Great sushi omakase each bite for better and more umami and delicious. My wife surprised me with a staycation at the hotel that Kenji is inside of. Kenji Omakase will be a new annual special occasion go to. Japanese Omakase experience and style, a one of a kind food experience where every course is a harmonious blend of flavors, textures and eye appeal. The sushi chef talks you through each course after he places it on you platter. I asked if these were supposed to be eaten by hand if you wanted to, he agreed most people traditionally eat these that way. The flavors were buttery and tangy, textures delicate and sometimes a small crunch with fried scallions etc. We had tuna, ocean trout that was Similar to salmon but a different shade of orange, scallops and finished with waygu beef. It was amazing with each course the flavors seem to improve. A great experience, if you are any type of sushi fan or even on the fence, this could easily make you a sushi lover. I give this a complete recommendation. Try Kenji you will be very happy you did. The ambiance was fun also traditional Japanese. I may have Mis-named a few photos but know they are all just incredible journeys across your palate, hard to describe, melting with texture and flavors. read more

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Food fresh delicious Fish excellent fresh Flown in from Tokyo per staff Service ok Nice cozy Fresh fish on display read more

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First time visiting, and it definitely won't be my last. I came for a friend's birthday and we did the omakase and it was some of the best sushi I've had. Everything was fresh and delicious. The drinks were great as well. They were able to easily accommodate our party of seven, and they also have tables if you just want to order sushi off the menu. Service was excellent. Great spot for a date night or a or a night out. I'll definitely be back soon. read more

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Fish was super fresh and the ambiance of the restaurant is perfect for date night. The spicy tuna was the star of the show! read more

Kenji Omakase - Crispy rice - three types of fish! - Japanese Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Went to Kenji for my birthday omakase and it did not disappoint. The food was amazing, I even got to torch some waygu before it was topped with shaved truffle and gold leaf. All of the sushi was outstanding and super fresh. The ambiance is sexy and the service was wonderful. read more

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Beat sushi spot in the city!!!! Very cute restaurant with great decor. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. We ordered the yellowtail, yellowtail hand roll, shrimp tempura handroll, spicy tuna handroll, salmon belly, and omphale roll. Everything came out freaking amazing, high quality, flavorful, and fast! This place will not disappoint you, dont walk run! read more

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One of my favorite restaurants in nola! Definitely do the omakase experience, every course speaks for itself. They're constantly changing their menu so you never know what you get that day. Service is always outstanding! Nice and relaxing setting to enjoy some good sushi. read more

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Wow wow wow!! A friend recommended we check this place and out it was absolutely amazing. We did the omakase and it was delicious from start to finish. My favorite bit was the crudo and the black snapper. The service absolutely amazing and the only thing I will pick at it that I couldn't hear the chef explain each dish when serving, I had to like focus if we wasn't on our side to make out what was being said. The ambiance is very cute and I love how they turned the old bar into a sushi counter. Note, someone please move that fig leaf plant near a window it's dying next to the dry ager. All in all though this is easily in the top 10 omakases I've had. read more

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Kenji has such a good vibe. Every song they played had me wanting to sing my heart out right at the table. While I was eating, a group nearby was doing the 14 course dinner at the bar and it looked incredible. I'm absolutely trying that next time. The food was on point. The Rush Hour roll was so good, the spicy tuna roll was super fresh, and the shrimp fried rice was amazing. My waitress had this sarcastic but funny personality that I actually love when I'm out. She kept the night interesting and she definitely earned her tip. I'll be back for sure. read more

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Would not expect to find such fresh and delicious fish in New Orleans but Kenji totally blew me away. While my friend indulged in the omakase I just had the crispy rice, chicken karaage, and brussels and blue fin salad. The chicken karaage was delicious, super crispy and not overly greasy. The Brussels and bluefin salad was nice as well but a little heavy on the sauce. The fish was really fresh though. We told the really kind waiter it was my friends birthday and he brought us a strawberry beignets. So sweet! Definitely made us laugh when she tried to blow out the candles on top and ended up blowing powdered sugar all over me haha we also ordered the matcha pistachio beignets because we can. These were actually not my favorite. The pistachio and matcha didn't go well, neither of them were super sweet. Overall, this is a great alternative if you're looking for something a bit off the beaten path in New Orleans. read more

