Noz 17
New York, USA
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
This downtown sibling of the impressive Upper East original is elegant and inviting.The seven-seat cypress counter is the focal point of the intimate dining room, where an abundance of wood and gently calibrated lighting produce a serene setting.Chef Junichi Matsuzaki is highly skilled and talented. The omakase shows off the chef's free-wheeling style with a procession that keeps the palate stimulated. Otsumami, sashimi and nigiri all show off an impressive display of top-notch product that has been expertly treated and handled. A slice of pearlescent white cuttlefish, intricately scored so it practically melts in the mouth, accompanied by a mouth-coating demitasse of snapper bone broth, are just two of the delights presented to diners.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Intimate Seating with a Performance-Like Experience: Noz 17 offers an exceptionally intimate setting with only seven seats at the main counter and a private counter with just four seats. This small scale creates an ethereal, almost theatrical dining experience where guests watch Chef Matsu san prepare a 25-course Edomae-style omakase menu, blending nigiri and otsumami in a seamless flow.
Daily-Crafted Seasonal Menu Imported from Tokyo: The menu at Noz 17 is built fresh daily using seasonal ingredients imported directly from Tokyo, ensuring the most authentic and freshest sushi experience outside Japan. This dedication to authenticity and seasonality is a hallmark of the restaurant’s uniqueness.
Unconventional Course Progression and Ingredients: The tasting menu at Noz 17 is noted for its surprising and somewhat random course progression, which adds excitement and novelty. For example, the meal might begin with an unusual combination like golden kiwi with tomato paste, followed by rare items such as gizzard or glass shrimp over sea urchin, showcasing creativity and unexpected flavor pairings.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Noz 17 in New York, known for its Edomae-style omakase sushi, include:
Seasonal Fish Imported from Tokyo: The menu is built daily around the freshest seasonal fish directly imported from Tokyo, ensuring authentic Edomae sushi quality and flavor.
Yellow Striped Butterfish: This ingredient is a standout signature item, prepared uniquely by cooking it with hot coals on top for about 30 seconds, resulting in a flavorful and tender dish highly praised by diners.
Soft-Shell Crab: Featured in a memorable fried preparation, the soft-shell crab is served with a sauce that is then used to create a second dish with rice, showcasing the chef’s skill in maximizing flavor and texture.
Salmon and Mackerel: These are highlighted as top-notch, perfectly prepared fish that literally melt in the mouth, exemplifying the high standard of nigiri at Noz 17.
Tuna (O-toro and Chu-toro): While preferences vary, the tuna served is of excellent quality, integral to the traditional sushi experience at the restaurant.
These ingredients are significant as they represent the pinnacle of freshness, seasonality, and traditional Edomae sushi technique, combined with innovative preparation methods that elevate the tasting experience at Noz 17.