Chef Yoshida’s skill, passion, and charismatic personality turned our meal into something unforgettable. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, the service flawless, and the attention to detail in every bite was incredible. I could say so much more but you just have to experience it. If you’re looking for the ultimate sushi experience, Yoshino is the place—absolute mastery.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi
Meikaela Z
Exceptional all around. Thank you for such a beautiful meal!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sashimi, Mackerel, Hand Roll, Miso Soup, Ankimo Monk Fish Liver, Nodoguro Blackthroat Seaperch, Left to Right Otoro Chutoro and Toro, Sushi, Cod
aaron moslow
I found Yoshino to be a disappointment. While the food was perfectly fine, it did not meet the expectation nor the price tag. NYC is saturated with Omakase and sushi and you expect the higher price tag experiences to elevate above the rest. Yoshino certainly underperforms relative to its peers, Sho & Noz, and there are many options for less than 50% of the price that I prefer - Takeda & Mumi.
We started with 7 small plates, nothing outside of the Bonito sashimi was that memorable and then we had 9 nigiris. 5 of the 9 were different grades of tuna, a squid piece and a mackerel piece. Uni, Ikura, hamachi, kampachi, hotate, salmon, goldeneye snapper and many more sushi staples were no where to be found. Perhaps we came on a bad night, but the lack of diversity in seafood and overall quality of ingredients were a major letdown.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 5
D Guo
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shaun
This is undoubtedly the best sushi in NYC. I would love to travel from London again just to visit Yoshino.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ruei-Yao Sun
The appetizers are even better than the sushi. Overall, it's not bad. The head chef's attitude is good, but the sous chef seems a bit snobbish. However, the head chef interacts more with regular customers, and they get better seating. Only regulars can order additional items.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Jeff Corpuz
Wonderful experience at YOSHINO, the staff was very friendly and were very much interactive with the group of people. The sous chef was very nice to answer all my random questions.
I recently dined at Yoshino. It is hard to book but definitely worth it!!
The typical Japanese atmosphere set the perfect tone, and the service was fantastic. The chef was friendly and passionate, explaining each dish as it arrived.
The food was the highlight— the tsumami were absolutely incredible and original and nigiri - the best in NYC. Each course flowed seamlessly, showcasing great flavors and creativity.
So I guess Yoshino is a fantastic spot for anyone who loves sushi or just wants to try something new:)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brian Brown
Best Japanese restaurant I have ever experienced. Each bite was perfectly crafted.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
unknown Unknown
The sushi is delicious (by New York standards), and the chef is charming, kind, and skilled, but...
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 3
Eva
We have been guests of Chef Yoshida several times and have never been disappointed. It is always an extraordinary taste experience. Excellent, high-quality products, an excellent selection of drinks and consistently friendly service made the evening once again unforgettable. Of course it's not exactly cheap, but if you know Masa, nothing can shock you...
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Agustín Sanlar
A truly magnificent experience in every way. The atmosphere is very intimate and the attention to detail is incredible. Chef Yoshida truly loves what he does and conveys that passion in every dish, with a big smile. The entire work team is so friendly and charming that they make this experience wonderful.
Perhaps the best Omakase in
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
✨🫶🏻
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
NUMBER ONE
Chef Yoshida’s skill, passion, and charismatic personality turned our meal into something unforgettable. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, the service flawless, and the attention to detail in every bite was incredible. I could say so much more but you just have to experience it. If you’re looking for the ultimate sushi experience, Yoshino is the place—absolute mastery.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi
Exceptional all around. Thank you for such a beautiful meal!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sashimi, Mackerel, Hand Roll, Miso Soup, Ankimo Monk Fish Liver, Nodoguro Blackthroat Seaperch, Left to Right Otoro Chutoro and Toro, Sushi, Cod
I found Yoshino to be a disappointment. While the food was perfectly fine, it did not meet the expectation nor the price tag. NYC is saturated with Omakase and sushi and you expect the higher price tag experiences to elevate above the rest. Yoshino certainly underperforms relative to its peers, Sho & Noz, and there are many options for less than 50% of the price that I prefer - Takeda & Mumi.
We started with 7 small plates, nothing outside of the Bonito sashimi was that memorable and then we had 9 nigiris. 5 of the 9 were different grades of tuna, a squid piece and a mackerel piece. Uni, Ikura, hamachi, kampachi, hotate, salmon, goldeneye snapper and many more sushi staples were no where to be found. Perhaps we came on a bad night, but the lack of diversity in seafood and overall quality of ingredients were a major letdown.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 5
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is undoubtedly the best sushi in NYC. I would love to travel from London again just to visit Yoshino.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The appetizers are even better than the sushi. Overall, it's not bad. The head chef's attitude is good, but the sous chef seems a bit snobbish. However, the head chef interacts more with regular customers, and they get better seating. Only regulars can order additional items.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Wonderful experience at YOSHINO, the staff was very friendly and were very much interactive with the group of people. The sous chef was very nice to answer all my random questions.
I’d recommend the early seating!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Nodoguro Blackthroat Seaperch, Sushi
Best otsumami ever
Restaurantji Recommends
I recently dined at Yoshino. It is hard to book but definitely worth it!!
The typical Japanese atmosphere set the perfect tone, and the service was fantastic. The chef was friendly and passionate, explaining each dish as it arrived.
The food was the highlight— the tsumami were absolutely incredible and original and nigiri - the best in NYC. Each course flowed seamlessly, showcasing great flavors and creativity.
So I guess Yoshino is a fantastic spot for anyone who loves sushi or just wants to try something new:)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best Japanese restaurant I have ever experienced. Each bite was perfectly crafted.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The sushi is delicious (by New York standards), and the chef is charming, kind, and skilled, but...
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 3
We have been guests of Chef Yoshida several times and have never been disappointed. It is always an extraordinary taste experience. Excellent, high-quality products, an excellent selection of drinks and consistently friendly service made the evening once again unforgettable. Of course it's not exactly cheap, but if you know Masa, nothing can shock you...
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A truly magnificent experience in every way. The atmosphere is very intimate and the attention to detail is incredible. Chef Yoshida truly loves what he does and conveys that passion in every dish, with a big smile. The entire work team is so friendly and charming that they make this experience wonderful.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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