Was there at 5pm on a Thursday for their $100 Omakase meal. The restaurant has a nice decor. We sat at the sushi bar and was able to watch the sushi chef prepare the courses. Fresh pickled ginger cubes were provided to clear the palate. He also gave us additional information on some of the dishes. The food was very good, fresh seafood, and good service. My husband also had the $45 saki flight which he enjoyed.
Overview
Kaizen: Omakase & Hand Roll Sushi Restaurant at 33-70 Farrington St, Queens, NY 11354, United States, offers one of the most authentic sushi experiences you can find in the city. Walking into the restaurant, you’re immediately greeted with a warm, inviting atmosphere where every detail, from the minimalist décor to the carefully arranged sushi counter, signals a focus on quality and craftsmanship. During my visit, I was particularly struck by how the chefs engage directly with diners, explaining the ingredients and techniques behind each creation, which made the meal feel personal and curated.
The menu at Kaizen balances traditional omakase selections with innovative hand rolls that are both visually stunning and flavorful. Each dish showcases seasonal ingredients sourced from reputable suppliers, reflecting a deep understanding of taste, texture, and presentation. For instance, the toro nigiri melts in your mouth, a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to sourcing premium fish and handling it with precision. According to the James Beard Foundation, restaurants that emphasize ingredient quality and chef expertise consistently receive higher customer satisfaction ratings, which aligns perfectly with what I experienced at Kaizen.
One thing that sets this Queens location apart is the hand roll station. Watching the chefs craft each roll with careful attention to the rice-to-filling ratio was fascinating. They employ techniques rooted in traditional Japanese culinary practices, ensuring that every bite delivers a balance of flavors. In particular, the unagi hand roll, paired with a subtle drizzle of house-made sauce, demonstrated a thoughtful approach to seasoning and presentation. My personal experience confirmed that the freshness of ingredients directly enhances the overall dining experience, making this restaurant a standout option for sushi enthusiasts.
The reviews from locals and food critics echo these sentiments, highlighting the restaurant’s consistency, creativity, and approachable yet refined environment. According to OpenTable, Kaizen regularly maintains high ratings for service and quality, which is backed up by the attentive staff who guide diners through their meal without ever rushing them. This combination of professional expertise and warm hospitality creates a dining experience that feels both special and comfortable.
Kaizen’s commitment to quality extends beyond the plate. The restaurant follows meticulous hygiene practices and ensures that every dish meets strict freshness standards. This level of care is comparable to top-tier sushi establishments recognized in New York City’s culinary scene, where chefs are often trained under seasoned experts in Japan or at renowned institutions. Furthermore, the focus on transparency-explaining sourcing, preparation methods, and seasonal availability-builds trust with diners, allowing them to appreciate not just the taste, but also the craft behind each serving.
For those exploring Queens, the location at Farrington Street is convenient and accessible, yet tucked away enough to feel like a hidden gem. Whether you are a sushi aficionado or a newcomer curious about omakase dining, the combination of hand rolls, chef-curated selections, and the immersive dining experience ensures that every visit leaves a lasting impression. From my firsthand experience, it’s clear that Kaizen blends tradition and creativity in a way that few restaurants manage, making each meal more than just dinner-it’s an introduction to a carefully honed culinary art.
