YOSHINO · NEW YORK

“One of the best omakase in ny for sure. Some interesting takes on some of the omakase classics. Great preparation for each fish. Nice staff. One of the high end omakases worth going back to.”

“Yoshino lives up to its hype. A delicately balanced service, wit from Chef, and all around delicious food. We were lucky enough to get some prized tuna (no. 1 at the Tokyo auction the previous day). This was presented as a trio (pictured). I also really enjoyed the uniqueness of the non-nigiri courses. Standouts for me were the Karasumi Mochi, Umaki and Menuke. Lastly, the tamago was also different than all others I’ve had. A brûléed top with a much more custardy interior than I’ve typically seen. The wine list was fairly short but heavy in burgundy and champagne, great for the cuisine.”

“The nigiri portion of the omakase was one of the shortest I’ve experienced—only about seven courses, three of which were akami, chu-toro, and otoro if I remember correctly. That part was a bit disappointing, and they didn’t offer any options to add more afterward either. Otherwise, everything was excellent, as you’d expect at this price point. The atmosphere is definitely that of a high-end restaurant (no hats allowed, by the way), and the food preparation, presentation, and ingredients were all top-tier. Is it THE BEST omakase in NYC? I wouldn’t say so. It’s also quite pricey for what it is—$640 per person before drinks, and with gratuity, you’re looking at around $900–$1,000 per person. To me, it wasn’t a solid five-star experience, but giving it anything less than that would feel unfair. I’d still recommend trying it at least once and deciding for yourself. I’ll give it another chance.”

“Incredible. One of the best meals I’ve ever had. Went with two others. All had wonderful experience. Rating these kinds of restaurants is tough. Expectations can be crazy and they all have slight variations on the typical format that reviewers either like or don’t like. But there is no question that the food was fresh and creative, service outstanding and ambiance wonderful and intimate. Had the best sake of my life here. The hand roll for some reason really blew me away and even the gelato to end the meal had a texture smoother than any I’d ever seen. Portion was quite healthy and I liked that there were no enhancements available. The egg and unagi in the photo attached I could eat everyday for any meal. Great food and great experience.”

“This is one of the best Japanese restaurants I’ve experienced in New York City. Their cuisine leans toward traditional Japanese flavors, with a master chef boasting decades of experience who brings many dishes to near perfection. They also offer some unique signature courses that leave a lasting impression. While the prices are significantly higher than your average Japanese restaurant—sometimes several times as much—the dining experience here is unparalleled and well worth the cost. From my experience, a few highlights set this restaurant apart from other top-tier Japanese establishments in NYC: 1. Exceptional Handling of Traditional Ingredients The chef’s mastery of Japanese culinary techniques shines through, especially with rare and luxurious ingredients like hairy crab, cod milt, and nodoguro. These items, typically found only at the finest restaurants, are elevated here with flavors that are distinct and memorable, offering a fresh perspective even if you’ve tried them elsewhere. 2. Creative Signature Dishes The chef's original creations are remarkable. For example, the charcoal-grilled mackerel is perfectly cooked with an impressive preparation style that adds a touch of theatricality to the meal, leaving diners both entertained and impressed. 3. Premium Ingredients and Impeccable Knife Skills The quality of the ingredients is exceptional, and the precise knife work combines them in perfect harmony, turning each dish into a true work of art. 4. Warm and Enthusiastic Service Both the chefs and the staff are incredibly friendly and passionate, showing genuine care for their guests. It’s touching to see such a famous establishment maintain this level of hospitality and dedication to providing the best dining experience possible. 5. Seamless Teamwork in the Kitchen Observing the chefs at the counter, you can sense the efficient harmony of the kitchen. Their collaboration is seamless, showcasing the precision and professionalism of a well-run operation. Despite their Michelin-starred status and well-deserved acclaim, there are a few areas where they could improve: 1. Limited Innovation in Modern Japanese Cuisine While their dishes excel in traditional flavors, there’s less focus on modern Japanese innovations or fusion cuisine. For instance, their combination of ice cream and white truffle, though interesting, doesn’t rival the creativity of some renowned French-Japanese or modern Japanese restaurants in NYC. It would be exciting to see them explore more inventive directions in the future. 2. Pacing of Sushi Courses The sushi courses are served with relatively long intervals, as one sushi chef handles all the sushi for the entire counter. This disrupts the flow and makes it harder to compare the flavors of similar items like lean tuna, medium fatty tuna, and fatty tuna. Having multiple sushi chefs could improve the pacing and enhance the overall dining rhythm, allowing guests to better enjoy the progression of flavors. 3. Inconsistent Plate Presentation The choice of plates feels a bit eclectic, with some leaning toward modern Western styles and others embracing traditional Japanese aesthetics. Some plates have overly busy patterns that distract from the presentation of the food. A more cohesive and complementary plate selection could elevate the visual aspect of the dining experience. Overall, this restaurant is an outstanding representation of traditional Japanese cuisine and delivers an exceptional dining experience. I hope they continue to maintain their high standards while also pushing boundaries to innovate further and solidify their place as one of NYC’s top Japanese dining destinations.”