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I had dinner tonight at Kenji. We got there early (6pm) and there were plenty of empty tables but by the time we left it was full so unless you plan to have an early dinner I'd recommend reservations. Our server Melanie was great! We opted for the tableside experience where the server brought out various courses. This was customizable unlike the bar experience. Everything the server sent to the table we enjoyed. We finished dinner with the matcha pistachio beignets and they were the delicious. The beignet was pillowy, flaky and buttery and the filling was the perfect amount of sweetness. I left both full and satisfied read more

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Absolutely loved this place! The food was top notch and the omakase experience was so interactive and entertaining. It was really great to see them make such masterful pieces right in front of our eyes and each one tasted better than the last. The service was great and chef Tu was amazing! He explained every piece he had and everything he did. Everything was delicious. The bill at the end of the night was hefty but well worth it. read more

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I didn't get the omakase so eventually this review will be updated! But this place has been on my list for a while! The music was great, service was excellent! The lychee spicy margarita was delicious! The brussel sprouts and chicken thigh entree were so good as well! I also got a crunchy roll and it tasted so fresh! Can't wait to come back read more

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We did the 5:45 omakase experience for a birthday celebration. It was absolutely wonderful from start to finish. The service was excellent while sitting at the sushi bar. The chefs are constantly talking and educating you on what they are preparing and serving you, while other waiters were clearing our plates and refilling our drinks. Everyone was so kind. I tried the lychee margarita cocktail which was amazing. My boyfriend did the sake pairing which came with four glasses and he loved all of them. The omakase was 14 courses and every single bite was delectable. Some of the sushi literally melts in your mouth. The vibes in the restaurant make you feel like you're somewhere nicer than New orleans haha. Overall, we loved it. It was definitely expensive, but for a special occassion, the experience was top notch. read more

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I absolutely enjoyed my omakase experience. I am so glad I was able to complete the full course run. I arrived about an hour early and they seated me at a small table in the dining room to enjoy cocktails or other bites while I waited for my experience time. They had several couples dining, one lady alone, and a table with some Saints players. Olivia was great in helping me pick a cocktail. Diego was helpful in having me get comfortable while I waited. Once the previous seating was complete, he escorted me to the bar, bringing over my water and cocktail. The chefs were very informative on each bite. Overall a great experience and I'd happily do it again. The personalized menus at each seat was such a nice and sweet touch (even if my name was misspelled lol). Every bite was different My only thing close to a complaint would be the seating arrangement lol, it was a couple, me, a birthday couple, another birthday couple, last couple that was running late. I would have preferred being on the end as opposed to being nestled between a bunch of pairs. read more

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The entire experience was 1000/10! Definitely blew my expectations out of the water. The sushi chefs were friendly, funny and knowledgeable! Obviously super talented! Everything was so fresh and tasted great. The ambiance was nice and had a romantic vibe to it. Loved the music choices as well. Definitely recommend for a date night or if you like to eat really good!! read more

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The omakase at Kenji was my first experience with this style of service and I'm hooked. Our chefs walked us through a 14-course tasting menu, preparing each bite right in front of us as they explained the ingredients, sourcing, cooking method, and what to expect from the bite. We had a few favorites and were able to "revisit" (buy an extra bite!) those. You can also choose to add a premium option, and they'll add it to the bite where it most complements the flavors and texture. It was a lovely birthday celebration and perfect for any special occasion. The playlist kept the mood upbeat. I appreciated the low lighting and low profile decor; playlist was a plus too. read more

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Sushi was amazing and service was great. We spent way too much money here, so overpriced overall but good. read more

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I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed with the food here, especially the omakase. The fish served all had a similar smoky flavor, and I couldn't really taste the distinct differences between each piece. I've had omakase at other places in LA and SF where the flavors of each fish were clear and vibrant, and you could really appreciate the unique taste of each variety. Here, unfortunately, that wasn't the case, which I found a bit odd. Additionally, most of the fish had a notably "fishy" taste, which isn't something I typically experience at other sushi spots. I'm not sure if that's the result of preparation or sourcing, but it did stand out to me. Overall, I'd rate this place a 7/10 for the selection and preparation of their omakase menu. When compared to other sushi options in New Orleans, it might be considered decent, but it didn't quite meet the standards of other omakase experiences I've had in bigger cities. The service was great though. Each piece of fish was explained throughly and everything came out quickly. read more

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Amazing sushi spot if you want to get a little fancy. Each nigiri was made to perfection! read more

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Scene over substance. Atmosphere is off for me, price was high compared to size of the nigiri pieces. read more

