NYC Guide: Nami Nori
Nami Nori
Address | 33 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
Nami Nori NYC is a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Manhattan's bustling West Village, where traditional Japanese cuisine meets innovative flair. As you step into this sleek and inviting space, you're immediately greeted by the aroma of freshly prepared sushi and the hum of conversation. Nami Nori redefines the sushi experience with its signature temaki, or hand rolls, expertly crafted with a modern twist. Here, sushi becomes an art form, as each roll is meticulously prepared with the finest ingredients and presented with exquisite attention to detail. Whether you're a sushi aficionado or a newcomer to Japanese cuisine, Nami Nori promises a dining experience that's as delightful as it is unforgettable, inviting you to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the vibrant flavors and culinary traditions of Japan.
Over the past few weekends, we’ve been operating out of the New York City and primarily in the West Village area. My wife and I were able to sneak in a little lunch date and decided to try Nami Nori. In addition to the West Village—which is the location where we dined—Nami Nori has locations in Williamsburg and Montclair New Jersey.
If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know that temaki is one of my favorite meals to create for special occasions with friends and family, so I was definitely looking forward to trying a restaurant that specializes in temaki—sushi hand rolls. I recommend getting a reservation in advance especially on the weekends, because Nami Nori is a popular spot. The self-proclaimed beach vibes of the restaurant makes for an airy and fresh ambiance that makes you feel welcome and comfortable to enjoy a meal.
For our main, we each ordered the Signature Set which includes: tuna poke, with crispy shallots; x.o. scallop with tobiko, lemon; coconut shrimp, with green curry, lime, cilantro; kanpachi pineapple, with chipotle, tomato, onion, koji; and cucumber black sesame.
The nori of the temaki is cleverly brought to the table in a plastic wrap that you easily pull away when you’re ready to enjoy the roll. This keeps the nori crisp and holding all the ingredients together. The toppings on the roll were Japanese style but not ingredients or combos that you would necessarily find in a classical Japanese meal. That being said, I think that the toppings were fun and tasty. Overall, the meal was fun to experience with a date and the food was good. I will definitely return!