SSAW Brooklyn

“I really enjoyed the tasting menu here and the amazing service really made it a wonderful experience. My favorites were the chawanmushi that had such a soft texture and was very comforting. Firefly squid had excellent texture and was a satisfying bite. Little neck clam soup with the meatball was subtle in flavor but the meatball was very interesting with perfectly cooked clams inside. I also really enjoyed the sashimi, fried fish, abalone and the stingray cheeks. The chef put in a lot of attention to detail and it really reflected that in how well balanced everything tasted and was presented. Service was excellent and the server explained everything and was attentive. We were here for a Sunday dinner and I was surprised we were the only party here at 6pm. This place is so good and really needs to be discovered by more people! Their menu changes monthly so I'm looking forward to coming back again!”

“this is one of my favorite restaraunts in NYC, the food is experimental while still being delicious and approachable and the team is so friendly. I’ve been here 3 times already and recommended many friends as well and they’ve all loved it. One of the best restaraunts in NYC that flies completely under the radar.”

“Staff are passionate about Japanese food and replicating an authentic, high-end izakaya experience. Went for my partner's birthday dinner on a Monday and received spectacular service, ordering a la carte. Staff went above and beyond in providing complimentary sparkling wine, doburoku, and hojicha ice cream in addition to very attentive service. Two of the chefs were from Kagoshima and made time to discuss Kyushu cuisine with us. Our server, Ryosuke, was enthusiastic about their excellent sake list and provided great recommendations and samples from which to select. Food was delicious, with emphasis on fresh and seasonal seafood and vegetables and light on seasonings, and the chilled dishes in particular (scallops chawanmushi and hairy crab with nimono) were great for the heat wave. Dishes are definitely on the smaller side but that's to be expected (we picked up a few slices from Williamsburg Pizza afterwards). Atmosphere is wonderful, with eight seats at the bar overlooking the open kitchen and two small tables by the window. Lighting is sophisticated and the ceramics and glassware are gorgeous. Spoiled by Japanese food while living in Kyushu, I rarely find Japanese food in NYC or the US that's worth seeking out. SSAW's food and, in particular, service stand out from the competition and I would encourage a visit — especially for a special occasion. Looking forward to returning.”

“My wife and I had a wonderful experience at SSAW this past Saturday. We went for the pre-fix dinner and were genuinely impressed—every dish was thoughtfully composed and absolutely delicious. The flavors were refined and balanced in that uniquely elegant way that great Japanese cuisine can offer. One of the highlights of the evening was the sake pairing. The sake sommelier not only introduced us to varieties we hadn’t tried before, but really expanded our palate and appreciation for sake as a whole. It added a rich layer of depth to the meal. The ambiance of the restaurant was another standout. Calm, quiet, and soothing—perfect for a relaxed night out. SSAW also has a lot of beautiful design touches throughout the space, which made the experience feel even more special. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a refined, relaxing dining experience with incredible food and drink.”

“After months of newborn bliss and sleepless nights, my husband and I finally enjoyed our first date night since November—and SSAW made it truly special. We indulged in their newly introduced tasting menu, a harmonious journey through seasonal flavors. Each course was thoughtfully crafted, showcasing Chef Yusuke Fukuzaki’s impeccable technique and artistry. Watching him work with such calm precision was mesmerizing. The sake pairing, curated by sommelier and manager Ryo Yamazaki, was a revelation. I’ve never experienced such exquisite sake selections that complemented each dish perfectly. Our server, Pete, provided attentive and friendly service, enhancing our dining experience. The ambiance was serene and peaceful, offering a much-needed escape and a chance to reconnect. Thank you, SSAW, for an unforgettable evening. We can’t wait to return!”