The kind of place you must go at least once in your life! Nagomi is truly a gem in the Bywater -- easily one of my favorite dining experiences ever and hands down the best sushi I've had in my life. We went with the omakase, a six-course tasting paired with sake, and every single dish was exceptional. Chef Kaz and Elijah are performers at heart. Watching them prepare and present each course felt like theater -- calm precision, artistry, and joy all at once. From the sake-cured Japanese snapper to the yellowfin tuna belly, every bite was perfection. The Hokkaido scallop with seared foie gras was rich and buttery, while the black sesame ice cream stole the finale -- it somehow tasted like a gourmet peanut butter cup. The energy in the room, the flow of sake, and the attention to detail made it a night to remember. Off-street parking on Burgundy made it easy, too. Simply put: this might be the best meal I've ever had in New Orleans. Huge thanks to Chef Kaz and Elijah for an unforgettable evening. Recommended dishes: Sake-Cured Japanese Snapper * Ora King Salmon * Yellow Tuna Tartare * Hokkaido Scallop with Seared Foie Gras * Yellowfin Tuna Belly * Black Sesame Ice Cream read more

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The wait is finally over! After more than 5 years of trying to get a reservation, we finally got a chance to dine at the infamous Nagomi. What a treat! The space is in an unmarked storefront so you have to really pay attention to the address. There is only two seatings so if you try to come early, don't. The door will be locked. After arriving, we were promptly seated and welcomed by the owner and chef. Waiting for us at our table was a bowl of deliciously seasoned edamame. Once the drink orders were placed, the feast begins. One after another, we received delicately prepared dishes of various sushi. I cannot tell you all the names, but I'll list my faves. The toro was buttery and tender with just enough sauce. In fact, the sauce, some type of ponzu, was so good, I drank it. Then Chez Kaz's take on a poke bowl with jellyfish salad and sashimi was refreshing and bright. I believe there was a yuzu sauce that dressed the poke. And the salmon was so fresh, it just melts in your mouth. The whole experience left us satiated and delighted. We cannot wait to come back and do it all again. read more

Nagomi - Poke - Japanese Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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I don't even know where to begin. Some of our best friends - the chicest two ladies we know - invited me and the love of my life to have dinner at Nagomi with them and 10 of their best friends. Now it must be said that they always hang with the coolest people, so we knew we'd have fun. As it turns out Nagomi is more of an experience than a dinner. I want to make sure that you understand that the food is exceptional - award winning quality and flavors - like I said - exceptional. Buuuutttt, in addition to the actual dinner there is this sort of "show" going down right in front of you. Chef Kaz is creating these artworks while the house ringmaster, Eli, explains the dishes and delivers these perfect plates to you and your group. So Eli is emceeing with this booming flair, the music is playing, friends are chatting, there's laughing, ooh-ing and aah-ing, you're watching the quiet precision of Chef Kaz creating these beautiful and intricate masterpieces, and all the while you're being treated to the best sushi you will EVER have in your life. Like EVER. Once you've finished all 8 courses, things break into a party. It's loud, and fun and - yes, I'll have another cocktail. Y'all it was like magic. Love, love, love. read more

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People often speak of how great the food seen in New Orleans is but they often refer to the homogeneous creole/French Cajun restaurants abundant in the city and rarely to the unique gems like Nagomi. Nagomi hidden in the Bywater is offering not only the best sushi in the city but the only truly Omakase experience in New Orleans. There is no set menu and only two seatings per night. Chef "Kaz" and Eli will keep both the amazing sushi and unique Sake flowing for two hours. The design of the restaurant like the food is modern, slick, approachable with no unnecessary distractions allowing the senses to fully focus on the food and the interaction between guest and host. A truly unique experience for any local or tourist visiting our city. read more

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Wow...just wow. I had no idea what to expect. This place blew it out of the park! The ambiance, the food, the Cuban waiter Elijah. Everything was amazing. I will literally be dreaming about this food for the rest of my life. Everything was fantastic. Every plate was beautiful, every bite was smashed, and I basically wanted to lick each plate when it was over. And I was sad bc i just wanted more. Even the ice cream was delicious and nostalgic. It tasted like the cereal milk that you get after eating your favorite ice cream as a kid. I 100% recommend this place, even if it's on cinco de mayo eating at a sushi restaurant. So worth it. read more

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5 Stars... simply excellent. If you know, you know. I'll fill some space to fulfill Yelp's minimum character requirement, but can't say anymore. I can't guarantee this place actually exists. read more

