heard such good things about this place that i HAD to go luckily i had no issues getting reservations (they do have a strict cancellation policy where you have to cancel 72 hours before or have to pay a cancellation fee -which is just as much as if you went); unfortunately one of my friends was not able to make it due to a death in the family and the staff were very accommodating (if you have an odd amount of people, you have to pay another fee; but they were understanding and waived the fee - fortunately, we found another person to join us and we were a group of 4). the day before they give out the address ; luckily there is plenty of parking in front and on the side of the building the service by the staff has to be one of the top tier service i have ever received - their attention to detail and quality is A1; felt like I had a personal waiter. the atmosphere is very cozy & intimate ; it is BYOB but they do provided sea water if you wish it was 16 courses for $200 (they do not skimp out ; one of the biggest nigiris i've had in an omakase) - we started off with lobster miso soup , king crab fried rice, and had 12 pieces of sushi then ended with udon soup and chocolate from Peko's which had to be the BEST chocolate i've ever had (and i don't like chocolate). my favorite piece had to be the snapper the wagyu was the most disappointing not going to lie my friends thought the uni was mid but i personally liked the sweetness of it; same with the miso cod (cooked fish) if you pay in cash there is a discount (you do save a good amount; otherwise you do get charged 3% extra if you pay in card) overall, $200 is steep but honestly this was a good experience! out of the 16 courses , 12 were DELICIOUS while the other 4 were just ok... (miso soup, fried rice, wagyu & udon soup). i do recommend it to others but don't see myself personally coming back read more

Hands down the best omakase experience. The food is always amazing, high quality and fresh. Jay and Chef always treat their guests as friends. The ambiance is always welcoming and exclusive. It's always a good time at Sushi by Sea. read more

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It's a nice and unique experience at this omakase spot that is a meld of old school and modern. Courses are thoughtfully developed and fish is great quality. I do agree that the flavor in the rice is a bit much at first, but the palate gets accustomed to it quickly. Of course it's nice and intimate. Chef runs through what to expect and of course plates every single piece a la minute. Hostess made her rounds and made sure to have a conversation with every couple throughout the course of the meal in between courses which was truly lovely. During my experience it was a fairly talkative group; although I suppose it depends on who attends on a particular evening. Most guests that night were also celebrating an anniversary - - don't forget it's BYOB! Have to say there were a couple of dishes that weren't my cup of tea as I thought they were too sweet, but my dining companion loved them; so it really is a personal preference. Overall would recommend!! read more

My experience at Sushi By Sea was EXCELLENT. The food, service, and ambiance were all exceptional. After making your reservation you don't get the location or password until the night before. This adds a mystique to the place and it's just a fun little thing. Once you get to the location a staff member comes to the door to bring you in (after you give the password of course!) The place is a bit small but it doesn't feel cramped at all. I guess you could say it's a bit of an intimate setting. Naturally, it's counter seating only since Chef Cris prepares each course in front of your eyes. The food was spectacular. Some standouts to me were the miso salmon and the toro tuna. Probably the best bites of either fish that I've ever had. The menu changes every so often but I'm told that those two pieces are staples (deservedly so!). There are 17 courses, more than I've had at other omakase experiences. So I guess that explains why I didn't find myself hungry afterwards (and I'm a certified BIG eater). Chef Cris did a fantastic job of giving a short description of each course and what inspired it. It added to my enjoyment and it didn't come off as pretentious at all. There are a good amount of courses and I feel like they were paced well. In fact, the whole experience felt like a good hybrid of fine dining and a laid back experience. The manager and owner came around regularly to check on us and they were super friendly. I've been to a few omakase spots before but Sushi By Sea is easily my favorite. It's expensive but I feel like it was worth it. I'd love to come back! read more

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Sushi has honestly never been the same for me since Sushi by Sea This place has me in a chokehold because every time I go back, it somehow gets better and better. Every seasonal menu is such a fun surprise. I highly recommend booking a few weeks in advance--I literally waited 3 weeks just to get back in. So worth it every single time Still drooling read more

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What an absolute treat this was. I surprised my husband by taking him here for his birthday dinner last night - this was not just a dinner, it was truly an experience. The meal featured high end ingredients that are carefully curated with intention. My personal favorites were the seared & smoked Ora King Salmon and the Akami with lime zest. But what's not to love about premium slices of fresh fish or Wagyu topped with two different kinds of truffle or caviar? How about creamy uni over top of deliciously seasoned sushi rice? Buttery scallops in a hand roll? With seating for only 12 people, the whole concept is very intimate. We were able to engage with our fellow diners, as well as Chef Chris throughout the night. All the while having a front row seat to everything being crafted right before your eyes. You can tell that Chef Chris truly takes pride in his work, and other people finding enjoyment in his creations. This was our first Omakase experience, and were were truly spoiled. This was exceptional. read more

