Jewel Bako
(212) 979-1012
239 E 5th St
New York,
NY
10003
40.7275
-73.9903
Neighborhoods: Downtown, East Village
What People Are Saying About Jewel Bako
The Editor
Allison Austin
Citysearch
The Scene
Back-lit bamboo branches create a three-dimensional arch above candlelit tables. It's a stylish setting, but the most coveted spot for serious fish fiends lies further back: With just six seats, the sushi bar allows diners to have what is essentially their own private sushi chef for the night. Co-owner Jack Lamb swings about the place, smoothly extolling the virtues of each sake in a swift, showy fashion.
The Food
Young sushi chef Masato Shimizu deftly slices, shapes and presents each piece of fish with irresistible enthusiasm. Splurge on an omakase dinner, and course after course will arrive, beginning with tiny bites of tuna tartare and rich bits of monkfish liver, progressing to a breathtaking rainbow of sashimi, which might include a trio of yellowtail tunas culled from different parts of the fish. Sushi is the finale, and offbeat offerings like horse mackerel are par for the course.
User Reviews
Linda1228
December 08, 2008
My husband saw the Bizarre Foods episode where Jewel Bako was featured. He would not stop saying that he wanted to go eat there. So for his birthday this past weekend I took him. I planned 2 months in advance to make sure I would get seats at the sushi bar. Front and center. It was like the head chef was only serving us. It really was incredible!!! We had the spiny lobster sashimi. (must order a week b-4 so they can have it flown in from Japan) It was like nothing we had ever had. We also each had the Omakase dinner. SO WORTH IT!!! Course after course of breathtaking, fresh fish. The wine paring was incredible as well. Only the best wine you can imagine! We were there about 3 1/2 hours. The most enjoyable, relaxin dinner you can imagine! We truly had a fantastic time. I dont know how we will go back to our local sushi place. This place is top notch!!!!! If you enjoy sushi, Treat yourself! You will not regret it!!!
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missladynyc
September 17, 2008
Heard many good things about this restaurant and had to try it for myself. The service was really great. But I didn't think the food was worth the price at all. I had been to many Japanese restaurant with the same price range and got a lot more different varieties. Don't think I would go back again.
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toyzkill
July 02, 2008
I've heard so much about Jewel Bako that I had to see for myself. I must say, I was not disappointed. A very friendly and accomodating atmosphere, combined with a pleasant and courteous staff (also very knowledgable with the fish cuts). If you go, the omakase is a must. I you can shell the extra $45, go for the omakase dinner (I unfortunately decided to spend the excess on a wonderful bottle of sake, which was the perfect complement). I will be back but will have to sit at the sushi bar, which is supposedly "the" experience. A must visit.
read full reviewThe Details on Jewel Bako
What to Drink:
Jack Lamb's sake and wine pairings elevate a meal here to the next level--pinot noir with salmon, anyone? Ask him to take care of you and give him your budget--he'll do the rest.
The Extras:
Lamb and his wife Grace also own Jack's Luxury Oyster Bar, right across the street.
Know Before You Go:
Omakase dinners cost $95 for the chef's tasting menu.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Cash, Diners Club, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Romantic Dining, Quiet, People Watching
