An Intimate Omakase Experience at Sushi by Bou
By Kristen Oliveri
One of the unexpected perks of covering luxury travel and lifestyle is getting a glimpse behind the curtain. Sometimes that means discovering a restaurant before everyone else does, visiting during the height of summer when reservations are nearly impossible to secure, or simply experiencing the kind of hospitality that turns a dinner into a core memory.
That was exactly the case at Sushi by Bou's omakase experience inside Sydney's "Taylor Made Cuisine" in Westhampton.
Rather than entering through the main dining room, I walked around the corner to a discreet entrance that led upstairs to an intimate space designed exclusively for omakase. It immediately felt like stepping into a hidden retreat—quiet, understated, and worlds away from the bustling Hamptons scene outside.
My husband and I arrived a few minutes early and were welcomed with a glass of sake before taking our seats at the sushi counter alongside the evening's other guests. The atmosphere struck the perfect balance between upscale and approachable. Within minutes, conversations naturally started between guests, the staff made everyone feel at ease, and our sushi chef seamlessly shifted between warm conversation and complete focus on each course.
Then the meal began.
Each piece arrived one at a time, carefully prepared and presented with a brief explanation before being placed directly in front of us. We were encouraged to eat each bite with our hands, the traditional way, and it quickly became clear that every course was meant to be enjoyed in a single, perfect bite. The pacing was thoughtful, allowing each piece to stand on its own before the next arrived.
By the final course, I was pleasantly full. For those with a larger appetite, the restaurant offers optional add-ons at the end of the meal, but I found the standard experience to be just the right amount.
What stayed with me most wasn't simply the quality of the sushi, but it was the experience itself. Before we had even left our seats, my husband and I were already talking about who we'd bring back with us next time.
Whether you're celebrating a birthday, planning an elevated date night, or simply looking for something a little different on the East End, Sushi by Bou delivers an evening that feels both exclusive and genuinely memorable.
Know Before You Go
Guests can choose from three omakase experiences:
Signature Omakase – A 12-course tasting menu featuring seasonal ingredients and the chef's signature creations.
Bougie Omakase – A 17-course experience that begins with a celebratory Kanpai toast and features an expanded progression of premium seasonal and imported seafood.
Bou Reserve Omakase – The restaurant's most elevated offering, building upon the Bougie experience with luxurious additions including caviar, foie gras, Wagyu, bone marrow, and truffle.