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I wish there was an option for 100 stars. This is the only place I'll branch out of my normal California or spicy tuna roll. Everything Chef Chris makes is top notch. Everything is so fresh and uniquely flavored. Each thing that he makes is so complex and well thought out without being overdone. The staff is so attentive and welcoming. Before you can even think about needing more water or something, they are three steps ahead of you. The owner, Jay, makes you feel like a long time friend. He takes the time to get to know his guests and remembers little things about them- it's a nice touch and makes you feel super welcome. The ambiance and everything is great. It's really an experience from start to finish. Worth every penny and then some. read more

Sushi By Sea - Sushi Bars Near Me

Loved this omakase! There were 17 courses and were super filling. The portions were very generous and top notch. It was super fresh and everything was so buttery and delectable. By course 13 I was so full. This place was a great experience for the birthday as it was super intimate with the chef and host. I love how engaging they were as we got to learn more about the chef. While the host was super attentive making sure everyone was taking care of especially for their birthday. It was nice to get to know everyone! Make sure you book in advance as this is a 2 hour experience and there are only 10 seats available. read more

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Food was delicious and creative. The service was amazing. Awesome looking space today. Cannot wait to go back! Chef is a rock star (and a super friendly guy). read more

Sushi By Sea - Muscle soup - Sushi Bars Near Me

Enjoyed the last day of the winter menu and was not disappointed! Excellent as always, Chef Chris is an artist. The combination of amazing food, presentation, and good company creates an incredible experience that I wish I could enjoy more often. read more

If I could give Sushi by Sea 100 stars I would. Everything was truly impeccable. From the atmosphere to the food to the service, everything was a 10/10. You would never guess such an amazing experience is inside such an unassuming location. The quality of the food was incredible. Everything was so fresh, flavorful, and delicious. We were able to try so many different types of fish, all prepared very uniquely. The portions were also substantial. I left very full - these were not mini servings by any means. It was so fun watching the preparation of each course and hearing where the fish was sourced from. The chef and host were very personable and interacted with everyone through the entire meal. It was a friendly and welcoming environment. This is a great place to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, etc. They specifically ask is anyone is celebrating anything so it can be acknowledged. I have zero complaints and certainly would come back. read more

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Nobu type quality but the experience is second to none (and a better night than that!). Small and intimate and the chefs explain everything to you...ranging from dry aged to right off the boat from Japan, and incredibly fresh and the best cuts done so creatively...one of the best dining experiences I have ever had in my life. I continue to return as they are amazing people too. read more

I've been to some very nice places but this place is a 10 out 5 stars! Exclusive, elegant and just truly amazing food. I could eat another 100 pieces of the tuna. Bravo Chef and Jay. read more

Easily the best Omakase I have had in NJ after going to many top rated. I take friends, family and business contacts for a unique experience right here in NJ. Small intimate private club sushi bar setting tucked away in an off the radar location, lending additional mystique and intrigue. Chef has real Michelin experience, culinary vision, great international sourcing and is dedicated to his craft 110 percent. BYOB and menu varies seasonally. The Sushi leans towards traditional but with an inventive flare, and only the best ingredients. SBS is priced for special occasions, mostly because they only use the best of the best, but it is still a great price compared to what you would pay at its peers in NY. Service top notch. If you enjoy next level sushi, or want to see if you do, highly recommend you try it. read more

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Sushi by Sea is, without a doubt, one of the most exquisite restaurant experiences I've ever had - let alone omakase experiences. From start to finish, every visit feels like a special occasion. The 18-piece tasting is a masterclass in sourcing and craftsmanship--each piece meticulously prepared using the finest ingredients flown in from Japan, Alaska etc. Chef Chris is a true artist. His precision, creativity, and deep respect for the fish elevate each course into something unforgettable. Watching him work from one of the few coveted barstools is a privilege in itself--it's an intimate, energizing experience that connects you directly to the heart of the kitchen. What you'll also notice is just how big the nigiri pieces are - Chef cuts a relatively large slice of fish so the customers savor it... it makes the experience more filling, literally and figuratively. The service is just as impressive. Jay, the co-owner, leads hospitality with warmth and attention to detail that makes you feel genuinely welcomed and cared for. His passion for the restaurant is evident in every interaction, and it helps make the entire evening seamless and memorable. I've been to Sushi by Sea well north of a dozen times and love to host family and clients there. While the travel for NYC-based clients requires them to "cross the bridge," I've never had anyone regret it once they've experienced the sushi. If you're lucky enough to snag a seat at Sushi by Sea, prepare yourself for a truly standout experience--refined, personal, and absolutely world-class. read more

