There’s another option for the foodies out there. Omatoya, a Japanese restaurant, opened on Grand Avenue toward the end of last year and I’m pleased to report that the food is top notch and is served in a sleek, modern setting.

They don’t have a liquor license yet, although I got a glimpse at their future drink offerings, and it is comprehensive. Not only will they offer the traditional sake, but also wine, beer, highballs, and exotic cocktails.

There are hot and cold appetizers on the menu. Selections such as Yaki Shishito, Miso Glazed Black Cod, and Grilled Smoked Octopus are available from the hot appetizer menu. The cold appetizers include Cajun Tuna Tataki, Yellowtail Serrano, and Cherry Salmon.

My husband Steve and I chose two hot appetizers to share: Short Rib Negimaki and Pork Gyoza. Both were delicious.

Omatoya offers a variety of sushi rolls as well as sashimi, poke bowls, hibachi, standard meat entrees like Angus steak, and noodle soups. Vegetarian options are offered. The party menu includes sushi platters ranging from $50-$90.

For dinner, Steve and I chose off their Special Rolls menu. Everything tested fresh and their flavoring choices were perfect.

Dessert is a choice of ice cream or tempura cakes. We chose green tea mochi and it was the perfect end to a great meal.

Any drawbacks? You may order take-out, but they don’t offer delivery just yet. As for the in-house experience, the place was brand new when we dined there and the staff seemed a bit frazzled, so it took a while before we were served, but hopefully that has been worked out by now. And for those who prefer a cocktail with dinner, it’s basically Coke or 7 Up right now. But give it a few more weeks and Omatoya will likely become a favorite dinner destination.

Omatoya
64-15 Grand Avenue
(718) 255-6606
Chef: Chang Lin Chen
Sunday: 12-10:30pm
Monday-Thursday: 11:30am-10pm
Friday-Saturday: 11:30am-11pm