appreciated this very much. We are thrilled that such a wonderful sushi option now exists in Brooklyn and hope that it can maintain its excellence.

Was so excited to try this lovely sushi place. It is beautifully appointed, and you cannot fault the accoutrements or the service. Both are high quality, and the lighting is quite flattering The problem is the food. If the fish is fresh but rests on gluey, unvinegared rice, I'm sorry, but you lost me forever. An expensive disappointment. Never again. The cooked dishes may be okay but that's not what we go to sushi restaurants for. Left irritated, hungry and broke. Shame on them.

I heard about this new sushi/omakase restaurant through a friend of mine and decided to try it out. I was pleasantly surprised with a great variety of fish and shellfish options as well as a very reasonable price. I believe the sushi/sashimi omakase is $65! Far cheaper than many Manhattan alternatives. I ordered most every fish on the menu to give them all a try and was not disappointed with any. I was especially pleased with the fact that the uni they were serving was from Maine, not California as is so often the case. I highly recommend giving this new sushi spot a try if you are in the neighborhood. I hope they continue to flourish.

Incredible sushi. There's probably only one place on the East Coast of the U.S. whose sushi I've liked as much as this. It's expensive but highly worth it. If you've never had eel, I suggest getting the standard Unagi as well as its salt water equivalent, 穴子/anago. Also, the fatty tuna.

Celebrated a special occasion here and we were blown away by the quality of the food. We chose the omakase and every course was perfect and memorable. The chef was good about making substitutions if needed. Everything was delicious and I highly recommend this unpretentious gem.

I ordered Omakase for the second time. Very similar fish again, I thought Omakase changes as it's called "chef's special", but pretty standard stuff. Fresh fish, but mackerels and red snappers appeared too many times on my plates. These are cheap fish, but salmon and fatty tuna was good. Also very slow service... Fresh fish, lacks variety and over priced for what they put out for so called "Omakase" I would try other places...

Booked the day of, but we were still able to be seated at the bar for the omakase. The quality was very good, but a bit heavy on the mackerel. Chef was very pleasant! Really good value for money!

Sushi Katsuei is worth making a trip to Park Slope, Brooklyn. Order the omakase (chef's choice). The range of fish presented, the style of presentation, and the favors are on par with high-quality meals we have had in Tokyo. Such a treat in an unpretentious, neighborhood restaurant! While the set sushi dinner is cheaper, it does not give you the great surprises and more special fish that you get with omakase. The volume of food is consistent with a meal in Japan, although US eaters may find the meal to be on the lighter side. Service is pleasant. In nice weather, plan an afternoon walking in Prospect Park (2 blocks away), followed by a lovely dinner here.

Recently went there for a low key dinner. The menu is not very extensive, which I actually appreciate. I'm always suspicious when the menu has pages and pages. Got two appetizers, three sushi rolls, and some sashimi. The fish is incredibly fresh, you can tell the difference from other local sushi restaurants. That translates into the price though, and a dinner that didn't leave you that full ends up costing quite a bit. Overall, it's good if you're not looking for anything fancy. The appetizers are quite interesting beyond your typical miso soup and gyoza.

Second time here in six months. Even better than the first time which was outstanding. The sushi and sashimi were excellent. For a special dinner try the chef's special; i.e. just tell the waiter to bring whatever he/she recommends. This offerings for this changes daily, Food is fresh, presented well and tasty. Service is great. Try the dry sake - very good. Good for families. There were 9 of us including a 7 and 9 year old. A must stop if you are in the Park Slope area in Brooklyn. Will go again next time in Brooklyn.

I'm originally from Japan and I've had lots of sushi here and over there. I've eaten at some supposedly great restaurants in Tokyo and Manhattan, don't get me wrong I'm not a professional critic or anything, but Katsuei sushi is the best sushi I have ever had.

We spent our valentines night there for omakase ! Good experience, memorable night and tasty sushi !

I tend to avoid restaurants in Park Slope. Overhyped, underwhelming and pedestrian. I had no intention of visiting Katsuei until a friend said it was fabulous though quite pricey. And it is both! Been there 2x and am yearning to go back for more. We had the omakase both times. We shared 1 omakase for 2 but ordered ala carte omakase as well. Which gave us lots of choices. The fish here does not need to be drowned in tamari and wasabi. In fact, the waitresses will tell you if a dipping sauce is even required with the omakase. Most often it is not! On both occasions we had lots of variety of fish, many which are rare and unusual. We had hijiki and watercress as starters and both were yummy. The hand rolls are exquisite and must be eaten as soon as served to keep the crispness of the nori. I cannot emphasize this enough. I can NO longer eat a ordinary handroll! That's what happens when you eat something so amazing and authentic. Btw, ate sushi last night in a former favorite and it no longer is. Once you eat in Katsuei you will be so spoiled you won't be able to go anywhere else. Bon appetit

The quality of the sushi & sashimi at this restaurant is spectacularly high. The bill of fare offers a broad selection of fish & seafood that's so fresh you'll think it was still swimming minutes before it was served to you. Due to my religious dietary constraints, I asked for omikase consisting of only fish wish scales & fins, & no crustaceans or mollusks. The server asked me, "You mean kosher?" I said yes. In addition to the outstanding refinement of the sushi & sashimi here, they serve shiso (Japanese chrysanthemum leaves) that enhance still further the exquisite morsels before you. Sushi Katsuei is also - as far as I know - the only Japanese restaurant in NYC that serves nato, sticky fermented soybeans that's delicious in hand rolls together with raw tuna & scallions. The only reason I failed to call this meal one of the best I've ever had in a restaurant is that, before I became kosher, I'd spent 36 years doing business & vacationing all over Europe, where it was my pleasure to lunch or dine in well more than half the very best restaurants in France, Italy, Belgium, Germany, the UK, etc. But as far as Japanese meals go, Sushi Katsuei is way up there tied for top position with a very small number of other Japanese establishments: one in Paris, two in London, one in Gothenburg & a couple more in NYC. The prices are a bit higher than those of "average" Japanese restaurants, but very well worth it! Finally, its location in Brooklyn's Park Slope historic district of greenery & beautiful old brownstones is another plus.

I first tried sushi 30 years ago when it started to become a popular eat-out thing to do, served by the Japanese guys. It was really good. As time went by and cheap Chinese restaurants started popping up, I lost the sense of real taste and the price became a valid difference. And then we visited Sushi Katsui. Yes, the price difference was significant, but also the forgotten melt-in-the-mouth sushi was amazing. Just the right amount of tasty rise, perfectly balanced with the amount of fish on it. The odd thing I noticed right away was the amount of soy sauce they brought in a dish to the table, and not the whole bottle for you to pour. I was going to ask for more, but stopped by the sudden feeling of Japanese etiquette overtaking me. I was surprised how little soy sauce I needed. The whole experience was quite nice, but definitely a bit more expensive than I'm used to. What I'm worried about now is that I don't think I could ever go back to my old, cheap places. I'll definitely have to go back and maybe make a reservation way ahead of the visit.

Simply one of the best Sushi experiences I have had, including dining in Japan itself. The flavor pairings were exquisite, the fish fresh and delightful. When my wife and I ate there recently we had the Hijiki Salad, two appetizer specials of the day, and the Chef's Choice Sashimi and Sushi Tasting Menu. My advice is try to get a table, relax, take your time, and savor what is sure to be a meal of fulfillment.

I am writing about the restaurant’s West Village location. My wife and I had a delicious late lunch there recently. My assorted sashimi was fresh and expertly sliced. My wife’s mixed shrimp/vegetable tempura was equally delicious. Service was also impeccable.