Sushi Katsuei has been a go-to spot for years, but after this recent visit, I can confidently say I will not be returning. We opted for the omakase, expecting the high-quality fish and exceptional experience we've come to know, but what we received was far from it. The fish was rubbery, lacking freshness, and had a distinctly off-putting texture. To make matters worse, it seemed like we were served a subpar selection compared to other tables. While others were presented with a variety of premium cuts, we were left wondering if we had received the leftovers.
The experience took an even darker turn when two members of our party fell ill later that evening. Both experienced food poisoning symptoms, which was a shocking and concerning outcome from a place we once trusted implicitly. Food safety should be a given at any restaurant, let alone one that claims to be among the best for sushi in Brooklyn. It’s unacceptable and deeply disappointing to have our health compromised after what should have been an enjoyable meal.
What’s most disheartening is that this wasn’t our first visit, and our previous experiences set a much higher bar. Sushi Katsuei used to be a shining example of quality and consistency, but this visit felt like a betrayal. It’s clear something has changed, whether it’s the sourcing of ingredients, attention to detail, or care for loyal customers. Whatever it is, it’s not working, and it’s a shame to see a once-beloved restaurant fall so far.
Food: 1
Eric Batalden
We enjoyed everything we tried. The Nigiri was excellent. Our server had excellent fish recommendations. This spot is on our short list
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Bianca Lemmons
Our waiter walked us through and explained everything to us as we are sushi novice. This was a well recommended place for sushi and sashimi and I highly recommend it!
Alejandro Fragoso
The fish is fine. Maybe I was there for an off-week. I went for the omakase and was underwhelmed by the presentation and variety. You basically get a series of combo platters brought to the table. There’s no interaction with the chef and the waiters are too busy serving everyone else to really intro the dish (not that there’s much to discuss anyway ?).
I guess it’s a deal for the volume of food you’re getting for $65 but I’m convinced the people leaving glowing reviews haven’t had proper omakase before. Again, it’s fine. Not bad.
Good budget option with a great atmosphere!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Michael Sierchio
Excellent omakase with some creative garnishes
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Olivia Del Vecchio
Great omakase in simple restaurant
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Omakase Sushi
Paul Furman
This sushi spot is a total gem! The service is top-notch - friendly and attentive, which is a HUGE deal for me. We went for the Omakase and sat at the bar, best decision ever. Watching the chefs work their magic was mesmerizing.
The fish was incredibly fresh, and each dish was like a tiny work of art. If you're into sushi, you've gotta try this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Omakase Sushi
Eric Walpert
Some of the best (if not the best) fish I've ever had outside of Japan. Yeah, it's expensive, but you get what you pay for ?
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joseph R
Got the chef's oSKAMae [not-so]-special. Fish was fine. Which, at an astronomical $80 there was barely any of it. Anyhow, much of it tasted the same despite it being presented as if each piece was some sort of Michelin caliber honor to eat. The oyster was the only item even remotely noteworthy. Was given soy sauce and instructed not to use it. A disproportionately large amount of staff stands around and kind of observes you eating. Shrimp tempura was standard, although its outrageous price wasn't. Left feeling hungry and ripped off.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
Jonathan Graf
The $117 omakase was mostly tasty but we experienced some dissatisfaction like the rather inexpensive mackerel. This did not include any small dessert like a slice of orange or watermelon. The seating at the sushi bar was quite tight. When we arrived, the guy next to me wasn’t happy and after he left, the new person who they attempted to seat there asked to have his seat changed.
Given the hype of this place, the prices, and considering it was filled with mid-30-somethings on a Thursday night, I did expect a more satisfying culinary experience.
Food unreal, service unreal, atmosphere, unreal. This place is phenomenal. You definitely want to try coming here for an experience. It's delicious! I'm sorry everyone. I really don't know what else to say other than you need to come here!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Eric Hipp
Excellent sushi and very professional staff.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi Omakase Handroll, Nama Geso Tempura
Thomas Meyers
This was my first omakase experience that I went to on my birthday. It was absolutely PHENOMENONAL. The nigiri honestly melted in my mouth like butter. Here are pictures of the yellowtail with scallion, Uni, and the king salmon I believe. Everything was fresh, delicious, and marvelously prepared. I'll definitely be coming back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rob T.
Always a delight and the food is top notch! Will be coming back for more!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Andrew Negri
Shared a few rolls here and they were all great. They were all more simple, which let the quality of the ingredients shine. In particular, the medium fatty tuna and scallion roll tasted incredibly fresh and delicate. Will definitely come back if in the area.
