Title: Do the Owners Even Know What Omakase Is? I had high expectations for Butterfish in Rutherford, NJ, but this was hands down one of the most disappointing dining experiences I've had--especially for a restaurant that claims to offer high-end Omakase. First, there isn't even a sushi bar--a fundamental part of any legitimate Omakase experience. Instead of watching a skilled sushi chef prepare each piece with care and precision, the food simply arrives from the kitchen, completely stripping away the artistry and interaction that define real Omakase dining. The servers were completely untrained and had no knowledge of Japanese cuisine. Simple questions about the dishes were met with confusion or vague, incorrect answers. It felt like they had never even been briefed on the menu, let alone trained to provide the level of service expected at a high-end restaurant. As for the food--everything was drowned in sauces to the point where you couldn't even taste the fish. The essence of Omakase is to showcase the natural flavors and textures of the seafood, but at Butterfish, the heavy-handed sauces overwhelmed every bite. It was as if they were trying to mask the quality of the ingredients rather than highlight them. This all leads me to wonder: Have the owners ever even eaten real Omakase? Because nothing about this experience suggested they understand what it's supposed to be. The execution, service, and presentation all missed the mark completely. If you're looking for an authentic Omakase experience, Butterfish is not the place. Save your time and money and go somewhere that actually respects the craft. read more

If you're looking for an unforgettable omakase experience in Rutherford, Butterfish is an absolute must-visit. From the moment we walked in, the ambiance set the tone for an exceptional dining experience. JoJo, our gracious and warm host welcomed us with a smile and made us feel right at home. His attentiveness and genuine care throughout the meal were beyond impressive -- he really truly made the night extra special and I'm definitely glad to say I feel like I've made a new friend by the end of the evening. But the service was just the beginning. Every single morsel of food at Butterfish was a work of art. The sushi was incredibly fresh (shipped from Japan every day!), each piece practically melting in your mouth. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and you could taste the quality of the ingredients in every bite. Whether it was the rich tuna or the delicate salmon, each fish was prepared with such expertise and passion. My personal favorite was the butterfish spoon! What an explosion of flavor!! The service itself was impeccable, with every staff member clearly dedicated to providing the best experience possible. Butterfish isn't just a meal -- it's an experience that you won't forget. If you're in Rutherford, do yourself a favor and pay them a visit. Trust me, you won't regret it! I cannot wait to return read more

Butterfish in Rutherford is a revelation. You walk in, and the space pulls you--a perfect blend of chic and unpretentious, like it knows exactly what it wants to be. The vibe hums with understated elegance, but there's no pretense here, just warmth and a crew who knows how to make you feel like you're exactly where you belong. But the real star? The fish. God, the fish. It's a love letter to the ocean, every slice of sushi and sashimi whispering of care, precision, and obsessive attention to quality. You don't just taste it--you feel it. Each piece comes perfectly dressed, a splash of sauce here, a flicker of garnish there, nothing heavy-handed, just enough to nudge the flavors into something transcendent. And the Toro Handroll? Forget it. Silky, rich, indulgent--you'll want to order it again before you even finish the first. This is the kind of food that ruins you for lesser places. Butterfish isn't just a meal. It's the kind of experience that leaves you planning your next visit before you've even left the table. read more

Last night, I discovered Butterfish Sushi. From the moment I walked in, I was impressed by the warm and welcoming vibe of the restaurant. The attention to detail in the decor was amazing! The star of the show was, of course, the sushi. Every bite was fresh and you can literally taste the freshness. The toro, in particular, was an absolute highlight - it melted in my mouth like butter and lived up to the restaurant's name. The flavors were clean yet complex, and the rice was seasoned to perfection. The staff was exceptional, providing just the right amount of attentiveness without being overbearing. They clearly know their sushi and were happy to answer questions and make recommendations. Jojo the manager was amazing! It's rare to find a spot where everything - the food, the service, and the atmosphere - comes together so perfectly. I'll definitely be back to experience more of their incredible menu with my wife read more

Butterfish is an exceptional sushi Omakase experience that truly stands out! The space is small and intimate and no detail goes unnoticed. The fresh fish here is simply unparalleled; I've had some of the best I've ever tasted and trust me, I've had my fair share of sushi. Each piece is expertly prepared, showcasing the quality and craftsmanship that goes into their dishes. The servers explain everything you are eating is great detail and informs you exactly how the chef prepared it. A special shoutout to the manager, JoJo, who is not only attentive but also incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. Her passion for sushi and commitment to guest satisfaction make every visit memorable. Without a doubt, Butterfish is the best sushi spot in the area and honestly New Jersey, and has become our favorite restaurant. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an outstanding dining experience! read more

Butterfish is an absolute gem in Rutherford! From the moment you walk into the beautifully designed space--you know you're in for something special. The atmosphere is the perfect balance between elegant and fun, with a team of attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely friendly staff who make the experience unforgettable. The highlight, of course, is the fish. Every bite of sushi and sashimi is a testament to the dedication to quality--so fresh it practically melts in your mouth. I especially love how the chefs already thoughtfully pair each piece with the ideal sauce or garnish to elevate the flavor without overpowering the fish. It's clear every detail has been meticulously crafted. The highlight was the Toro Handroll. I could eat these all day! I can't wait to go back! read more

