Kitsch, gimmicky, and exceedingly melodramatic, a dining experience at Ninja is like walking into an Indiana Jones ride at a theme park and being served food of appropriately American proportions.
Ninja is all about mock pageantry and nothing about sushi. With that in mind, taking an elevator down to a 6,000 square foot space and wandering around a cave-like, $3.5 million design investment complete with drawbridges and wooden footpaths and finally, very private tables in nooks with sliding doors, does prove moderately entertaining. Yet after a few too many ninja waiters whip a faux weapon or menu scroll in front of your face, you're really ready for the ride to be over.
The food itself is overpriced, over-portioned, and underwhelming. Several dishes come with a special "Ninja Art" presentation, which in the case of the popular Dragon Roll (actually a spicy tuna roll and shrimp tempura roll topped with slices of avocado and accompanied by yet another eel roll) is a little bit of a fiery display from your local ninja. For $25, at least the food is plentiful, if ordinary.
Ultimately it is an experience that is enjoyable with a few friends just eager to see the spectacle performance, and certainly it's something to do with guests from out of town. But for a wearingly earned plate of mediocre sushi and a bit of childlike entertainment, it's not a place to return again.
25 Hudson St
New York, NY 10013
New York, NY 10013
