Sushi by Bou Nomad: Affordable NYC Omakase Review

Sushi by Bou Nomad: An Affordable Omakase Experience in New York

Sushi by Bou has many locations in the United States by offering a fast, streamlined, high-quality omakase at an accessible price point. New York City is famous for having some of the best sushi restaurants in the world, but many of them come with extremely high price tags. Sushi by Bou takes a different approach. It focuses on a short, curated, chef-led experience that feels elevated but still fits comfortably into the “affordable luxury” category. This concept has earned the brand a loyal following, especially among people who love sushi but do not want to spend hundreds of dollars per meal.

Location and Speakeasy Atmosphere at Sushi by Bou Nomad

We visited the Nomad location, which is at 32 E 32nd Street. The restaurant is tucked inside the W Hotel, and entering the space feels a little mysterious. You step through the main hotel entrance, then walk through a smaller doorway inside, which suddenly reveals a small counter that seats only ten guests. It immediately gives the impression of a hidden bar. In other words, it has a true speakeasy atmosphere. The small space, dim lighting, and quiet background music all work together to create an intimate dining experience.

Reservation Process and Pre-Meal Experience

Because Sushi by Bou follows a counter-style omakase format, you must make a reservation. There are no walk-ins. We booked a reservation earlier that day for 8 PM. When you arrive early, you can wait in a designated area outside the restaurant entrance. While you wait, you can order drinks from the bar inside the restaurant. The staff encourages guests to enjoy a drink before the omakase begins, which makes the experience feel relaxed rather than rushed.

Sushi by Bou Omakase Prices and Course Options

Sushi by Bou is known for its competitive prices. The restaurant’s main omakase options are:

12 Course Omakase for 65 Dollars

17 Course Omakase for 100 Dollars

These prices make Sushi by Bou one of the most popular choices among people searching for an affordable sushi dinner in New York City. Many omakase restaurants in Manhattan start at 150 dollars and can go far above 300 dollars, so finding a place where you can enjoy high quality fish at a fraction of the cost is a major advantage.

For our meal, we selected the 65 dollar course and ordered two Asahi beers to enjoy with the sushi. The drink menu includes cocktails, sake, beer, and wine, but keeping it simple with cold beer felt perfect for the laid-back vibe.

Sushi by Bou Drink menu

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Full 12 Course Omakase Breakdown at Sushi by Bou

Our 12-piece omakase consisted of the following:

1. Hamachi (yellowtail)

The hamachi was fresh and clean. The slice was small but had a smooth buttery texture. It was seasoned lightly so the natural sweetness could stand out.

2. Akami (lean tuna)

Akami is lean tuna. The flavor was pure, slightly salty, and delicate. The chef brushed a small amount of sauce on top for extra depth.

3. Botan Ebi (spotted prawn)

This was one of my favorite pieces. The shrimp had a firm yet creamy texture. The natural sweetness of the botan ebi made it especially memorable.

4. Ikura (salmon roe)

The ikura was bright and salty. The pearls burst easily and added a pop of flavor. It paired well with a sip of Asahi beer.

5. Bincho (albacore)

Bincho is albacore tuna. The flavor was mild and smooth. It was lightly seared to bring out extra richness.

6. Maguro (Chopoped tuna)

The classic maguro was simple and satisfying. The chef prepared it in a straightforward style that emphasized freshness. The sesame oil was the point of this piece.

7. Hotate (scallop)

The scallop was soft and sweet. It had a creamy texture that melted quickly on the tongue.

8. Gindara with miso (cod fisg)

Gindara is black cod. The piece was slightly seared, giving it a smoky, savory flavor that was very comforting.

9. Toro (fatty tuna)

This was one of the highlights of the night. The toro was rich, fatty, and luxurious. Even though the piece was small, the flavor was powerful.

10. Sake (salmon)

The salmon was fresh and flavorful. The chef added a light topping, yuzu pepper sauce that complemented the soft texture.

11. Wagyu Uni

This piece felt like a luxury treat. The wagyu was warm and fatty while the uni added creamy ocean flavor. The combination was indulgent without feeling too heavy.

12. Unagi

The final piece was unagi, which offered a sweet and savory finish. The sauce was warm and glossy, making it a comforting end to the course.

**Keep in mind that the exact menu can change based on availability and guest allergies. The chefs prepare everything directly in front of you, and the experience feels smooth and coordinated.

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Sushi Quality and Taste Review

Each sushi piece is slightly smaller than what you may find at sushi restaurants, but the quality of the fish is impressive. The cuts were fresh, clean, and flavorful. The seasoning and temperature were balanced, and each piece was served with minimal extras to highlight the taste of the fish itself. My boyfriend and I found every course delicious, and we both felt completely satisfied by the end.

Portion Size and Satisfaction

Although the sushi pieces are small, the 12-course format is enough for most people, especially when paired with a drink. My boyfriend and I both felt satisfied by the end. If you have a larger appetite or want a more complete meal, the 17-course option may be better.

Price and Value Compared to Other NYC Omakase

The value at Sushi by Bou is excellent. For 65 dollars, you get high quality fish, a chef-led counter experience, and a stylish environment. The price is lower than most New York omakase restaurants, making it approachable for people who want to try omakase for the first time or enjoy sushi without spending too much.

Final Thoughts on Sushi by Bou Nomad

Sushi by Bou Nomad delivers an enjoyable and memorable omakase experience at a very fair price. The atmosphere is unique, the sushi quality is high, and the staff is friendly. It is a great option for date nights, celebrations, or casual evenings when you want something special without breaking your budget. I would definitely return and would also love to try the 17-course option next time.

If you love sushi, affordable omakase, or hidden dining spots in New York City, Sushi by Bou is absolutely worth visiting.