For my dad’s fiftieth birthday, my family decided to splurge and visit Goma, a modern take on Japanese cuisine. Run by Michelin-starred chef Dante Boccuzzi, Goma is a restaurant that boasts creative dishes of supreme quality. It is located on the lively East Fourth Street, and despite being opened in June 2021, it has already made itself irreplaceable. Dining at Goma is an experience. The dimly lit interior is uniquely decorated with glass-blown jellyfish and octopus strung from the ceiling. The massive sushi bar in the center of the restaurant allows all to view the sushi chef’s creations, no matter your seat. The service was exemplary. Our waiter was very attentive to our needs. We were brought hot towels throughout the meal, and he explained the eccentric dishes in detail. Once again, my family wholly splurged for this dinner because fifty is a big birthday! Here is what we ordered:

• Pork Broth Ramen with Pork Belly
• Beef Tenderloin Tobanyaki
• King Crab Tempura
• Shrimp Tempura
• Wok Fried Vegetables and Rice
• Pork Belly and Salmon Belly Oishi Sushi
• Hamachi Aburi
• King Crab Roll
• Tempura Brownie

Everything was incredibly delicious, and there was nothing that I was unsatisfied with. However, three dishes stood out to me. 

The ramen was phenomenal. We were given the choice of pork, miso, and vegetable broth—we chose pork. My expectations were thoroughly exceeded. Juicy, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly with a rich broth, thin noodles, tofu, shiitake, bok choy, and nori. I would push the bowl away, smell the tantalizing aroma and drag it back over. If you dislike sushi and are dining here, this is the dish I would recommend. 

As for nigiri (a thin cut of fish placed atop a rice pillow), the hamachi aburi brought a flavor palette that took traditional flavors and piled upon them: hamachi topped with a slice of jalapeno, garlic chips, and a ponzu gelee. The generous cut of hamachi was buttery smooth, and the jalapeno and garlic added complex flavors to pair with the simple fish. It is possibly my favorite nigiri I’ve ever eaten. 

Lastly, I want to recognize the salmon belly and pork belly oshi sushi. Our waiter explained that oshi sushi is “pressed” sushi, meaning it’s not rolled and cut but pressed and sliced. The unique plate had six pieces with strips of nori attached to one side of each piece. The idea was to use the nori to wrap the sushi yourself and then eat it. It was fresh, it was creative, and it was delicious.

Overall, Goma is a place I recommend everyone tries once. It’s expensive and should be saved for a special occasion: an anniversary, a birthday, etc… However, the food reflects the price. Once again, Goma is truly an experience.

Winner of Dinner: Hamachi Aburi

Cost: Expensive

Rating: 9.0/10