Irreverent, buzzy sushi omakase w/ exceptional toro & mackerel. Masa alums delivering a top-tier, fun dining experience.
Masa alumni Nick Kim and Jimmy Lau at Shuko offer an omakase experience featuring high-quality marbled toro and sweet Spanish mackerel at their 20-seat sushi counter.
Shuko, led by Masa alumni Nick Kim and Jimmy Lau, offers an exceptional omakase experience at its intimate 20-seat sushi counter. Renowned for its high-quality marbled toro and sweet Spanish mackerel, the restaurant provides a memorable culinary journey. Despite its premium price point, the quality of the ingredients and the skill of the chefs make it a standout choice for sushi aficionados.
Shuko is celebrated for its Japanese omakase, with a particular emphasis on high-quality sushi. Dishes like marbled toro and sweet Spanish mackerel are frequently highlighted as must-tries. The restaurant's focus is on delivering an exceptional sushi experience, often paired with good music and a cool vibe.
"The marbled toro and sweet Spanish mackerel are particularly recommended for their exceptional quality. The omakase experience, in general, is highlighted as a signature offering."
Customers highly praise the quality of the sushi, particularly the marbled toro and Spanish mackerel, and the overall omakase experience. Some find it to be a bit pricey, but generally consider it a great value for the quality.
Important Note
While highly recommended for its quality and experience, Shuko has a limited capacity (around 20 seats at the counter, with private rooms having a maximum of 8 guests), which can be a drawback for larger groups. Some comments suggest the restaurant has become more expensive.
"This commenter provides a detailed history of chefs and ownership changes at various high-end sushi restaurants in NYC, including Jewel Bako, 15 East, and Yuba, offering insights into why Shuko might have lasted longer."
Neutral"Responding to the previous comment, this person suggests restaurant longevity depends on the chefs, mentioning that when chefs left places like Jewel Bako and 15 East, their success declined. They believe Jimmy and Nick were the main figures at Shuko."
Neutral"This commenter expresses surprise that Shuko lasted longer than 15 East, Jewel Bako, and Yuba, implying Shuko had a strong run."
Neutral"The commenter had a positive but expensive experience at Shuko, noting that other diners were likely on corporate cards or trying to impress dates. They also observed that another omakase place they liked had no customers, suggesting the omakase business is challenging."
Positive"The commenter describes Shuko as irreverent, fun, buzzy, and delicious, considering it a significant part of the NYC sushi scene. They note that while it was popular, the buzz eventually moved on, and they now find it too expensive to frequent places like Yoshino or Sho."
Positive"This commenter remembers Pete Wells giving Shuko 3 stars about a decade ago and believes they will be missed."
Positive"This commenter feels that omakase, in general, lacks the culinary creativity they seek in fine dining, finding it not technically interesting enough for the high price point."
Negative"This user lists Shuko as a mid-range sushi place they liked, though it's still a step down from Tokyo's mid-range offerings. They note it's better than Nakazawa."
Positive"This restaurant is listed as a repeat spot."
Positive"In response to the user's feedback about Shuko's guest limit, this user expressed understanding, acknowledging it's a 'fun spot' but also a bummer for larger groups."
Neutral"Replying to a suggestion for Shuko, this user noted that the restaurant has a maximum capacity of 8 guests, which is a drawback for their group of 10."
Neutral"This user suggested Shuko, stating they have private rooms suitable for parties of the size requested."
Positive"Shuko is recommended for its terrific sushi and food, and for having a 'cool' vibe that offers a terrific experience, unlike many other sushi places."
Positive"The commenter asked if Shuko was a good alternative."
Neutral"This user suggests Shuko as a great option for sushi during restaurant week, highlighting its quality and experience."
Positive"Shuko is listed as one of the top three picks for sushi omakase."
Neutral"The user recommends Shuko for omakase, stating its value proposition exceeds expectations, especially when paired with the right sake."
Positive"Recommended as an omakase option for a client dinner."
Positive"Shuko. Easy. Never gets love from Michelin bc it's about irreverant run by to Chinese? chefs. It's really good."
Positive"for sushi i'd say Shuko for good omakase with good music playing."
Positive
