As I rushed across Driggs Avenue to get to my late lunch reservation at Fushimi Williamasburg, I was greeted by a sudden plethora of stone walls and mirrored decor. Standing outside the corner entrance of Fushimi Group’s youngest brick and mortar establishment, I soon realized the building’s outside appearance would end up being the most understated part of my visit.
In other words, the place is gorgeous.
A very shiny side of Fushimi Williamsburg
Traditional menu and customized selections of more than 100 sushi rolls, 13 chefs and 7-day-per-week happy hour that has made them famous, Fushimi’s futuristic seating and ultra tall ceilings can easily pass for a mainstay in Manhattan’s Midtown East. However, nightlife-friendly restaurant is sitting comfortably near Metropolitan Avenue on Brooklyn’s North Side. Close proximity to the Brooklyn Bridge makes the distinctly chic, Asian-to-French fusion venue a destination for lunch meetings or weekend groups. Beaded curtains give way to a splendidly dramatic, deeply inviting decor that includes a dual rows of circular booths and a section of upholstered chairs, occupied by small parties for dining windowside.
The Party Began with Pomegranite Sangria
Lunchtime was a superb opportunity to dine without waiting, but Fushimi’s famed happy hour runs ALL NIGHT LONG Sunday through Thursday, with 2-for-1 drinks beginning at 4pm. The rare opportunity to enjoy luxury and drink specials on the weekend begins right here: A music-infused happy hour runs from 4-8 pm Fridays and Saturdays. This event is no secret – before walking into the place, i ran into two locals who quickly labeled the place’s bar event “The best happy hour in Williamsburg”.
Most Recommended Appetizers: Vegetable Tartar and Seasoned Short Ribs
Williamsburg manager Sonny enthusiastically recommended we try the famed Vegetable Tartar. Why? “It’s a 10. Even my guests who despise vegetables adore this tartar.” The appetizer’s name made even a seasoned veggie lover like me raise an eyebrow, but just two bites of the roasted beat, fennel and marinated tower (which was held together by avocado and pineapple-lemon jam) was all it took. True to Sonny’s prediction, my carnivorous party also became believers. In addition to the tartar, we began the meal with Short Rib and Spicy Tuna Goyoza. I typically shun the idea of thick, peppery sauce, which was something the gyoza thankfully lacked. While I refrained from eating beef at this time, the supple short ribs were praised by the rest of my party, who even compared it to a well-known steakhouse entree. Not a bad deal for each appetizing dish, meant to serve two and typically priced under $15 apiece. The WIlliamsburg location also offers lunch specials and soups available for delivery.
Surf and Turf is Out of Control – Delicious Custom Sushi Rolls
Custom specials Out of Control (seared yellowtail/salmon/tuna with avocado, spicy miso and eel sauces), Mummy (shrimp tempura with cucumber inside, topped with lobster, onion and mango sauce) and just two of the chefs’ specialty rolls, whose customizations span to well over 30 choices. The airiness of mid-cooked steak strips and lobster tartar atop the Surf and Turf sushi roll, is enough to impress. Of course, I was considerate to leave some of this beef-topped sushi roll for my compadres.. barely. For the first time in sushi history, I demolished 80% of a Surf and Turf roll by myself! For the less adventurous, the menu shows a full selection of classics from Boston, Yellowtail to California rolls, Salmon and the always table-pleasing Rainbow roll.
Sushi bar view.
Chicken Teriyaki to Filet Mignon – Kitchen Entrees
At Fushimi, corner booth service is nestled center stage, where diners are nearly blocked from each others’ view but have easy access to the waitstaff and sushi bar. The staff on that Thursday afternoon staff was so graciously attentive, giving detailed answers to my seven or so queries about the custom sushi rolls. A request for cooked brown rice and chicken teriyaki brought forth a fluffy pilaf with thick, roasted organic chicken (the only type used at this restaurant) which was not doused in teriyaki sauce. Instead, a flavorful portion of the Japanese gravy was included to the side – something “traditional’ teriyaki lovers might take time getting used to. However, the delicious meat was far from drying to the palette. With a staff such as this, asking for alterations to any meal is a pleasure, not an imposition. Another fun fact about the fusion: Every decadent dessert, including the petite chocolate cake we enjoyed, is made from scratch in the Fushimi kitchen.
Fushimi Williamsburg is open for lunch starting at 11:30a every day except Tuesday. Brunch is available Saturdays and Sundays. Happy Hour runs Sunday-Thursday 4pm – close and Friday-Saturday 4-8pm. View the full menu at FushimiGroup.com
