The former Sushi Dojo space is for lease on 1st Avenue

The former Sushi Dojo space is now for lease at 110 First Ave. between Sixth Street and Seventh Street.

We don't know the exact timing of the recent closure. The Sushi Dojo website simply says, "We're Closed. Thank you for your support since 2013." Its Instagram account doesn't mention a closing.

The restaurant, from chef David Bouhadana, received acclaim during its early days here. However, in the fall of 2015, ownership let go of its chef for his reportedly "unprofessional" handling of DOH codes and conduct.

The fine-dining allure of Sushi Dojo changed over time, and recent Instagram posts show deals for "anti inflation omasake" — 10 pieces for $45.

According to the listing for the fully vented space, the rent is $15,000 monthly.  

DOH temporarily closes Sushi Dojo on 1st Avenue

Sushi Dojo, chef David Bouhadana's well-regarded restaurant at 110 First Ave., had to sit out this past weekend after a DOH-mandated closure.

Several EVG readers noted the arrival of the telltale yellow sticker last Wednesday here between East Seventh Street and East Sixth Street. A look at the DOH report notes just 21 violation points from a visit on Oct. 21. The two "critical" sanitary violations:

• Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation.
• Food worker does not use proper utensil to eliminate bare hand contact with food that will not receive adequate additional heat treatment.

Given the horror show of violations (flesh flies!) that we've seen at some places, this seems like pretty ticky-tacky stuff in comparison, especially to shut down a restaurant for five-plus days over…

Updated noon

Eater has more on the story here.

Per Bouhadana:

We were closed for one thing and one thing only, not wearing gloves. Sushi chefs are not supposed to wear gloves. 17 employees lost their job because the DOH has been harassing me for four months and threatening me for this issue. I have 20+ of the best sushi chefs behind me and many more ready to bat for me. We will solve this BS rule, a rule I don't stand by. Sushi is being ruined my gloves, freezing fish and more issues...