YUGIN

“My friend and I had heard wonderful things about Yugin, and it exceeded every expectation. What followed was one of the most memorable omakase experiences I’ve had, defined by exceptional seasonal dishes, gracious hospitality, masterful artistry, and meticulous attention to detail. We arrived early on a Friday evening and were warmly welcomed in the waiting area and promptly escorted to the 37th floor. The intimate dining room, highlighted by a beautiful antique Japanese crane panel and a stunning hinoki counter crafted by a skilled artisan from Chef Yugin’s personally selected hinoki tree in Nara, Japan, reflected the extraordinary care behind every aspect of the space. Every design detail, from the mirrors to the sculptural lighting and beautiful treasured ceramic pieces on display, was thoughtfully executed, creating an atmosphere that felt deeply personal and almost otherworldly. Of course the highlight of the evening was the exceptional food. The seasonal otsumami and sushi were impeccably fresh, beautifully presented, and perfectly balanced. Standout dishes included the Hontaru Ika, Caviar Trout, A5 Wagyu, and all the sushi, ranging from the rare seasonal delicacy Tako no Ko (octopus egg sushi), Kinmedai (golden eye snapper), Amaebi (sweet shrimp), Saba (mackerel), Hokkaido uni, etc. Each course was served on exquisite handmade ceramics that further elevated the experience. Throughout the meal, the chef took time to explain each dish, making clear how much care, craftsmanship, and preparation went into every course. Combined with breathtaking views overlooking Central Park, the evening felt truly special. Having regularly experienced high-quality sushi in both Japan and Korea and making a point to explore fine dining on a monthly basis, I found this to be an exceptionally well-executed experience where cuisine, hospitality, craftsmanship, and ambiance came together seamlessly. It ranks among the very best dining experiences I’ve had. I overheard the Korean couple seated beside us commenting on how outstanding the food was, reinforcing just how exceptional the experience was. I will be back for another seasonal menu in the future. I have been highly recommending it to friends.”

“Easily the best Omakase experience I have ever had, and a top 5 overall meal. This is the closest you can get to Japan without going there, and Chef Yugin goes out of his way to make the experience memorable. Cannot wait to go back, and easily worth the price point when compared to other omakase in the city. Simply stellar!”

“Incredible experience. My group consists of passionate foodies who dine out to everything from whole in the walls to 3 Michelin Stars on a regular basis. Chef Yugin and his team served us one of the most memorable meals we’ve had in an incredible setting and exceptional hospitality.”

“There are plenty of expensive dinners in New York, but Yugin Omakase stands out because of the soul behind the counter. You can feel the intentionality in every bite and appreciate the level of discipline, precision, and artistry. We tasted fish we had never encountered before, and the two-hour seating felt like a perfectly choreographed dance—each course arrived exactly when it should. At the end, the chef asked for our sincere feedback not as a formality, but with a genuine interest in our perspective. Beyond the food, the evening was defined by incredible hospitality. It began with a warm, welcoming check-in and continued with a special birthday dessert for my friend. As we left, the hostesses bid us goodnight with a joyful sincerity that didn't feel perfunctory. Even the building security made an impression, closing our night with, “I hope you come back.” It is rare to find a place where every single person—from the front door to the kitchen—is trained to provide such authentic, white-glove service. This was so worth it in my humble opinion and hope to return again soon.”

“Reviews can't do Yugin justice. It is so incredibly special. Yugin's food is phenomenal, inventive, high quality, and delicious. It will blow your mind. He nails dish after dish, giving you a series of bites each one somehow better than the last. I've maybe only had one or two meals in my entire life that could even start to compete with Yugin's food. But the meal is somehow about so much more than what you eat. Every dish is so thoughtfully designed to tell a story. The space is stunning. Wine and sake delicious. Yugin is an incredibly passionate and kind man would puts his whole heart and soul into everything he serves. If you have the chance to eat here, grab it so that you can brag about knowing Yugin before the whole world finds out.”