Sushi Noz feels like stepping through a time portal to traditional Japan, hidden behind an unassuming entrance on the Upper East Side. This intimate eight-seat hinoki wood counter offers one of the most transportive dining experiences in the city, where every detail has been obsessively considered to create something truly special.

Chef Nozomu Abe works with the precision of a master craftsman, using centuries-old techniques like aging fish over ice and cooking rice in a donabe over charcoal. The omakase unfolds as a beautiful narrative, from delicate white fish to luxurious fatty tuna, each piece revealing new dimensions of flavor that make you reconsider what sushi can be. The wasabi, freshly grated on sharkskin, delivers that perfect nasal-clearing heat without overwhelming.

What makes Noz worth the splurge is the immersive theater of it all. The wooden ice chest containing the day’s selection, the antique Japanese ceramics, the gentle lighting—every element works in harmony. Even the temperature of the rice is meticulously controlled to complement each specific fish.

Yes, it commands a serious price tag, but for those seeking more than just dinner—rather, a meditative experience where time seems to slow down—Sushi Noz delivers something rare and precious in this frantic city. This is mindfulness practice disguised as a meal.