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Every single time I go here I am welcomed with an amazing vibe, excellent hospitality, and exquisite premium quality sushi that has no equal for me so far. Sushi By Sea actually tries to get to know me as a person and what I prefer in seafood. This is extremely rare in the restaurants I've been to. Sushi by sea has been my #1 restaurant for years now and for good reason. This is one of those restaurants that I dare say, make a visit THEN judge , not based on reviews alone, but your own experience. It's the same thing as seeing a movie from rotten tomatoes but you chose not to see it from the reviews alone. It.just.isnt.the.same! I arrived as a stranger than left as family. As I always refer to the restaurants that hold near and dear to my heart.." I will be returning to Gusteau's ( sushi by sea ) soon, hungry for more" ( ratatouille) read more

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Omg!!!! We were a party of 4, celebrating my birthday. A friend told me about this amazing sushi place that was omakase only. He sent me the website and I checked it out. I love the speakeasy secrecy regarding the location and being given a password to enter. We arrived a little early. Walked in the outer door to a small vestibule where we waited until 6 when the secret door with no handle was opened from the inside. We were greeted by Jay, one of the owners. A really nice, and quite friendly gentleman, with a South African accent. He seated us first, and then the other people that had been waiting with us. The place is beautifully decorated with a very high end feel. It's bar seating only so everyone gets an upfront view of Chef C, as he expertly prepares the food and explains each dish. From beginning to end, we were blown away by the entire experience. My taste buds were dancing with excitement. Top notch service and it was by far the best sushi we've ever had. AMAZING!!! It's pricey but worth every penny. Do yourself a favor and check this place out. You will not be disappointed! read more

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Came here to celebrate my hubbys birthday and it was a phenomenal experience!! Omakase here is top notch and super delicious It's a 17 course meal for $200/pp and we were so full from everything. Normally we would need a slice of pizza from omakase but not at sushi by sea. Every dish was delicious but their dessert was some kind of marshmallow which I didn't like Jay & Chris were amazing hosts to say the least They're also a BYOB restaurant so it's nice that you get to bring your own drinks Would def come here again!! read more

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Sushi By Sea is an incredible spot with excellent food and superb hospitality. Each piece of nigiri is made with sashimi of the highest quality that tastes terrific. Jay is a tremendous and conscientious host, and Chef Chris explains each piece carefully. You'll leave full and happy! read more

We absolutely love Sushi by Sea. We are avid omakase goers and we have been to omakases in NY, NJ, HI and Japan - Sushi by Sea is definitely in our top five. Their fish is always top notch quality with well thought out flavor profiles for each dish. Both times we've been there, my husband and I don't know what the best bite was because each dish is so delicious. Unlike some other omakases, we have left full and happy both times. We have been there two times in the last year and will likely go again soon! read more

Sushi By Sea - Omakase dishes - Sushi Bars Near Me

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Everything about this restaurant was outstanding! From the food, to the service, the staff and the entire vibe was fun, delicious, and was a perfect dinner. My favorite fish was his mackerel and surprisingly his fluke. I'll definitely be back. read more

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I'd give this place 10000000/10 if I could. Last night was our fourth time going back, with the last time being about a year ago. Chef Chris, Jay and Josh were incredible as always and the new menu items were beyond words. Sushi by Sea is a one of a kind omakase experience - the fish quality is unmatched but the flavor combinations Chef Chris comes up with are nothing short of magical. Every piece is better than the last and you never want it to end. Highly recommend Sushi by Sea - for an intimate date night or a small group dinner with friends - it's a very special experience. read more

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An amazing omakase with great food and ambience. It is a speakeasy where you were only notified with the location and password to enter the day before your reservation. When you walk in, it looks like a gallery with a few paintings either a hidden door that brings you to the main dining room. The space was intimate with only 12 counter seats surrounding the kitchen. It's a 17 course menu that highlights the high quality ingredients and freshness of the fishes. Every bite takes you through an unforgettable culinary experience where it's so scrumptious that you don't want it to end. The sushi were perfectly made where the seaweed were crisp, it had a good fish to rice proportion and the rice temperature were just right. It is evident that the chef is skilled, experienced and very knowledgeable about food as he used various techniques to elevate the flavors of each dish. This is a BYOB restaurant which is great. The only downside is their dessert is somewhat weak and not memorable but this is expected with every omakase experience hence I'm not deducting a star for it. The chef and the manager were very friendly, attentive and made sure all of our needs were met. The intimate setting made it possible for us to have a good experience interacting with the chef and asking him questions which was part of the reason why this is such a unique and memorable experience. Their motto is "arrive as strangers, leave as friends" and they definitely delivered this because we had a good time that we can't wait to go back again soon. read more

