Shumi in Ridgewood has been regarded as one of, if not the best, sushi restaurants in New Jersey and is now coming to Leonia. The award-winning experience opens on February 2, 2023, at 354 Broad Avenue. It will include an incredible exclusive private Omakase Room that can seat eight VIP guests.
New Jerseyans have enjoyed Shumi’s omakase sushi eating experience since opening its Ridgewood doors in 2017. With owner David Seo featured on all the Best Sushi in NJ lists and voted NJ’s Number One Best Sushi, it is no doubt that the success will carry on in the thriving food-scene city of Leonia. Alongside David Seo is Master Chef Kunihiko Aikasa, former owner of Shumi Somerville, a true master of all things Japanese cuisine and is now in his 46th year cooking as a professional chef. Together they cut and serve the finest fish available while also creating an amiable and welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels like luxury.
Photo courtesy of @Shumi.Omakase
“Aikasa and I are looking forward to opening in Leonia. We are excited to bring our Omakase to the thriving neighborhood and especially thrilled to offer the private room omakase dining experience in New Jersey,” says David Seo, the seasoned veteran with 21 years of Japanese cuisine under his culinary belt.
The Omakase experience is derived from the Japanese word pronounced oh-MAH-kah-say directly translates to “I’ll leave it up to you.” When you dine in this fashion, the menu is left entirely to the Chef’s choice. You will be able to enjoy a piece-by-piece multi-course meal. The private omakase room is situated at the back of the dining room and it holds a maximum of 9 people but 8 is the ideal number.
Photo courtesy of @Shumi.Omakase
The menu in the omakase room will be totally different from the rest of the restaurant and from Ridgewood. It will include a few hot appetizers throughout the meal interspersed with the most magnificent sushi and sashimi—items like the best Hokkaido uni, Otoro, salmon belly, seared wagyu beef, monkfish liver, eel, and yellow clam just to name a few. The meal will begin with soup and Japanese custard and end with homemade ramen.
Photo courtesy of @Shumi.Omakase
Aside from the VIP dining, the restaurant will have an open space that includes the 18-seat sushi bar, banquettes, and seating for 42, with the ability to add a few more tables as needed, making the new restaurant much larger than the Ridgewood location. The menu in the main dining room is more similar to the original location.
Shumi’s Omakase room will elevate the sushi game in New Jersey, creating a higher level of experience that is rare in the state. The new addition to Leonia will make every customer feel special and lavish. This delicious tasting experience is the perfect spot for sushi lovers and will be the icing on the cake for Japanese cuisine in New Jersey.
About the Author/s
Emma is an editorial intern. She likes to spend her free time cooking new recipes and chilling with her cat Stella.