No no guys, no no. Went last night and was highly disappointed. The decor and staff were top notch. They truly care about every table and try hard. The tables are way too close together. The waiters can't get between them and to get to a booth seat your butt basically goes over the next table. Overall the service was wonderful, but minus the salmon crudo appetizer and the edamame the wonder stopped there. We did the premium omakase and every bite except 1-2 were disappointing. The fish was tasteless for the majority, over sauced on pieces with sauce and tangy on random ones. I've heard nothing but great things and was so excited to go, but we will not be going back. This is not a quality sushi experience. read more

Absolutely loved this place! The food was incredibly fresh, beautifully presented, and packed with flavor. Every roll I tried was spot-on, and you can really tell they use high-quality ingredients. The menu has a great variety--classic rolls, creative specials, and something for everyone. The server Ryan was very friendly and attentive without being overbearing. The atmosphere was clean, cozy, and perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. Everything came out quickly, and Ryan was happy to give recommendations. I appreciated the way he knew the menu so well! If you're looking for amazing sushi and a great overall experience, this spot is a must-try. I'll definitely be coming back! read more

I was quite disappointed with my experience at this restaurant. The prices are high, but the food didn't live up to expectations, especially the uni, which was not fresh and tasted off. Although they did replace the ice cream, it didn't make up for the overall poor quality. I originally planned to bring my friends here for a birthday celebration, but I've changed my mind. I don't think my friends or anyone I know should have to go through the same experience. I forgot to take a photo of the uni in the omakase, but I started feeling something was off since the appetizers. That said, the scallop carpaccio was actually quite good ,probably the highlight of the meal. read more

Amazing food and out standing service! Dined with my best friend last night and had a perfect experience! Our go to us sushi on any price range and we both agreed that Butterfish out ranked Nobu or Lure. We shared the cucumber salad, salmon burrata, edamame and random hand rolls. First off... ORDER the salmon burrata and cucumber salad! We were raving about both of those dishes even after we left! All of the fish is fresh tasting and well portioned! We finished off our meal with salted caramel gelato, which was also to die for! I recommend bringing hard liquor to try in their two mocktails! Overall cannot wait to come back!!! read more

When I heard the team from Iki Nori in Los Angeles was working on a project in New Jersey, I knew I had to make the trek from Brooklyn to check it out. Let me tell you--it was absolutely worth every minute of the journey. Now I understand why they call it butterfish... each bite melts in your mouth. The scallop and toro handrolls are completely addictive. The last time I had sushi this good was back in Japan. I hate that I have to cross the river from NY to NJ for this, but it's hands down the best sushi within a 100-mile radius. The space is small but stunning. Get here before it becomes impossible to get a table. read more

What a fantastic dining experience we had at Butterfish! While the incredible food is the main draw, it was our server, Ryan, who truly made our evening memorable. He was knowledgeable about the entire menu and helped us navigate the options with ease. His friendly demeanor made us feel welcome and well-cared for throughout the meal, and he had impeccable timing with everything--from taking our order to refilling our drinks. The service was top-notch and professional. A big shout-out to Ryan for being a true gem! read more

I had the pleasure of having dinner here last night. I usually end up going to the city for sugarfish. This is by far superior (and closer). In my opinion this is the best sushi if New Jersey. I had the toro handroll with my set order and it was so good I had to order another one. The fish is super fresh and the staff was super friendly. Definitely coming back before they have a line out the door. The space itself was tasteful and trendy. read more

I had an amazing experience at Butterfish in Rutherford! My partner and I both went for the chef's tasting menu, and everything was incredible, especially the surf and turf blue crab and wagyu hand roll. The service was top-notch--friendly and super helpful in guiding us through the menu. The ambiance was great too, making it a perfect hidden gem. Won't stay hidden for long with food and service like this! Highly recommend! read more

Absolutely Outstanding! Butterfush exceeded all expectations. The service was warm and attentive--our server was always there when needed, but never overbearing. The sushi and rolls were incredibly fresh and bursting with flavor. Every bite felt thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented. It's rare to find a place that nails both quality and atmosphere like this. Can't wait to go back! read more

Amazing! Hands down the best sushi and dining experience I've ever had. The sushi was incredibly fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. The service was absolutely perfect, attentive, friendly, and seamless from start to finish. Every detail exceeded expectations. I can't recommend Butterfish Sushi enough and will definitely be back! read more

This place is AWESOME!!! From ambiance to the level of service (these guys are super super well trained for just having opened) to the quality of their fish and even the rice! This place is so so good! Never driving to Manhattan again for good sushi and Omakase, now it's right in our own backyard.l!! 10000% coming back again! read more

Butterfish delivers effortless luxury with a refined, intimate atmosphere and warm, polished service. The food is bold, beautifully executed, and truly unforgettable. Special thanks to Ryan for his impeccable service for creating such a seamless, world-class experience. Butterfish isn't just a restaurant it's a destination. read more

Had an amazing omakase experience! The fish was incredibly fresh and practically melted in your mouth. Every dish was packed with flavor and beautifully done. The staff was friendly and made the whole night feel relaxed and welcoming. Definitely a spot worth coming back to. read more