Japanese omakase experience is coming to Asbury Park

"Omakase" in Japanese translates to "I'll leave it up to you."

And at Hadaka in Asbury Park — which means "naked" in Japanese — the choice is left up to the chef.

Unlike other common sushi restaurants and bars, the Japanese art of omakase is incredibly intimate, involving a one-on-one dining experience with a chef who curates your meal for you based on preference, seasonality and sheer creativity.

Owners Gino Ferretti and Eddie Falzarano have plans to open at 527 Bangs Ave. around Memorial Day.

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You may be wondering how two Italians are running Hadaka.

Falzarano, a Bradley Beach native who lives in Tinton Falls, spent his career in the restaurant industry. Ferretti of Howell, who was born in Sicily and has lived in London and New York, was a Japanese bond broker.

"I worked on Wall Street for a long time with many Japanese people, and I fell in love with the culture and the cuisine. Sushi is my thing," Ferretti said. "Omakase is huge in New York City, and it's a cool experience [unlike] a regular restaurant.

"Everything the chef thinks is good that day is what he's going to serve," Ferretti continued. "The menu will change constantly because we don't want people to have the same thing all the time."

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What's behind the name?

They wanted to portray a "raw-feel, a naked type of food," Falzarano said.

Sushi lovers shouldn't expect classic bites like California rolls or shrimp tempura here. Instead, expect a little higher scale of a selection, with ingredients like foie gras, truffle oil, wagyu beef, bonito tuna, zuki salmon and shima aji (aka White Trevally).

"Anyone who knows the omakase experience will understand the meaning behind it," he added.

Right now, the owners are focusing on 15-, 18- and 22-piece omakase, starting at 5 p.m. The last seating will be 9 or 10 p.m. On the weekends, there will be a DJ.

The small BYOB will only have bar seating, accommodating around 12 people an hour (reservations required).

"It's private, it's not that big ...," Ferretti said. "Once the bar is full no one else can come in. You have an hour with the chef. It's very exclusive, like your own private restaurant."

Gabriela L. Laracca joined the USA Today Network New Jersey in 2021 and eagerly brings her passion for cuisine and culture to our readers. Send restaurant tips to [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Omakase restaurant opening on Bangs Avenue in Asbury Park