Openings

A Shuko Alum Is Behind a Hidden New Japanese Restaurant in Fort Greene

Dry-aged prime rib eye, koji, tosazu sauce.
Dry-aged prime rib eye, koji, tosazu sauce. Photo: Melissa Hom

To enter Karasu, you walk into Walter’s, go through the restaurant, and head to a door in the back — similar to another beloved and secret Japanese restaurant, Bohemian. You’ll be rewarded with some all-star talent: Thomas Waugh, of ZZ’s Clam Bar fame, is the head bartender, and Shuko alum Yael Peet is the chef. Karasu is neither a sushi restaurant nor an izakaya — more of a casual neighborhood spot — and the menu includes duck wings, uni tagliatelle, and kampachi crudo. Take a look:

Pickled rutabaga with ume and bonito.
Pickled rutabaga with ume and bonito. Photo: Melissa Hom
Miso potato salad.
Miso potato salad. Photo: Melissa Hom
Mizuna, barley, sea beans, Meyer lemon, chili.
Mizuna, barley, sea beans, Meyer lemon, chili. Photo: Melissa Hom
Kampachi, koji, shiso.
Kampachi, koji, shiso. Photo: Melissa Hom
Whole dorade with shiso pesto.
Whole dorade with shiso pesto. Photo: Melissa Hom
Karaage duck wings, spicy sesame, scallion.
Karaage duck wings, spicy sesame, scallion. Photo: Melissa Hom
Shades of Green: rum, honeydew, mint, aloe.
Shades of Green: rum, honeydew, mint, aloe. Photo: Melissa Hom
Dipper mouth: bourbon, black walnut, crème de banane, cold brew.
Dipper mouth: bourbon, black walnut, crème de banane, cold brew. Photo: Melissa Hom
Wave: gin, coconut, grapefruit, Don’s Mix.
Wave: gin, coconut, grapefruit, Don’s Mix. Photo: Melissa Hom
The jewel-box-like space.
The jewel-box-like space. Photo: Melissa Hom

Menu [PDF]

Karasu, 166 DeKalb Ave., (347) 223-4811

A Hidden Japanese Restaurant in Fort Greene