An intimate omakase experience w/ theatrical seafood prep & exceptional sushi. Top-tier Japanese dining w/ a high price point.
Will Hartman reviews Yoshino, an expensive omakase restaurant in NYC, highlighting its thrilling seafood preparations, intimate atmosphere, and exceptional service, calling it a "quietly thrilling" experience.
Yoshino offers a meticulously crafted omakase experience, transporting diners to a realm of refined Japanese culinary artistry. From the intimate setting with a centuries-old hinoki counter to the theatrical presentation of each dish, the focus is on detail and quality. Highlights include expertly prepared nigiri, unique seafood preparations like charcoal-seared mackerel, and a signature bruléed tamago, promising an immersive and exceptional gastronomic journey.
Yoshino specializes in omakase, offering a refined Japanese sushi experience. Dishes like kinmedai soup with truffle, grilled Hokkaido scallops, and various tuna preparations are highlighted. The nigiri is considered excellent, with the charcoal-seared mackerel noted as a standout. While the food receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, some diners have experienced pressure to purchase expensive alcohol.
"The nigiri at Yoshino is consistently praised, with specific mentions of expertly prepared cuts like chiaigishi chutoro and charcoal-seared mackerel. The bruléed tamago is also a noted highlight."
Customers generally praise the high quality and artistry of the food, with many considering it a top-tier sushi experience. However, some reviews mention concerns about aggressive upselling of alcohol by the sommelier.
Important Note
The restaurant is extremely expensive, with omakase prices noted to be very high. Some diners have reported an uncomfortable experience due to aggressive alcohol upselling by the sommelier.
"Yoshino is described as warm and fun, with small plates generally being more flavorful than other similarly regarded omakase spots. The nigiri is excellent, though not considered earth-shattering at this high level."
Positive"The reviewer suggests spending money at Yoshino instead of Sushi Noz, finding it easier to get a reservation there."
Positive"While acknowledging Nakazawa's unique style and early mastery of jukusei, the reviewer notes that his NYC restaurant's prices are 'obscene' but would personally return to Yoshino more regularly."
Positive"The reviewer personally preferred Yoshino over Sho."
Positive"Yoshino is described as technically more sophisticated and a step up from Sushi Noz, ranking among the top edomae sushi spots in the city and performing comparably to some of the upper-tier sushiya in Tokyo."
Positive"The commenter lists Yoshino alongside other high-priced omakase places they are now hesitant to frequent, indicating it's a known, expensive option in the NYC omakase scene."
Neutral"The commenter felt that Noz was a waste of money and would have preferred to go to Sushi Sho or Yoshino instead, stating that Noz is not in the same league."
Positive"Sushi Sho is considered the best sushi spot in the city, with Yoshino in second place. Sho offers a broader experience, while Yoshino focuses primarily on nigiri."
Positive"The commenter is planning to go to Yoshino this month and notes that comparing high-end NYC sushi prices to flights to Tokyo for omakase is complex, as both can be very expensive."
Neutral"The commenter states that Yoshino was exceptional, as always, for their Christmas Eve dinner in NYC."
Positive"This user states that Yoshino in NYC is on par with, or even slightly better than, some Tabelog Silver-tier restaurants in Tokyo. However, they note that the price is about three times higher due to the 'New York premium'."
Positive"This commenter asserts that Yoshino is among the very best in NYC, with no other restaurants coming close."
Positive"Yoshino is mentioned as a restaurant worth considering."
Positive"This commenter stated that Yoshino is great and, in their opinion, even better than Sho."
Positive"The author enjoyed the food at Yoshino, describing it as the best of the best. They also noted their experience with the wine pairing which was part of Restaurant Yuu's offerings."
Positive"The user mentioned they have booked Yoshino for their upcoming solo fine dining meal in NYC."
Neutral"This user highlights Yoshino's charcoal-seared mackerel as being even better than Noz Market's, though it's part of an omakase experience."
Positive"The commenter believes Yoshino should be elevated to two Michelin stars."
Positive"The commenter recommends Yoshino for omakase."
Positive"The commenter suggests Yoshino as an alternative to Blue Ribbon due to its proximity. However, the original poster later stated that no tables were available."
Neutral
