Ariyoshi Japanese Restaurant

Absolutely love this gem in Sunnyside!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Diverse selection of Japanese street food to sushi, cozy and comfortable atmosphere, good food and service with neighborly feel

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Been coming here since 1984!!! when the place was a hole in the wall a block over. I’m pretty impressed that with several ownership turnovers that signature dishes and sauces are still like the originals. What I would complain about is that their menu is ridiculously large now. When any restaurant menu has such a mixed up huge selection, something is sacrificed. Here as I see other users say, it’s the little things. Like the tiny tastes of pickles that used to be included with most main dinners and also the quality. It’s gone downhill but still remains good - when it used to be WONDERFUL. As someone who worked in many restaurants including some four star hotels, DO WHAT YOU DO BEST. It’s either a Japanese or a Korean restaurant. Pick one and stick to doing that the best as possible. Now it’s impossible to rely on their fish. Clearly they go for volume now. This is where they should stop. When seated, you get their version of an encyclopedic menu. Hundreds of items. I think this is where I see complaints coming from on here. People expect the oddly ordered dish to be as good as something a cook can make with their eyes closed. I’m a chef and have worked in restaurants and hotels and I get tying to make as many people happy to keep your place going - but this didn’t need to get to the worlds largest menu. Those true to your business will always come back.
When they had a one piece flat (with cute illustrations) menu and a sushi list - the food was at its peak. Now since there’re multiple Korean places selling Japanese dishes this gets muddied.
Do what you do best is still my motto when it comes to good food but as I see, too many people want volume over quality. This is what you get. Menus this large are just asking for ordering mistakes. When the place was more tightly run, they knew their customers well and they used to give tiny little “gifts” at the holidays from the owners and had some extra specials too. When in the original spot Thursdays was girls night and we always went here - so much so that we used to get saki buy-backs! But then had to hold on tight getting down the death staircase! Many wonderful nights. Had my bridal shower here and a party for my in-laws too.
I would really like to see them not give in to these mishmash places and go back to a reasonable amount of offerings that they can focus their quality on. People who really love true Japanese food would appreciate it. In writing this, I just asked myself why we aren’t going here as much as we used to and it’s because of this slip for menu volume over mastery of signature dishes. I think Ariyoshi went mundane in trying to meet everyone’s wishes. Even the little personal touches they used to add to the place are gone now. Like tonight - how are you out of Beef Negimaki??? This has been a menu staple for years but now since there are 250 options, it’s unavailable. They cannot keep a stock of food on hand at all times for the amount of dishes they offer. Sadly we won’t be bringing anymore parties here. Was our go to family place but what they used to have in quality is gone. It would be five stars from me if they would whittle down and focus.
In response to the owner - I called to ask again - why is beef negimaki and teriyaki off the menu and I get that beef is expensive but aren’t all the fish ingredients? My husband has had it. I think they lost our family permanently because we stuck with them for WEEKLY takeout through all 2008, Covid etc. We knew Yuji Hota, the waiter that was there for years but now this just makes us sad. Their only beef option IS TOUNGE hardly going to please a guest who isn’t familiar with Japanese food. Which is why I am saying make better decisions than this one. You have to have a beef meal. People will pay for it. At least beef teriyaki.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 3

Very delicious and affordable sushi, rolls very decently sized and the sides were great. Will definitely be coming back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Good vibes, food and service. My husband and I had a nice time

Nice value food with a comfortable environment.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Excellent food and service!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Celebrated my brother's birthday here a couple days ago. It's always a pleasant experience and the food is very delicious. Service is superb and respectful especially the elder gentleman with the glasses. What I ordered was the Dynamite Roll and the Spicy Chicken Teriyaki and Edamame on the side, yes...I had an appetite.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Haven’t been here in a decade, but I remember Ariyoshi well and am so glad it’s still open! My family used to go here when I was growing up. Their delicious miso soup created the standard flavor that my brain still compares all other miso soups to (no one beats Ariyoshi). I look forward to eating here again next time I’m in Sunnyside!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Variety of pieces for both drinking and eating. Servers are smiley and provide hot tea during winter (no charge).

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Horrible service. Don’t waste your time here

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Very bad food and no taste!! Please don’t go there.

I love this place.. for dinner size is very big I packed home for next meal.

The taste off food is good , the service not bad not good, the place is not bad

Old Japanese restaurant on Queens boulevard ❤️

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4