If you’ve ever browsed Japanese-inspired or fusion cuisine, you might’ve paused at an intriguing name: Nummazaki. Known for their bold flavors and creative plating, people regularly ask — does Nummazaki use raw fish? Spoiler: yes, but it’s a bit more layered than that. If you want to go straight to the source, check out this essential resource for specifics on how raw fish is used across their dishes.
What Exactly Is Nummazaki?
Nummazaki isn’t a traditional sushi place, nor is it a generic fusion joint. It sits at the crossroads where respect for Japanese culinary techniques meets modern expression. Their dishes often include elements from Japanese, Korean, and even Mediterranean cuisine. One reason people keep asking “does Nummazaki use raw fish” is because of the visual connection to sushi — but not every plate is what it seems.
In some cases, what looks like a sashimi-grade slice of tuna could actually be lightly torched, marinated, or pickled, changing both the texture and safety profile. So, yes, raw fish is involved, but it’s not a blanket rule.
Yes, Raw Fish Is on the Menu — But It’s Not the Focus
The short answer? Yes, Nummazaki does serve raw fish — think tuna tataki, salmon crudo, or sea bass carpaccio. However, it’s not the dominant ingredient across the menu. Unlike a sushi-only restaurant where almost every dish emphasizes raw fish, Nummazaki takes a more curated approach.
Out of ten signature dishes, maybe two or three will include raw components. In many cases, the raw fish is complemented with seared elements, sauces with a punch (like yuzu kosho or soy-garlic), or plated with vegetables that’ve been pickled or charred.
This layered construction makes the decision to use raw fish far more intentional — and far less common — than you might expect.
Why the Confusion Around Raw Fish?
There are three core reasons people keep coming back to the question: does Nummazaki use raw fish?
1. Visual Similarity
Nummazaki’s plating is sleek. You’ll often see dishes that resemble sashimi or nigiri, sometimes even adorned with microgreens or radish curls. But don’t let appearances fool you. What looks like raw tuna may actually be beet-cured or smoked salmon.
2. Fusion Cuisine Expectations
Fusion cuisine blends traditions, which makes it hard to know what’s authentic or not right off the bat. For instance, a spicy “poke bowl” served at Nummazaki might contain pieces of seared ahi, but not technically raw fish. Fans of traditional Japanese food often approach fusion offerings with cautious optimism, and in many cases, they cross their fingers that raw fish is still on the table — literally.
3. Menu Transparency
Nummazaki’s menu, by design, leaves room for discovery. Instead of listing every preparation technique in detail, dishes are described in terms of flavor and intent. It’s part of the restaurant’s aesthetic — minimalist but evocative. For diners unfamiliar with less common preparation terms, this can lead to a bit of mystery…and the raw fish question crops up again.
Safe Sourcing of Raw Fish
Though it’s not a raw-fish-forward restaurant, when Nummazaki does use it, quality control is tight.
Their raw fish — especially the tuna and salmon — is flash-frozen to eliminate parasites, per FDA recommendations. They also source from certified suppliers who specialize in sushi-grade seafood. So if you’re eating something raw, you’re not gambling with your stomach.
In fact, their raw ingredients are closer in quality to what you’d get at a high-end omakase bar rather than a buffet sushi chain. That’s good news for people who love fresh, clean flavors but don’t want to risk dodgy fish.
What About Vegetarian or Cooked-Only Options?
Here’s a pleasant surprise: most of Nummazaki’s dishes are either vegetable-focused or based on fully cooked proteins like slow-braised beef or grilled squid. If you’re not into sushi or raw seafood, you’ll still have plenty of options.
They’re also known for seasonal menus, which sometimes go light on fish altogether — particularly during colder months. You might find dishes centered around root vegetables, eggs, or cured meats rather than anything remotely raw.
So while people often ask “does Nummazaki use raw fish,” chances are high that whatever you end up ordering doesn’t involve it at all.
Final Word: A Smart Approach to Raw
Nummazaki isn’t trying to be a sushi spot. Instead, it uses raw fish the same way it uses bold condiments or unique plating — to support, highlight, or contrast. It’s not about shock value or tradition. It’s about balance.
So, does Nummazaki use raw fish? Yes, carefully and selectively. And that’s the genius behind its menu — not every dish leans on raw ingredients to shine, but the ones that do are made with intention and world-class sourcing. A few bites, and you’ll see the difference.
If you’re curious about how specific dishes are made or want to browse a full ingredient breakdown, revisit this essential resource for deeper insight into their culinary choices.