Nagomi - Japanese Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

I have loved Chef Kaz for a long time. And I've been missing him since he left Shogun many moons ago. So when I found out he was opening his own restaurant in the Bywater, I was ecstatic. The space fits 12 seats, but they are currently only serving 10 for 2 services a night. Reservations are highly coveted! They announce when reservations open on their Facebook. So make sure you are on top of it! From what E told me, their menu is pretty much set each month. I had 2 appetizers. Edamame and his fish broth with mixed mushrooms and octopus. 6 courses of fish, 2 pieces per course. According to the menu, you get between 6 to 8 courses of fish. I wish I was lucky enough to have gotten a 7th or 8th piece. Even without it, I left full and satisfied. The last dish was Chef Kaz's homemade black sesame ice cream. Apparently, the 830 time slot will be a little bit more lax and you may order extra bites and drinks if you want since they aren't in a rush to serve another group afterwards. Even though I came to the 6pm time slot, I never once felt rushed. I paid 75pp, but keep in mind this is not a set price! Depending on the variety of fish and amount of pieces you get, it can get more expensive. Can't wait for my next visit. read more

Best Omakase you will experience in New Orleans! I have been here multiple times and Kaz and Elijah are such a great team. They put up a show and as always, excellent food and service! It is definitely an experience that you must have while in New Orleans. The time, thought, care, and love spent making the food is unmatched. The food is delicious and the theatrics are always so fun to watch. The food presentation is always perfect and their taste is breathtaking! It is such a great experience that you have to plan this for special events. Overall, this place is a must try at least once. You will always leave with a fun and memorable experience! This place is always fully booked so do not hesitate to book if there is an opening. Make your way there and you will not be disappointed! read more

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Located in the Bywater. Dinner only. Reservation is required, I believe, as they are booked out far in advance. You'd probably have a higher chance at getting a date if you can plan a large group to book the entire place. It's a small establishment that can accommodate a group of twelve with a sushibar like seating. I was lucky enough to join a group one night. There's no food menu because it's an omakase style meal, meaning it's basically the chef's choice of fresh seafood, flown in from around the world. Eight course meal. I think the regular, basic omakase is $75 per person and the premium is $95 per person. We opted for the premium but sadly, I think the only one that was considered premium was toro. Our group host requested ahead of time for other premium items such as uni but they weren't able to get the supply. I'd have to say, the fish tasted fresh and of high quality. Each dish was coursed out with enough time in between for you to enjoy and savor in the different flavors of each. Each dish was "dressed", meaning it came with sauces and others to compliment each. So it wasn't straight, plain sushi pieces on a plate. There were definitely a few that stood out more than others. I think the best one from what I can remember were the scallops. They had this mango and wasabi sauce that gave you this burning sensation in your nose for a split second. It was a good type of burn though. Might have even shed a tear and tried not to sneeze but it was enjoyable. Of course, before inhaling the deliciousness, the server does explain everything on the dish for you. So you're not going in clueless. I can't remember the names of every dish we had but I'll attach the pictures. Their presentations were beautiful. It's also recommended to have sake pairings with the meal. I don't like sake but tried it anyways since the group wanted it. The server basically just poured as the night went and stopped at your command. Overall, service was great, food was good. The bill can be hefty if you're into all the drinking. It's an experience you should try though. read more

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I would say Nagomi was probably the only OG True Japanese sushi place I have visited in the city so far. I have not been to the other Omakase restaurant yet but It really was the best bite of sushi I have ever had. I mean everybody knows that what we usually see at a Japanese Restaurant is most likely americanized sushi and rolls. Big Tempura, cream cheese, crunchy topping with mayo drizzled everywhere... - a.k.a the fillers to make your roll actually look bigger... You will not find that at Nagomi. Each course comes with 2 sushi pieces (Except Poke) and I really L O V E that the ratio of rice to the fish piece is so perfect. I do not know how many courses we had but even after all that sushi, I was not excessively full at all. I would not come here hungry as it is truly an experience that really takes about 1.5 hours from the start to finish. Each courses are about 10-20 minutes apart and the staff explains what you are about to eat. Every course is so distinct... Out of all the sushi, my favorite was yuzu and plum sauce one. Something about the combination of citrus and raw fish always gets me.... Again, I would not come here to party or get messed up drinking sake as they have very selective variety of alcoholic beverage. They can pair a nice sake for you to go along with your dish but don't come here thinking that you will be chugging hot sake... Presentation, service and quality - That is what I care the most when dining at a restaurant and they get 5 stars in all those areas. It is a very teeny tiny place so reservation is a must! We booked in April for mid-June reservation for your information... P.s: they don't give you soy sauce or wasabi because they know what they are doing. You do not need it as the dishes are perfect as is! read more