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My wife and I went to this referral only, hidden omakase spot in Ridgefield for my birthday and had an exceptional night. It rivals, and is dare I say better than, any high-end omakase across the bridge in Manhattan. Each of 17 courses was thoughtfully and creatively assembled right in front of our eyes. Highlights of the night included the salmon "veal" bite, the scallops and the toro. If I had one small critique of the cuisine - and this is purely personal taste - I found the sushi rice a tad overly vinegared. At times, it overpowered the flavors of the delicate fish. Chef Chris did mention that in summer he uses less vinegar - if you are sensitive to acid like I am, I'd suggest visiting in the summer. The ambience is truly special. I won't spoil the mystique. Definitely part of the experience and fun. Service is top notch too - very personable, nothing is missed. Our visit was worth the hour drive. We'd visit again for another special occasion for sure. read more

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Sushi by Sea is the best omakase experience I've ever had. We have been numerous times and each time is more special than the last. Chef Chris and Josh make u feel like you're a part of the family. The sushi is the best in the world and blows ur mind with every bite. I just hope I can still get a reservation because there really should never be one available. Arrive as strangers leave as friends! read more

Omakase like you've never had before. Invitation only to this fab speakeasy. Chef Chris delights us every time with something new and fresh. Chic, intimate space to watch them perform their magic. Jay and Josh make you feel so welcome! read more

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This was a 'speakeasy' spot where one has to get registered before making a reservation. Reservations can be made up to three weeks in advance and the location as well as the password was not given until the day before. This was all omakase style ($185 per person). The menu is always changing depending on what items are available. The service was excellent as both owners, which included the chef were all very personable and entertaining. The overall space was also very cool. There were sixteen courses to this meal (I will not explain every one) but give a high-level overview. The sixteen courses consisted of three appetizers, twelve main dishes, and a dessert portion. We were told what each dish was after being placed on our plates. The time between each portion was perfect. All ingredients were some of the highest quality and from around the world such as Japan, New Zealand, Argentina, etc. Some of my favorite dishes were the A5 Wagyu beef, "rich" people fried rice, scallop with special sauce, raw tuna with a homemade 'butter' sauce, and the cheesecake dessert portion. Everything was prepared with such precision and great execution. It was interesting to see all the dishes prepared right at the table. It was just a tremendous dining experience. Will I go back. Easily. read more

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I throughly enjoyed both the food and exceptional service. Loved the "speakeasy" style ambiance. The small group gives it a sense of exclusivity because of the close interaction with the chef, hostess, and owner. A very enjoyable and satisfying experience! read more

With a creative menu consisting of the finest ingredients and a warm, enjoyable vibe, Sushi By Sea never disappoints. Chef Chris is incredibly talented, as evidenced by courses that are exquisite both aesthetically and to the palate. I'm always looking forward to my next visit. Don't hesitate to make a reservation! This omakase is a sushi lover's dream. read more

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The first time I went to Sushi By Sea was last year with my girl friends, and since then I have been back for many times with families and friends. It was always a wondering and enjoyable night with Chef Chris, Jay and Josh! Chef Chris uses the freshest ingredients and I have been to many places and I have to say, he has the best sea urchin! His signature dishes like smoke salmon is always our family's favorite, also the hand roll, with the taste of crispy seaweed, it was the best combination. If you want a night with laughters, fun and amazing omakase experience, Sushi by Sea is the place to go! It is truly a place where food and friends come together, and from strangers to friends ! read more

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In my opinion, this mid-range omakase is overrated and pricey. The 5-star reviews don't accurately reflect our experience. My friend and I left feeling disappointed, especially since we'd previously enjoyed better omakase at a lower price point. The high price raised expectations, which weren't met. Rice- Overly seasoned. Fish-mid ambiance- It feels like you're in a club read more

A speak easy in NJ. When you approach the restaurant, you may wonder if you are in the right place. There is a printing company ad outside with a few hidden queues of what's inside. You get a reservation by knowing someone and getting on a list. You also need to know the password to come in. The chef is nice and has a lot of experience. We got to chat with him a good amount as we watched him and his staff prepare our food. The fish was preach and quality of the food was high. The flavors worked well together as well. It is definitely an upscale sushi experience. I like my sushi and flavors a bit bolder. I would like to see him spice up the menu with more creativity. With that said - I loved the vibe and food and will be back. read more