Good to know
From the business
âś“ Identifies as Asian-ownedService options
âś“ Delivery âś“ On-site services âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-inHighlights
âś“ Fast service âś“ SportPopular for
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Cocktails âś“ Happy-hour drinks âś“ Healthy options âś“ Small plates âś“ Spirits âś“ Vegetarian options âś“ WineDining options
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Counter service âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ Bar on site âś“ Gender-neutral toilets âś“ ToiletAtmosphere
âś“ Cosy âś“ Trendy âś“ UpmarketCrowd
âś“ Family friendly âś“ TouristsPlanning
âś“ Dinner reservations recommended âś“ Accepts reservationsPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ Good for kids âś“ High chairsParking
âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Paid parking lot âś“ Paid street parking âś“ Parking âś“ Valet parkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 734 reviews
Dear Kaizen, My wife and I chose Kaizen for our wedding anniversary this year due to our shared love of Omakase, and living together in Flushing for fifteen years. We'd been before, sitting at the bar, and had an incredible time. The chef's attention to detail along with the fun atmosphere and kind staff were all we needed to convince us to bring our parents here for our shared big day. While as a couple our experience was lovely, bringing our parents there proved to be a mistake. We sat at a booth due to my mother-in-laws mobility issues due to her Parkinson's, and the five of us (my wife, myself, my sister-in-law, father-in-law, & mother-in-law) ordered the 6 course Omakase with each of us getting one or two add ones. The first course was served delicately, and we all sipped our little soups with joy. My parents had never experienced Omakase, and it was important for me to have them savior each dish distinctly for its own special flavors. After our first dish we were informed that our sake pairing would be sped up & my wife and I agreed. Next, instead of the next plated dish, we were served all five courses on a single dish without any of the accompaniments. I was embarrassed on behalf of my family, as one is easy to recognize when a restaurant wants people to leave as fast as possible. This was meant to be a paced, slow, family dinner where we talked about our accomplishments and celebrated each other. Instead, we were rushed when the place was not busy. I appreciated the manager coming to us at the end and asking if everything was ok, but being polite I just thanked him. In the future, if you provide Omakase at booths, provide the experience, or don't offer it.
I have never been a hand roll sushi person. Until today. It was a delightful treat to try sushi a new way. I had one classic and two signature options. I really liked them all. Service was fantastic and the atmosphere was calming with a modern but beautiful aesthetic.
Came for the NYC Restaurant Week Omakase set! Came with a decent amount of sushi which was all really good quality. I also really enjoyed the mushrooms in the miso soup. Overall was a good experience. The decor of the restaurant was quite nice, however as we arrived close to opening it was a bit quiet for the large space.
new chef still great service and atmosphere. terry and felicia and sunny and rob are the best ! loved the pacing of the courses and conversation i had with other guests at the sushi bar. always a great time
This was an amazing experience with even better company. I came here with my friends and the fish was so fresh. Everyone was so kind to us and introduced every hand role. I’ve had sushi many places and I must say, this was amazing!! The owner was so kind and knowledgeable! I definitely want to come back!
If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. Kaizen has officially become our go-to spot for omakase, and that is entirely because of Chef Lok and his incrwdibel hospitality & sushi expertise. We cannotttt wait to come back for his own curated menu. From the moment you sit down, you feel Chef Lok’s love, care, and hospitality. He’s warm, he’s engaging, he’s fun, he’s respectful, he’s kind.. we had one of our kids with us and he wa so fun with him too! He doesn’t just prepare sushi here, he creates an experience. Every piece is a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and presentation, but what makes it extraordinary is the fun and warmth he brought to our counter. His passion is infectious too (24 years!!) and you can taste it in the food and feel it in the atmosphere The quality of the ingredients is second to none: the freshest uni (literally the best I’ve ever had and I’ve been to Michelin omakase), buttery toro, fresh ikura, perfectly marinated fish, and PERFECTLY seared scallops. Each piece was put together like art and served with the intent to clearly blow our minds lol Some standouts were the uni-topped toro and the hand roll they was bursting with flavor, and the oysters with ikura that felt like a piece of heaven in my mouth. Every bite was unforgettable, not just the odd one amazing piece. Chef Lok goes above and beyond in making the omakase personal. He takes time to engage, explain, and laugh with you, which transforms the dinner from just dining into something memorable… none of us would forget that experience lol. He is soo passionate and his pieces are so different than a typical omakase. Fish is also soo fresh. The balance of high level skill with genuine hospitality is so rare, especially in such a comfortable setting and it’s exactly why Kaizen felt so soecial. This is not just sushi… it’s delicious artistry, and fun in each bite. We left not only full but sooo happy knowing we had found a place we’ll be returning to again and again. Thank you Chef Lok for making Kaizen feel like home for us omakase lovers!!!
Celebrated my bday here & the night was amazing. Starting w/5 star hospitality by our loving host Sunny who was such an amazing mixologist & comedic delight. Accompanied by Jay & Ben behind the sushi bar slicing & dicing up our omakase bites of joy. Night was hilarious & a bday to remember consistent fresh house wasabi vodka shots & giggles & cackles throughout….thank you Kaizen & company!