Nagomi was freaking amazing. Wow. It's really hard to get a reservation here, but I believe they open them up at the end of each month through Resy. If you are able to get a spot, definitely get it. All the ingredients were so fresh, the our server was super entertaining and personable, and the food was so amazing. I honestly lost count of how many courses there were after the first few, but I think there were 10 overall including a dessert - not pictured. It is chef select omakase, so the only thing you are able to pick during the experience is what you want to drink. Some wine and beer options and PLENTY of sake. the chef's table seats 14 people, and there are some smaller tables against the wall that can fit 2 each. The restaurant is small but mighty, and damn do they put out some amazing food. I will never look at sushi at other restaurants the same way again! read more

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Amazing first experience at Nagomi. It was our anniversary and a friend "The Gatekeeper" got us a 4 seat spot a few weeks in advance. While it was a special night for my wife and I- since we had a reserved 4 seat spot we brought our son, big foodie, and shared the dishes from the extra seat. It was fantastic. Each dish was carefully prepared and harmonized with the various sauces and flavors as expected. This is attention to food preparation, quality of fish, and presentation detail that you see in the best food cities in the world. Oh wait- New Orleans IS one of those! Having Nagomi for Omikase in NOLA will make going to regular sushi so much harder, and our regular sushi scene is very good here. We might consider getting a group and booking the whole place if the amazing Chef Kaz can do some Mackerel and Uni dishes too :) Looking forward to having friends and guests with us next time. read more

Nagomi - Chef Kaz hard at work prepping the next dish. - Japanese Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Had my first omakase experience @nagomi, and I was literally on cloud nine * * * * One of my most favorite dishes was the ora of salmon, which basically is the wagyu of salmon I added the sauce of this dish to the mini poke bowl for one of the courses and it was literally everything. My second favorite has to be the red snapper dripped in yuzu, and oh wow, yuzu is my absolute favorite sauce!! The blue fin tuna as the course finisher felt like it cleanse my palette for the next course, which was the black sesame dessert. * * The black sesame dessert almost tasted like chocolate Coco puffs!! Honestly, everything dish melted in my mouth and the omakase experience here is literally one of a kind Find me on IG @piggieats_ for more reviews! read more

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Yeah. It's everything you've heard about. If you are into California rolls or all you can eat joints and somehow find yourself with the opportunity to eat here, don't waste your time. This isn't the place for you. You probably also put ketchup on your well done steaks. read more

Nagomi - Japanese Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

I snagged a reservation here for February in their first month of opening and so glad I did! Everything was AMAZING. This is a tasting menu only so Chef Kaz makes the food and you eat! They only do two seatings a night with 12 people each time, which makes for a very cozy and unique setting! Chef Kaz makes everything right in front of you so you get to watch and really enjoy the experience! The dinner was about two hours and Eli was such a great host! He really tells you about everything you are eating and great entertaining! Price per person and amount of dishes can vary depending on the availability of fresh fish that day! We had an appetizer, hot dish, 8 sushi courses and dessert! I will be dreaming about this until I can go again! read more

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Tucked in the Bywater, this restaurant takes you out of the city and brings you a little slice of Japan. This is a 12 seater, reservation only, omakase experience with 2 seatings a night. Every night is different so my experience will vary from yours. Chef Kaz presented us with 2 appetizers, 7 courses of sushi (2pcs per person), and dessert. Every bite melted in my mouth bursting with flavors and so much umami. It was delectable and filling. I did not leave this hungry! And it was affordable. I'm already trying to book a reservation for my next time. read more

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I was fortunate to be invited for the grand opening at this restaurant which is a one of a kind in New Orleans and I had a unique and wonderful experience over there.. the concept of paying for food that you don't even know what it is before you actually sit down, is as intriguing and trustful .. you leave yourself in the magic of chef's cooking hands .. and it's worth every penny!! Btw.. I even had to cheat my vegetarian diet for Nagomi read more

