Temakase

I've only ever been to Kazunori for hand rolls, but Temakase is a serious contender in both taste & ambiance. I came here for a girls night catch up dinner with one of my close friends, & we both really liked the calmer and more relaxed vibe here. There's a few different hand roll sets here for super reasonable and comparable prices. We both went with the starving (5 hand rolls), which was $32. What's also nice is, you can choose between the spicy or classic preparations OR mix and match for specific handrolls only! I ordered all mine with the classic prep and loooved the scallop and blue crab. The toro might've been better with the spicy honestly, but it was still okay. The pacing here is excellent - I never felt rushed and all the staff was really mindful. 5 rolls was perfect for me to feel full but not stuffed.The staff here is truly SO kind! In addition to the excellent service all night, they provided a complimentary dessert for my birthday!

Bring two seafood and sushi enthusiasts to try a hand roll sushi experience. This was my first time and I took my boyfriend here after his trip to Japan. Very glad he never gets tired of Japanese food and loves seafood as much as I do. The pictures from Temakase intrigued me and this place is all dining at the bar whilst the chefs make your hand rolls depending on the dining package selected. We both chose the two hand rolls package with the scallop hand roll and the bluefin crab handroll. Interesting thing is there's flavor differences: spicy and non-spicy. He chose the spicy and I chose the other. The difference is in the sauce and extra sushi complimentary items in our rolls. Going for the non-spicy one, mine had yuzu flavors and citrusy umami crunch and masago. The chefs planned each roll well and I was surprised how much I loved the citrusy balance of my scallop and crab roll. Even the seaweed wrapping our rolls was delicious as we enjoyed the crunch from each bite. Reasons why we didn't go for the standard 3 rolls package was because of the crispy rice sushi. A new trend I introduced to him and it was a good move. Originally we were going to do one crispy rice sushi bite, a spicy salmon for him and a spicy tuna for me. This was fantastic and it served a well presented sushi piece that was ready a red carpet rollout. The menu did warn us these were highly addictive and we both agreed, that we pushed to get another crispy rice sushi piece, the yellowtail. Yellowtail is a neglected sushi selection where most places don't make it right. Because he and I appreciate fish in depth, we ordered this and it was so fresh, zesty, buttery goodness, and well maintained. A good way to end the lunch after a long walk in the city. He and I loved this sushi dining concept and the service was phenomenal. I regret not taking more pics of the inside of the restaurant and the wall art of this place. It was a great find and has the same setting as a larger omakase establishment. A hidden gem worth checking out.

Honest review of Temakase Handroll bar: Stopped in at Temakase Handroll bar located at 157 Second Ave. NYC for a quick bite. Their slogan is roll up, roll in, roll out which is pretty fitting because you can definitely go overboard with these handrolls! Also remember this is not high grade sushi, it's quality food but not a high grade Omakase experience. I ordered the "Hungry" option with 1-scallop hand roll, 1-blue crab hand roll, 1-salmon hand roll, and 1-tuna hand roll....all of them went down sooo smooth so naturally my fat ass wanted more so I added a lobster roll and a toro roll! Both were really tasty and they were made lightning fast. I was almost full but I said, I have to order the crispy rice choice for you know....science. The spicy yellow tail was served hot with a very good crunch that combines with the cold yellow tail very well. On a cold day it will definitely hit the spot. I think this place is a great lunch choice or someone with limited time because the courteous staff is lightning quick with your order. I also think this is a great place to bring a friend that hasn't tried sushi. Nice way to ease them into the experience. Overall it was a pleasant experience and my favorite roll was the Scallop hand roll! if you are in the area give them a try, especially if you are pinched for time!

I love a prefix menu based on hunger level. Thought 4 hand rolls wouldn't be enough for hungry but so filling. Staff paces out rolls giving you time to enjoy each one. Perfect for a solo or duo dining wouldn't recommend for a larger party due to seating arrangements.

Not a bad runner up next to Kazunori. Less of a wait time as well but still can make reservation. I opted for the 5 rolls mix of spicy and non spicy hand rolls. Nothing spectacular but overall yummy flavors at a good price point. Would prob return if the line at Kazunori down the block is looking long. The sevice was also friendly and the take out menu was extensive as well.

Hand rolls have been trending all over Manhattan with some spots having long lines waiting to get inside like it is the latest club hot spot.This one is a more chilled and relaxed approach to getting a hand roll. I was seated and greeted by the cook or rather hand roll maker who was very vibrant and passionate about what she was doing. She was multitasking while serving multiple customers all at once while smiling and serving delicious hand rolls. I ordered the Starving Hand Roll Sets which are 5 hand rolls for $32. It seems pricey and you think 5 hand rolls won't fill me up but it did. I ordered an extra one for me because it was not part of the set and that was unagi (grilled eel).The space is your classic long table with a table above to serve and grab your hand rolls as they come by. And you are seated with other customers who share the same experience. It is lively with light conversations which is ideal for a chill, quiet type of spot.Some hand rolls are prepped with diced and chopped fish, which are squeezed out from a piping bag. I know hand rolls vary from restaurant and approach to making it, this location does diced and chopped combined with sauce and/or oil to enhance the flavor.After I wrapped up eating, I paid and wanted to include a tip for the hand roll maker but they emphasized that they do not accept tips. The host was very grateful for the kind gesture but you only pay for what you eat

After a long week, there are two essentials: drinks with friends and sushi. This spot has both, with tip-included pricing and a straightforward drink menu. NOTE: This location closes at 10pm not 11pm. The website is wrong.Food: 5/5For the price, it's really solid. Is it the best sushi I've ever had? No. But it's affordable, and that's a win! The fish-to-rice ratio is about 60/40 (I'd prefer 80/20), but at six pieces for $38, I'll take it. My partner and I ordered an extra roll each plus some crispy rice, and the total came to $120. It's hard to believe this is in NYC at those prices!We both left satisfied and didn't need a second dinner.Service: 4.5/5If you're not big on chatting, this place is ideal--it's pretty quiet for a New York spot. I love talking to staff, but they're great at giving you space. They were super friendly, quick, and I think one of the servers at the bar even speaks Chinese.All in all, really good experience. I'd definitely come back!

It's 5 stars , though they have to do something with the atmosphere as they are an obvious competition to the kazunori across the street .But .... Their hand rolls are really good , fresh and tasty .Fair price , great service .But again , it feels a bit frigid atmosphere wise.Recommended.

It's a great spot for a fast and casual handroll experience. You sit at the bar, and can order a set of either 3, 4, 5 or 6 handrolls or sushi, including crispy rice.The staff make the food fresh in front of you and serve it as it's ready. For the handrolls there is a choice of spicy or classic. The spicy option is very mild.They also have beers and sake for purchase.My favourite was the scallop roll with Yuzu and the spicy salmon crispy rice.

Ordered take out on DoorDash and it took more than an hour to get the food.. the staff were nice tho, saw a lot of people hanging out with friends at the bar