U Omakase: Brooklyn’s Best Kept Secret

By RyAnn Reynolds

Greenpoint locals looking for a chef-driven elevated Japanese dining experience no longer need to leave the neighborhood. U Omakase has established itself as the area’s only dedicated omakase spot, and one worth non locals crossing borough lines for.

U Omakase feels like arriving at your favorite friend’s dinner party that also happens to completely crush it in the kitchen with innovative approaches to traditional Japanese fine dining. Think culinary theater paired with a vibey playlist that delivers a deeply personal dining experience. Housed inside what almost resembles a private home from the outside, the restaurant’s warm atmosphere is felt almost immediately upon arrival, removing the intimidation sometimes associated with traditional omakase counters.

The 12-course tasting menu blends Japanese technique with French and Latin American influences in a way that keeps each bite feeling unexpected. Every course arrives with intention. Rich clam consommé layered with deep buttery umami, delicately torched scallops balanced with smoky sweetness, melt in your mouth A5 wagyu paired with mushrooms, kampachi finished with basil jelly, and beautifully prepared king salmon were among the standout dishes throughout the evening.

What makes U Omakase particularly special is owner and Chef Luis Durand alongside his team. They create an experience that feels social, engaging, and genuinely welcoming. The energy throughout the evening resembles a gathering among friends more than a rigid fine dining experience. Guests often end up chatting with one another, sharing sake or wine thanks to the restaurant’s BYOB no corkage policy, while still maintaining a relaxed sense of privacy and comfort.

Luis’ personal story adds another layer to the restaurant’s identity. Born in Paraguay and raised in Queens, his culinary perspective reflects a life shaped by multiple cultures and experiences. After a life changing accident in his twenties, a friendship with an award-winning Japanese chef shifted both his diet and ultimately his career trajectory. That evolution now reveals itself through dishes that merge Japanese precision with Latin warmth and French technique, all tied together by Luis’ signature sauces, oils, and glazes that local chefs have reportedly nicknamed him “the sauce guy” for.

The omakase itself moves at a leisurely pace despite technically being a 75-minute seating. Most guests can expect closer to two hours, which honestly feels ideal given how layered and conversational the experience becomes over time. Courses change frequently depending on seasonal sourcing, making every visit feel slightly different from the last.

U Omakase is the kind of culinary experience where you can show up alone, on a date, or with friends. The creativity behind each dish sparks conversation almost immediately, leaving guests asking themselves and each other, how did they even think of that? And was that also the best bite of your life too?