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Best Japanese food I've ever had, wasn't particularly close. Found myself saying, "this is the best bite of sushi I've ever had" multiple times over many different courses. Food and service are both top notch, very small place and very in demand so you need to plan well ahead. it has been consistently been worth the wait of getting a seat. It's not a cheap meal, but you can really tell that the money you're spending is going into the ingredients. Look forward to going again. read more

Sushi is sushi. Right? Wrong, VERY wrong! I'm not sure if I want to talk about sushi, the experience, the atmosphere, or the laughs first, because all of it was beyond what I thought some sushi for dinner was going to be. So, this is how it goes . . . This remarkably thought out restaurant exceeded any "sushi" experience I've ever had. There are two gentlemen doing the entire thing. When you go, let them tell you their story, you'll enjoy it. I'm almost sure I fell madly in love with Eli! Kaz is very mysterious and only speaks here and there. The sushi chef, Kaz, is so focused and intentional on his craft. I spent a large portion of the evening watching his hands gently create each guest's plate. His movements were smooth and familiar and he never missed a beat. Eli, Eli, Eli ... he was as indescribable as the food. The guy's spirit is infectious and, frankly, I felt like we were friends from the moment we got there. If you don't adore these guys after an evening with them .. umm, you and I probably won't really get along. I saw a post that used the word, 'Joie de vivre', as a description for them and I can't think of a better way to encompass them! JOY! The room was full of joy. Being with my good friends and their family, sharing a casual evening filled my spirit. What an honor that people so full of life shared their night with me. The restaurant is one room that seats 12 guests. In fact, that's all that's in there for each reservation. There are reservations available at 6p or 8pm Wednesday - Saturday and, currently, they're booked until the end of September; for good reason. I have thought about how to describe the food and well, I can't. I don't know what to say to impress upon you what you'll experience when eating at Nagomi NOLA. You just have to do it. Frankly, in my mind, this place is how all my meals should be. The fish was so fresh, the ingredients as well, and the thought and detail that went into the pairing of the items was and is something I don't know how to do. Eli explains, in detail, each dish as you receive it and as you're eating you can find each thing individually and collectively. I don't think I have the proper words in my arsenal to give justice to my evening ... I would, however, encourage you to have one of your own. This place got it right! read more

Nagomi - Japanese Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Years ago I submitted my name for the waiting list for Nagomi when it first opened. Last night, 3 years later, I finally got in, thanks to a friend who had met one of the owners and was able to get a reservation for 4 of us. The intimate restaurant seated 12 people, all of us eating the 8 (I think?) courses they brought us, and it was all spectacular. I took pictures, but they don't do justice to the delicacies we enjoyed. Truly amazing. Some courses were subtle, some were bold, all were nuanced and complicated and orgasmic. There was clearly a strategy in how the levels of intensity changed throughout. Watching chef Kaj was fascinating, while Eli masterfully detailed each delicious course and shared his knowledge of their wines and sakes. It was a joyful experience that I'm thrilled to have experienced. I look forward to going back soon. read more

Thank you for dedicating yourselves to this craft! Whenever my out of town guests come in, I'm bringing them to a dinner experience with yall. The love for what you do can be felt across the board. High quality everything! Thankful this entity exists. Keep up the amazing work! Love y'all XO read more

Such amazing food and great vibes. Can't recommend it enough! These guys will take great care of you. Best spot in the city. read more

Nagomi - Roller coaster - Japanese Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

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Wow! We had a wonderful experience at Nagomi. The Omakase were $75 a person which is very affordable for Omakase. The dishes were very unique. You will not find these dishes at any Japanese restaurant in New Orleans. It's a must try. read more

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This is hands down one of the best meals I've had in my life. The flavors were just crazy good. Presentation included a bit of deserved fanfare. I've been trying to get a reservation for almost a year and it was worth it. Whatever you have to to get in, sell a kidney, your soul, do it! Food was so good and pretty that I felt it disrespectful to take pictures. read more

Had dinner there last night and it was definitely one of the best dining experiences I've ever had! The team of Kaz and Eli work so well together to make it an amazing evening! Chef Kaz puts together an 8 course captivating culinary experience making you not want it to end; while Eli serves it up, explains each dish while keeping you entertained the whole time! Definitely something you need to experience to truly appreciate it! I'm already ready to go back again! read more

Traditional style sushi that focuses on bringing out the best of ingredients. Sushi was very delicious and was full at the end. Service was perfect and they were very attentive to the details. read more

