Wabi Nori – Japanese Handrolls in the Lower East Side

Wabi Nori is a new-ish standout destination for Japanese cuisine located in the Lower East Side, one of the most bustling culinary neighborhoods in Manhattan. It opened in the fall of 2024 and offers a contemporary yet highly accessible and comforting dining experience. The menu showcases high-quality ingredients and refined execution, melding Japanese tradition with Asian fusion and modernity. 

From the moment we arrived, the service was welcoming and calming. The menu is thoughtfully curated, highlighting tapas-style Japanese dishes, expertly crafted nigiri, and uniquely beautiful hand rolls.

We started with the soft-shell crab, which stood out as one of the highlights of the night. Perfectly crisp with a light fry and delicately seasoned, it had satisfying textural contrast feeling heavy. The crispy rice tuna was another delicious small bite, offering the perfect balance of crunch, spice, and freshness.

For the main course, we opted for a set of six hand rolls which is an excellent way to get a taste of all the seafood featured at Wabi Nori. Each one showcased fresh, high-quality seafood wrapped in nori. Every bite felt carefully composed, allowing the natural flavors to shine. Though we didn’t get a chance to try it this time, the Bluefin Otoro handroll looked excellent and can be ordered a la carte. 

Wabi Nori also features an innovative cocktail menu that puts an Asian inspired spin on classic favorites. We tried two of their signature cocktails: the Japanese Dream, a light and fragrant blend with a hint of citrus, and the Oaxacan Sunset, a smoky, gin-based option. Both drinks were expertly crafted and paired beautifully with the food.

For dessert, we tried the beautifully constructed chocolate and pear dessert which was luxurious while being uniquely light and refreshing. 

With precisely prepared food made from quality ingredients, a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere, and genuinely warm service, Wabi Nori is a feast for all of the senses.