SHION 69 Leonard Street

“Shoji and Shion were great. I finally caught one of the last meals at Shion - I used to come more often when I lived in the city. I still remember how good some of the special order items used to be. I’ll miss Shion but I’ve no doubt Idan’s got something magical cooking up for the next chef”

“Dining at Shion 69 Leonard Street is not just a meal; it is a deep dive into the precision of Edomae sushi. Chef Shion Uino has created something truly special here, and it stands out even in New York’s competitive sushi scene. The highlight of the experience is undoubtedly the quality of the neta (fish). You can taste the personal connection in every bite—Chef Shion sources much of his seafood directly from his hometown of Amakusa in Kumamoto, Japan. The difference in freshness and flavor profile is palpable; the fish feels distinct, rare, and incredibly pristine. Beyond the sourcing, the technical execution is flawless. Chef Shion’s command over jukusei (aging) and curing is masterful. He knows exactly how long to age a piece of tuna or cure the kohada to bring out maximum umami without losing texture. However, the real game-changer here is the rice. I can confidently say this is the best shari in town. The temperature is perfect, and the seasoning is exceptional—a robust red vinegar base that is incredibly flavorful yet perfectly balanced. It never overpowers the fish; instead, it elevates it. The atmosphere complements the food perfectly. It is intimate and refined, but not stuffy, helped largely by the tasteful background music. The playlist was excellent—setting a relaxed, cool mood that let us focus on the food while still enjoying the vibe. If you are a sushi purist looking for hometown pride, technical perfection, and the best rice in NYC, this is the place.”

“Incredible experience with fresh and unique fish dishes. The sake and wine list is incredible. We had a fun time. Obviously not cheap.”

“Shion is all about the quest for subtle perfection and harmony. It’s a quiet, comfortable, and intimate space to enjoy, appreciate, and focus on the food. Nothing is fancy, over the top, and glitzy, but every bite, every dish, and every piece of nigiri is just about perfectly balanced, deeply rich in flavor and texture, absolutely fresh from the best possible ingredients. I am deeply appreciative of the quality and of the work that went into preparing it.”

“I’m very familiar with the chef as I dined in his restaurant many times before. I’m surprised this restaurant has maintained their Michelin star as the food and service was just ok. I’m an avid sushi lover and have been to many restaurants throughout the world. This by far was disappointing, the quality was just ok. The service was mediocre. The amount of food and the quality was just ok. I agree with the other reviews and think at most should cost $200. Nothing was truly amazing. The rice kept falling apart. The pieces weren’t explained to us. I won’t dine here again.”