Guys, sushi lovers, fellow humans...BEST SUSHI EXPERIENCE EVER! In fact, my best restaurant experience in the US. There's 1 table/bar and it takes 12 people to fill it. Two seatings a night at 6 and I think 8:30. You go as a group as far as I understand but inquire, they may take randoms and schedule them as a group of 12. Reservations are far ahead but break out your calendars. This is worth the wait! Two people man the experience and both are owners; not a chance of poor service! There's an amazing infusion sushi chef that is quiet and focuses on his art and a "front man" that is the love child of Janis Joplin and Gabe Kaplan, . He follows the energy of the group and tailors the narrative to the crowd. We had a rather "open" experience and we swung from big smiles to laugh out loud funny! I just loved the experience! read more

Exceptional. Best dining experience ever. All I have to say is go. Every dish was perfection. Eli and Kaz are phenomenal.

I have known Chef Kaz and and Ringmaster/M.C. Eli for about 8 years . It took me about a while to get a reservation but was worth it ! 7 courses of delicate heaven finished off by an ice cream as a fabulous entrement . If you complain that you can not get a reservation ,it means that you haven't tried hard enough .... read more

Fabulous. Amazing. I'm currently revising all my previous 5 star reviews to four. Just try it.

Nagomi is hands down one of the best (if not the best) dining experiences you will ever find. There is nothing like what chef Kaz and Eli are delivering at their one of a kind fusion sushi omakase restaurant. The flavors are to die for, the service is outstanding and the location has been completely renovated to be a modern and intimate atmosphere. I can't recommend them more, I know there are big things in store for this unique gem! read more

Nagomi - Japanese Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Most amazing sushi I have ever eaten. It was the most incredible experience in a restaurant I have ever had. Minimalist approach to the place. The 2 owners do everything. Amazing sushi chef of 35 years makes the food, the other owner waits on the table and explains the food and gives you the fun and happy experience. The food, the atmosphere, the sake, every detail is top notch and wonderful. Flavors explode in your mouth. I cannot say enough great things about this restaurant. It's a must. read more

I have eaten at some of the best restaurants in the world and have been blessed to have had a lot of chefs in my life so good food is a constant for me. I have to say, my meal at Nagomi was one of the top 10 I have ever had. The food is on point and the presentation and atmosphere are perfect. If you get a chance to go here, drop everything and do it. I certainly will. read more

I had a wonderful Omakase experience here! Chef Kaz and Eli are a great combo together, they have only 6pm and 8pm reservations. No menu, simply Omakase and some delicious soju. Highly recommend! read more

This place is a hidden gem. From start to end , the experience was phenomenal. Great reception by the host and the chef. They both make sure you feel comfortable and have everything you need to make the experience unique. Every plate we tasted had different flavors and got better as they come. To summarize, they were an explosion of flavors that I highly recommend you try. Definitely going back ! Thank you read more

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Last night dinner was outstanding - I enjoyed everything- every plate. Eli and Chef Kaz made the dinner a fun experience and each dish made me so happy. I loved not having to pick what I wanted - each dish was explained by Eli and the whole dinner was a fantastic experience. All of Chef Kazs sauces were the highlight for me! I can't wait to go back. read more

I feel like I'm in Los Angeles. I wish I could compare it to Japan but I haven't been fortunate enough to visit yet. Once coronavirus is over though, make way. Anyways, this place is spectacular. From the laid back Eli greeting and giving you omakase of sake to the chef himself. It's an experience you don't know you're missing until you've had it. Great end to any week, better start to any weekend. Absolutely reccomend Ed read more

I've been lucky enough to visit Nagomi twice since they opened and all the accolades you read in other reviews are 100% true: Eli and Chef Kaz serve up the absolute best sushi in all of New Orleans. Eating here is also very possibly the best dining experience money can buy in the city. While it is expensive, the value of what you're getting is off the charts. The biggest compliment I can give is that I spent two weeks traveling around Japan, enjoyed multiple Omakase & Kaiseki style meals, and Nagomi is still the best sushi I've ever had. Go visit. read more

Absolutely horrible. It's impossible to speak with a human. They direct people to go to Resy to make a reservation and there was no Nagomi. It demonstrates such a level of arrogance to make potential diners have to search for the code "to be invited" to dine here. I want to be welcomed when I go out to eat. read more

Hands down one of the best meals I've ever had. Felt honored to be invited to dine with friends who snagged a Resy. A true experience from start to finish. read more