Inside Ichimura, an Acclaimed Sushi Chef Goes Solo

Eiji Ichimura wearing chef’s whites and a white hat behind a sushi counter. — Chef Eiji Ichimura

Acclaimed sushi chef Eiji Ichimura is back in the kitchen serving his intimate, exclusive omakase. The chef’s solo project with business partner Idan Elkon debuted on Thursday in Tribeca, at 69 Leonard St. near Church Street. It has ten seats, down from the 12 of Ichimura at Brushstroke, and the meal will be longer — the result of “a more fully-realized version of what chef Ichimura has always wanted,” according to a spokesperson.

It will cost $300 per person, including tip, and each night, he will serve just two seatings. It’s far more expensive than his omakase at Brushstroke, which last cost $195 per person, although without tip. But Ichimura has earned accolades and defended the hike. The Times awarded him three stars for his use of aged fish and the Michelin guide has given him two stars for several years.

During his time at Brushstroke, a meal at his bar was regularly one of the toughest seats in town to get. In response to price criticisms, a spokesman likened it “to going to Broadway and sitting in front of Stephen Sondheim and watching him create his art.”

The meal takes about two hours overall. Ichimura is open from Monday to Saturday. Take a look at the space below.