Date of visit--early August 2026, a Sunday.
The short…read moreversion--a two-star Michelin restaurant that should have three stars, one that has made me rethink the other two and three-star ones I've been to in the past (and how I retroactively felt cheated by them in hindsight). An absolute pleasure in so many ways. Review based on regular prix fixe menu--no allergies or adjustments--plus non-alcoholic beverage pairing, respectively $335 and $150 (gratuity not included).
Exterior & Interior--It's close to the water and Williamsburg Bridge; its entrance is nondescript but consistent with the inside. Once inside, it is dark and your eyes will need a short time to adjust, but it is beautiful. There are enough pictures online for you to fill in the blanks without me describing it--16 circular tables (I think), lots of black (I know), some touches of wood and bronze near the open kitchen. For all the black space, there is exactly one overhead light pointing at each table so what's on the table is never hidden. I wouldn't change a thing about it, and the attention to detail surrounding it hinted at the meal to come. It aggravates me that several people online label the interior as "minimalist"--that is a lazy explanation and this place is soaked with detail, from the black richness of the walls to how the light glances off the woods and the bronze.
Music was actual music--not AI! Mostly 80s onward--perhaps in the vein of the Smiths, Interpol, etc., but actually pretty varied and consistent with the place. It was rather soft and in the background. Frankly, the only song I actually recognized was Bryan Adams "Heaven", which oddly fit in with the place more than I expected. Speaking of volume, while I had a clear view of the display kitchen and all of the staff were close to me, you don't ever actually hear them--they work so quietly!
Food & Drink--Standard prix fixe, no substitutions, add-ons, etc. (I declined some truffles they had flown in that day, an extra $65 I think). Started out with several small bites--you've seen most of them online. The recurring theme with the bites was that, for a first few seconds after the bite, there wasn't much flavor, but then there would be a lot after those seconds passed. Delayed satisfaction in other words. After all, this is an elevated expression of Nordic cuisine--flavors are meant to have some restraint compared to cuisines from some other parts of the world. The meal was extremely well-paced and built gradually to its climax that came in four parts. The famous langoustine and sauce, followed by the semi-famous hake fish with bread, followed by sea bass, and lastly followed a savory venison course. The strange part about this murderer's row was that, while the langoustine was presented as "our signature dish", the three that came after equaled it. If the langoustine was your favorite album ever by your favorite band ever, then the three following courses were that band then releasing three albums afterwards that were just as compelling.
Still, after all that, there was the dessert served in two or three parts (frankly can't remember). People have different preferences when it comes to deserts--some prefer chocolate and others prefer tart fruits, some prefer diary-based and others prefer sugary types. But Aska leaves nothing to chance with the desert phases--every thing you could want is offered, and it was a wonderful way to end.
With regard to the non-alcoholic beverage pairing, I'm glad I did it. I don't believe anything was made in-house, but I could be wrong since I don't recall the last drink being presented with its corresponding bottle (most were). It was a mix of zero-proof wines, tonics, a sake-ish drink, and ending with something that mirrored bourbon over a large ice rock. The staff would tell you in advance whether the drink is meant to be paired with the current course or the one following as well (helps you pace how much you drink of it).
Service--this was possibly the most wonderful thing about the night (or tied with many other things). As you walk in, they immediately offer to take an coats, hats, umbrellas, etc. and store them. This sounds insignificant and probably the norm in Europe, but this is simply not done anymore in the U.S., even at two and three-star places. From there, the meal is perfectly paced, interactions are warm but not overbearing, and just simply wonderful overall. Of course, the chef is great, but the whole team makes this place all the more special, and it made other places (Benu, Californios, Le Bernardin) seem mostly transactional.
So, would I do it all again? In a heartbeat (even with my modest income lol, it was that good). And if you're staying in Manhattan, do what I did: take a ferry to the South Williamsburg station (great experience), walk around the park near the bridge, go have a couple glasses of wine at a cool place called Bar Susanne that's in between the bridge and Aska, and then go have your meal. Thank me later...