Naoki Takahashi

This Japanese restaurant in Chelsea isn’t your typical sushi joint. Instead of ordering rolls and tempura a la carte, the thing to order at Naoki is one of the two tasting menus ($88 and $108). Both include a basket of appetizers such as grilled lotus root and tofu with manganji pepper, soba rice risotto, seasonal sashimi, nigiri sushi, miso soup and the choice of an entree such as pan-roasted duck breast with clementine teriyaki or grilled salmon with miso-butter sauce. The higher-end option also includes a steamed egg custard amuse bouche and more expensive entrees such as premium wagyu beef cooked tableside. You could also order a vegetarian tasting course ($88) and select a la carte items after 9pm Sunday through Thursday. Don’t miss desserts such as matcha tiramisu or persimmon creme brulee ($8 each).