The East Village’s brand new Sushi Dojo, serves up a high-quality and intimate sushi dining experience.
When arriving at the East 6th Street destination, you’ll want to ask to sit at the bar, where you can watch Executive Chef David Boudahana prepare your sushi with expertise and pride. Instead of being served on a plate, the Sushi is placed on a large green banana leaf with fresh ginger, while Boudahana introduces each serving. Boudahana, of French-Moroccon descent, has trained with Iron Chef Morimoto after studying in Japan for three years.
Boudahana fell in love with sushi when he worked as a busboy in Florida. From there, he moved on to work at Hatsuhana and other top Japanese establishments in Manhattan. He tends to go beyond the traditional tuna and salmon offerings, and features a range of exotic treats such as delicious Madei Japanese red snapper and rare Tasmanian trout.
There are many interesting options that go beyond sushi. Most dishes have special Japanese ingredients that offer something unique for the taste buds.
Kimpaira Gobo, which is burdock root sauteed with sesame oil, was certainly a new and delicious taste offering-something like a more hearty bean sprout. Other premium choices include the Nasu Nibitashi, lightly fried eggplant marinated in dashi, and Agedashi tofu, deep fried tofu in a dashi broth. The Nasu Nibitashi tastes somewhat like an eggplant teriyaki. The Agedashi tofu comes in a very thick broth which tastes like an amazing tempura.
If there is a complaint, all menu items are very small- even the sushi. Although the sushi actually made more sense in a smaller size because the bite was more manageable, it also means you’re paying the same price for less food. The non-sushi dishes also only held a few bites. Appetizers were usually $4-$6 but went up to $15. The sushi specials were $25- $41 and the sashimi specials were $35-$55.
The space itself is very small, simple, and cozy: it is almost all wood with comfortable black seating for 36. The sushi bar takes up much of the restaurant. The ambiance is quiet with relaxing lighting- perfect for a casual, quiet, high quality meal.
-Naomi Pinkus
Sushi Dojo is located at 110 1st Ave between East 6th and East 7th Street in the East Village. You can reach them at (646) 692-9398 or for more information visit sushidojonyc.com/