DOMODOMO Jersey City: Is It Still Good?
Domodomo’s inviting dining room hints at its steady appeal. Since its 2019 opening (following a Manhattan debut in 2015), this sleek hand-roll bar by chefs Brian Kim and Jae Park has continued blending traditional Japanese techniques with playful innovation. The verdict is clear: the Jersey City outpost remains a worthy dining spot and is perpetually in the running for best sushi in Jersey City overall. Signature hand-roll sushi still shines for its fresh quality and vibrant flavors, and the set menus (especially at lunch) deliver generous portions and value. Even the famed miso-black-cod, glistening under a sweet glaze, is still richly savory despite its candied sweetness. In short, Domodomo’s core strengths endure, even if a few small details occasionally miss the mark.
Origins and Ownership
Domodomo launched its first location in Manhattan in 2015 and expanded across the Hudson with the Jersey City outpost in 2019. The restaurant is co-owned by Chef Brian Kim (a Culinary Institute of America graduate) and Creative Director Jae Park. Together they helm a menu that they style as a “hand-roll bar” rather than a classic sushi counter, featuring a signature omakase tasting course called the “Domokase.” Kim’s culinary resume, inspired by Japanese masters, and Park’s minimalist aesthetic inform both the food and the space. Their Manhattan flagship even earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for quality and value, setting high expectations carried on in Jersey City. Today Domodomo’s family of restaurants includes locations in New York, Dallas and an upcoming spot in Hawaii, but the Jersey City branch remains a central favorite.
Ambiance and Presentation
Domodomo’s dining room is bathed in natural light. Warm wood surfaces, from the slatted bench backs to the simple tabletops, pair with pale concrete floors and minimalist pendant lamps, creating a restrained, zen-like vibe. This clean, modern aesthetic reflects Jae Park’s design philosophy. Tall windows look out toward the Hudson River and nearby waterfront park, bringing the sky and cityscape into the understated decor. Even the tableware reinforces the thoughtful design: chunky, handcrafted pottery bowls, simple black plates, and striped linen napkins all carry a subtly rustic, artisanal feel. The overall effect is calm and uncluttered; a neutral backdrop for the food to shine.
The menu’s focus is clear: made-to-order hand-rolled sushi and small plates that balance tradition with creativity. Each hand roll arrives as a crisp, open seaweed roll brimming with jewel-bright ingredients. Glossy pink tuna or vibrant orange tobiko, the plating at Domodomo is always simple, smart, and colorful. This simplicity lets each element’s color and texture stand out; all dishes are plated with care, often garnished with microgreens or floral accents that add pops of green and orange. Domodomo describes its mission as using “the freshest ingredients, specially harvested seaweed, and housemade sauces;” a promise that shows in every neat presentation. The food looks as good as it tastes, with clean lines of sauce and bright garnishes turning each plate into a small art piece.
Standout Dishes and Service
The miso-black cod is one of Domodomo’s signature entrees. It’s a moist piece of cod is broiled until flaky, resting on a plate next to a vivid orange kabocha (pumpkin) puree and garnished with dill and black-lime zest. The glaze on the fish is noticeably sweet (almost dessert-like) but it underlines the buttery richness of the cod rather than overwhelming it. It’s deeply flavorful, though we wouldn’t mind dialing back the sugar a smidge. This entree is served with tender rice and several sides: a velvety miso broth, cool edamame, and a golden brown potato croquette over Japanese curry. Other popular dishes include the lobster hand roll (drizzled with garlic aioli) and creative vegetarian offerings like roasted cauliflower with tofu-hummus, which provide bright, contrasting textures and flavors. Together these plates showcase Domodomo’s range from seafood richness to light vegetable bites all presented in the same clean, polished style.
Service at Domodomo is generally polished and attentive. Even when the dining room is full, guests tend to be seated promptly, and servers are friendly and helpful. The restaurant’s Michelin Bib Gourmand reputation speaks to its relative value, and this is especially evident at lunch. The lunch menu features combo courses (for example, sushi or handroll sets with soup and sides) that offer generous portions for moderate prices, especially for the quality. In fact, the overall experience can be described as “attainably-priced, omakase-inspired dining.” That said, a few minor quibbles do emerge: the occasional uneven plating or inconsistent side dish delivery (with no explanation). These inconsistencies are not the norm, but they remind us that the kitchen isn’t flawless. Overall, however, the combination of quality ingredients, friendly service, and fair pricing (especially during weekday lunches) keeps Domodomo in good standing for value.
The Verdict
After multiple visits, the verdict is that Domodomo’s Jersey City restaurant remains worth a stop and is, quite possibly, the best sushi in downtown Jersey City. The space feels fresh and thoughtfully designed, the staff stays courteous under pressure, and the food continues to impress with vivid flavors and textures. The hand-rolled sushi, from classic spicy tuna to truffle-topped uni, remains the highlight, and lunch specials provide an excellent bang for the buck. The miso-cod dish, while sweeter than in a traditional rendition, still delivers a satisfying savory punch.
In other words, Domodomo’s core appeal endures. Minor lapses in seasoning or presentation may pop up now and then, but they’re the exception in an otherwise strong lineup. For anyone craving inventive Japanese cuisine by the Hudson, Domodomo Jersey City is still a good bet.
DOMODOMO (Jersey City)
📍200 Greene St, Jersey City, NJ 07311
📞 (201) 267-0222
🕒 Hours
Lunch (Everyday): 12 PM – 3:30 PM (last seating at 2:15 PM)
Dinner:
Sunday–Wednesday: 5 PM – 10:30 PM (last seating at 9 PM)
Thursday: 5 PM – 11 PM (last seating at 9:30 PM)
Friday–Saturday: 5 PM – 12 AM (last seating at 10 PM)