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An unforgettable evening at Sushi by Sea. The attention to detail was incredible and the entire experience felt very personal and thoughtfully curated. The sushi was outstanding -- easily the best I've ever had. It is on the pricier side, but absolutely worth it for such a unique and special experience. Highly recommend for a memorable night out. read more

This was my fourth time experiencing the culinary wizardary of Chef Chris. I savor each visit. The fish is outstanding as always and Chef Chris elevates dishes to perfection by adding truffle powder or caviar as examples. I loved the miso soup with lobster to start. The miso soup was perfect as it was not too salty and had a hint of sweetness. I especially loved the Hokkaido uni which was creamy, buttery and sweet. Only the best. I also want to mention the Madai (red seabream) which is in season. The Madai had a clean, fresh and sweet taste. I would be remiss if I did not mention the rice. This is overlooked by many restaurants. Chef Chris' rice is cooked perfectly and seasoned just right. Without a good vessel, the fish gets lost. The service was outstanding as the people, especially Katie were very attentive. The 12 seat counter makes it very conducive to interact with other guests. It was nice to engage in conversation and share drinks that we brought with other guests. I highly recommend Sushi by Sea for an unforgettable meal and sensory experience. read more

Don't book for a special occasion. The fine print says they can cancel if the 6 person omakase minimum isn't met and apparently that can be communicated up to hours before. I made a reservation for 6pm on a Friday several weeks in advance for my husband's birthday. There's a strict 72 hour cancellation policy and I confirmed our reservation at that point in time. Two days before the reservation, I got a message asking if I could move my 6pm reservation to 830pm. I said I could not and then was asked for Saturday at 6pm. I explained it was for a birthday on Friday so other days were not an option. On Thursday at 10:15pm, I got another message saying they did not have the minimum for omakase seating and suggest I come Saturday or Sunday instead and cancelled my reservation. At this point I had to scramble to find another spot to celebrate my husband's birthday which was not easy considering most restaurants of this caliber are booked for prime dinner service more than a day in advance. If you are charging $200+ pp for dinner, the expectation is that you are getting a high end experience and that your special occasion will in fact be special. Don't cancel on people with less than 24h notice when you require them to give you 72h notice. read more

Sushi by Sea is a great experience with amazing food and hosts (Chef C & Jay). I've been to this restaurant twice and am looking forward to many more times. The photos are from both times and are not all served regularly (some are from collaboration nights). read more

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Had dinner there for the first time last night. My wife and I and another couple. We enjoyed the experience very much. Chef is entertaining and easy to talk to. He is also super accommodating. We had dietary restrictions which he handled seamlessly. The omakase was amazing! Every course was fresh and special and we enjoyed each immensely. The service was on point and extremely attentive to detail. They were constantly clearing counter and refilling beverages. We plan on heading back asap with a larger group. read more

Amazing, invite-only omakase restaurant. The food was delicious, service was on point and the place was kept very clean, with minimalistic decor. The chef was amazing. Took great care in making every piece of sushi. The fish was very fresh and flavorful. read more

All Hype, No Heart Went here for my husband's birthday expecting a memorable omakase. Well, it was memorable... for all the wrong reasons. Sushi by Sea is more about theatrics than actual craft -- all pomp, no soul. The "speakeasy" concept is tired and gimmicky, clearly more focused on Instagram impressions than culinary substance. We mentioned to Chef Chris that the sushi rice was overly vinegary -- completely overpowering the fish. His response? "That's how they do it in Japan." Really? My husband and I have been to Kyoto and Osaka many times, and never once were we served sushi rice this aggressively seasoned. That answer felt dismissive, like we were being lectured instead of listened to. If you want to fake authenticity, at least pick an audience who hasn't actually been to Japan. The crowd? Imagine a Real Housewives casting call crossed with a bad Vegas lounge. Loud, self-important, and completely clueless about Japanese cuisine -- yet confidently mansplaining every piece of nigiri like they invented it. The vibe screams "expensive but empty." If you care more about sushi technique, real hospitality, and balance of flavor than taking selfies in a candlelit closet -- do yourself a favor and skip this place. read more

A truly exceptional and memorable night. An amazing service experience and a phenomenal Omakase. Each course was unique and a taste explosion. I always think what makes a dining experience like this special is the next day when you cycle through the taste memories from the previous night and they are still so vibrant . Sushi by sea rings that bell and then some. Well worth it! read more

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