Kenji Omakase - toro truffle foie hand roll. the tastiest bite of the night, nice add to the omakase - Japanese Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Kenji in New Orleans is a total standout. The chef's tasting is basically a masterclass in "how to blow your mind." Every dish showcasing fresh, bold flavors that leave you wanting more. The sashimi melts in your mouth, and each bite feels like a work of art. Sit back, trust the chef, and enjoy a dining experience that's nothing short of unforgettable. For more pics and videos on Kenji see my review on IG @average_people_eating read more

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This was genuinely the best meal i've ever had in my entire life. The Omakase experience was to die for. I would recommend doing the sake / wine pairing as well. I cannot wait to be back. read more

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3.5/5 Kenji Omikase in New Orleans has potential, but there's definitely room to grow. The space itself is lovely--modern, chic, and really well-designed, which set a nice tone for the evening. However, the Omakase courses didn't quite deliver the "wow" factor I've experienced at other spots in Houston and major food cities. I expected a bit more polish and excitement from the progression of dishes. Service was fine, but I found myself wishing for a smoother, more attentive flow. Used dishes weren't cleared in a timely manner, and at one point I had to sort them myself just to make space--something I've never had to do in other Omakase experiences. A few additional notes: I was surprised to see a credit card processing fee tacked onto the bill. I understand the cost of doing business, but it felt a little off-putting for a fine dining experience. On top of that, I was charged $3.50 multiple times for a small cup of tonic--which, while not expecting it to be free, felt a bit excessive given the portion size. I truly hope Kenji continues to grow and refine their experience. The foundation is there, and with some thoughtful adjustments, it could become something really special. read more

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They'd been on my list for a while. Finally went two weeks ago and it was hands down the best omakase in New Orleans. The experience was intimate and relaxed. read more

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I haven't eaten sushi in so long since I've been stuck in New Mexico, so forgive my pictures , I hurriedly bit in. With that being said my partner and I wanted to go big, hence we wanted to give Kenji a chance. Food was really great, the fish was melting in your mouth and extremely flavorful. The chefs do add a tiny tiny bit of a complimentary sauce to certain pieces which is nice, my only thing is I don't like the flavor of wasabi and some pieces came with it so I had to scrape it off (pretty sure they said do not ask for menu changes so I didn't bother with a request) The fried rice with lobster was very delicious, however, if I could go back, I wouldn't order it to be able to fit more sushi in my belly lol. The roll was good because of the great fish, a little on the sweet side so I wouldn't order that again either. We almost skipped dessert and thank goodness we didn't. Their matcha pistachios beignets are truly PHENOMENAL. If I could, I would order those to start AND end with those. We even ordered some to go before our flight LOL. They're original and delicious, light and fluffy. Just yum. The strawberry ones are very good too. My bf loved his old fashion, my heiko was a very well made drink, it just wasn't for me, mainly because of the sesame oil. Service was excellent. I did check about reservations and they were available day of on a Saturday on opening. Since we planned to show up at 5 I wasn't worried. They did take us but probably best on a weekend just to make the reservation. We were greeted right away, everyone patient, lots of smiles, checked up on frequently. I felt ambiance was upscale, moody, nice aesthetic. I wouldn't want to go casual. I would go back and recommend if I was in the area again. read more

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What a time!!!! I love omakase style sushi...I'm super spoiled that way. And this was definitely a situation of spoiling oneself. The ambiance is such a nice vibe...minimal decor but it's still beautiful. Very open. The service is on point from start to finish. The cocktails were delicious...I had their take on a spicy lychee margarita...chefs kiss!!! The menu was 14 courses featuring fish from all over the world, including Greece. The sushi chefs, Tu & Vu, were really great as well...took their time is describing the varieties of fish being served. When the chefs made wasabi from scratch I bout died and went to heaven!!!! I want to check out their happy hour soon too. I'll definitely be back. Go see them!!!! read more

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I've been to Kenji once before, but this was my first omakase experience. The service was great! Gabe was pleasant, attentive, and funny. Chef Tu accommodated my shellfish allergy and offered to remake any course that I liked. He also talked to us about what he prepared. I enjoyed the earlier, lighter courses more than the courses at the end of the progression. I could have gone without so many torched dishes. The smell from the torch was a bit off putting. I loved the surprise dessert at the end, a matcha beignet. As a tea lover, I also appreciated the accompaniment of the hot tea near the end of the meal. I really enjoyed my hibiscus haze cocktail. What I didn't enjoy was that still water was 9.00. I found it funny (not in a bad way) that they were playing R&B music and Rick Ross. I love a restaurant where I can vibe to the music. Though I wasn't blown away, I had a great experience and would try it again on a special occasion. read more