Sushi Katsuei has been a go-to spot for years, but after this recent visit, I can confidently say I will not be returning. We opted for the omakase, expecting the high-quality fish and exceptional experience we've come to know, but what we received was far from it. The fish was rubbery, lacking freshness, and had a distinctly off-putting texture. To make matters worse, it seemed like we were served a subpar selection compared to other tables. While others were presented with a variety of premium cuts, we were left wondering if we had received the leftovers.
The experience took an even darker turn when two members of our party fell ill later that evening. Both experienced food poisoning symptoms, which was a shocking and concerning outcome from a place we once trusted implicitly. Food safety should be a given at any restaurant, let alone one that claims to be among the best for sushi in Brooklyn. It’s unacceptable and deeply disappointing to have our health compromised after what should have been an enjoyable meal.
What’s most disheartening is that this wasn’t our first visit, and our previous experiences set a much higher bar. Sushi Katsuei used to be a shining example of quality and consistency, but this visit felt like a betrayal. It’s clear something has changed, whether it’s the sourcing of ingredients, attention to detail, or care for loyal customers. Whatever it is, it’s not working, and it’s a shame to see a once-beloved restaurant fall so far.
Food: 1
We enjoyed everything we tried. The Nigiri was excellent. Our server had excellent fish recommendations.
This spot is on our short list
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Our waiter walked us through and explained everything to us as we are sushi novice. This was a well recommended place for sushi and sashimi and I highly recommend it!
The fish is fine. Maybe I was there for an off-week. I went for the omakase and was underwhelmed by the presentation and variety. You basically get a series of combo platters brought to the table. There’s no interaction with the chef and the waiters are too busy serving everyone else to really intro the dish (not that there’s much to discuss anyway ?).
I guess it’s a deal for the volume of food you’re getting for $65 but I’m convinced the people leaving glowing reviews haven’t had proper omakase before. Again, it’s fine. Not bad.
Good budget option with a great atmosphere!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Excellent omakase with some creative garnishes
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Great omakase in simple restaurant
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Omakase Sushi
This sushi spot is a total gem! The service is top-notch - friendly and attentive, which is a HUGE deal for me. We went for the Omakase and sat at the bar, best decision ever. Watching the chefs work their magic was mesmerizing.
The fish was incredibly fresh, and each dish was like a tiny work of art. If you're into sushi, you've gotta try this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Omakase Sushi
Some of the best (if not the best) fish I've ever had outside of Japan. Yeah, it's expensive, but you get what you pay for ?
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Got the chef's oSKAMae [not-so]-special. Fish was fine. Which, at an astronomical $80 there was barely any of it. Anyhow, much of it tasted the same despite it being presented as if each piece was some sort of Michelin caliber honor to eat. The oyster was the only item even remotely noteworthy. Was given soy sauce and instructed not to use it. A disproportionately large amount of staff stands around and kind of observes you eating. Shrimp tempura was standard, although its outrageous price wasn't. Left feeling hungry and ripped off.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
The $117 omakase was mostly tasty but we experienced some dissatisfaction like the rather inexpensive mackerel. This did not include any small dessert like a slice of orange or watermelon. The seating at the sushi bar was quite tight. When we arrived, the guy next to me wasn’t happy and after he left, the new person who they attempted to seat there asked to have his seat changed.
Given the hype of this place, the prices, and considering it was filled with mid-30-somethings on a Thursday night, I did expect a more satisfying culinary experience.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Food unreal, service unreal, atmosphere, unreal. This place is phenomenal. You definitely want to try coming here for an experience. It's delicious! I'm sorry everyone. I really don't know what else to say other than you need to come here!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent sushi and very professional staff.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi Omakase Handroll, Nama Geso Tempura
This was my first omakase experience that I went to on my birthday. It was absolutely PHENOMENONAL. The nigiri honestly melted in my mouth like butter. Here are pictures of the yellowtail with scallion, Uni, and the king salmon I believe. Everything was fresh, delicious, and marvelously prepared. I'll definitely be coming back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Always a delight and the food is top notch! Will be coming back for more!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shared a few rolls here and they were all great. They were all more simple, which let the quality of the ingredients shine. In particular, the medium fatty tuna and scallion roll tasted incredibly fresh and delicate. Will definitely come back if in the area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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