Set the scene.
Ensō, the latest gem to grace Williamsburg’s vibrant dining scene, redefines the omakase experience. The intimate 10-seat, $195+ 16-course Chef’s Counter concept, which opened its doors in January of 2025, was established by Executive Chef Nick Wang.
With a culinary foundation steeped in his family’s fourth-generation seafood company, Chef Nick focuses on crafting each dish with the freshest, locally sourced ingredients and imported delicacies from Japan and around the world.
Ensō’s design is as much a feast for the eyes as each course served. The Omakase Room features a stunning 20-foot counter crafted from a single Italian Sapele tree, its natural beauty complemented by rock-inspired bases that evoke the purity of nature. The ceiling above is made from wood hailing from Japan, which adds authenticity to the space. Floral arrangements, authentic Bizen Yaki clay vases, and cherry wood chopsticks all underscore the restaurant’s deep respect for tradition.
Outside, the Backyard Garden feels more akin to the serene escape of an onsen, with Japanese maple trees, a tranquil fountain, and a retractable wood ceiling.
The name Ensō, inspired by the Zen circle of enlightenment, embodies a powerful connection between past and present, tradition and innovation–an ethos prevalent in every dish and detail. The ambiance, a blend of Kyoto Wabi Sabi aesthetics and contemporary elegance, is a perfect backdrop for a meal that merges artistry with mastery.
What can we expect from the food?
Chef Nick’s 16-course Chef’s Counter experience is a masterclass in omakase, with a menu that evolves daily to showcase the freshest available ingredients.
Ensō partners exclusively with purveyors specializing in omakase, ensuring that only the finest fish from Japan and beyond arrive multiple times per week.
At the heart of the kitchen is the state-of-the-art snow-aging room, which allows fish to be aged in snow, a method enhancing the depth of flavor while maintaining pristine freshness. This meticulous process ensures that each piece of fish is as tender and flavorful as possible, elevating the already exquisite cuts to an entirely new level.
From the first bite to the last, each course is intended to surprise and delight. Offerings span a rich array of luxurious ingredients, such as various cuts of tuna–akami, toro, chutoro, kamatoro, and hagashi–alongside house-cured Japanese Ankimo, live unagi, and fresh hirame.
These are complemented by decadent additions like caviar, truffle, and A5 wagyu, plus herbs and rice imported from Japan. The meal unfolds with three appetizer courses to set the stage, followed by 12 nigiri featuring a stunning range of white and red fish. A house-made dessert is the concluding act, leaving guests with a sweet, unforgettable finish.
For those in the 12-bar lounge, a more relaxed yet equally refined dine awaits in the form of a 12-course tasting menu priced at $95. Guests can also indulge in a curated selection of a la carte options.
Tell us about the drinks.
Freddy Salazar helms Ensō’s beverage program. With an approach that mirrors the omakase ethos, Freddy’s cocktail creations are bold yet balanced, incorporating ingredients like red miso, purple potato, and gochujang, which tie seamlessly into the flavors of Chef Nick’s cuisine.
Those with a taste for rare spirits will rejoice: Ensō’s whiskey selections include hard-to-find and off-market bottlings, while the wine list spans the best from Japan, France, Spain, and the United States.
The sake menu is equally impressive, featuring bottles from a revered importer specializing in Japanese omakase experiences. Zero-proof options are also a standout, ensuring that every guest–whether sipping spirits or fresh juices–receives a thoughtful pairing.
Final thoughts?
In a neighborhood brimming with no shortage of culinary excitement, Ensō stands out as a true destination where creativity, culture, and craftsmanship converge in perfect harmony.
Top Takeaways:
Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Address: 177 Berry St, Brooklyn, NY
Cuisine: Omakase
The vibe: Ensō is a gastronomic destination all its own where traditional Japanese artistry marries modern innovation.
Pricing: $$$$
Takes reservations? Yes – Tock
Attire: Smart Casual
Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner: Ensō is open Tuesday through Saturday with seatings at the Chef’s Counter at 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM or in the Bar Lounge from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