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AMAZING! One of the best dinners I have had in a long time. ORDERED the table side OMAKASE!! The Salmon will melt in your mouth. Everything I had was amazing. The staff were super helpful and explained everything really well. The inside is small but with a cool vibe. Everything was top notch. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. read more

Kenji Omakase - Japanese Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Fabulous! We got 4 things from the menu: lobster fried rice, salmon crudo, omphale, ikigai: everything was so fresh and buttery. The restaurant has fresh fish delivered from Japan 2x/wk and goes through an aging process, very unique. Side note, you get 8 ounces of lobster in your fried rice and it's a lot of fried rice- but great balance. We ended up spending $155 total after tip and it was beyond worth it. I've been to nobu and the price was definitely not worth it. Lastly, really cool environment and super friendly and fast staff! read more

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Would rate 3.5 if it would let me, but overall an okay experience. Service was great, although i wish they left a water on the table bc they were busy so refills took a while. The ambiance is nice. Menu font was very small so a bit hard to read. Food was just okay, nothing we had was very WOW. The salmon crudo was a laughably small portion. Crispy rice trio was very good, the tuna was the best of the three so i would have probably gotten the tuna one rather than the trio. We had a good night but likely would not return. Have had the same quality sushi for probably less than half the cost pretty much anywhere else. read more

What an experience! We met with some friends for the Omakase menu and it was well worth the cost. With this, you get 12 or 15 different sashimi options. Each were so delectable and tasted Ike the best quality. They presented about 3 of the 12 at a time so you were not overloaded with a big platter. Highly recommend if you like the raw type. Our server was fantastic and knew every single item that was placed on the table. Cocktails were so good as well and I recommend their off menu rum drink. Decor inside is cozy and modern but very inviting. Don't sleep on the apps as well and you MUST get the Brussels! We will be back very soon! P.S. catch happy hour for specials on Brussels and you better get the crispy rice trio! read more

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Second time having the omakase and just as good as the first time. Worthy of two five star reviews. Incredible flavors, freshest fish, and decadent experience. read more

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Go for the omakase! It's in the name. Had an amazing dinner here, 12 courses, loved each one, wish I could have ordered more. But since it was a special occasion they weren't offering a la carte. Will have to go back to try everything again. Also, very cool vibe with pictures along the wall of famous inspirational people. It feels like a cool modern trendy space and it's a great place for a group or date night. The service was really good too, attentive and helpful. And all the servers wore black leggings and black tops so again, it adds to the overall atmosphere of the place. Admittedly a little on the pricier end but absolutely worth the visit read more

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Great restaurant for date night! The service is great! The Rush Hour roll is one of the best rolls I've ever had! Overall great experience that I would definitely recommend!! read more

Kenji Omakase - Japanese Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

I attended a dinner party for one of my best friends birthday here and it was my first time. This place is very exclusive and it's not that big of a space square footage wise, so it seems very VIP-ish. The servers were amazing, and the decor is super modern. They play good music there, and you can ask them to turn it up or down based on your vibe. we ordered a lot of different items off the menu but my favorite was Wagyu fried rice which was kind of pricey for $52 but it was amazing. read more

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Some of the best sushi I have ever had. The staff was attentive and knowledgeable regarding what was available. Great ambiance. Highly recommend. read more

Had the BEST experience at Kenji tonight. I've never had sushi prepared with such care. Chef Tu was amazing and explained every single ingredient in detail. I was so impressed by the food. Drinks were amazing as well. The staff was so attentive! They made me feel like I was the only person there. I plan on coming back every time I'm in New Orleans. Please try this spot! read more

Kenji Omakase - Japanese Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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1. Excellent staff and service. Waiters were extremely complementary to the restaurant experience and went above and beyond to support our party of over 20-guest. 2. Amazing food experience and deserts were "best-in-class" Would highly recommend KENJI OMOKASE to anyone visiting NOLA, they will not be disappointed. read more

A hidden treasure! The absolute best and most attentive service I have ever received and the fish was so high quality. We got the 5 piece table side omakase and a roll and everything was fantastic. Would come here every week if I could read more